Bay St. Louis camping areas sit along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, approximately 60 miles east of New Orleans. The region maintains a subtropical climate with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 40°F. Campers can access both inland forest settings and coastal locations within a 10-mile radius, creating diverse camping environments from riverfront to wooded retreats.
What to do
Waterpark activities: Buccaneer State Park Campground offers a wave pool and water slides as part of their recreation area. "There is a water park with a wave pool which is fitting since its Waveland, MS. The bathrooms and showers are extremely nice and it also has a place to do laundry," notes a camper at Buccaneer State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Many camping spots near Bay St. Louis provide access to freshwater and saltwater fishing. "The back of our site backed up to some woods & had a lot of space. There is a water park as well. Close proximity to a beautiful beach," writes one visitor about their experience at Buccaneer State Park.
Disc golf course: Several campgrounds maintain recreational facilities beyond water activities. "We came to play disc golf. It was a very nice course," reports a camper at Buccaneer State Park, where the course provides a land-based activity option for non-beach days.
Nature trails: Explore local flora and fauna on established paths. "We walked the nature trail and enjoyed the river views from our campsite," explains a visitor at McLeod Park Campground. The trail system accommodates different fitness levels with mostly flat terrain.
What campers like
Waterfront proximity: Most campgrounds offer either direct water access or short drives to water features. "The Silver Slipper RV lot is nothing more than an RV parking lot across the road from a narrow but long and beautiful beach. Water, electric and sewer hookups," explains a reviewer at Silver Slipper Beachfront RV Park.
Casino access: Several camping areas provide convenient access to local gambling establishments. "Great RV parking lot with full hookups. Pads are level and get beautiful sun rises from your camper. Good stop while going to Casino or hanging out in Bay St Louis," notes a camper about Silver Slipper.
Private wooded sites: Some campgrounds offer more secluded options away from coastal crowds. "This park is a bit off of I-10, but well worth the little detour. The staff is friendly and the sites are huge. There are plenty of trees to keep things private," writes a visitor at Bay Hide Away RV Park And Campground.
Kid-friendly amenities: Family campers appreciate dedicated play areas. "Great playground and splash pad for the children," remarks a McLeod Park camper about the dedicated recreation spaces for younger visitors.
What you should know
Seasonal price fluctuations: Rates increase significantly during peak periods. "Certainly more expensive than any state park we have stayed in - especially when the season has ended and the pool & water park are shut down," notes one camper about Buccaneer State Park.
Train noise: Several camping areas sit near active rail lines affecting nighttime quiet. While not mentioned in reviews, this remains an important consideration when selecting sites.
Weekend crowds: Local campgrounds fill quickly Friday through Sunday, especially in summer. "McLeod park is a great place to camp. Specially when you could call in to make reservations. Now that they do online cannot get available spots," warns a regular visitor about reservation challenges.
Insect management: Gulf Coast camping requires preparation for biting insects. "The roaches THE ROACHES WERE HORRIBLE. Especially at night as soon as you'd open up the door they were flying EVERYWHERE, we camped in August," cautions a visitor at McLeod Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Splash pad access: Select campgrounds with water features for hot weather relief. "The park has a pool and laundromat, frisbee golf course, nature trail, a small beach, and a small water park!" mentions a camper at Buccaneer State Park.
Playground facilities: Look for developed play areas appropriate for various ages. "Lots of trees and shade, paved roads for kids to ride bikes, large playground area, some short hiking trails," notes a visitor at Buccaneer about the kid-friendly amenities.
Educational opportunities: Incorporate nature learning into your stay. "Country, beginning of a bayou (like a creek), pups, chickens, ducks, outdoor shower and loo (both with privacy), and each tent site has fire pit/picnic table, cleared ground for setup," writes a camper at Creekside Farm Co., where children can observe farm animals.
Swimming options: Many campgrounds offer alternatives to ocean swimming. "We ended up having to put poisons out in the camper when we got back home bc it was impossible keeping them out. Besides that me and my husband loved to ride our bikes around the campground and our daughters loved the play ground and little splash pad!" shares a McLeod Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Riverfront parking: Some campgrounds offer premium water views for motorhomes. "The back of the site backs up to the lake, with plenty of beach to fish or hangout," notes a McLeod Park visitor about the waterfront placement options.
Casino camping benefits: Take advantage of gaming establishment discounts. "If you 'join' at the nearby Casino for eligible play, you will get a free night in return. If you bank enough eligible play nights, you can stay for free on future stays," explains a visitor at Silver Slipper Beachfront RV Park.
Utility connection placement: Review site layouts before booking. "Utilities were near each other for easy set up," comments a Bay Hide Away visitor about the practical layout of hookups at their campsite.
Site leveling requirements: Most established campgrounds feature level pads. "The sites were very roomy and level. Utilities were near each other for easy set up," notes a visitor at Bay Hide Away RV Park.
