Deer Island Dispersed Camping provides boat-in primitive camping opportunities near Biloxi, Mississippi. The island is accessible only by water vessel, requiring campers to paddle or boat to reach the camping areas. Located in the Mississippi Sound, this Gulf Coast destination experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers reaching 90°F and mild winters with temperatures rarely dropping below 40°F.
What to do
Kayak rentals: Local outfitters in Biloxi offer kayak rentals for accessing Deer Island. "When the pandemic hit, I hit the road. Drove south to Biloxi, parked, hopped in my kayak, and paddled to Deer Island," shares one camper who found solitude during their visit to Deer Island Dispersed Camping.
Wildlife viewing: The natural areas around the island support diverse bird populations and coastal wildlife. A visitor noted, "Deer Island is an amazing location to fully appreciate the natural splendor of the Mississippi Gulf Coast," mentioning their group "embarked on a tour with Happy Daze Kayaking in Biloxi, MS" where "the owner of the company provided us with valuable insights about the wildlife."
Weekday visits: For those seeking quieter experiences, plan trips during weekdays rather than weekends. Camping on weekdays provides greater solitude compared to weekends when boater traffic increases. "I've been told it gets crowded with parties and boats on weekends, but I didn't see any of that. Just the trash left behind," reports one midweek camper.
What campers like
Coastal paddling: The short water crossing to Deer Island offers accessible paddling for various skill levels. "It wasn't challenging and allowed us to sit back and relax," notes one visitor about their Deer Island kayaking experience with a guided tour company, adding that "pedaling was definitely the way to go!"
Island picnicking: The shoreline provides spaces for day use and meals. "We had a delightful picnic lunch on the island and had a fantastic time overall," reports a group that visited with teenagers and friends, combining their meal with wildlife observation.
Free camping options: Budget-conscious travelers appreciate the free camping near Biloxi, Mississippi, with no reservation requirements. Leaf Wilderness Area also offers cost-free camping but requires hiking or walking to access sites. While some find the wilderness area challenging to locate, noting "My GPS said turn left, I looked and there was an old, overgrown, wagon trail... WITH NO SIGN," it remains an option for those seeking no-cost camping opportunities.
What you should know
Navigation challenges: First-time visitors may find accessing certain free camping areas difficult without clear signage. One Leaf Wilderness Area visitor reported significant difficulty: "I was afraid I was trespassing! It was on the dark side of dusk and raining really hard so maybe I missed something... I won't try again!"
Proximity awareness: While providing isolation, Deer Island remains relatively close to civilization. One visitor points out it's "less than a half-mile off the coast, but far enough away to be left alone," making it accessible yet separate from the mainland.
Shooting activity: Be aware that public lands may permit hunting or target practice. A Leaf Wilderness Area visitor mentioned, "Due to it being public land, we did here shooting nearby, not fun," adding "If it weren't for the shooting, this would be a 5 star."
Tips for camping with families
Guided tours: Consider booking with local outfitters for safer family experiences. A family group reported, "My spouse, a few friends, our teenagers (a group of six) and I decided to embark on a tour with Happy Daze Kayaking in Biloxi, MS, and we were extremely satisfied!" Their Pow Camp experience included "pedal kayaking, which was a new experience for us."
Insect protection: Gulf Coast camping requires adequate bug protection, particularly in warmer months. A visitor advises, "It's advisable to bring bug spray as there might be occasional insects," based on their experience camping with family members of various ages.
Roadside camping caution: For wilderness areas with roadside access points, evaluate site safety before setting up camp with children. Sites in Leaf Wilderness Area are described as being "along main road" where "you just drive and see very clear campsites," which may present safety concerns for families with small children.
Tips from RVers
Sanitation planning: RVers utilizing boat-in locations should note that while Deer Island offers a sanitary dump, other amenities are minimal. As one RVer discovered, "I wish I wouldn't known this was only accessible via boat, which in hindsight was obvious from the title lol."
Site accessibility: Most dispersed camping areas near Biloxi are not suitable for larger RVs or trailers. Both Deer Island and Leaf Wilderness Area are marked as not big-rig friendly, with access limited to boat-in, hike-in, or walk-in methods only.
