Best Tent Camping near Biloxi, MS
Tent camping options near Biloxi, Mississippi are limited but accessible across several primitive and established campgrounds within an hour's drive. Airey Lake Recreation Area offers free primitive tent camping with four designated sites featuring fire pits and picnic tables. Shepard State Park Campground provides tent-friendly sites with electrical hookups and access to showers and toilets, located in Gautier approximately 20 miles from Biloxi.
Campsites at Airey Lake feature unpaved, natural surfaces surrounded by wooded areas. The campground provides basic amenities including running water from a spigot, a single-toilet restroom, and trash disposal, though campers should bring their own toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Sites are first-come, first-served with no reservation system or campground host. Primitive camping areas at Shepard State Park are situated near trailheads, offering a more secluded experience than the main campground for $13 per night. Both locations may experience significant insect activity, especially during warmer months.
Most tent sites in the region offer separation between campers, providing reasonable privacy even when parks are busy. The natural settings include wooded areas, lake access, and connecting trail systems for day hiking. Airey Lake serves as a stopping point along the Tuxachanie trail, making it convenient for backpackers on multi-day treks. One camper described Airey Lake as having "campsites with plenty of room at each one" and noted that "the lake gives a beautiful reflection of the night sky." Another visitor mentioned that Shepard State Park's primitive camping areas are "perfectly situated at a few of the park's trailheads" despite being "the buggiest" part of their trip.