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Camping near De Soto National Forest

410 Reviews

De Soto National Forest has several good campgrounds in and around its boundaries. Airey Lake Recreation Area sits inside the forest and keeps things simple with basic spots that include picnic tables and fire rings. Big Biloxi Recreation Area, another forest campground, has sites with water and electric hookups that work well for both tents and RVs. Davis Bayou Campground is part of Gulf Islands National Seashore with 52 spaces that have water and electric connections for RVs and vehicles. You'll find this camp area in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, with a dump station on site. Flint Creek Waterpark in Wiggins gives you shady sites and places to swim and bike nearby. Most areas have fire rules and limits on how long you can stay to help protect the woods. Some campgrounds need reservations, especially when it's busy. Check if you need any permits before heading out. The forest has both shady and open camping spots depending on what you like. The different campgrounds around De Soto cater to quiet campers and families alike.

Map showing campgrounds near De Soto National Forest, MississippiExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near De Soto National Forest (111)

    1. Airey Lake Recreation Area

    9 Reviews
    De Soto National Forest, MS
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (601) 928-5291

    "Love to go do nighttime photography here as it is away from towns and the skies are pretty dark."

    "We only had time to briefly walk one of the trails around the lake but it was very nice."

    2. Flint Creek Waterpark

    16 Reviews
    Wiggins, MS
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (601) 928-3051

    "Second time at Flint Creek in Wiggins Mississippi. Stayed during the middle of January of 2021 on site 29.

    The back of the site backs up to the lake, with plenty of beach to fish or hangout."

    "There’s a large lake which is good fishing (there’s a boat launch in the park and in the campground itself) beach swimming areas (one for day use and the other for the campers) there’s an updated water"

    3. Big Biloxi Recreation Area

    8 Reviews
    Saucier, MS
    9 miles
    Website

    "Located in the De Soto National Forest just north of Gulfport, MS, it’s an easily accessible campground whether you’re here to visit the Gulf or do some hiking on the many miles of trails through the park"

    "This is a US Forest Service campground about 12 miles north of Gulfport , Mississippi but a whole world away. This is a peaceful wooded campground on the banks of the Big Biloxi River."

    4. Davis Bayou Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

    40 Reviews
    Ocean Springs, MS
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (228) 230-4136

    $22 - $100 / night

    "We escaped an early winter cold spell in Michigan and made the thousand mile trip to the Mississippi coast. It was worth the drive."

    "Easy access from town and nearby aquarium and art museums. Great drive on 90 along the beach to get there. Check out the small but interesting William Anderson art museum close by the campground."

    5. Cajun RV Park

    21 Reviews
    Biloxi, MS
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (228) 388-5590

    $55 / night

    "The location is fantastic. We had a back in site, but they let us pull through anyway. Thanks! There's a nice pool, showers and laundry, several pavilions for picnics."

    "Great location next to a lot of fun amenities. We only have bikes so we are excited that we can walk/bike to multiple restaurants, kid places (go carts next door), beach and shops."

    6. Big Foot Horse Trail and Camp -USFS

    1 Review
    De Soto National Forest, MS
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (601) 965-1600

    "Campgrounds are beautiful with line forests surrounding the sites. Utilities are primitive but expected for a free campground. Watch where you step! Lots of horse poop."

    7. Oaklawn RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Biloxi, MS
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (228) 392-1233

    $30 - $35 / night

    "Leveling was easy, electric and water hook ups are in a good location. Decent LTE speed on my phone but my Verizon LTE router was slow. Not a great place for walking the dogs."

    8. Pat Harrison Waterway District Flint Creek Water Park

    2 Reviews
    Wiggins, MS
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (601) 928-3051

    $15 - $30 / night

    9. Campgrounds Of The South

    5 Reviews
    Gulfport, MS
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (228) 539-2922

    "Concrete is only wide enough for rig so it’s grass outside your door or some pads have a deck left by the previous long timer. Some sites get soupy with rain."

    10. Keesler AFB FamCamp

    7 Reviews
    Biloxi, MS
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (228) 377-9050

    "This campground is located outside the gates and next door to a beautiful park that has fishing, disc golf, and a splash pad playground for the kids."

    "It's located just outside of the base and the VA. It's clean, lots of space between each concrete slab, and the host is very friendly. We go there every winter."

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Recent Camping Photos near De Soto National Forest

91 Photos of 111 De Soto National Forest Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near De Soto National Forest

410 Reviews of 111 De Soto National Forest Campgrounds

  • Tim B.
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Santa Maria RV Park

    Great RV Park - Very Easy Going

    My family and I had a great experience at Santa Maria RV Park in Gautier, MS during our travel adventure around the Gulf. Pam at the main office is very easy to communicate with, and their RV hookups are in great condition. Pads can be rented with no maximum time limit. The pool is just the right size for parents and kids, and the security fence around the pool area made it really easy to keep an eye on everyone without any fuss. Highly recommend Santa Maria RV Park to anyone traveling around the Gulf shore and/or southern Mississippi.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Buccaneer State Park Campground

    It’s a great place for families

    Beautiful park in a nice area. Lots of activities for the kids (in season) and plenty to do and see nearby. Waveland and Bay St Louis have lots of waterfront bars & eateries and there’s a casino nearby. 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.

  • Taylor C.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Creekside Farm Co.

    Great place!

    I was the only camper there but sites are pretty spread out regardless. We had direct access to the creek. The bathroom, sink, grill, and shower were just a quick walk up the hill. Shower was cold water only but honestly so nice after a hot day. They have tons of vegetation to look at, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, and peacocks. There’s a small fishing pond too. You can follow the trail around the back of the pond and see the bunker and balcony. Will definitely be back! Only complaint is the ants were terrible! Idk where they kept coming from but definitely put up anything with food (even in tubs) up while not in use. Dogs are allowed but need to be on a lead. They have two dogs too, Mocha will come around to the campsites and creeks to say hi and want sticks to be thrown. Randy up there was super helpful too and good company. Everyone honestly was just so nice.

  • Tiffany M.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Paul B. Johnson State Park Campground

    Recently renovated MS State Park

    The park is nicely renovated with lots of waterfront spots. We caught a few small bream. Our spot was right next to a street light. Makes it hard to view the stars at night. Verizon cell service was very strong. No WiFi available.

  • Hugo R.
    Aug. 4, 2025

    SUGAR SANDS CAMPGROUND

    Amazing peaceful waterfront RV and tenting campground

    Verry clean and peaceful campground on the river and family friendly.

  • Hugo R.
    Aug. 4, 2025

    SUGAR SANDS CAMPGROUND

    Amazing 72 acre nestled around the Bluff creek

    Clean and nature at his best, peace full family oriented. Waterfront with swimming and canoeing! Concession area and multiple clean showers and bathrooms, open all year !

  • Tiffany M.
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Lake LaCroix RV Resort

    Unexpected paradise in the Bay

    My daughter and I stayed for a little girls weekend getaway before she starts college. Never heard of this place but decided to give it a try. We were pleasantly surprised with the park. The lake water is crystal clear with plenty of fish. Very peaceful here! We spent time at the natural playground, swimming in the beautiful pool, fishing and bicycling. The pool area is very nice with outdoor furniture, fire pits and loungers. Close location to the boat launch for easy access to the Jourdan River. Verizon cell service was very strong. The parks WiFi works great as well.

  • Randi P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 25, 2025

    Presley's Outing

    For the Locals

    I stayed the entire month of June at Presley’s Outing with my parents (though I also grew up coming here). There’s a beach for day-use visitors and a separate one for long-term campers, which helps keep things a little more relaxed if you’re staying for a while. Entry is around $6/day for adults, and the monthly camping rate was about $750.

    Campsites are very close together—at least where my parents were parked near the bathhouse—which made it feel a little cramped for us. There are definitely nicer, more spacious spots, but the campground was fully booked during the summer. I’m not sure if those spots cost more.

    The bathhouse was decent (though warm in the June heat), and there’s a laundry facility onsite. Alcohol isn’t allowed, but there is a boat ramp where we launched our jet skis and boat with no issues. You can fish or head upriver, which adds some fun variety to the water access.

    There are also a few bonus features—kayak and canoe rentals, golf cart-friendly paths, basketball and tennis courts, a volleyball net, grills and picnic tables throughout the day-use area, and even a little air pump station. They sell ice onsite, and there’s a small restaurant, though I’ve never eaten there and couldn’t say what’s on the menu.

    Overall, it’s a decent spot for families or those with a nostalgic connection to the place. For us, the tight layout made it feel a bit too packed, and I’m not sure I’d rush back—but it’s got charm, convenience, and a solid list of amenities if that’s what you’re looking for.

  • lThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2025

    Forest County Multi-Purpose Events Center

    quick overnight

    Was alright for a quick overnight. Really needs some better maintenance and cleaning especially restrooms. Some “long term” RVs set up, pretty quiet though. Price increased to $25.

Guide to De Soto National Forest

Camping near De Soto National Forest, Mississippi, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Enjoy the trails in the area. One camper mentioned, "The marsh trails were perfect for viewing wildlife," highlighting the natural beauty surrounding the campgrounds.
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds are near lakes, making them great for fishing. A reviewer noted, "Most sites have an unhindered view of the lake," which is perfect for anglers.
  • Disc Golf: If you're into disc golf, check out the courses at Little Black Creek Waterpark. A visitor shared, "The park boasts 2 championship level Disc Golf courses."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One review for Davis Bayou Campground stated, "The bathhouse was clean," which is a big plus for many.
  • Shady Campsites: Many sites are surrounded by trees, providing shade. A camper at Buccaneer State Park Campground mentioned, "Site 109 shady," making it a comfortable spot during hot days.
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention helpful staff. A visitor at Cajun RV Park said, "The office attendant was incredibly nice and helpful."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A review for Buccaneer State Park Campground noted, "LOTS of noise! Railroad Avenue runs right behind," which might be a concern for light sleepers.
  • Site Spacing: Campsites can be close together. A camper at Paul B. Johnson State Park Campground mentioned, "The RVs are situated too close for our liking," so be prepared for some proximity to neighbors.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A visitor at Flint Creek Waterpark pointed out, "The bathhouses were filthy and trash was overflowing out of cans," indicating that cleanliness can vary.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or swimming areas. A reviewer at Little Black Creek Waterpark said, "The kids love the play areas," making it a great spot for families.
  • Space for Kids to Play: Choose sites with enough room for kids to run around. A camper at Lake Perry Campground noted, "The campground is more suitable for tents and small trailers," which can be cozy for family bonding.
  • Plan for Wildlife: Bring binoculars for bird watching or spotting other wildlife. A visitor at Shepard State Park Campground mentioned, "Trails to explore," which can be fun for kids to discover nature.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Cajun RV Park said, "The site is gravel and level," which is important for larger rigs.
  • Be Prepared for Train Noise: If you're sensitive to noise, consider this before booking. A review for Buccaneer State Park Campground mentioned, "2-3 trains passing by each night," which could disrupt sleep.
  • Use Reservations: Many campgrounds recommend making reservations, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Davis Bayou Campground advised, "Make reservations on recreation.gov," to secure your spot.

Camping near De Soto National Forest, Mississippi, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just be sure to check the specific campground details to find the best fit for your adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near De Soto National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, De Soto National Forest offers a wide range of camping options, with 111 campgrounds and RV parks near De Soto National Forest and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near De Soto National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near De Soto National Forest is Airey Lake Recreation Area with a 4.1-star rating from 9 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near De Soto National Forest?

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