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Best Dispersed Camping near De Soto National Forest

9 Reviews

Several dispersed camping options exist near De Soto National Forest, Mississippi. Leaf Wilderness Area offers free primitive camping accessible by hiking or walking in. Campsites are situated along the main road with no designated boundaries. The area lacks amenities - no drinking water, hookups, picnic tables, or toilet facilities are provided. Campers note that finding the area can be challenging due to minimal signage, and some report hearing gunfire from nearby public land users.

Camp Shelby Dispersed Camping provides free drive-in and walk-in sites with basic toilet facilities. The camping area sits on elevated ground with ample space to position away from the road. One camper shared, "Been there once, going again sometime soon. Stayed in my SUV for 2 nights and didn't see or hear anyone." However, multiple reviews mention significant litter problems, including bullet casings and burnt trash. For those seeking water access, Deer Island Dispersed Camping requires boat transportation from the Biloxi coast. The island permits fires and allows pets but provides no facilities except a sanitary dump station. A camper wrote, "It's less than a half-mile off the coast, but far enough away to be left alone."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near De Soto National Forest (4)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near De Soto National Forest

9 Reviews of 4 De Soto National Forest Campgrounds

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2025

    Leaf Wilderness Area

    Spots are along main road

    You just drive and see very clear campsites along the main road. Due to it being public land, we did here shooting nearby, not fun.

    If it weren't for the shooting, this would be a 5 star.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 5, 2024

    Deer Island Dispersed Camping

    Great place

    Deer Island is an amazing location to fully appreciate the natural splendor of the Mississippi Gulf Coast! We can join minecraftle game together. 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! This particular excursion involved pedal kayaking, which was a new experience for us. The journey from the launch point to the island was just a short and enjoyable few minutes. The owner of the company provided us with valuable insights about the wildlife and ensured we didn't miss anything noteworthy. Pedaling was definitely the way to go! It wasn't challenging and allowed us to sit back and relax. It's advisable to bring bug spray as there might be occasional insects. We had a delightful picnic lunch on the island and had a fantastic time overall. I highly recommend considering Happy Daze Kayaking if you're seeking enjoyable activities on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

  • Debbie S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 7, 2025

    Leaf Wilderness Area

    Couldn’t find, no signs!

    My GPS said turn left, I looked and there was an old, overgrown, wagon trail. Next to a private residence. WITH NO SIGN. 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!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 18, 2024

    Deer Island Dispersed Camping

    Only accessible via boat

    I wish I wouldn’t known this was only accessible via boat, which in hindsight was obvious from the title lol.

  • Sami H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 10, 2020

    Deer Island Dispersed Camping

    Serious solitude

    When the pandemic hit, I hit the road. Drove south to Biloxi, parked, hopped in my kayak, and paddled to Deer Island. It’s less than a half-mile off the coast, but far enough away to be left alone. Great paddling, quiet camping, lots of birds. Downsides included: casino views on one side, and a lot of litter along the shores.

    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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2023

    Camp Shelby Dispersed Camping

    not a terrible spot if in a pinch

    The road you drive on to get here has multiple signs warning that stray bullets may cross. The actual sites are littered with bullet casings and other trash. If it’s rainy or wet the ground turns to red mud you could get stuck in. But it’s free so.

  • ZThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 25, 2022

    Camp Shelby Dispersed Camping

    Found is by accident

    Been there once, Going again sometime soon. Stayed in my SUV for 2 nights and didn't see or hear anyone around. Did hear dogs(or coyotes) in the background but nothing happened. It's up on a little hill which is nice. You have a huge amount of space to go back off the road. I'll update again(11/22)

  • t
    Oct. 1, 2023

    Camp Shelby Dispersed Camping

    Very gross!!!

    The entire area was littered with burnt trash, animal remains and shell casings. It seems to be more of a shooting range than a camping spot. 30Sep23

Guide to De Soto National Forest

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near De Soto National Forest in Mississippi, where nature lovers can find solitude and adventure away from the crowds. With a variety of options available, campers can enjoy the great outdoors while embracing the freedom of camping without designated sites.

Dispersed campers should check out Deer Island Dispersed Camping

  • Deer Island Dispersed Camping offers a unique experience with boat-in access, allowing you to paddle over and enjoy the serene surroundings of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near De Soto National Forest in Mississippi

  • Always bring a trash bag to help clean up litter left by others, especially at places like Camp Shelby Dispersed Camping, where some visitors have noted the presence of trash.

Enjoy wildlife watching while free camping near De Soto National Forest

  • The Leaf Wilderness Area is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature, as it allows for hiking and walk-in access to explore the diverse wildlife in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in De Soto National Forest?

Dispersed camping in De Soto National Forest follows standard national forest rules. At Camp Shelby Dispersed Camping, be aware that the area has signs warning about stray bullets, as it's near shooting areas. Pack out all trash as sites can become littered. De Soto National Forest typically allows 14-day stays within a 30-day period. Practice Leave No Trace principles and maintain a clean campsite. Be mindful of fire restrictions, especially during dry periods. Permits are generally not required for dispersed camping, but always check with the ranger district office for current regulations before your trip. Shooting is permitted in designated areas only, and all firearms must be legally possessed.

What amenities and facilities are available for dispersed camping in De Soto National Forest?

Dispersed camping in De Soto National Forest offers minimal to no amenities by definition. At Leaf Wilderness Area, you'll find basic clearings along the main road that serve as primitive campsites, but no formal facilities. Expect to be self-sufficient with no potable water, no restrooms, no trash service, and no picnic tables or fire rings. You should bring all necessary supplies including water, food, and waste disposal bags. Cell service may be spotty throughout the forest. Plan to pack out everything you bring in, and be prepared for primitive conditions with no designated facilities. Some areas may have informal fire rings from previous campers, but you should always verify current fire restrictions.

Where can I find dispersed camping in De Soto National Forest?

De Soto National Forest offers several dispersed camping options. Deer Island Dispersed Camping is accessible only by boat (kayak or other watercraft) and sits less than half a mile off the Biloxi coast. It offers a secluded experience with good paddling and birdwatching opportunities. For mainland options, look for clearly visible campsites along main roads in the Leaf Wilderness Area. Some sites can be difficult to identify, with visitors reporting overgrown access points without proper signage. When exploring, stick to established roads and clearings to minimize environmental impact. Always check with the ranger station for the most current information on accessible areas before your trip.

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