Best Tent Camping near Gautier, MS

Recent Tent Reviews near Gautier, Mississippi

355 Reviews of 7 Gautier Campgrounds

• 

  Lora N.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 3, 2022

  Blakeley State Park Campground

  Quick stay

  Super easy check in after hours. Host was very nice. Bathrooms/showers clean. Electric/water at tent site

• B

  Brannon

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 17, 2021

  Dauphin Island Campground

  No tens or RTT's?

  I called to make reservations for September 21 for a5 days and she said that they are not offering tent camping at this time. Not even a overland trailer (Turtleback with a RTT), it has to be a RV only.

• 

  Jennifer G.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 17, 2018

  Davis Bayou Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

  Nice Quiet Comfortable

  This is a small but very nice campground. It has One bathroom and shower building. We have tent camped here twice. Both times was awesome. My parents have stayed in a camper twice. Cruising the coast is a great time to stay. It books early for that time of the year.

• 

  Donna H.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 21, 2018

  Dauphin Island Campground

  Great campsite right beside the beach

  We camped a week in the tent sites. Very clean. Great bathrooms. Great staff. 24 hour access to the beach, which is just a short stroll away. Good hiking trails. I would highly recommend and we will go again!

• 

  Kevin L.

  Legend

  

  Dec. 29, 2024

  Blakeley State Park Campground

  Miles of trails and history

  2000 acres Walking auto cell phone tours of civil war Boat tours Big pull through rv spots and a tent campground. Awesome

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 1, 2021

  Santa Maria RV Park

  Christopher Columbus Would Have Loved This Place!

  I’m not sure where they got the name from, but if El Colon was still living, he would really dig how this RV parking lot is using the name of his beloved Santa Maria! Located due south of Farragut Lake, right off Rt. 10 and just west of the Pascagoula River, you’ll come across Santa Maria RV Resort Marina. 

  This spot offers up just about everything you would expect – full RV hook ups including water, sewer and electricity (30 / 50 amp), level gravel beds where you can just connect, level up and be done with it in under 5 minutes. Unlike most RV parking lots, this place has a ton of space and there’s somewhat good distance between your spot and those on either side of you. And if you’re hauling or driving anything bigger than the standard RV or camper, no worries, this place is spacious enough to accommodate just about any size (and even large group sizes). The campground was both kid and pet friendly. Also, I found the on-site campground management team to be incredibly over-friendly (nice Southern hospitality!) and accommodating. 

  From an amenities standpoint, this place is completely full-service (in fact, they’ll escort you right to your campsite!). They’ve got a small, but clean swimming pool, laundr-O-mat, spartan restroom facilities and a propane pump on-site. WiFi is available for free and cable is offered for a small price if you need that. Overall, I found the place to be very well-organized, incredibly clean and exceptionally safe with round-the-clock security. 

  With nature in mind, this place is in close proximity to quite a bit – from Gautier, MS who’s moniker is ‘Nature’s Playground,’ there’s tons of wildlife to see, decent outdoor recreation and hiking to be found and bayous all over the place to drop your kayak or canoe into. 

  Insider’s tip? Some of the best kayaking was had in and around Mississippi - Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge. Closer to the campground though, you’ll find a splendid little Southern town in the City of Gautier, which has some quiet boutique-type shops, Southern restauarnts (I strongly recommend Belle’s on the Bayou or Country Gentleman), farmers market on the weekends, nice municipal parks and even some art exhibits from time to time. All in all, I strongly recommend Santa Maria RV Resort Marina if you’re looking for a decent stop along your travels. 

  Happy Camping!

• 

  Asher K.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 27, 2017

  Blakeley State Park Campground

  Educational Trails

  The park is set up on a historic site where they have several trails set up talking about civil war battles that occurred there. They have two separate areas for camping where one is for RVs and tents and the other is the more basic tent only sites. I visited the tent only area which had many many sites and most had a nice amount of space with a good bit of privacy. I was there in June though and it gets really hot during the day and night and also very buggy. If you were here in the fall or winter it could be a great place to camp though. The bathrooms were nice but nothing special. There is a single bathroom for all of the tent sites so if you are far you could have a pretty long walk. The sites are pretty cool to see so if you are a civil war buff it might be worth checking out. The camping is expensive though at $20 a night for the tent sites and $30 for an RV site. People were friendly though and it was one of the nicest places in the area.

• R

  Robin B.

  Guide

  

  May. 7, 2019

  Meaher State Park Campground

  Nice location

  This is a scenic campsite along the river. The tent sites are in a general area, not specific sites. It worked out well for me since I was the only renter but I imagine it could get very crowded. The facilities are clean and the staff were so nice. My one complaint is that they don’t provide fire pits for campers.

• C

  Cindy C.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 4, 2022

  Meaher State Park Campground

  Wonderful Small Campground

  We’ve stayed here several times. Nice flat sites in the pines and next to the Bay. Bathhouses are nice. Only problem is they are push button showers so it takes a couple pushes to get it hot. Shelter houses, boat ramp, tent sites, and a few cabins. Only 5 miles west to the USS Alabama Memorial Park. Well worth a visit!!

• J

  Jamie B.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 1, 2022

  Creekside Farm Co.

  Just lovely.

  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. Outdoor dinner areas with tables, grill, fairy lights and plants galore. I had a LOVELY time here! Sorry I don’t have more photos, so busy enjoying my time there that I forgot to record it.

• D

  DONNA D.

  Scout

  

  Dec. 9, 2021

  Southern Oaks Mobile Home & RV Community

  Nice but beware if you have pets.

  This is an RV Park and Living community. No tent camping. A sign out front says its under new management and ownership. I found the folks to be helpful and friendly. We have two issues which may not bother everyone but it did us. Dog poop everywhere! So watch where you walk. As well, a couple of folks that live there let their pets out without a leash. We were greeted by a pit bull without a leash while walking our little dogs.

• 

  Cynthia S.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 21, 2022

  Dauphin Island Campground

  Always love it

  We camped for 3 days in a tent. There is power and water even the tent sites. I loved the path/boardwalk to the beach. The beach is beautiful white sand and is not crowded at all. The areas around the beach are not developed so you get a more natural view. There are lots of nature trails that are connected to the campground. There is an aquarium, a fort, and the ferry to Fort Morgan within walking distance from the campground.

• 

  Chirleen E.

  Scout

  

  May. 13, 2020

  Blakeley State Park Campground

  We love Blakely!

  Great tent campground. Most sites have some privacy but a few are close to neighboring sites. Its a short walk to the bathhouse and tons of hiking trails are nearby. Rates are reasonable, picnic tables, and fire rings at the sites. Our favorite nearby camlground!

• 

  Amy B.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 19, 2022

  Apalachee RV Campground - Blakeley State Park

  Great stop for the night

  I camped here for one night in the improved tent campsites at bartram campground. The site had trees to hang my hammock, a fire ring, water, and a picnic table. You walk maybe 50ft from your parking spot to the site in the woods. The bathroom was clean, had a light, very soft toilet paper, and hand sanitizer. Would definitely stay here again!

• 

  Matt M.

  Ranger

  

  Jun. 22, 2016

  Davis Bayou Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

  Camping in Mississippi

  My girlfriend and I were super excited to camp here because of the name; National Seashore. We expected kind of beach camping and couldn't find too many pictures of the park that would indicate otherwise. When we got there we quickly realized that we were mistaken and it was more of a swampy marshland, which we should have expected given it is Mississippi. So it took some time to find a place to pitch our small tent where we felt safe. The hardest part was how miserably hot and humid it was. All in all though the camp ground was nice and well kept, the bathrooms and showers were great, the staff and fellow campers were nice, and I had an overall good experience. Also, the park had a nice welcome center and map that made it easy to find our way around. But I would not recommend tent camping in the summer months because of the heat.

• 

  Jennifer G.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 17, 2018

  Chickasabogue Park - Temporarily Closed

  Peaceful

  This is a nice campground. It has RV hookup, tent sites, and site with just electric and water hookup for campers or tents. We stayed in site 11. We had two large tents. Each site has picnic table and fire ring and small open type grill. Several bathhouses. Playgrounds ball fields and also a roped off swimming area. The swimming area has sidewalk almost to the beach area but the ground all the way to the sand is hard so wheelchair's, strollers, ice chest, and anything with wheels is perfect. Nice covered patios with tables near swimming area. Nice boat launch and plenty of fishing

• W

  Wesley R.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 3, 2021

  Buccaneer State Park Campground

  Lots of gnats!!

  The campground was nice. Plenty to do to keep us busy. Between the nature walk, fishing and time on the beach our days were packed. I do not recommend the “premium” tent sites. They are nothing more than a stop of grass next to a parking lot backed up to trees. The gnats were terrible, made worse by the wind screen provided by the tow of trees. Plan ahead as it seems this park stays full. Very good location for a day trip into New Orleans too!!

• 

  J K.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 20, 2019

  Flint Creek Waterpark

  Tons of sites and something for everyone!

  Flint creek has TONS of sites with full hook ups in 30 and/or 50 amp and even a primitive (water only) tent sites. Different sections allow folks to feel like they are away from the crowds.  Price is absolutely reasonable and there is night security by staff and local law enforcement.

  The water park has a ton of slides and will keep kids young and old entertained sliding down the hill into the lake.

  Several swimming holes and boat ramps lets you enjoy the lake however you want.

• 

  Karen L.

  Guide

  

  May. 17, 2018

  Meaher State Park Campground

  Very close sites, on/near the Bay.

  I have done tent camping at this park a couple times. All of the sites are close together and the ants are ridiculous. I had read reviews about the ants prior so I came prepared. Each site has a picnic table & fire ring. There is a boat launch, which is popular, a pier and also 2 cabins that you can rent. This is a popular park for RV's. And of course there is a shower house & covered picnic tables.

  I chose a specific site with water view which was enjoyable. The street lights throughout the park are very bright, so if you're light sensitive when you sleep, use a darker tent. All the sites have power & water hookups.

• 

  Karen L.

  Guide

  

  May. 17, 2018

  Blakeley State Park Campground

  Very large park, hiking, camping, battlegrounds

  Blakely State Park is a very large State Park, with different choices for camping. There are larger primitive tent sites, smaller tent sites with power/water hookups, RV sites, two primitive cabins and 2 newer cabins which are very nice. There's TONS of hiking, a battleground for history buffs, a playground, a boatdock, lots of hiking, horseback riding etc.

  I stayed in one of the two Squirrels Nest, which are primitive cabins. Basically open air cabins. 2 walls, a roof and 2 walls of screens. There are two wooden platforms for beds. A twin and a queen, and barstools to sit inside and look out into the woods, over the hill in which they are nestled. There's a sink (but no water) and a cabinet, and outside a large deck with bench seating. Below is a fire pit and picnic table. There is a shared porta potty outside of the two cabins. These cabins are a bit of a drive out in the woods, so make sure your vehicle is up to it. It's very peaceful out there. My cabin was inhabited by mice at night, so I kept my food in airtight plastic paint bucket containers & my belongings covered by garbage bags on one of the platforms and had my air mattress inside a pop-up mosquito tent, so the mice did not bother me. I was after all in their house. I sprinkled peppermint oil around my gear & my bed platform to keep the mice away. Next time I will have my food in a large cooler so that the wildlife is not attracted.

  There are hiking trails by these sites, as well as, steps down the hill, leading off into another trail.

  i would stay there again. Great place to get away.

• 

  UnnamedAdventures

  Ranger

  

  Mar. 11, 2020

  Blakeley State Park Campground

  TONS of stuff to do and see with large RV sites!

  We stayed at the Historic Blakeley State Park campground in the Apalachee Campground. This is a super cool campground and state park with tons of stuff to do. The RV campsites are very spread out providing ample privacy from your neighbors and other park visitors while still providing water, power and sewer hookup ups. This campground loop was named in honor of the Apalachee Indians who once occupied park grounds. We would recommend staying at this campground or even the tent sites as there is TONS of stuff to do with lots of history!

  Check out our blog at www.unnamedadventures.com and follow our journey on Facebook and Instagram or on our YouTube Channel at Unnamed Adventures. 

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• 

  Karen L.

  Guide

  

  May. 17, 2018

  Chickasabogue Park - Temporarily Closed

  Spacious sites, very good prices, things to do

  There are a choice of sites, I believe they all have power & water hookups The dedicated tent sites are of course smaller, but you can also choose sites closer to the showers that are very spacious and can accommodate tents or campers for only $5 more. There are RV sites as well. There is hiking, a sports complex, a playground, a small beach area with roped off swimming and covered picnic tables, a boat dock and canoe/kayak rental.

  I chose one of the sites closer to the showers because of the spaciousness. These sites all have a picnic table, fire pit and hibachi. The site I was on could easily have fit 4 very decent sized tents (6-10 person tents easily). There are hiking trails leading off from the site.

  The ants were not a problem & definitely not as bad as compared to other local sites I've camped at. The only negative I have is that the sound from the nearby highway is definitely noticed.

• 

  Fred S.

  Legend

  

  Apr. 22, 2022

  Buccaneer State Park Campground

  Nice 3 Day Stay

  Enjoyed spending 3 nights in this large, family oriented state park campground. Camped in a camper van, but most sites appear to be big rig friendly. About a half-dozen freight trains pass close by the campground; noisy, especially where we camped in the Treaure Cove loop. There is also some vehicle noise on a nearby road as well. Didn't bother us, though. Stayed in site 106. Nicely wooded with some, but not much, privacy. Probably not a good spot if charging with solar panels. Restroom/shower houses appear to be we maintained. Sites have water, electric & sewer hookups. Sites are also suitable for tent camping. Can't say anything about the staff since I did not interact with them much. Long walk to the edge of the gulf; not much of a beach near the campground entrance, but nice beaches, with places to park, a short drive east & west of the park. Good AT&T & T-mobile data service. No Wifi.

• 

  Lori H.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 12, 2019

  Dauphin Island Campground

  Beautiful Island

  Dauphin Island is an amazing place! The island is not very large, but has lots to do. There are several good restaurants, ice cream shops, a great seafood market called Skinners, where you can order fresh seafood from the steamer (we ordered crab legs twice during our stay 😋), parks, bike paths across the entire island, great fishing, a bird sanctuary, an Estuarium (similar to an aquarium), and beautiful white sand beaches, just to name a few!

  We stayed at the Dauphin Island Campground in the tent area on site 8. The check in process was fairly time consuming , as it is all written out by hand. Check out is the same way, and they don’t take online reservations. The people in the office are amazing though, so it was ok!

  The campground map is not accurate for site selection. We were first given site 5, which looked great on the map, but was not great for our rooftop tent. Also, there is no way to see the ocean from ANY site, so don’t think you’ll have ocean view. On the map I thought we might be able to have a glimpse of the Gulf, but not so. Site 8 was perfect for us, nice shady spot with view of the trees in the bird sanctuary. All tent sites have water and electric hookups. They do not allow anything to be hung from trees, including hammocks, so bring hammock stand if you plan to use them.

  The RV sites are all pretty close to each other. The row nearest the bay has water views, but is also next to the road and auto ferry. Several long time residents stay at this campground, Possibly seasonal.

  The restrooms/bathhouse was immaculate! They have a designated cleaning at 9-9:30 daily, and they were in excellent shape. There’s also laundry facilities on site. There’s a camp store, and a fish cleaning station, and playground as well.

  Beach access is in the back of the campground near the tent sites, we took our bikes and that was the best way to get there. It took us less than a minute to be on the beach. The beach was fairly empty and that’s what we loved the most! Like having our own private beach. Take a cart to haul your chairs, umbrella, etc, or plan on packing it on your back like we did. The people who were fishing were catching fish the whole time, so if you enjoy fishing, this is a great spot.

  We absolutely LOVED Dauphin Island, and will definitely return, but if we come back in the summer, we will bring the pop up tent so we can have A/C, as it is blazing hot!

• 

  Dan D.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 12, 2019

  Buccaneer State Park Campground

  Huge Park with Tons of Amenities

  This park is giant! There are probably over 200 sites for camping in this park with beachfront sites and even primitive drive up sites for tent camping back in the woods. The park has 2 shower areas and 4 bathrooms on site as well as multiple playgrounds for the kiddos and even a water park! It is located directly across the street from the Gulf of Mexico and has its own private beach. I stayed in the primitive camping sites for 2 nights because all other sites were reserved for the weekend and it was great. No electric hookup or water but the sites are privately tucked away in the woods and only cost 15$ per night. If you want, you can stay beachfront for 48$ and I believe the regular sites with hookups and water are around $30 per night. The park itself is very well maintained and has ice and drinks for sale in the front office. The employees are extremely nice and helpful and will even tell you about fun things to do in town while you’re there. Definitely the biggest and one of the nicest campgrounds/state parks I’ve stayed in. Worth the trip!

• D

  Doug C.

  Guide

  

  Feb. 23, 2023

  I-65 RV Campground

  Avoid I-65 RV Campground

  While the tenting sites were inexpensive at $15 per night, the campground is next to I-65 and the noise levels are extremely high. Only one of the 4 bathrooms was available and it was an unusable mess. In addition, part of the door frame had broken and a board with long nails was hanging down, waiting to fall on an unlucky bathroom user. There was no attendant when we checked in and someone was in our reserved space. You would be much better off parking overnight for free at the Cracker Barrel the next exit towards Mobile.

• 

  Lee D.

  Legend

  

  Feb. 29, 2020

  Dauphin Island Campground

  Direct beach access

  It is all in your perspective, but we prefer a bit of privacy and separation with foliage between sites, and if you do as well, I would recommend you choose a tent site. Most back up to the wooded bird sanctuary (watch out for bird poop!) However, if these sites were full they would not have much privacy, but we were the only ones for the first night and there was only one other camper in this loop the second night. The RV sites have zero privacy, however! Some of these sites back directly on to the road. It seemed to me that there are many returnee snowbirds who stay here so they don’t seem to mind. When we were there, there was a snowbird arts and crafts display. If you do choose an RV site, I would recommend Site 15-21. BUT, you do not have the option of reserving a specific site; it is assigned to you upon arrival. After reading other reviews, I dreaded the laborious check-in process, but it did not take very long. Also, driving up to the window to let them know you were leaving is all there was to the check-out process. 

  The bathhouse was immaculate, regardless of the time of day. There is a sign prohibiting pets from being in the bathhouse, but some disregarded this rule. In fact, there almost seemed to be as many dogs as people here! The laundry room looked nice and had a television but has limited hours(closed at 8 pm). 

  There is an approximately mile-long walkable beach with access directly from the campground; if you head east, you will get to Fort Gaines and if you head west, you will eventually reach private property and cannot go any further on the beach. There were nice sunsets for the two nights we were there. The Mobile Bay ferry terminal is also directly across the street from the campground; yes, you will hear the whistle!

  A small town with shops and restaurants is about two miles away and there is a wide bike/pedestrian path. Although we enjoyed our time here, I likely would not return as there are nicer beaches and other places to explore!