Denis P.
Scout
ScoutBuccaneer State Park Campground
The price is with 96$ to high. To much mosquitos.
Tent Camping near Ocean Springs, MS
7 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
Tent camping near Ocean Springs, MS includes several campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, ranging from primitive tent sites with shower access to basic lakeside campsites. Shepard State Park Campground in nearby Gautier offers primitive tent sites with privacy and access to marsh trails, while Airey Lake Recreation Area in Perkinston provides more rustic tent camping opportunities with access to hiking trails and fishing.
Tent sites at Shepard State Park feature fire rings and picnic tables, with nearby access to recently renovated restrooms and shower facilities. Water spigots are available throughout the campground, and the primitive tent area is strategically located near several trailheads. Airey Lake offers more basic accommodations with designated campsites containing fire pits scattered around the lake. Campers should prepare for minimal amenities, as the single-stall restroom at Airey Lake may not always have toilet paper. The campground is first-come, first-served with no formal check-in process and limited drinking water from a pump near the restroom.
The forested setting at Shepard State Park provides ample shade and natural buffers between sites for increased privacy. "The primitive campsite was very nice. Even though the park was a bit crowded we still had privacy," noted one camper. Trails offer opportunities for wildlife viewing, particularly along the marsh areas. Airey Lake Recreation Area attracts hikers from the Tuxachanie trail, which passes through the eastern side of the property, making it a convenient overnight stop for backpackers. The lake itself offers peaceful scenery and fishing opportunities, though weekend visitors should arrive early to secure one of the limited designated sites. Both locations experience seasonal fluctuations in visitation, with weekends being considerably busier than weekdays at these tent campgrounds near Ocean Springs.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Ocean Springs (7)
1. Shepard State Park Campground
"8 bundles of firewood at the camp store. Fire rings and charcoal grills at every RV site. "
"The primitive campsite was very nice. Even though the park was a bit crowded we still had privacy. The dog park was perfect for our two large dog, very clean."
2. Airey Lake Recreation Area
"This campground is a stop halfway through the Tuxachanie trail. It is a quaint park with 4 designated campsites with tables and fire rings."
"Vault toilet. A few actual spots with fire pits and tables, but lots of make shift spots around the lake. Gets really crowded during weekends but if you get there early, you can find a secluded spot."
3. Bluff Creek Campgrounds
4. Fairley Bridge Landing
"There is a trail that leads to a white sandy beach with the creek flowing peacefully. There’s a few other trails as well that I didn’t go on. 1-2 miles away from a road that not many cars come down."
5. Janice Landing
"Warm weather weekend campers should probably choose a site on back side of loop as the boat launch gets pretty busy and generally use the section closest to hwy ."
6. Moodys Landing
"Good place to set up for a night. Feels rural but there is phone service."
"There was some trash which I packed out, but it was relatively clean. The pit toilet was closed for repair."
7. Shady Grove Campground
Drive Time
- 19 min from Gulfport, MS
- 44 min from Mobile, AL
- 54 min from Slidell, LA
- 59 min from Daphne, AL
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Ocean Springs, MS
3 Photos of 7 Ocean Springs Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Ocean Springs, MS
332 Reviews of 7 Ocean Springs Campgrounds
- AAmanda T.
TravelerDeer Run Lakes Hunting and Camping Resort
This doesn’t exist and looks to be private property
Todd B.
GuideMcLeod Park Campground
Well laid out park on the river.
Park layout is nice with probably 150 sites +/-. Some are close together. Others are well spaced and situated for some privacy. No one on site at night so when it gets loud or rowdy, you're on your own.
- PPaul S.Guide
Davis Bayou Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore
Great for cycling
Spent a lovely night at Davis Bayou Campground. A beautiful, peaceful setting with fantastic hiking and cycling trails to explore. Perfect for stretching your legs, getting on the bikes and enjoying the great outdoors. Definitely worth a stop!
- ggilles P.Guide
Davis Bayou Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore
Green, calm and clean
We stayed one night. Camp is quiet and close from a very cute little town Ocean Springs. The sites are nice. Bathroom very clean, showers look new with a nice hot water. Good place to stay
- Christine M.Traveler
Winner's Circle RV Resort
Peaceful rural setting, wonderful staff
Peaceful rural setting, wonderful staff, roomy pull-through and a beautiful pond view Winner’s Circle RV Resort was the second campground of our very first RV trip, and already we were starting to learn what matters to us. The campground is a little farther off the main route than our first stop, and the entrance was not especially obvious when approaching with a large fifth wheel. We initially missed the turn, had traffic behind us, and had to continue until we could safely turn around and approach it again. The entrance and exit are separate, and the access road is fairly narrow, so I would definitely pay close attention when arriving with a big rig. Once we got there, though, our experience was wonderful. We arrived after the office had officially closed, but the staff was incredibly kind and stayed around to make sure we had the information we needed. That was especially appreciated because we were still very new at this and every travel day seemed to come with at least one unexpected learning experience. We had originally picked a different site based on the campground map, but the person who actually knew the property suggested Site 81 instead. She was absolutely right. That taught me an important early RV lesson: a campground map can tell you where a site is, but it cannot always tell you what that site actually feels like. Our pull-through had plenty of elbow room, no one immediately crowded beside us, and a beautiful pond view directly in front of the RV. Ducks came wandering over to greet us, and the whole setting felt peaceful and rural. The site had the full hookups we needed and plenty of room for our large fifth wheel. Of course, being our“virgin voyage,” we still managed to create another adventure for ourselves. We were so proud that we had finally arrived before dark—until our hitch ball decided not to release. By the time we solved that problem and finished setting up, it was dark anyway. Apparently chasing daylight was going to become part of our travel style for a while.😂 But that had nothing to do with the campground. Winner’s Circle gave us exactly what we wanted: friendly people, room to breathe, full hookups and a peaceful place to settle in for the night. And after only two campgrounds, I was already beginning to realize that elbow room and a pretty view were going to rank pretty high on my personal campground preference list. We would absolutely stay here again.
Roger H.ScoutLakeview RV Resort
Was threatened by another tenant
I moved in on 08/05/26. It's a nice park, it's clean, quiet and the manager is nice. When I rented my cottage the manager advised me that a guy would be coming by to feed a cat he left behind when he moved to another cottage on the property. I told her that's fine but I don't want him coming up on my porch and that I will take care of the cat as I already have one. Then my 2nd night here I hear a dog barking while my cat is going crazy in the window. I looked outside to see a pitbull tied to my steps. When I opened my door to see what was going on the dog lunged at me and was barking trying to get to me. Thank God it was tied up. The owner and I got into a shouting match and I told him to keep his dog away. He came back the next night with the dog. Once again I asked him not to come around with the dog. He told me to get back in my house Bitch! I advised the manager of this incident and she asked if we could just get a long. A couple days later I saw her and told her I will try to talk to the guy. Last night 08/18/26 I was going to my car when he walked by with his dog, I said Hey man I want to talk to you. He said FO, flipped me off and called me names again. As I walking back to my cottage he came walking back by and started cussing and asked me if I wanted to fight and told me not to come out of my place when I see him. I'm 64 years old with heart failure this guy is half my age. Now I don't feel safe or comfortable here. All I want is to live in peace. Roger(Mike) Hrasdzira
Michael P.ScoutAll About Relaxing RV Park, Mobile, AL
Small quiet spot but nice
It has camper spots or rents campers that are already hooked up with cable there is a swimming hole a little further down the road pretty nice people own it not far from bellingrath gardens, the bayou and dauphin island is only 20 mins away. It's a little drive to a store
Stephen B.TravelerShepard State Park Campground
Awesome place to stay
We are here during the week. Its affordable, very clean, nice bathhouse, RV sites have electric (50/30/110) water and sewer. Very friendly and helpful staff. Conveniently located for nearby fishing.
Guide to Ocean Springs
Tent camping near Ocean Springs, Mississippi occurs in primarily coastal forest terrain with sandy soil typical of Mississippi's Gulf region. Temperatures remain mild during spring and fall camping seasons, with summer humidity requiring preparation for insect control. The area includes a mix of established facilities alongside more secluded options ranging from 13 to 30 miles from town.
What to do
Wildlife observation tours: Escatawpa Hollow Campground offers direct access to the Escatawpa River where campers can arrange guided paddling trips to spot native wildlife.
Disc golf course: Shepard State Park features a complete disc golf course through wooded terrain. "There is a disc golf course, an archery range, and a large multi-use field as well as a small boat launch," notes Simon C., highlighting the diverse recreational options.
Night sky photography: The Airey Lake Recreation Area provides excellent dark sky viewing opportunities away from city lights. "Love to go do nighttime photography here as it is away from towns and the skies are pretty dark," shares Donna S., adding that "the lake gives a beautiful reflection of the night sky."
Trail connections: Airey Lake Recreation Area serves as a connection point for longer hikes. "On the east side of the pond the Tuxachanie trail passes thru. So if hiking it, this can be a nice place for your overnight stay if doing a multi day hike," explains one camper.
Float trips: Janice Landing serves as a popular launch point for Black Creek float trips. "Warm weather weekend campers should probably choose a site on back side of loop as the boat launch gets pretty busy," advises Donald L., providing insight on site selection during peak seasons.
What campers like
Spacing between sites: Campers consistently mention the ample space between camping areas at Shepard State Park. "The sites are spacious, have fire rings and decent picnic tables," notes one reviewer, while another adds, "Campsites are not on top of each other."
Recently renovated facilities: Shepard State Park Campground has completed updates to key amenities. "They have completely updated. Nice clean bathrooms and sights," shares Donnie S., while another camper notes, "The bathhouse was being renovated so there was only one unisex bathroom but it was very clean and nicely updated."
Waterfront access: Several campsites offer direct water access. "I love this park, camp sites are well spaced and private with some water fronting on the Pascagoula River," explains Bianca B., emphasizing the natural setting.
Dog-friendly areas: Pet owners appreciate dedicated spaces for animals. "The dog park was perfect for our two large dog, very clean," comments one visitor about Shepard State Park's pet facilities.
What you should know
Limited facilities at primitive sites: Airey Lake Recreation Area provides basic amenities. "Running water available from a spigot. The bathroom was a single toilet and sink. While relatively clean, this is definitely a bring your own TP bathroom," explains Kimsey C.
No formal check-in process: At less developed sites, arrival procedures are minimal. "Campground is first-come, first-serve, but when we went there were plenty of spaces available. There is no campground host or check-in service," reports Michael M. regarding his Airey Lake experience.
Weekend crowding: Prepare for busier conditions during peak times. "Free spot with drinking water. Vault toilet. A few actual spots with fire pits and tables, but lots of make shift spots around the lake. Gets really crowded during weekends but if you get there early, you can find a secluded spot," advises Gregory H.
Cell service variability: Connectivity varies significantly between locations. "AT&T is 1 bar, Verizon is 2-3 bars," reports one camper about Shepard State Park, while other primitive camping areas note no service at all.
Tips for camping with families
Toddler-friendly terrain: Shepard State Park Campground offers accessible paths for young children. "My toddler had a very easy time walking around which was a huge plus!" shares Yesenia.
Boat launch access: Families with small watercraft benefit from dedicated launch areas. One camper notes that Shepard State Park's primitive area "had a small boat launch area for fishing boats or personal watercraft."
Multi-use recreation fields: Open spaces provide play areas for children. Several campgrounds feature dedicated fields where families can organize games and activities away from camping areas.
Early arrival recommended: When camping with children, securing suitable sites becomes crucial. "Campground is first-come, first-serve," notes a visitor to Airey Lake, suggesting families should plan accordingly, especially during busy weekends.
Tips from RVers
Electric reliability: Shepard State Park Campground receives positive reports for consistent power. "The roads are gravel, sites are level, electric is strong and reliable," reports Rene, providing essential information for RV campers requiring dependable hookups.
Dump station location: RVers should note facility placement for trip planning. "Water and electric at each site with dump station at the entrance," explains one camper about Shepard State Park, helping RVers prepare for arrival and departure logistics.
Pull-through availability: Site configurations vary throughout the region. "There are several pull-through sites, but most are back-in," notes a reviewer, providing crucial information for larger rigs navigating campground roads.
Site leveling conditions: Terrain assessment helps with setup preparation. "Sites are level," confirms one RVer, reducing concerns about stabilization needs at Shepard State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Ocean Springs, MS?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ocean Springs, MS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ocean Springs, MS is Shepard State Park Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 13 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Ocean Springs, MS?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Ocean Springs, MS?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Ocean Springs, MS, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring