Best Campgrounds near Gulfport, MS

The Mississippi Gulf Coast surrounding Gulfport features a diverse range of camping options from full-service RV resorts to more secluded natural areas. Within a 30-minute drive of downtown, campers can access both coastal and inland experiences, including Shields RV Park in Gulfport and Campgrounds of the South. Just 12 miles north, Big Biloxi Recreation Area in De Soto National Forest offers a more natural setting with spacious, wooded sites along the Big Biloxi River. Nearby cities like Biloxi and Ocean Springs host additional options including Davis Bayou Campground in Gulf Islands National Seashore and several beachfront RV parks that cater primarily to motorhomes and travel trailers.

Weather and seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences in this region. The Gulf Coast's high humidity and temperatures make summer camping challenging, particularly for tent campers. "I would not recommend tent camping in the summer months because of the heat," notes one Davis Bayou visitor. Winter months (January-March) represent peak season for many campgrounds, offering milder temperatures and less crowding. Hurricane season (June-November) requires monitoring weather forecasts, as coastal campgrounds may close during severe weather events. Most campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during winter months when snowbirds migrate south. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, with most reviewers reporting good coverage from major carriers.

Campground amenities and environments vary significantly across the region. Coastal RV parks like Cajun RV Park and Gulf Beach RV Resort offer convenient beach access but typically feature closely spaced sites with limited privacy. "The park itself is pretty tight in terms of spot size but not too bad," reports one Cajun RV Park visitor. Inland options like Big Biloxi Recreation Area provide more natural surroundings with "large and level sites with lots of distance between you and your neighbor." Several campgrounds report railroad noise, particularly at Buccaneer State Park and Davis Bayou, where "freight trains pass close by the campground." Water activities dominate recreational opportunities, with fishing, kayaking, and beach access available at many locations. The region's proximity to casinos, restaurants, and cultural attractions in Biloxi and Gulfport makes it popular for longer stays.

Best Camping Sites Near Gulfport, Mississippi (100)

    1. Cajun RV Park

    21 Reviews
    Biloxi, MS
    7 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."

    2. Davis Bayou Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

    40 Reviews
    Ocean Springs, MS
    16 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."

    3. Buccaneer State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    Bay St. Louis, MS
    23 miles
    Website

    $25 / night

    "Casino nearby if you want to inhale cigarette smoke. Easy and beautiful drive to Gulf Port and surrounding area. Try to camp in the outer loop by the marsh."

    "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."

    4. Gulf Beach RV Resort

    10 Reviews
    Biloxi, MS
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (228) 385-5555

    "Stayed here because it was so close, literally a block away, from the Mississippi Colosseum, for granddaughters cheer competition. We checked it and were greeted at arrival, with information packet."

    "The facilities are clean and the location is close to the local attractions. The spots are very close to each other, so there's no privacy, but it worked for our short stay."

    5. Keesler AFB FamCamp

    7 Reviews
    Biloxi, MS
    7 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."

    6. Oaklawn RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Biloxi, MS
    6 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."

    7. Majestic Oaks RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    Biloxi, MS
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (228) 436-4200

    $69 - $79 / night

    "Nice places to walk a dog and even a place to let them run. Really nice laundry facilities. Bath room/showers we some of the best I have seen! Pool was pretty with plenty of chairs."

    "Great Place to stay, centrally located to everything the secret coast (Biloxi, MS) has to offer."

    8. Shields RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Gulfport, MS
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (228) 871-5435

    "Close to Gulfport. Train whistle but not bad."

    "Busy with outside traffic and trains. Park in the back of base is newer and nicer. 20x40 level concrete pads. Secluded from the rest of base. Little fishing pods and trails from old golf course."

    9. Campgrounds Of The South

    5 Reviews
    Gulfport, MS
    1 mile
    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. Big Biloxi Recreation Area

    8 Reviews
    Saucier, MS
    11 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "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"

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Recent Reviews near Gulfport, MS

338 Reviews of 100 Gulfport 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Garrett R.
    May. 10, 2025

    Santa Maria RV Park

    Great for long term stays

    Great RV park with friendly owners, pool, shower/bath house, laundry. Easy to pull through/back in spaces. Right off hwy.


Guide to Gulfport

The Mississippi Gulf Coast near Gulfport offers camping opportunities with varying levels of privacy and amenities. Located at 49 feet above sea level, the area's proximity to both the Gulf of Mexico and inland forest creates diverse camping environments. During spring and fall, temperatures typically range between 65-85°F, making these seasons ideal for tent campers seeking comfortable conditions.

What to do

**Fishing access: At Big Biloxi Recreation Area, campers can fish in the Big Biloxi River that runs alongside the campground. "This is a peaceful wooded campground on the banks of the Big Biloxi River," notes one visitor who appreciated the natural setting.

**Beach activities: The Gulf Coast beaches are within walking distance of several campgrounds. At Gulf Beach RV Resort, "You can walk a block to the beach, bring a wagon to haul your beach gear or drive as there is parking at the beach," advises one camper.

**Disc golf: Several parks in the area offer disc golf courses. One visitor to Buccaneer State Park mentioned, "We came to play disc golf. It was a very nice course. Loved our campsite. It backed up to some woods & had a lot of space."

**Hiking trails: Walking paths vary from short nature trails to longer forest hikes. A visitor to Big Biloxi Recreation Area shares, "There's a 1/2 mile nature hike within the campground," making it convenient for a quick outdoor experience.

What campers like

**Spacious sites: Many campers value privacy between sites, particularly at inland locations. A camper at Buccaneer State Park Campground appreciated that "It backed up to some woods & had a lot of space."

**Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses rank highly in reviews. At Davis Bayou Campground, a visitor noted, "The bathrooms and showers are adequate. There is a dump station in the campground."

**Pool amenities: Several RV parks offer swimming pools as an alternative to Gulf beaches. A Cajun RV Park visitor mentioned they were "really close to the pool/rec room/bathhouse which all seem very well maintained and clean."

**Pet-friendly policies: Most campgrounds welcome pets, with some offering dedicated areas. A visitor to Gulf Beach RV Resort highlighted the "Big dog park!" as a positive feature.

What you should know

**Train noise: Railroad tracks near several campgrounds create noise issues. At Davis Bayou Campground, a camper warned, "There is a railroad nearby and it is quite loud in the evening. There was no issue for us as we are accustomed to train noises."

**Site dimensions: RV site sizes vary significantly between parks. A Gulf Beach RV Resort camper noted, "Spots are close together with really no place to park tow vehicle without sticking out in the road."

**Reservation systems: Different campgrounds use different booking methods. At Campgrounds Of The South, direct interaction with management is common, with one camper noting, "Mr John was very accommodating."

**Water management: During rainy periods, drainage issues can affect some campgrounds. A camper at Campgrounds Of The South observed, "It rained for about a wk and the grass outside our motorhome was standing water and mud."

Tips for camping with families

**Water park access: Consider campgrounds with built-in water attractions. One visitor to Buccaneer State Park mentioned, "There is a water park with a wave pool which is fitting since its waveland, MS."

**Playground facilities: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. A Davis Bayou visitor recommended it as a "Safe area for kids, adults, and pets. You're guaranteed to see some pretty cool wildlife and sunsets!"

**Go-kart proximity: Some RV parks are located near family entertainment. A Majestic Oaks RV Resort guest appreciated that "Nice places to walk a dog and even a place to let them run."

**Wildlife viewing: Kids often enjoy spotting local animals. A Davis Bayou camper mentioned you can "check out the gator alley area where you'll typically see at least one gator."

Tips from RVers

**Site accessibility: Pay attention to entrance conditions when booking. At Shields RV Park, a reviewer noted the "park in the back of base is newer and nicer. 20x40 level concrete pads."

**Utility connections: Water pressure varies between campgrounds. A visitor to Campgrounds Of The South reported "no issues at all with electric and water connects."

**Road noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some locations. A Campgrounds Of The South camper warned, "The interstate is super close and you hear lots of road noise 24/7."

**Pad construction: The type and condition of RV pads impact comfort. A different Campgrounds Of The South visitor cautioned that "The concrete pads are crumbling and very narrow. You step out of your coach and into the mud."

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds in Gulfport, MS?

The Gulfport area offers excellent camping options for all preferences. Big Biloxi Recreation Area stands out as a peaceful Forest Service campground about 12 miles north of Gulfport, featuring large, level sites with ample spacing between neighbors and beautiful riverfront settings. For those wanting full hookups close to town, Shields RV Park provides convenient access to Gulfport's attractions. Both locations offer easy accessibility and well-maintained facilities. The surrounding area also features several highly-rated options like Buccaneer State Park and Davis Bayou Campground for those willing to travel a bit further.

Are there any beachfront camping options near Gulfport, Mississippi?

While direct beachfront camping in Gulfport is limited, nearby options provide excellent coastal access. Buccaneer State Park Campground in Waveland offers camping with beach proximity, though campers should note that some reviewers found the beaches somewhat underwhelming. Davis Bayou Campground at Gulf Islands National Seashore provides water and electric hookups with spaces that accommodate both RVs and vehicles, offering beautiful coastal scenery despite smaller sites. Both locations are a short drive from Gulfport and provide good access to Mississippi Gulf Coast beaches.

What is the average cost of camping in Gulfport, MS?

Camping costs around Gulfport vary by amenities and location. Budget-friendly options include Magnolia Sands RV Park, offering full hookups at $24 for 30-amp and $26 for 50-amp service in a rural setting with concrete pads. For family-oriented camping with more amenities, Flint Creek Waterpark provides full hookups with 50-amp service and lakefront sites at competitive rates. Public campgrounds like Big Biloxi Recreation Area typically offer more affordable rates, while RV resorts with premium amenities generally charge higher fees. Most campgrounds in the area range from $24-45 per night depending on season and services.