Campgrounds near Gautier, Mississippi range from developed RV parks to dispersed camping areas along the Gulf Coast. Indian Point RV Resort and Santa Maria RV Park provide full-hookup sites for RVs and tent campers within city limits, while Shepard State Park Campground offers a more natural setting with electric hookups and shower facilities. The region includes both public and private camping areas, with options for cabin stays at Indian Point RV Resort. Davis Bayou Campground, part of Gulf Islands National Seashore, lies approximately 10 miles southwest of Gautier and provides water and electric hookups in a coastal environment.
Camping in the Gulf Coast region requires planning around seasonal conditions, particularly during hurricane season from June through November. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though summer months bring high humidity and temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F. Winter camping offers milder conditions with temperatures typically ranging from 40-65°F. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak tourist seasons and weekends. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, though coverage may vary at more remote sites. Water access represents a significant feature of many local campgrounds, with several offering boat ramps or water frontage. A camper noted, "Santa Maria RV Park offers just about everything you would expect – full RV hook ups including water, sewer and electricity, level gravel beds where you can just connect, level up and be done with it in under 5 minutes."
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, with Deer Island offering boat-in dispersed camping for those seeking a more primitive experience. Campers report mixed experiences with site privacy, as many RV parks feature closely spaced sites with limited screening. Train noise affects several campgrounds in the region, particularly those near railroad tracks. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, especially in the bayou environments. Several visitors mentioned the proximity to beaches as a key benefit, with Gulf Islands National Seashore providing access to white sand beaches. One reviewer described Davis Bayou Campground as "a small campground located in the National Seashore within the city limits of Ocean Springs. The diverse ecosystem of the Bayou is fascinating and chances are very high you'll be able to see at least one large gator while you tour this park."
$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."
"My toddler had a very easy time walking around which was a huge plus! The marsh trails were perfect for viewing wildlife. 10/10, would recommend!"
"The bathroom next to my site was freshly remodeled, and clean. Campsites are not on top of each other. Lots of hiking trails, I didn't have a chance to explore much as I was only there over night."
$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."
"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. "
"My family and I had a great experience at Santa Maria RV Park in Gautier, MS during our travel adventure around the Gulf."
"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."
"The girls enjoyed being able to play outside and the pool. The scenery was gorgeous as well. I liked that it was close to Biloxi/Ocean Springs but it is off the beaten path and peaceful."
"Out of the way and right next to the river. Affordable, hot clean showers, laundry and a cafe on site. Everyone was nice and it was quiet and night."
$60 - $89 / night
"The bayou is one of the best places around to catch the beautiful sunsets"
$50 - $100 / night
"Hookups in right location and right heights. 2 pools, 2 hot tubs, level concrete pads. Great roads. Activities at huge awesome clubhouse with a bar!!!!! Staff couldn't try harder to please."
RangerI only stayed at the primitive camping area, but passed though 2 miles of campgrounds to get there. All sorts of cabins and different levels of glamping areas. $15 to primitive tent camp gets you a picnic table, a port-a-potty, and a nearby water spigot. Access to the reservoir, lots of trees. A pretty nice place.
GuideI stayed 2 of the 3 nights I had reserved. The weather was threatening to rain, and because of the cloud cover, the mosquitos were out in force on my 3rd day. I cut my visit short (before 11) and was refunded for my last day. Some of the spots are well situated for tenting, others are too uneven, so make sure you get one that works if you are tenting. I slept in my SUV on my cot, and that was not a problem. On day 2, I walked all of the trails in this park. It was a beautiful. I saw a full size crab in a pond, 2 young alligators and a turtle on a log (alligators were about 4' head to tail), an osprey in its nest, another 7 foot alligator, a snake in the water, a bunch of fish, several squirrels, many birds and many other turtles). It is a beautiful place, very calm and serene, but if you have an aversion to DEET, like I do, well.. . you may find yourself with 40 or 50 bites despite your best efforts! As noted by others, the restrooms are old, but adequate. The ladies room was very clean. The showers were clean, but somehow felt like one would think a solitary confinement prison cell might look like (cinder block, no window, no air flow either. Plenty of clean hooks and hot water though!
Train noise at night is exceptional because they lay on the horn over and over again. This, between 2 and 2:30 AM. Wear earplugs. Additionally, this campground is adjacent to private residences on the spur side (not the main loop, I don't think). There is a dog over there that barks and barks (both nights I was there). That poor dog sounds like it thinks it has been abandoned. Anyway. . you will have to listen to that as well.
RangerCampground is wedged in between highway 10 and Route 90 so you have that background noise. Sites are side by side so little privacy. Great alligator watching and birdwatching.
ScoutStayed right on the water… There are small alligators in the water next to us for those of you who are not into that. The facilities were really clean. There’s a large dumpster available although the shower has limited water pressure. It is still nice and warm and kept clean. There are a coin operated washer and dryer.
TravelerVery nice RV campground. Concrete sites are nice and level. Casino about a half mile away. Other restaurants are a little l bit of a drive but not too bad with the Gulf view at your side. Across the street from the Gulf Of America. No shower house/restroom. Biting nats are bad now 2/24/26 . Bring bug spray or screen house. If the wind is strong enough you may be ok. Stayed here a few times over the last few years.
TravelerTook my teen with me to go test out the new can camping setup at Blakely State Park. We stayed in the primitive campground (unimproved) and it was absolutely beautiful. The sunset and sunrise were awe-striking. The spaces were disperse enough that our non-stop music didn’t disturb anyone camping nearby, nor were we disturbed by them. The hiking trails are immaculate and well marked. Can’t wait to stay again!
ScoutI’ve been here for 6 months working. Awesome staff, good people. Hot tub, lazy river, 2 RV mechanic places literally next door. Clean bathrooms. Place is 2 years old practically new. Also the ducks are rad
GuideWe enjoyed our 4 night stay. The staff is friendly and helpful. The sites are concrete, level, and huge. The bath house is new. It was very quiet at night. The whole place is always spotless and the gate security is excellent. There is a laundry room which requires quarters. The campground hosts can supply them. Access to downtown Mobile is easy via a tunnel. Our RV has propane so we had to drive to the Africa Town bridge as propane is not allowed in the tunnel. There are many restaurants close by. The views of the water are lovely, especially at sunset.
RangerRight on a canal, lots of water fowl Clean bathrooms/showers and nice laundry Putting in quite a few more full hookup site Bar/restaurant right there
Camping opportunities near Gautier, Mississippi center around the Pascagoula River watershed, an area containing over 70,000 acres of protected wetlands. Water access represents a primary feature with numerous boat launches and waterfront sites available throughout the region. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity from May through September, while winter months offer milder conditions suitable for tent camping.
Explore wildlife at Davis Bayou: Take advantage of the hiking trails and gator viewing opportunities at Davis Bayou Campground. "I've spent much of my life here. There's plenty of walking trails, and you can check out the gator alley area where you'll typically see at least one gator. There are plenty of pavilions around that you can rent for larger events, but it's generally pretty quiet here," notes one regular visitor.
Visit local beaches: Ocean Springs beaches are accessible from campsites near Gautier. "If you want to go to the beach, Front Beach of Ocean Springs is only a 15 minute drive and it is very clean and uncrowded," reports a camper who stayed at Davis Bayou.
Try disc golf: The course at Shepard State Park provides an additional recreational option for campers. "When considering this place, you have to remember the location. It isn't the most convenient location to begin with.. my wife and I played disc golf there. It was also a decent course," notes one reviewer.
Practice archery: Shepard State Park features an archery range open to visitors. "There is a disc golf course, an archery range, and a large multi-use field as well as a small boat launch," mentions a camper who stayed at Shepard State Park Campground.
Waterfront access: Campsites with river views consistently receive positive reviews. "I love this park, camp sites are well spaced and private with some water fronting on the Pascagoula River. Water and electric at each site with dump station at the entrance. Can't beat the price at $18 a night," shares a visitor to Shepard State Park.
Boating opportunities: The ability to launch directly from camp areas ranks high with reviewers. At Santa Maria RV Park, one camper noted, "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."
Pool amenities: Several campgrounds feature swimming pools that receive consistent praise. "We were in site 213 asphalt and large sites," shares a visitor to Gulf Beach RV Resort, which features a well-maintained pool area.
Beach proximity: Sites within walking distance of Gulf beaches appeal to many campers. "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. The pool was really great and there is a covered area where you can get out of the sun and play cards or toss cornhole," reports a Gulf Beach RV Resort visitor.
Train noise: Railroad tracks near several campgrounds create noise issues. "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," reports a Davis Bayou camper.
Site spacing varies: Review information suggests significant differences in site privacy between campgrounds. "The spaces are quite small and close to one another. Water and electric are included," notes a Davis Bayou visitor, while a Shepard State Park camper commented, "Campsites are not on top of each other."
Seasonal considerations: Hurricane season requires monitoring from June through November. "We escaped an early winter cold spell in Michigan and made the thousand mile trip to the Mississippi coast. It was worth the drive," shares a winter visitor to Davis Bayou, highlighting the appeal of winter camping in the region.
Boat-only access: Deer Island Dispersed Camping requires water transportation. "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," notes one adventurous camper.
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play structures suitable for children. "My toddler had a very easy time walking around which was a huge plus! The dog park was perfect for our two large dog, very clean," notes a camper at Shepard State Park.
Wildlife viewing for kids: Alligator viewing opportunities provide educational experiences. "Close enough to civilization, but far enough to feel secluded... Safe area for kids, adults, and pets. You're guaranteed to see some pretty cool wildlife and sunsets!" reports a Davis Bayou visitor.
Cabin options: For families wanting camping comfort without tents, Indian Point RV Resort offers cabin rentals. "We recently stayed in a cabin with 4 kids. This campground was perfect. The girls enjoyed being able to play outside and the pool. The scenery was gorgeous as well... The cabins are slightly dated but very clean," notes a family who visited.
Yurt accommodations: Alternative lodging exists for families seeking unique experiences. "We stayed in a yurt and had the best time! It was a perfect short get away! Staff is amazing," reports a visitor to The Cozy Rosy RV Resort.
Overflow parking benefits: Some RV areas offer unexpected advantages in overflow sections. "Due to an emergency we made last minute reservations and Indian Point was very accommodating and helpful. However being so last minute we were put into the overflow lot. Little known to us, this is the best spot to be! Now it is a little more like a 'parking lot' but the space we gained is amazing," shares an RV camper at Indian Point.
Dump station location: Consider dump station placement when planning your departure. "Someone else made a comment that I have to agree with that the dump station is in the middle of the park so you have to leave and come back around to get to it, which I think is kind of strange," notes a Davis Bayou camper.
Water pressure variations: Reports indicate significant differences in water pressure between campgrounds. "The good thing about this place is the water pressure and the lady at the entrance is very nice," shares an RVer who stayed at Indian Point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Gautier, MS?
According to TheDyrt.com, Gautier, MS offers a wide range of camping options, with 118 campgrounds and RV parks near Gautier, MS and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Gautier, MS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gautier, MS is Davis Bayou Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore with a 4.3-star rating from 48 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gautier, MS?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Gautier, MS.
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