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Best Tent Camping near Saucier, MS

294 Reviews

Tent campsites near Saucier, Mississippi include several primitive options within the De Soto National Forest. Airey Lake Recreation Area offers free tent camping with four designated sites featuring fire rings and picnic tables, plus additional dispersed tent sites around the lake perimeter. Janice Landing provides basic tent camping facilities along Black Creek, primarily serving as a landing point for paddlers and float trips. Both locations are first-come, first-served with no reservation system.

Most tent campgrounds in this region provide minimal amenities. Airey Lake has a single vault toilet with a sink and drinking water available from a spigot, though campers should bring their own toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Janice Landing has toilet facilities but limited drinking water with significant sediment reported. Neither location offers showers or electrical hookups. Sites are generally level with natural surfaces. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, particularly during dry summer months. Campers should pack out all trash as collection services are not provided at these primitive tent sites.

The tent camping experience in the Saucier area offers genuine seclusion and natural surroundings. One camper noted, "It was quiet and peaceful with lots of space in between each group." Areas around Airey Lake provide access to the Tuxachanie hiking trail, making it a convenient overnight stop for multi-day hikers. The lake offers fishing opportunities and night sky viewing away from light pollution. Weekends typically see higher visitation, especially during spring and fall when temperatures are moderate. For those seeking more amenities while still tent camping, Shepard State Park Campground, though farther away near Gautier, offers tent sites with access to showers and more developed facilities. Winter camping is possible but less common due to cooler temperatures and occasional wet conditions.

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Best Tent Sites Near Saucier, Mississippi (8)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Saucier, MS

4 Photos of 8 Saucier Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Saucier, MS

294 Reviews of 8 Saucier Campgrounds

  • Layla D.
    Apr. 23, 2020

    Paul B. Johnson State Park Campground

    Beauty to Behold at Paul B

    We have heard great things about Paul B. Johnson for years, even before we began our own camping adventures. It was definitely a campground we were excited to check out, so we booked a long weekend getaway with the promise of beautiful spring weather. Unfortunately, our trip here was cut short due to a family emergency, but we were able to scope things out for future adventures.

    It was a bit of a trek from our home on a work night, so we arrived after dark at site 67. This campground does not lock up at night, so this was not a major issue. We entered the campground through what we later learned was a back entrance off of Geiger Lake Road, so we didn’t check in until the next morning at the visitor center. The sites were not well marked with numbers, so we had to drive around a time or two to locate our site (with me occasionally getting out of the truck to read the site numbers painted in yellow on the road). The main entrance to the park has a much “fancier” building than the back entrance and leads you to drive over a spillway (which is TOTALLY safe, so no worries). The roads in the campground are narrow, two-lane roads but are not conducive to two RVs passing one another. We had to get off of the road for others to pass.

    Our site was lakeside on a hill leading down to a pier that jutted into the lake. It also had a grill and wooden picnic table that was movable. Having full hook up was nice! However, the connections were quite spread out with the water pretty far back from the other connections at this site (we needed two water hoses). There was no dedicated fire ring but there was evidence of camp fires, so we just cleared a space and set up our chairs. However, some sites had a metal fire ring and concrete picnic tables. Lower numbered sites are older with newer sites being those in the 100s. The newer sites are more level and have concrete pads instead of asphalt pavement. However, the views aren’t nearly as nice. Site 16 is next to a pier that leads to an island (super cool but everyone can access that, so you’d lose privacy). Many sites have decks, but that really sacrifices “yard space” if that’s an important factor for you. Some sites we were interested in for our next visit included 71 and 84, but we really loved site 67 and would give it another go for a future visit.

    Camp Shelby is nearby, so you’ll hear various noises from that (not overly distracting but I wish I would have known before arriving). There is a splash pad, lake swimming, and several picnic areas near the visitor center that would be awesome for kids and families when the weather is warmer. There are so many species of birds if you enjoy bird watching like we do. We enjoyed watching geese and ducks on Geiger Lake in the morning. There’s also a nature trail that we didn’t get to check out. The views from our camper were beautiful at Paul B, and we would love to visit this campground again soon!

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • M
    Jun. 26, 2023

    Paul B. Johnson State Park Campground

    Nice lake soso park

    Ok so I just tent camped here this past weekend in June. When I got to my campsite there was still trash everywhere. Mainly charcoal coals dumped next to the picnic table loaded with cigarettes. There was no fire ring so you could basically start a fire anywhere which I thought was strange. My neighbors were fine but there are no rules on what people can do. Trucks with boat trails were all over the place and most halfway on the road. I was fine driving around but I couldn’t imagine pulling a trailer through it. No camp store so that was a bummer. The registration office was so old and smelly I didn’t want to be in there. Not that there was much to it. The bathrooms were ok. Not dirty but old and hot. What I did like was the night sky. I saw lots of stars. Riding my bike around. Lots of roads for cruising. If you have a boat air Jets skis you would like this better. It just wasn’t for me.

  • Ron L.
    Jun. 12, 2022

    Paul B. Johnson State Park Campground

    Clean and beautiful camp ground

    I did my first overnight camp to test out my gear and setup on my own. Hwy 49, the main road leading to the State Park is under construction, but I was still able to enter the park without issues. On the day I went you had to use the honor system and paid $17.00 for primitive tent camping. As I rode through the park, I took note of how clean it was and had restrooms sprinkled about along with dumpsters. I explored the primitive area before deciding on a spot. I picked a spot that had a clear view of the lake to take advantage of the wind coming off the lake. I cooked up dinner and collected some wood laying on the ground and made a campfire, in the fire ring that was made by the Boy Scouts, it was marked with their troop number. After the fire died down, I went inside the tent to dose off. I was awoken to some banging noise and men talking. I assumed that they were setting up their camp a few spots from me. They finally calmed down and I went back to sleep. In the morning I tore down camp and packed it up on my bike but before riding off I went to see what the deal was with the banging last night, to find that the men were actually striping wire and left a huge mess. On the way out I spotted a grounds worker and told them about the incident. It must have been a big deal, because I saw 3 Law enforcement vehicles headed that way on the way out of the park.

  • Napunani
    Jun. 10, 2023

    Buccaneer State Park Campground

    BUCCANEER STATE PARK

    This is a review for BUCCANEER STATE PARK Waveland Mississippi where we stay during  January 2023

    Be sure to travel US 90 to Lake Shore Drive to avoid RR track bottom out. 

    Lake Shore Drive deadheads into South Beach Drive.

    PROS 

    Site 109 level 

    Site 109 shady 

    Treasure Cove toilet/shower facility was heated and clean with ample TP 

    Site pedestal grill 

    Park roadways easily navigable 

    Trash dumpster at campground loop entrance, which was walkable 

    T-MOBILE 2-3 bars 

    CONS 

    Never saw park ranger drive thru campground in 3 days 

    Never found a camp host nor were there any marked in campground map

    LOTS of noise! Railroad Avenue runs right behind Treasure Cove campground which is heavily traveled Railroad track behind park has 2-3 trains passing by each night 

    No privacy from neighboring campsites 

    Non moveable concrete & wooden picnic table on concrete slab 

    Leash rules ignored by pet owners 

    No overnight security gate closure 

    Park laundromat had machines out of service 

    No park WiFi

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 27, 2018

    Davis Bayou Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

    Quaint and Beautiful

    It was great to visit this hidden gem again and I was pleasantly surprised at what great shape it was in following Hurricane Irma and other tropical storms last year. We visited in late November/early December so the bugs weren't too bad at all. We did experience an incredible line of thunderstorms but managed to get some exploring in before the weather moved in.

    There are only a few sites here and they are quite small, perfect for small RVs, tents or sleeping in your car. Large oaks and other vegetation provide ample shade for the cooler fall months. Our two four legged fellas enjoyed the flat open grass/dirt area around the campsite and were able to be on their leads without wandering too far in to the thick brush on the edge of the site.

    There's a small picnic table that can be moved quite easily as well as well maintained fire rings at each site. There is fresh water available and electric hookups at each site. The bathrooms are clean, as are the showers. The ranger at the entrance station was friendly and chatty. From the campground you can walk along the road (back toward the Visitor's Center) a ways and the duck into the woods or jump on the boardwalk. Keep your eyes peeled, there are some impressive alligators hanging around.

  • K
    Sep. 22, 2018

    Airey Lake Recreation Area

    I love Airey Lake!

    I have been here many times. This campground is a stop halfway through the Tuxachanie trail. It is a quaint park with 4 designated campsites with tables and fire rings. However, it is very common to see tents all around the lake and other spots including secluded spots that are permissible. The campground is free of charge with no showers and a water pump by the one stall bathroom.

  • M
    May. 17, 2020

    Davis Bayou Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

    Hidden Gem

    One of south Mississippi's best kept secrets. This is 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. (No worries, they're not near the campsites). The campground itself has 50 reservable sites, all with 30/50 amp electric and water. Fire rings and picnic tables are at each site also. Most are well shaded and far enough apart to be comfortable. Terrific bath house and convenient dump station. Ranger programs are offered through the visitors center which is a must see. The 20 minute video about the park's history and importance is well worth your time. Make sure to save time to tour the downtown area of Ocean Springs. It's one of the USA's top rated seaside communities.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2021

    Lakeview RV Resort

    Standard RV Parking Lot w/ [Of Course] Lake View!

    Despite the appearance of an unglorified RV parking lot with basically zero privacy and not much space in between the individual RV’s, this spot is a decent stopover if you need to pull your mobile living room over for a short spell. Lakeview RV Resort has more than 100 individual parking lanes for residents and I found the community to be inviting and friendly  there’s even some social gatherings poolside (very nice feature) each night around sundown. 

    Of course, the gem of this place is the 16 acre lake, which I was able to get my kayak into for a few quick handful of laps early in the morning. If you’re driving an RV or hauling a camper behind your SUV, then this concrete camping parking lot just off of Highway 15 (due north of Interstate 10) near Saucier may just be the perfect spot for you. But if you’re a diehard tent camper like I am, you’ll be out of luck. 

    With ample slanted and elongated parking lanes for your parking pleasure, all of the sites come equipped with the typical 30 / 50 amp electrical hook-ups, waste disposal and water connections, picnic tables, garbage receptacles and even a community BBQ. Additionally, they’ve got a small boat launch, cement / asphalt pads, internet, laundr-O-mat, pavilion for large group events and propane for sale. The restrooms were pretty decent (but could use a serious power spraying).  You’ll discover that both RV’s as well as even a handful of cabins / cottages comingle here, but basically, this is a site designed for and around RV’s.

    Insider’s Tip? Near this RV parking lot, you do have access to all of the nightlife and entertainment you would expect to find in nearby Biloxi, and of course, there’s the world-famous Gulf Shores beachheads that are just a short drive to. I’m a diehard foodie, so after a few days of cooking campside, I like to head into town for a nice local meal. There’s 2 great places I could recommend, right off RT. 10, due south of Lakeview RV Resort– either Puff Belly’s Brewery, Pizza& Grill(great live review here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b55Vs2hnJk4&t=7s) or Fried Green Tomato, which lives up to its reputation as the Best Fried Green Tomatoes in the South(https://www.tasteofthesouthmagazine.com/souths-best-fried-green-tomatoes/). 

    Overall, for the price, convenience and location, Lakeview RV Resort isn’t a bad spot for a night to take a break. 

    Happy Camping!

Guide to Saucier

Tent camping near Saucier, Mississippi centers around De Soto National Forest with over 518,000 acres of pine forest across southern Mississippi. Campers can expect high humidity during summer months with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, while winter nights frequently drop into the 40s. The sandy soil throughout the region creates well-draining campsites but can make tent staking challenging in certain areas.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: The lakes and creeks throughout the area offer multiple fishing spots. At Airey Lake Recreation Area, anglers can fish directly from shore. One visitor noted, "The lake offers fishing opportunities and night sky viewing away from light pollution."

Hiking trails: The Tuxachanie Trail passes through multiple camping areas. Katherine H. from Airey Lake explained, "This campground is a stop halfway through the Tuxachanie trail. It is a quaint park with 4 designated campsites with tables and fire rings."

Paddling excursions: Black Creek provides excellent canoeing and kayaking routes. Donald L. described Janice Landing as "a landing point for float trips" with a boat launch that "gets pretty busy" on warm weather weekends.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing between camping spots in this region. At Airey Lake Recreation Area, Daniel S. described it as "Pet friendly and quiet. The 2nd night we were there met an awesome group of hikers that where on a multi day hike."

Night sky viewing: The distance from urban centers creates excellent stargazing conditions. Donna S. shared about Airey Lake: "Love to go do nighttime photography here as it is away from towns and the skies are pretty dark... The lake gives a beautiful reflection of the night sky."

Budget-friendly options: Many primitive sites in the area are free or low-cost. Gregory H. called Airey Lake "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."

What you should know

Seasonal closure risks: Several campgrounds experience occasional closures. Richard C. reported about Airey Lake: "It's closed, most are. This one says due to hurricane damage and public safety. They can't get around to fixing it but sure can show up to tell you to leave."

Limited facilities: Most primitive sites have minimal amenities. Chris R. warned about Janice Landing: "Water on site but not sure I would drink it as there was a lot of sediment. Make sure you have what you need as services are limited. No cell coverage."

Crowds on weekends: Popular spots fill quickly during peak times. Gregory H. noted about Airey Lake: "Gets really crowded during weekends but if you get there early, you can find a secluded spot."

Tips for camping with families

Choose sites with amenities: For families with young children, consider campgrounds with more facilities. At Shepard State Park Campground, Yesenia shared: "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. My toddler had a very easy time walking around which was a huge plus!"

Pack extra supplies: Basic necessities may not be available at primitive sites. Kimsey C. advised about Airey Lake: "The bathroom was a single toilet and sink. While relatively clean, this is definitely a bring your own TP bathroom."

Check for activities: Look for campgrounds with built-in recreation options. Simon C. mentioned that Shepard State Park offers "a disc golf course, an archery range, and a large multi-use field as well as a small boat launch."

Tips from RVers

Limited hookup options: Most primitive campgrounds near Saucier don't accommodate larger RVs. Doug M. described Shepard State Park: "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."

Alternative locations: For RVers needing more amenities, consider traveling slightly farther. Bianca B. recommends: "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."

Road conditions: Access roads to some primitive sites may be challenging. Rene noted about Shepard State Park: "The roads are gravel, sites are level, electric is strong and reliable. There is 1 dump station on at the entrance, and 1 large dumpster."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Saucier, MS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Saucier, MS is Airey Lake Recreation Area with a 4.1-star rating from 9 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Saucier, MS?

TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Saucier, MS, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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