Camping, trails, maps & photo credits — Gulf Islands National Seashore
Millions of visitors are drawn to the Gulf of America for Gulf Islands National Seashore's emerald coast waters, magnificent white beaches, fertile marshes and historical landscapes. Come explore with us today!
Camping & reservations
The booking button opens the official provider or park-specific camping instructions published by the NPS. Select the named campground and verify its dates, access and site rules.
Davis Bayou Campground ↗
Gulf Islands National Seashore's Davis Bayou Campground offers tent and recreational vehicle camping experiences in a wooded area next to Davis Bayou in Mississippi. Campground office hours are 8 am to 4 pm daily.
Reservations: All reservations for the Davis Bayou Campground must be made by visiting www.recreation.gov or call the reservation hotline.
Reservations / current camping instructions ↗
RV / truck camping: Several sites have height, length, and slide restrictions, please consult the recreation.gov listing for details. Confirm the exact site and current approach.
Approach: Paved Roads - All vehicles OK.
Fires: In developed campgrounds fires may be built in permanent grills (charcoal only) or fire rings at designated sites. Exception: Portable grills may be used at designated campsites by registered campers. Portable grills are not allowed on the beaches unless in an area where authorized beach fires are allowed.
Site rules: Front country camping is allowed by persons who have made a valid reservation for an individual campsite at the Davis Bayou Campground. Campers must obey all laws, regulations, and policy, particularly those listed in the Superintendent's Compendium Section 2.10.
Fort Pickens Campground ↗
The Fort Pickens Campground is one of the top ten busiest campgrounds in all of the 430+ national parks and sites. Available all year round it provides access to white sandy beaches and trails, including the Florida National Scenic Trail. The campground office is located in a historic white building located halfway down Fort Pickens Areas on Fort Pickens Road. Office hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Checkout by 11 a.m. Check-in begins at 2 p.m.
Reservations: All reservations must be made by visiting www.recreation.gov or call the reservation hotline 1-877-444-6777.
Reservations / current camping instructions ↗
RV / truck camping: Most sites have height, length, and slide restrictions, please consult the recreation.gov listing for details. NPS lists an RV maximum of 42 feet. Confirm the exact site and current approach.
Approach: Paved Roads - All vehicles OK.
Fires: In developed campgrounds fires may be built in permanent grills (charcoal only) or fire rings at designated sites. Portable grills may be used at designated campsites by registered campers. Portable grills are not allowed on the beaches unless in an area where authorized beach fires are allowed.
Site rules: Front country camping is allowed by persons who have made a valid reservation for an individual campsite at the Fort Pickens Campground. Campers must obey all laws, regulations, and policy, particularly those listed in the Superintendent's Compendium Section 2.10.
Davis Bayou Group Campground ↗
The area is available with a permit for a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 40 occupants. Persons camping in the group area are limited to the restroom facilities located at pavilion #5. Parking is limited.
Fort Pickens Group Campground ↗
Group site is available with a permit for a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 40 occupants. Campground limited to soft-side on-the-ground tents only. Group area does not allow generators, trailers, pickup campers, RVs or any type of camping equipment. Persons camping in the group area are limited to the facilities (showers and restrooms) in the group area only. Entrance fee still applies.
Truck-camping & permitted overnight use
NPS lists RV access at Davis Bayou Campground. Several sites have height, length, and slide restrictions, please consult the recreation.gov listing for details.
Backcountry camping and vehicle camping require park-specific authorization; National Park Service land is not generally open to unrestricted roadside camping. Confirm designated sites, permits and food-storage rules with this unit.
Activities, hiking & trails
Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Hiking, Front-Country Hiking. Official activities and trail-planning information ↗
NPS-listed recreation: Biking, Mountain Biking, Road Biking, Boating, Motorized Boating, Jet Skiing, Boat Tour, Camping, Backcountry Camping, Canoe or Kayak Camping, Car or Front Country Camping, Group Camping, RV Camping, Fishing, Freshwater Fishing, Saltwater Fishing, Food, Picnicking, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Self-Guided Tours - Auto, Boat Tour, Hands-On, Citizen Science, Hiking, Front-Country Hiking, Horse Trekking, Horseback Riding, Hunting and Gathering, Hunting, Living History, Paddling, Canoeing, Kayaking, SCUBA Diving, Snorkeling, Swimming, Saltwater Swimming, Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching, Museum Exhibits, Shopping, Bookstore and Park Store, Gift Shop and Souvenirs.
Maps & road access
Use the official NPS directions and current alerts. Check vehicle restrictions and campground approach roads before traveling.
Gulf Islands National Seashore is a place of myriad riches - blue-green, sparkling waters, magnificent white beaches, and fertile coastal marshes. Its 13 areas include historic forts, shaded picnic areas, trails, and campgrounds. From Cat Island, Mississippi, it stretches eastward 160 miles tot he Okaloosa Area east of For Walton Beach, Florida. Official directions / site access ↗
Before you travel
Weather along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico can change quickly. During the winter temperatures range from 30-60 degrees fahrenheit, rain is less common than other seasons. Snow and freezing temperatures are not common. During the summer temperatures range from 70-100+ degrees fahrenheit. Rain is common during the summer with many thunderstorms. Hurricanes impact the area during the tropical storm season between June and November. Tornadoes can impact the area during the Spring and Fall.
Source review: 2026-11-01. Conditions, fees, permits and availability can change. National Park Service official information ↗
Photograph sources & licensing
Banner: Santa Rosa Area
The Santa Rosa Area is the stech of beach between Navarre and Pensacola Beach. There is a fee area called Opal Beach.
Credit: NPS/Doggrell. Original source ↗ · Public domain — NPS-created federal work ↗. Resized and cropped to match the profile display framing; original image source linked.
Second large photograph: Fort Massachusetts
Fort Massachusetts sits on Ship Island in the Gulf off Mississippi.
Credit: NPS/Bernstiel. Original source ↗ · Public domain — NPS-created federal work ↗. Resized and cropped to match the profile display framing; original image source linked.
Photographs are real images of the named unit; no AI-generated photographs are used. Federal photo credit register.