Gulf Islands National Seashore Davis Bayou
A serene coastal escape in Mississippi, offering shaded camping, bayou exploration, and easy access to charming Ocean Springs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Pleasant weather for outdoor activities.
Gulf Islands National Seashore Davis Bayou
Best Time
Pleasant weather for outdoor activities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene coastal escape in Mississippi, offering shaded camping, bayou exploration, and easy access to charming Ocean Springs.
"This campground has everything you need and is located just outside the cute coastal town of Ocean Springs! 
🚗 Bike to Downtown!
Electric bikes are allowed! Cycle to Ocean Springs for shopping & dining. :electric_plug:
🐊 Gator Spotting
Summertime means higher water, making gator viewing easier. Be cautious! :alligator:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Davis Bayou Campground
Campground
Shaded RV and tent sites with amenities, perfect for a relaxing stay near Ocean Springs.
Kayaking the Bayou
Davis Bayou
Paddle through serene marshes, spot wildlife, and enjoy the coastal Mississippi scenery.
Hiking Trails
Various trails within the park
Explore oak and pine shaded paths, offering opportunities for bird watching and nature observation.
Ocean Springs Charm
Ocean Springs, MS
A short bike ride or drive away, discover charming shops, galleries, and delicious local cuisine.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Campsite Early
Embrace the Outdoors
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Bike to Downtown!
Electric bikes are allowed! Cycle to Ocean Springs for shopping & dining. :electric_plug:
🐊 Gator Spotting
Summertime means higher water, making gator viewing easier. Be cautious!
🏕️ Site Selection
Check the map; some RV sites are smaller. Larger rigs might have limited options. :camper:
🎟️ Junior Ranger Program
Kids can earn a badge! A fun way to engage them with the park.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Bike to Downtown!
Electric bikes are allowed! Cycle to Ocean Springs for shopping & dining. :electric_plug:
🐊 Gator Spotting
Summertime means higher water, making gator viewing easier. Be cautious!
🏕️ Site Selection
Check the map; some RV sites are smaller. Larger rigs might have limited options. :camper:
🎟️ Junior Ranger Program
Kids can earn a badge! A fun way to engage them with the park.
🚫 No Golf Carts
Golf carts aren't permitted, but electric bikes are a great alternative. :noentrysign:
🦟 Tick Check
After hiking, check yourself and pets for ticks. :bug:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Davis Bayou for its beautiful natural setting, friendly staff, and convenient location near Ocean Springs. The campground is well-maintained, and the bayou offers great opportunities for kayaking and wildlife viewing. Some find the bathhouses a bit small and RV sites can be limited for larger rigs, but overall, it's a highly recommended spot for a relaxing coastal getaway.
"This is an excellent spot to relax and still be close to many areas including downtown Ocean Springs, Beach areas . We easily pedaled to all
These locations with little effort . Smaller bath house for this size park but it was kept clean and had decent showers . It’s gated after dark and there is little to no vehicle traffic if you pick your spot accordingly . Hosts and rangers were very cordial and present , not sure what the other negative reviewers experienced but this was not our observation . Boat Ramp and canoe kayak launch easy accessible . Wish there was a park store on site for some keepsakes but ohh well ."
Chris Davis
"This was our first time visiting this camp ground. Very impressed. The park rangers were present daily. The camp ground hosts were super nice, very polite and extremely helpful. I have a 41 foot fifth wheel and the sites that can fit my camper are limited but we were taken care of and everyone in the park was super nice. The only downfall of this campground is no golf cart but electric bikes are permitted. We rode our bikes to downtown Ocean Springs because it was close and had a great time shopping and listening to music. We will definitely be visiting this camp ground again."
Anthony Harrell
"It was a beautiful drive into this campground. Our RV site (35) was a little short and it’s not very private but it’s a beautiful area. We have great water pressure and electric service. We left our camper set up and drove into town close to the camper. The homes were beautiful and the neighborhoods were really kept up nice"
Steve Thomson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Davis Bayou is located south of Highway 90, east of downtown Ocean Springs, Mississippi. It's easily accessible by car.
Public transportation options are limited. Driving is the most convenient way to reach the park.
Yes, RVs are welcome, but some sites are limited in size. It's advisable to book larger sites in advance.
From Biloxi, take US-90 W to Ocean Springs. From Mobile, AL, take I-10 W to Exit 69 for MS-57 S towards Ocean Springs, then follow signs for US-90 W.
Yes, there is parking available, especially near the visitor center and trailheads. Campground guests have dedicated parking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an entrance fee for the Davis Bayou Area of Gulf Islands National Seashore. Check the official NPS website for current fees and passes.
The park grounds are generally open year-round, but the Visitor Center has specific operating hours. Campground access is gated after dark.
Yes, Davis Bayou Campground offers RV, tent, and group sites. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak seasons.
America the Beautiful passes are accepted. Check the NPS website for any specific discounts or senior passes.
Reservations can typically be made through Recreation.gov. It's best to book well in advance.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enjoy fishing, hiking, biking, bird watching, picnicking, camping, and kayaking. The bayou is great for paddling.
Yes, there are several hiking trails through oak and pine shaded areas, offering opportunities to see nature.
Swimming is not the primary activity here. The focus is on bayou exploration and coastal marshland. Be aware of wildlife.
Pets are generally allowed in campgrounds and on trails but must be leashed. Always check park regulations.
You might see alligators, various bird species, raccoons, and other coastal wildlife.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants within the park itself. However, Ocean Springs offers many dining options.
Grocery stores are available in nearby Ocean Springs, making it convenient for campers to stock up.
Yes, picnic areas are available, often equipped with grills, perfect for a scenic outdoor meal.
Ocean Springs is known for its seafood and Southern cuisine. Many restaurants offer fresh, local dishes.
Yes, campsites are equipped with grills, and you can prepare your own meals.
📸 📸 Photography
The bayou at sunrise/sunset, the marshlands, and the oak trees draped with Spanish moss offer beautiful photographic opportunities.
Absolutely! Birdwatching and spotting alligators are popular, making it a great location for wildlife photographers.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for landscape and wildlife photography.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be respectful of wildlife and other visitors. Avoid disturbing natural habitats.
Drone usage is restricted in National Parks. Check the official Gulf Islands National Seashore website for current drone regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The calm waters of the bayou are great for supervised kayaking, and the hiking trails provide opportunities for little legs to explore. Being close to Ocean Springs means easy access to family-friendly dining and activities. Consider packing bug spray and checking for ticks after exploring the trails. The campground offers a safe and contained environment for families to relax after a day of discovery.
🚐 RV Travelers
Note that golf carts are not permitted, but electric bikes are a great way to get around the campground and to town.
🎣 Anglers and Paddlers
Remember to check local regulations for fishing licenses and be aware of any boating advisories.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Camping at Davis Bayou
Amenities include restrooms and showers, though some reviews mention smaller bathhouses for the park's size. The campground's proximity to Ocean Springs is a major draw, allowing easy access to town amenities via bike or a short drive. Electric bikes are permitted, making it a convenient way to explore the surrounding area.
Exploring the Bayou and Trails
Visitors can easily launch kayaks and explore the calm waters, often spotting various species of birds and potentially alligators. Beyond the water, a network of hiking trails winds through the park's oak and pine forests. These trails are ideal for leisurely walks, bird watching, and immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Mississippi's coast.
Remember to wear appropriate footwear and be mindful of the environment. After your hikes, it's a good practice to check for ticks. Proximity to Ocean Springs
Ocean Springs boasts a lively downtown area filled with unique boutiques, art galleries, and diverse dining options. Visitors can enjoy exploring the shops, catching live music, and sampling local cuisine, from fresh seafood to Southern comfort food.
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