Gulf Islands National Seashore - Camping

Camping

Two developed campgrounds are located in the National Seashore. Primitive camping is also permitted in designated areas. Campground fees are posted at the "Fees and Reservations" website.

In Florida, the Fort Pickens Campground is a developed campground providing water and electrical hookups for recreational vehicles and tents. Roads are paved throughout the campground, as well as each campsite. The environment is characterized by sand scrub oaks, small brackish ponds, and a remnant pine forest on a barrier island between Pensacola Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Central restrooms and showers are available. A campground store reopened in late 2010 (after being closed following storm impacts from Hurricanes Ivan and Dennis in 2004 and 2005, respectively). There are no sewer hookups at the campsites, however a dump station is available. Reservations can be made through the "ReserveAmerica" website from March through October. From November through February, sites are available on a first come/first serve basis. The campground is located approximately 1.5 miles (2 km) from Fort Pickens itself.

In Mississippi, the Davis Bayou Campground is a developed campground providing water and electrical hookups for recreational vehicles and tents. Roads are paved throughout the campground, as well as each campsite. The environment is characterized by an oak and pine forest adjacent to a brackish bayou connected to Mississippi Sound. Central restrooms and showers are available. There are no sewer hookups at the campsites, however a dump station is available. Campsites are available only on a first come/first serve basis. The campground is located at the end of roadway leading through the Davis Bayou Area.

Primitive camping is permitted on several of the barrier islands. Boating or hiking in is required. Such camping is allowed on Perdido Key, Florida (east of Johnson Beach), and on government-owned properties on Petit Bois, Horn, East Ship, and Cat Islands in Mississippi. With several islands in Mississippi designated as "wilderness areas", an unusual opportunity exists along the northern Gulf Coast for a wilderness experience.