Home to beaches, barrier islands, and rich ecosystems, Gulfport is surrounded by fantastic camping.
If clean water, abundant marine life and accessible beaches are enticing, then Gulfport should be high on your list for coastal camping destinations in the South. As the second largest city in Mississippi, Gulfport shoulders the wild Gulf Coast, where near-shore and offshore fishing are excellent and boating is the perfect way to get outside. Even better, the barrier islands absorb a large portion of the heavy ocean currents, creating calm waters ideal for swimming and paddling between the islands and coastline at Gulfport Beach, which connects Long Beach and Biloxi. Around Gulfport, there’s no shortage of tent camping, RV parks, and big-rig-friendly camping, some with water-adjacent pull-through sites.
A 40-minute drive east of Gulfport, this area of Gulf Islands National Seashore offers camping opportunities and access to the gorgeous Mississippi Gulf Coast. Campers can set up their tent near the bayou and spend time hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the barrier islands. White sand stretches for miles on this seashore—look out for picnic tables, water, and restrooms at various access points. Some of the nicest beaches in the United States are located in this southern region.
About 45 minutes north on Interstate 49, De Soto National Forest offers a vast expanse of outdoor recreation. Go fishing in its lakes and streams, then enjoy camping in one of the designated campgrounds (the first-come, first-served Big Biloxi is among the most popular with RV sites, hot showers, full hookups, and dump stations). The forest’s scenic Tuxachanie Hiking Trail is a popular spot for taking in all the area has to offer.
This popular coastal destination sits 20 miles west of Gulfport, offering camping and outdoor activities like fishing, beach swimming, and picnicking—plus a massive disc golf course and full waterpark play. Buccaneer State Park is a hot spot for campers looking to hit the water and stay at one of hundreds of campsites at Buccaneer Campground with access to laundry facilities, bathhouses, and concrete pads for some RV sites
Shepard State Park is another excellent spot for camping adventures. The park features campsites, hiking trails, a dog park, and even an archery range.
Gulfport (and Mississippi in general) has a hot, humid summer climate. The waterfront can help cool things down, but campers typically prefer fall and winter for the pleasant temperatures. October through March are the optimal months for a camping trip near Gulfport, although hurricane season can run from June to November. Keep an eye on the weather systems while visiting or choose the safest months of December through April. Although October can fall within hurricane season, it also offers some of the best opportunities for perfect beach and boating weather, pending the year.