Davis Bayou Campground

GUIS Visitor Center, 3500 Park Road
Ocean Springs, MS 39564

Overview

Davis Bayou Campground is located east of downtown Ocean Springs, Mississippi, and is a part of Gulf Islands National Seashore. Visitors enjoy the campground for its easy access to boating, fishing, biking and hiking trails.

Recreation

Davis Bayou offers a wide range of year‑round recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages. Popular activities include fishing, boating, biking, birdwatching, picnicking, and attending ranger‑led programs. The area’s natural setting provides excellent opportunities to explore coastal habitats and view local wildlife.

Visitors can enjoy hiking along the Davis Bayou Trail, which winds through a coastal forest and crosses two local bayous. Along the trail, there are chances to spot alligators and other reptiles in their natural environment.

The Davis Bayou Campground is conveniently located approximately half a mile from the park’s boat launch, making it ideal for paddlers and boaters. Campers also have easy access to the scenic Davis Bayou Trail. For those interested in fishing, a pier located near the William M. Colmer Visitor Center is available for use by anyone holding a valid Mississippi State Saltwater Fishing License.

Facilities

This small, yet quaint, campground is open for reservations year-round. It contains 52 sites with electric and water hookups. Sites can accommodate tents and RVs, big or small. The majority of the sites are 40+ feet in length.

A group site, with water hookup, is also available to parties with a minimum of 10 individuals and a maximum of 40.

Amenities include flush toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station.

Natural Features

The campground is nestled among live oaks and pine trees and is adjacent to a saltwater marsh. Most campsites offer some shade throughout the day and all offer a tranquil setting for migratory bird watching and picnicking.

Nearby Attractions

Davis Bayou is home to many of the park's highly visited barrier islands, such as Horn, Petit Bois, East Ship and West Ship islands. Private boaters may enjoy fishing and swimming, as well as beach combing and bird watching. Private boaters may also enjoy island camping on all islands except West Ship Island, which is only open to visitors from sunrise to sunset. The barrier islands are accessible by boat only, therefore you may visit with your own boat or by private charter. Visitors may call 228-875-9057, ext. 114, for a list of park-approved licensed boat operators. Ferries run to West Ship Island from Gulfport, MS during the months March through October. For more information about the ferry service, please call Ship Island Excursions at 228-864-1014.

Camp site features

Across 50 camp sites:

Electric hookups: 49 of 50 sites
Water hookups: all 50 sites
Fire pit: 1 of 50 sites
Picnic table: all 50 sites
Pets allowed: 49 of 50 sites
ADA accessible: 2 of 50 sites
Group sites: 1 of 50 sites
Longest RV: 58 ft
Largest party: 40 people
Power up to 50 amps
Equipment: FIFTH WHEEL, POP UP, RV, Tent, Trailer, VEHICLE

Directions

NORMAL DIRECTIONS From New Orleans, Slidell, Diamondhead or other points west on I-10: Travel east to Exit 50 MS 609/Ocean Springs. Keep right (South) on Washington Ave. toward Ocean Springs. In 2.5 miles turn left at the Red Light onto Bienville Blvd/Hwy 90 east. Turn right on Park Road entering Gulf Islands National Seashore Parkway. Follow signs to Davis Bayou Campground and Registration Office. From Pensacola or Mobile, or other points east on I-10: Travel west to Exit 57, Gautier/Ocean Springs. Turn left (South) onto MS Hwy 57. Travel 1/2 mile and take a right at the red light (Hwy 90). Look for brown sign on right, Park road on left. Stay straight to enter Gulf Islands National Seashore, Davis Bayou. Follow signs to Davis Bayou Campground and Registration Office.

Stay Limit

Check in from 1 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

1,909 reviews

5 stars

1,242

4 stars

464

3 stars

116

2 stars

1 stars

David G

Loop:Davis Bayou Campground

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Reviewed 8 days ago

Beautiful campground, well maintained.

Roy C

Loop:Davis Bayou Campground

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Reviewed 9 days ago

Very nice campground! Clean and everything was great! Park rangers were never too far away and they were very helpful! Recommend this place for a nice getaway and very close to downtown Ocean Springs

James S

Loop:Davis Bayou Campground

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Reviewed 10 days ago

Always clean and well maintained. Great staff!

Gene A

Loop:Davis Bayou Campground

Site:

Reviewed 10 days ago

You will not be disappointed with this campground. The staff are very friendly and helpful. Ocean Springs offers about anything you could want. The Saturday market is great.

GLENN O

Loop:Davis Bayou Campground

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Reviewed 10 days ago

A wonderful campground, great staff welcoming campground hosts looking forward to coming back again

Stefanie S

Loop:Davis Bayou Campground

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Reviewed 10 days ago

Peaceful, Beautiful, and Absolutely Worth a Visit! Whether you’re walking, riding your bike, or simply soaking in the stunning surroundings, there’s so much to enjoy. The wildlife is abundant, and the natural beauty is simply incredible! The staff is friendly and helpful, and the campground itself is quiet, serene, and easy to navigate. The sites seem level, and ours certainly was! The bathrooms and showers are decent, too. We truly enjoyed our stay. If you love nature, beautiful scenery, and a little peace and quiet, this campground is a wonderful place to experience!

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve

Popularity: Very quiet

Busiest in November, when about 6% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 4 years of reservations.