Bird's eye view of the park

Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park

Bird's eye view of the campground

Loop 1

Loop 2

Loop 3

Loop 4

Pavilions

Big Lagoon State Park

Perdido Key State Park

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!

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!

## 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.

<h2>Overview</h2>
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.<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>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. <br><br>A group site, with water hookup, is also available to parties with a minimum of 10 individuals and a maximum of 40. </p>

<p>Amenities include flush toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station. <br></p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
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.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
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.

Main Road

Live Oaks Bike Trail Bike repair stations close to start of trail that starts inside the park.

Bike repair station

Right side turn around

Campground Registration Office at entrance to campground

Office

Fishing on the bayou is one of the many things to do in the park and very close to the campground.

Fishing

After turn around

We have lots of wildlife and animals around the campground and in the park to see. Raccoons, turtles, pelicans, and alligators are just a few.

Wildlife around campground

Tent camping available on any site in the campground

Tent Camping

Campground showers

Dump Station

Campground looking from left side of office to the center.

Left side by office

Bathrooms in the front and showers in the back of building

Bathrooms

Oak tree at turn

campground fire pit

look back at turn

Davis Bayou Campground

***Lawn Mowing Season at Davis Bayou*** Lawn mowing will take place every
other Wednesday depending on weather conditions. Please keep lawn decor to a
minimum on those days.

Davis Bayou has installed keyless entry pads on all shower doors at the
bathhouse. You will need to know the gate code to gain entrance to the
showers. The gate code is in your confirmation emails, so please read them
carefully. Please make sure that you fully close the door once you leave the
shower area.

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.

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.

Two people walk in the campground

Davis Bayou Group Campground

## Overview

Fort Pickens Campground is situated on Santa Rosa Island, a part of the Gulf
Islands National Seashore south of Pensacola and Gulf Breeze, Florida.
Visitors are drawn to the Gulf Islands National Seashore's emerald coast
waters, magnificent white beaches, fertile marshes and historical landscapes.
Come explore with us today!

Each camp site offers a fire pit, picnic table, and a paved pad to park on.
There are heated showers and flush toilets. We offer electric and non-electric
sites. Many of our sites have restrictions from low limbs or bushes so be sure
you will fit.

**Limited overflow parking is available but not guaranteed. Choose a site that
will accommodate all of your equipment.**

**You must be 18 yrs old to reserve a campsite.**

**Campers may not stay in the campground more than 14 consecutive days. This
policy is strictly enforced.**

**Entrance fees are required for the Fort Pickens area and are good for seven
consecutive days from purchase.**

**Pets are NOT allowed on ferries, piers, in forts, batteries, pavilions, or
inside any of the facilities.**

**Cancellation fees and Modification fees are non-refundable.**

**Pets are not allowed on any beach within Gulf Islands National Seashore.**

**Cutting of trees, limbs, or branches will result in a fine and a non-
refundable cancelation of all reservations.**

**A fire may be ignited and maintained only by using fuel sources designed and
commonly used for warmth or the preparation of food, such as charcoal
briquettes or natural firewood. Lighting or maintaining a fire with other
materials including, but not limited to, flammable liquids, garbage,
fireworks, plastics, aerosol canisters, batteries, or other manufactured or
synthetic materials, is prohibited.**

## Recreation

Many visitors young and old come to Fort Pickens to enjoy its scenic location
on the beach. The white sands of Gulf Islands National Seashore are the
perfect place for a long walk or an afternoon on the beach. The warm ocean
waters are great for swimming and snorkeling. You will find a fishing pier
just a short distance from Fort Pickens and can be used by visitors without a
Florida fishing license. Hiking trails provide beautiful views and hours of
exploration. Historic Fort Pickens, a pentagonal fort built to defend
Pensacola Bay in 1834, is just 1 mile from the campground. The structure was
fortified after the War of 1812 and was one of four forts in the South never
occupied by Confederates during the Civil War.

Pets are not allowed on the beach, ferries, piers, in forts, batteries,
pavilions, or inside any of the facilities.

## Facilities

This campground is open for reservations year-round. It contains 137 family
sites with electricity (20, 30 & 50 amp) and water hookups, as well as 40 non-
electric tent sites, one non-electric tent only group site with water hookup
is also available. Fort Pickens also has 6 wheelchair accessible sites with
electricity and 2 wheelchair accessible sites without electricity. Amenities
include flush toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station. There are
no boat ramps in the Fort Pickens area. All Fort Pickens campsites are
available for reservations up to 6 months in advance. Fort Pickens does not
have a wait list. You can set up alerts with your rec.gov account to be
notified when a site opens.

## Natural Features

The campground is located on a barrier island between the Gulf of America and
Pensacola Bay. Groves of live oak trees are scattered across the island,
providing shelter for resident and migrating bird populations, as well as
shade for park visitors. The Gulf Islands National Seashore is home to
sparkling blue waters, white beaches and coastal marshes. However, more than
80% of the national park is underwater, as it's a vital protective habitat to
marine life.

Pets are NOT allowed on beaches, ferries, piers, in forts, batteries,
pavilions, or inside any of the facilities.

## Nearby Attractions

The campground is a short distance from restaurants and beach nightlife,
downtown Pensacola, the Pensacola Naval Air Station and Naval Aviation Museum,
the Pensacola Lighthouse and other historic sites. Campsites are within 1/4
mile of the beaches.

## Charges & Cancellations

**Cancellation and modification fees are non-refundable.**

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Fort Pickens Campground is situated on Santa Rosa Island, a part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore south of Pensacola and Gulf Breeze, Florida. Visitors are drawn to the Gulf Islands National Seashore's emerald coast waters, magnificent white beaches, fertile marshes and historical landscapes. Come explore with us today! </p><p>Each camp site offers a fire pit, picnic table, and a paved pad to park on. There are heated showers and flush toilets. We offer electric and non-electric sites. Many of our sites have restrictions from low limbs or bushes so be sure you will fit. </p><p><strong>Limited overflow parking is available but not guaranteed. Choose a site that will accommodate all of your equipment. </strong></p><p><strong>You must be 18 yrs old to reserve a campsite.</strong></p><p><strong>Campers may not stay in the campground more than 14 consecutive days. This policy is strictly enforced.</strong></p><p><strong>Entrance fees are required for the Fort Pickens area and are good for seven consecutive days from purchase. </strong></p><p><strong>Pets are NOT allowed on ferries, piers, in forts, batteries, pavilions, or inside any of the facilities. </strong></p><p><strong>Cancellation fees and Modification fees are non-refundable.</strong></p><p><strong>Pets are not allowed on any beach within Gulf Islands National Seashore.</strong></p><p><strong>Cutting of trees, limbs, or branches will result in a fine and a non-refundable cancelation of all reservations.</strong></p><p><strong>A fire may be ignited and maintained only by using fuel sources designed and commonly used for warmth or the preparation of food, such as charcoal briquettes or natural firewood. Lighting or maintaining a fire with other materials including, but not limited to, flammable liquids, garbage, fireworks, plastics, aerosol canisters, batteries, or other manufactured or synthetic materials, is prohibited.</strong></p><p></p><h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Many visitors young and old come to Fort Pickens to enjoy its scenic location on the beach. The white sands of Gulf Islands National Seashore are the perfect place for a long walk or an afternoon on the beach. The warm ocean waters are great for swimming and snorkeling. You will find a fishing pier just a short distance from Fort Pickens and can be used by visitors without a Florida fishing license. Hiking trails provide beautiful views and hours of exploration. Historic Fort Pickens, a pentagonal fort built to defend Pensacola Bay in 1834, is just 1 mile from the campground. The structure was fortified after the War of 1812 and was one of four forts in the South never occupied by Confederates during the Civil War.</p><p>Pets are not allowed on the beach, ferries, piers, in forts, batteries, pavilions, or inside any of the facilities. </p><h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>This campground is open for reservations year-round. It contains 137 family sites with electricity (20, 30 & 50 amp) and water hookups, as well as 40 non-electric tent sites, one non-electric tent only group site with water hookup is also available. Fort Pickens also has 6 wheelchair accessible sites with electricity and 2 wheelchair accessible sites without electricity. Amenities include flush toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station. There are no boat ramps in the Fort Pickens area. All Fort Pickens campsites are available for reservations up to 6 months in advance.   Fort Pickens does not have a wait list. You can set up alerts with your rec.gov account to be notified when a site opens. </p><p></p><h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>The campground is located on a barrier island between the Gulf of America and Pensacola Bay. Groves of live oak trees are scattered across the island, providing shelter for resident and migrating bird populations, as well as shade for park visitors. The Gulf Islands National Seashore is home to sparkling blue waters, white beaches and coastal marshes. However, more than 80% of the national park is underwater, as it's a vital protective habitat to marine life.</p><p>Pets are NOT allowed on beaches, ferries, piers, in forts, batteries, pavilions, or inside any of the facilities. </p>
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>The campground is a short distance from restaurants and beach nightlife, downtown Pensacola, the Pensacola Naval Air Station and Naval Aviation Museum, the Pensacola Lighthouse and other historic sites. Campsites are within 1/4 mile of the beaches.  </p><h2>Charges & Cancellations</h2>
<p><strong>Cancellation and modification fees are non-refundable.</strong></p>

**Cancellation and modification fees are non-refundable.**

Fort Pickens Campground

View Westward Along Langdon Beach

E Looop

Prashant's CG pic

Just one of the many indigenous species you might run across during your visit to Fort Pickens Campground

Armadillo Visiting Fort Pickens Campground

FORT PICKENS CAMPGROUND

Navarre

Sunset over the Gulf of America

Fort Pickens Campground E Loop

Gulf Islands National Seashore

Fort Pickens Crab

Langdon Beach

FORT PICKENS

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.

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.

Fort Pickens Group Campground

This area is available reservation throughout the year with a permit for
organized youth groups comprised primarily of young people under the age of
18. This group camping area is located near Gulf Breeze, Florida and has
direct access to Pensacola Bay for water recreation. The campsite features
restrooms, outdoor showers, a picnic shelter, and a campfire ring. The Naval
Live Oaks Area has over 7.5 miles of trails for campers to explore. To make a
reservation email guis_special_use_permits@nps.gov.

This area is available reservation throughout the year with a permit for organized youth groups comprised primarily of young people under the age of 18. This group camping area is located near Gulf Breeze, Florida and has direct access to Pensacola Bay for water recreation.

The campsite features restrooms, outdoor showers, a picnic shelter, and a campfire ring. The Naval Live Oaks Area has over 7.5 miles of trails for campers to explore. To make a reservation email guis_special_use_permits@nps.gov.

Wooden benches surround the campfire ring a the Naval Live Oaks Youth Campground.

Campfire Ring

The youth campground has flush toilet restrooms and outdoor showers.

Restrooms and Outdoor Showers

The youth campground features a large picnic pavilion, perfect for gathering the whole group beneath for meals or activities.

Pavilion

The youth campground is right on the bay.

What a View!

Naval Live Oaks Youth Group Camping

A National Park Service ferry navigates the Pensacola Bay to Fort Pickens.

Pensacola Bay City Ferry in Florida

Fort Barrancas and Spanish Water Battery sit on Naval Air Station Pensacola.

Fort Barrancas and Spanish Water Battery

Fort Massachusetts sits on Ship Island in the Gulf off Mississippi.

Fort Massachusetts

The maritime forest sits on the Santa Rosa Sound in the Naval Live Oaks Area, fee free area in Gulf Breeze, Florida.

Naval Live Oaks Area

Davis Bayou is a fee free area in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Home to beautiful nature area.

Davis Bayou

Perdido Key Area is a fee area featuring 7 crossovers, 2 pavilions, and 4 parking lots on the Gulf and Sound.

Perdido Key Area

The Santa Rosa Area is the stech of beach between Navarre and Pensacola Beach. There is a fee area called Opal Beach.

Santa Rosa Area

Fort Pickens is the most visited site in the Florida District.

Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Big Lagoon State Park

Perdido Key State Park

Gulf Islands National Seashore