How much does camping cost at Davis Bayou Campground?

Camping fees at Davis Bayou Campground range from $20-$100/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Davis Bayou Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Davis Bayou Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Davis Bayou Campground before I book?

Yes! Davis Bayou Campground has 20 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Davis Bayou Campground?

Davis Bayou Campground is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Davis Bayou Campground?

Yes, Davis Bayou Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Davis Bayou Campground?

Cell phone service at Davis Bayou Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Davis Bayou Campground have?

Davis Bayou Campground has 52 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Davis Bayou Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Davis Bayou Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Davis Bayou Campground?

Davis Bayou Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Davis Bayou Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Davis Bayou Campground?

Fire policies at Davis Bayou Campground: Gathering of down, dead wood is permitted only in the campground, not along trails or in the forest. Do not bring out-of-state firewood. You may purchase firewood outside the park in Ocean Springs. Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! GRILLS must be on the fire pit or a table you bring, Please DO NOT cook on top of the picnic table.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.35

1.2K reviews

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

Top 1% in MSWinter

Featured in:Spring Camping Mississippi RV Camping Mississippi Group Camping Mississippi

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

49 ft

Price

$20 - $100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

52 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Gulf Islands National Seashore (National Park Service)Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

49 ft

Price

$20 - $100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

52 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Gulf Islands National Seashore (National Park Service)Official Website

Get Directions

Davis Bayou Campground

$20.00 - $100.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Davis Bayou Pavilion: $100.00; GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00; MANAGEMENT: $22.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $22.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation...

Group Site Fee$100.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

228-230-4136

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Davis Bayou Campground

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Campground Map

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

Davis Bayou Campground

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

Nearby places

Ocean Springs - 2.5 miles (approx. 5 minutes drive)

Biloxi - approx. 15 miles (approx. 20 minutes drive)

Gulfport - approx. 20 miles (approx. 30 minutes drive).

Driving directionsFrom 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.

Weather at Davis Bayou Campground

Current alerts(12)

ATTENTION: Delivery of RVs is allowed by companies that have a CUA (Commercial Use Authorization) only . If a company arrives at the entrance gate to deliver an RV without a CUA they will be refused entrance.
All sites permit either two tents or one RV (motorhome/fifth-wheel/pop-up trailer) and one tent. All sites have 50/30 amp breakers and water connections. Each water connection has a backflow built into the faucet.
Automatic gates are now in place at Davis Bayou. The gates will close at sunset; registered campers arriving after sunset need to call 228-230-4136 no later than 4:00 p.m. for the gate code. AS A REMINDER, THE GATE CODE IS IN YOUR CONFIRMATION EMAIL FROM REC. GOV
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.

Best Time to Camp at Davis Bayou Campground

Best season: winter. Winter offers the most comfortable coastal camping at Davis Bayou — mild daytime temperatures generally range from the mid-40s to mid-60s°F, with low humidity and far fewer biting insects. This is prime time for birdwatching (wintering and overwintering species along the Mississippi Flyway) and for peaceful hiking, biking, and shoreline fishing without the summer crowds. Boat launches are accessible and calmer days make for pleasant paddling, while campsites tend to be quieter and easier to book Peak months: January, February, December, March Avoid: August, September

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 1% in MS

Winter is most comfortable, mosquitoes drop and birdwatching peaks per overview.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Davis Bayou Campground

Davis Bayou Campground sits on the Mississippi Sound within Gulf Islands National Seashore, operated by the National Park Service near Ocean Springs. The mid-sized campground offers electric and water hookups for tent and RV campers, plus showers and a dump station. Visitors fish the bayou, hike and bike the trails, and use the site as a base for exploring the Gulf Coast and nearby Ocean Springs.

Davis Bayou Campground is suitable for various camping styles, including tent camping, RV camping, and group camping. The campground's infrastructure supports both small and large setups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: winter. Winter offers the most comfortable coastal camping at Davis Bayou — mild daytime temperatures generally range from the mid-40s to mid-60s°F, with low humidity and far fewer biting insects. This is prime time for birdwatching (wintering and overwintering species along the Mississippi Flyway) and for peaceful hiking, biking, and shoreline fishing without the summer crowds. Boat launches are accessible and calmer days make for pleasant paddling, while campsites tend to be quieter and easier to book Peak months: January, February, December, March Avoid: August, September

Elevation49 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a coastal forest where maritime trees have adapted to salt spray and tidal influence. Live oaks draped in Spanish moss grow alongside towering pines, while adjacent saltwater marshes support herons, fiddler crabs, and seasonal shorebirds. At 49 feet elevation, the terrain is flat and low-lying. The intersection of forest and wetland creates habitat diversity that attracts migratory birds using the Mississippi Flyway. You'll hear wind through the pines and see Spanish moss swaying overhead, though don't expect dramatic views or steep topography.

Programs & ActivitiesRanger-led programs cover topics such as local wildlife and ecosystems, enhancing the educational value of visits. One user recalled attending a program on 'sounds of the park,' which they found informative.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 consecutive nights during busy season (Jan-Mar). Maximum of 28 total nights in two 14-day increments (Apr-Dec), with a mandatory 48-hour absence after each stay.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each standard site accommodates up to 8 occupants.

Groups

The group site accommodates a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 40 individuals. It is equipped with a water hookup.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility features include accessible showers and restroom facilities. Some users mentioned that the campground layout and infrastructure could be more accommodating for larger RVs or individuals with mobility issues due to narrow sites and uneven terrain.

Site SizeMost campsites are 40+ feet in length, accommodating both RVs and tents. However, some users reported difficulty fitting larger RVs and tow vehicles on certain sites.

PrivacySites are described as being relatively close together, which limits privacy. Several users compared the layout to a parking lot, with one stating, 'There’s no privacy or nature feel.

Total Campsites52 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites on the outer loop for more shade and privacy. Avoid sites with significant drop-offs if using large RVs.

Best CampsitesSites in the back loop offer better spacing and more privacy than those up front. Several reviewers specifically recommend requesting back-loop sites if you want more distance from neighbors.

Need help booking Davis Bayou Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Davis Bayou Campground, part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, offers a comprehensive range of amenities designed to accommodate both RV and tent campers. The campground features 52 campsites, all equipped with electric and water hookups. Amenities include flush toilets, showers, potable drinking water, and a dump station. Each campsite is outfitted with picnic tables and fire rings, and the campground is accessible year-round. Campsites are nestled among live oak and pine trees, providing at least some shade throughout the day. Notably, the campground offers access to nearby hiking trails, a fishing pier, and a boat launch. Visitors have commented positively on the cleanliness and maintenance of the facilities, although some have noted issues with the design of showers and occasional maintenance concerns.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Davis Bayou Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, biking, bird-watching, and kayaking. Access to a boat launch and fishing pier further expands opportunities for water-based recreation. Visitors also enjoy ranger-led educational programs, which provide insights into the local ecosystem.

Hiking

Hiking opportunities include the Davis Bayou Trail, which leads visitors through a coastal forest and across bayous. Some trails have been closed due to hurricane damage, but those that remain open are well-maintained. One user wrote, 'Nice hiking trails from the campground area.','fishing':true,'fishing_description':'Fishing is highly popular, with opportunities available at the fishing pier and along the bayou. A Mississippi State Saltwater Fishing License is required. One reviewer highlighted the fishing experience as a memorable aspect of their stay.'

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Cultural and Educational Programs

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Fire PolicyGathering of down, dead wood is permitted only in the campground, not along trails or in the forest. Do not bring out-of-state firewood. You may purchase firewood outside the park in Ocean Springs. Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! GRILLS must be on the fire pit or a table you bring, Please DO NOT cook on top of the picnic table.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are provided, but users must carry trash to a centralized dumpster as there are no trash cans at individual sites.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is generally reliable, with some users reporting 2-3 bars of Verizon LTE and others noting good AT&T broadband performance. Reception strength may vary depending on site location.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

1.2K reviews

Recommended

Davis Bayou Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Davis Bayou Campground are mixed, with positive sentiments highlighting the natural beauty, cleanliness, and friendly staff, while negative reviews often focus on site design and staff demeanor. The campground is described as a peaceful and well-maintained setting, ideal for short stays and outdoor activities.

Review Summaries

Based on 1182 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean facilities, well-maintained grounds, and a quiet environment. Many users appreciated the proximity to local attractions in Ocean Springs and Biloxi.

Based on 1182 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include narrow and uneven campsite pads, strict enforcement of parking rules, and issues with early check-in policies. Some users also reported unfriendly staff and noise from other...

Based on 1182 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews highlight that some sites are more suitable for larger RVs, while others lack space for tents. For instance, Site 11 was described as having no space for a tent.

Based on 1182 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing mosquito repellent due to biting insects. Several users also suggested booking well in advance as the campground is often fully booked.

Based on 1182 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal reviews indicate that the campground is popular year-round, with many visitors during the cooler months of fall and winter. Summer visits are often marred by high temperatures and biting...

Based on 1182 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful spots. Close to downtown Ocean Springs. Great facilities and helpful staff.' - User, November 2023 2. 'The park is gorgeous. The rangers at the visitors center were fabulous.' - User,...

Based on 1182 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews are limited but suggest that facilities are generally accommodating. Some visitors noted challenges for larger RVs due to narrow roads and uneven terrain.

Based on 1182 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed at all times. Users appreciated the pet-friendly environment but noted a lack of designated off-leash areas.

Based on 1182 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a National Park Service campground on the Mississippi Sound with full hookups and access to coastal trails.

Skip if

You need wide, level sites with privacy or require 24-hour gate access.

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Davis Bayou Group Campground sits on a scenic bayou within Gulf Islands National Seashore in coastal Mississippi. Operated by the National Park Service, the campground offers shaded group sites among live oaks and pines with access to a small boat launch for paddling and wildlife viewing. The setting is quiet and well maintained, with paved pads and air-conditioned restrooms, making it a popular base for group outings focused on birding, kayaking, and exploring the bayou ecosystem.

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Campgrounds

Gulf Islands National Seashore

Davis Bayou Campground

About Gulf Islands National Seashore

Context for the broader area surrounding Davis Bayou Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Millions of visitors are drawn to the Gulf of Mexico for Gulf Islands National Seashore's emerald coast waters, magnificent white beaches, fertile marshes and historical landscapes. Come explore with us today!

Directions

Gulf Islands National Seashore is a place of myriad riches - blue-green, sparkling waters, magnificent white beaches, and fertile coastal marshes. Its 13 areas include historic forts, shaded picnic areas, trails, and campgrounds. From Cat Island, Mississippi, it stretches eastward 160 miles tot he Okaloosa Area east of For Walton Beach, Florida.