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.
The description, directions and fees are the National Park Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
US Forest Service (USFS)
National Park Service (NPS)
US Fish and Wildlife (USFW)
Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
Department Of Defense (DOD)
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
Other Federal
State
Local
Alaska Native Lands (Patented or Interim Conveyed)
Alaska Native Allotment
Road
Primitive Road
Road
Primitive Road
Trail
Roads open to all Vehicles, Yearlong
Roads open to all Vehicles, Seasonal
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Yearlong
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Seasonal
Special Designation, Yearlong
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails open to all vehicles, Yearlong
Trails open to all vehicles, Seasonal
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Yearlong
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Seasonal
Trails open to motorcycles, Yearlong
Trails open to motorcycles, Seasonal
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" in Width, Yearlong
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" or Less in Width, Seasonal
Wilderness Area
Wilderness Study Area