Gulf Islands National Seashore
5 campgrounds in the park · 164 nearby · 6 free and dispersed sites within 50 mi
Photo: NPS/Bernstiel
5 current alerts
As of Sep 20, 2026 · from nps.gov
- Park closureBattery 234 Loop Road ClosureThe Battery 234 Loop Road and Battery Cooper within the GUIS, Fort Pickens Management Area will be closed to all for vehicle, bicyclists, and foot (pedestrian) traffic until further notice for safety purposes until the park can correct the leaning and structurally unstable historic Tower 234 that poses danger to visitors and staff. The beach access points for pedestrians from the Gulf (south) side will also be closed. The pipe gates at the entrance and exit points will be locked with accompanied signage.
- CautionRoad workers on Park Road in Davis BayouPhase II of the Davis Bayou Bicycle and Pedestrian Path is in process. Visitors may encounter minor traffic delays and flaggers on Eagle Point and Park Road.
- InformationAccessing Fort BarrancasFort Barrancas is open 9 am–4 pm Wednesday through Sunday. To access Fort Barrancas, visitors will need to enter the Naval Air station Pensacola through the west gate.
- InformationNo Dogs on BeachDogs and pets are not allowed on any of the beaches in Gulf Islands National Seashore. Visit the pet rules page for information.
- CautionRip Current StatusReview rip current status prior to visiting the park.
At a glance
- Entrance
- $25 per vehicle
- In the park
- 5 campgrounds2 reserve on Recreation.gov
- Near the park
- 164 campgroundsWithin 50 mi
- Free and dispersed
- 6 sitesWithin 50 mi
- Annual pass
- $45Gulf Islands only
Where to camp
Camping in the park 5
- National Park
Davis Bayou Campground
In the park · Ocean Springs, MS
Reserve on Recreation.gov
- National Park
Fort Pickens Campground
In the park · Pensacola Station, FL
Reserve on Recreation.gov
Camping near the park 164
- Aerial viewRV Park
RV park
2.0 mi · Pensacola Station, FL
- Aerial viewCampground
Volunteer Camping Area
2.0 mi · Pensacola Station, FL
Free and dispersed nearby 6
See them on the mapServices nearby: 2 dump stations · 4 rest areas
About Gulf Islands
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!
Photos: NPS/Doggrell
Things to do
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Road Biking
- Boating
- Motorized Boating
- Jet Skiing
- Boat Tour
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
Plan your visit
Getting there
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…
Weather
Weather along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico can change quickly. During the winter temperatures range from 30-60 degrees fahrenheit, rain is less common than other seasons. Snow and freezing temperatures are…
Plan your visit
Fees and passes
- Private vehicle$25
- Motorcycle, 7 days$20
- Per person$15
- Gulf Islands annual pass$45
Hours
The Davis Bayou Area is located south of U. S. Hwy. 90 east of downtown Ocean Springs, Mississippi and offers many recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, biking, birdwatching, picnicking, kayaking and ranger-led programs. There are no swimming beaches in the Davis Bayou Area. Visitor Center hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday - Sunday.
Getting there
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.
Weather
Weather along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico can change quickly. During the winter temperatures range from 30-60 degrees fahrenheit, rain is less common than other seasons. Snow and freezing temperatures are not common. During the summer temperatures range from 70-100+ degrees fahrenheit. Rain is common during the summer with many thunderstorms. Hurricanes impact the area during the tropical storm season between June and November. Tornadoes can impact the area during the Spring and Fall.
Camped at Gulf Islands? You could be the first to say which site you'd pick again.
Reviews, photos and cell signal reports from real stays help the next camper choose between Davis Bayou Campground, Fort Pickens Campground and Naval Live Oaks Youth Group Camping.