Gulf Islands National Seashore - Camping

Phone
228-875-3962

Details
This campground is temporarily a FEMA camp and not open to the public.

Fort Pickens Campground

Open
Temporarily Closed

Reservations
Online or by Phone at 1-800-365-CAMP

Details
Notice: The Fort Pickens Campground is currently closed due to damage resulting from Hurricane Ivan on September 15, 2004. The campground is closed indefinitely.

Fort Pickens Group Area

Open
Temporarily Closed

Reservations
Online or by Phone at 1-800-365-CAMP

Details
Notice: The Fort Pickens Group Area is closed indefinitely due to damage from Hurricane Ivan on September 15, 2004. Overnite use of the Fort Pickens Group Tenting Area is limited to organized groups. There is a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 40 people allowed.  The Group Area has flush toilets, unheated showers and no electrical outlets in the bathrooms. Also available are grills and picnic tables.

Horn, Petit Bois and East Ship Islands

Open
Open All Year

Phone
(228) 875-9057

Details
Primitive camping is available on Horn, Petit Bois and East Ship Islands, accessible only by boat. Groups of 11 must obtain a free permit from the Visitor Center in Ocean Springs. Licensed boat operators are available for a fee. Call 228-875-0074 extension 2 for more information. Visitors can enjoy hiking, beachcombing, swimming and birdwatching on these picturesque and tranquil islands. A 20-foot or longer craft is recommended for use on the open water. Inland water craft such as bass boats and pontoon party barges are not suitable for travel to 10-12 miles from shore. Campers must provide all supplies needed for their trip including extra food and water. Never camp on dune tops as this damages vegetation and fragile dune formations. Fires are permitted on the beach below the extreme tide line. Do not build fires on dunes or in wooded areas. Insect repellent and mosquito netting are recommended as well as long sleeve shirts, pants and sunscreen. Practice Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics (wwwLNT.org).Keep a respectful distance from wildlife. Please call (228) 875-9057 to inquire about transportation out to the island and to find out more.

Naval Live Oaks Youth Group Tent Area

Open
Open All Year

Details
Overnite use of the Naval Live Oaks Group Tenting Area is limited to organized youth groups comprised primarily of young people under the age of 18. Youths (17 years of age or younger) using the area will be supervised by one adult for every 10 youth in the group. There is a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 40 people allowed. The Group area has flush toilets, unheated showers and no electrical outlets in the bathrooms. Also available are grills, picnic tables and a fire circle.

Perdido Key Area

Open
Open All Year

Details
The roadless portion of Perdido Key, beginning one-half mile east of the end of the paved road and extending to the east end of the island, is available for primitive camping. Access must be by boat or on foot. If you plan on leaving a vehicle parked overnight in the parking lot and then hiking to the area, a permit must be obtained from a Ranger, prior to setting up a campsite. Call (850) 934-2623 for information; the permit must be obtained from the ranger on duty. Camp only on the beach and avoid dunes and vegetated areas. Fires are permitted while camping in this area, but must be built below the high tide line.