Gulf Islands National Seashore, Mississippi
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
They say 80 percent of the Gulf Islands National Seashore is located at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico, but 100 percent of the fun you want out of your next family vacation can be found at any point along the miles of shoreline in this beautiful area. Spanning mainland areas in Florida and Mississippi (though not Alabama, which lies between the two) along with eight barrier islands just off the coast, this historic seashore managed by the National Park Service is your destination for fun in the sun, delicious seafood, and more.
There are many reasons to visit Gulf Islands, depending on your interests. You could make an entire trip out of deep sea or even pier fishing in the Gulf. Or, you could explore the many historical sites, including a fort that dates back to the War of 1812. Hit the water by boat, or dive below with a tank on your back. Cap it all off with a tropical drink under the gorgeous night sky before heading back to your rented RV for a cozy evening.
Snorkeling is a popular activity in the warm and crystal-clear waters of the Gulf. There are many outfitters located throughout the Gulf Islands National Seashore where you can rent masks and fins, including some of the RV parks and resorts you may consider for your stay. The area also hosts great snorkeling classes—perfect for families with kids—where you can bring your own gear or rent some. For more information about snorkeling, check out the National Park Service website.
The Gulf Islands area’s diverse marine life and historic shipwrecks also make for world-class scuba diving if you’re licensed and ready to head out for an unforgettable experience. The NPS recommends checking out one of two shipwrecks each located just a mile or so from land—the wrecked 1906 tugboat Sport, and the massive battleship USS Massachusetts sunk by the military itself one hundred years ago. Find more info about these and other popular diving sites on the NPS’s diving locations webpage.
Of course, some people prefer to stay above the water, and that’s certainly a desire that can be accommodated at Gulf Islands. Boating in the waters of the Gulf can be challenging, but those who master the waves will be rewarded with incredible views of the area’s remote barrier islands and white sand beaches. Check out the NPS website for regulations and safety information, then start planning your perfect voyage with a look at some top-rated rental companies, like Nauti-Toons Boat Rentals in Biloxi and Beach Time Pontoon Rental outside of Pensacola.
Cruises and boat tours are another option for anyone who would rather let someone else captain the boat. There are a wide variety of cruises available through Pensacola Bay Cruises, which operates through a 10-year contract with the National Park Service. Ship Island Excursions is a great way to get to Ship Island—one of the eight namesake islands of Gulf Islands National Seashore, from Biloxi or Gulfport. For more information about these and other boating opportunities in the area, refer to the NPS’s thorough page on getting around the seashore.
The area that is now known as Gulf Islands National Seashore has been in active use for centuries. Its location along the Gulf of Mexico made it a key strategic area where more than one military force saw fit to set up fortified bases of operation. This includes Fort Barrancas in Gulf Breeze, Florida. Completed in 1844, this fort is known for its mighty walls and key service during the Civil War.
Fort Pickens is an even older fort in Pensacola Bay, which was built in 1816 and fortified in 1821 because of the Bay’s important function as a trade waterway. Come out for ranger programs that bring the history of the fort alive and get your hands on replicas of real cannons that once guarded the Florida coast.
Finally, the Civil-War era Fort Massachusetts is one of the primary attractions that bring visitors to Ship Island—just one more reason for you to consider one of those ferry trips!
When most people think about national parks, seashores, forests, or monuments, it’s easy to picture the beaches and mountains and historic sites that give these places their name. But, the National Park Service doesn’t just look down at the earth and water itself in its mission to preserve natural splendor for future generations—it also looks up! Protecting the skies from light pollution is a stated goal of the NPS, and that means some of the best stargazing anywhere in America can be had on their lands, including Gulf Islands National Seashore.
No trip to the area would be complete without taking some time to look up to see the beautiful constellations, planets, shooting stars, and glowing ribbons of the Milky Way itself in the skies above the Gulf of Mexico. Bring binoculars or a telescope, find a secluded spot far away from bright lights and traffic, and see the night sky in a whole new light.
The Gulf of Mexico boasts a rich and diverse ecosystem of marine life fed by the nearby rivers, estuaries, and bayous that dot the landscapes in Mississippi and Florida. That means a unique mix of freshwater and saltwater and some of the best fishing anywhere in the United States. Gulf Islands is perhaps most famous for its crabs and shrimp and also for the many species of fish that swim the warm waters.
Before you go, get some clarity around what part of the sprawling National Seashore you’ll be visiting. You will want to look into rules, regulations, and fishing licenses for both Mississippi and Florida to be free to explore and fish to your heart’s content. If fishing is a top priority, look for a campground or RV park with a fishing pier—most located on the water offer them, and some don’t even require licenses to be used. Scheduling a fishing charter is another fantastic way to get some deep-sea fishing in and snag a catch nobody back home will ever believe.
Just south of Pensacola and Gulf Breeze, Fort Pickens Campground is the first of two campgrounds maintained by the National Park System as part of Gulf Islands National Seashore. The park boasts 137 RV-friendly sites with electric and water hookups—a rarity for national parks. Reserve a site up to six months in advance to make sure you get a great spot right on the beach, where there’s a fishing pier you can use even if you don’t have a Florida fishing license. Also, don’t miss Fort Pickens itself, just a mile away from the campground.
On the Mississippi side of the park is Davis Bayou Campground, the National Park Service’s second campground located inside Gulf Islands National Seashore. There, take your pick of 52 sites with electric and water hookups, most of which are around 40 feet in length to accommodate even large RV rentals. The main attraction here is the Davis Bayou Trail, which takes visitors through coastal forests and bayous where it’s not uncommon to spot alligators.
At Gulf Islands, you aren’t limited by what’s in the park itself in terms of finding good RV camping. Case in point: Pensacola RV Park in Pensacola. There are more than 100 sites here, each with full electric, water, and even sewage hookups. It’s also a Good Sam Club park, so there are discounts to be had on the already affordable rates. Enjoy Wi-Fi at your campsite, on-site laundromat, and dog runs where your four-legged family members can stretch their legs.
The top-rated RV park in the Gulf Islands National Seashore area is Emerald Beach RV Park in Navarre, Florida. Stay here for everything you’d expect from an RV resort, including large spaces and full hookups, and for everything this park has that others don’t. Where else can you get a great RV spot and enjoy a private beach, easy kayak and paddleboard rentals, a heated pool, and a great fishing pier all on site?
In Biloxi, Cajun RV Park offers something a little different from your average RV resort. The park is located just across the street from a 26-mile stretch of white sandy beaches and close access to restaurants, museums, casinos, and everything else you’ve come to enjoy along the Gulf Coast. There are 130 spacious sites available—each with sewer, water, electric, cable, and Wi-Fi. Book in advance and enjoy discounts for Good Sam Club, veterans, active military, AARP, seniors, government workers, and the Family Motor Coach Association.
If you’re hoping to spend as much time as possible inside the park itself, Gulf Islands National Seashore does offer a couple of dining and convenience options. Seasonally, you can head to Ship Island to find a snack bar with prepared food and drink options. Over at Fort Pickens, visit the Mine Storeroom for prepared meal options, snacks to take back with you to a picnic area, and a large selection of beverages. Get more information, including directions, on the National Park Service website.
There’s a bustling food scene throughout the Gulf Islands area. Woody’s Roadside is a popular spot in Ocean Springs, Mississippi—known for its barbecue, seafood, and tasty tacos. Nearby, Half Shell Oyster House gives a fresh taste of the Gulf in a beautiful, upscale setting. To the East, Taqueria El Asador is one of top restaurants in Pensacola with its tacos and flavorful house salsas and sides. For a popular taste of Gulf cuisine and a great brunch spot, George Bistro + Bar is another favorite pick in Pensacola.
If all else fails, don’t hesitate to review the restaurant listings on the tourism websites for the Mississippi Gulf Coast and Pensacola, Florida. These large areas sit at either end of the National Seashore, and each offer world-class dining to suit any taste.
It’s no question that an RV trip to the Gulf Islands will be worth your while. From the snorkeling and diving to stargazing and guides through historical sights, you will never run out of things to do, places to visit, or memories to make.