From its shimmering gulf coast to its wooded inland lakes, Mississippi is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the south. And with a nickname like “The Hospitality State,” you’ll enjoy a warm welcome wherever you travel. Let’s dive into all the beachy details!
Mississippi Beaches
Bay St. Louis
Bay St. Louis is both a gorgeous stretch of sand and a small town known for its funky, eclectic atmosphere. Quieter and often less crowded than some of its more famous local counterparts, this spot is the perfect place to head if you’re looking for a calm, serene day of untouched shores and gently rolling waves.
Things to do Near Bay St. Louis
Just east of Gulfport, Bay St. Louis is a haven for travelers (and residents) looking for a quieter, less-tourist-filled taste of the Mississippi Gulf coast. In need of some thrilling nightlife to counterbalance those long, lazy days? Check out the Hollywood Casino & Resort Gulf Coast, the perfect place to have some drinks and try your luck.
Henderson Point Beach
Also known as Pass Christian Beach, Henderson Point Beach is known as the south’s birthplace of yachting. That said, you don’t have to be a serious boater to seriously enjoy your visit here. Soft, golden sands are spread wide, offering ample opportunities for laying out a towel or constructing sand castles. At night, locals often host bonfires here to light up the night and brighten their gatherings.
Things to do Near Henderson Point Beach
Nearby Henderson Point Park offers a different taste of the landscape of this part of Mississippi, offering a playground and picnic pavilions. Rickey Levy Memorial Harbor Park is another well-kept local green space that beckons to families, young couples, and solo travelers alike.
Gulfport Beach
A wide swath of soft Gulf shore sand dotted with recliners and beach umbrellas, Gulfport Beach is great for a well-earned day of relaxation while also offering all the necessary amenities. The shallow waters make it accessible for even young swimmers, and those in search of thrills can find jet ski rentals and fishing areas not far afield. The sands are guarded by a specialized Sheriff’s Beach Patrol, leading to one of the cleanest and safest environments in the area.
Things to do Near Gulfport Beach
Gulfport is the second-largest city in Mississippi after the state capital of Jackson. This means it has plenty to offer to visitors eager for something to do. Some of the best attractions here include the Mississippi Aquarium and the Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum. Here are some local campgrounds to try.
Ship Island
Ship Island is just about due south from Biloxi and accessible via ferry, from which passengers often spy dolphins jumping playfully through the surf. Along with its stretches of sandy shore, ship island also offers hiking trails and access to historic Fort Massachusetts. Today, part of the island is preserved as Gulf Island National Seashore, which is maintained by the National Park Service.
Things to do Near Ship Island
Given its situation an hour’s boat journey away from the Mississippi mainland, there’s not very much to do near Ship Island itself. That said, there’s plenty to see and do along the mainland shore between Gulfport and Biloxi, which is known for its gambling opportunities as well as shops, restaurants, hotels and more. Here are some great area campgrounds to stay at!
Biloxi Beach
Biloxi Beach is the kind of shoreline where you can see the cityscape towering over you as you relax and enjoy the natural sounds of the water hitting the sand. Despite its fame and beauty, this beach often has only minimal crowds. Because the water closest to the shoreline is relatively shallow, calm, and warm, this beach is a good one for bringing the kids along.
Things to do Near Biloxi Beach
Known for its casinos as well as its first-class seafood restaurants, Biloxi is a uniquely Mississippi destination that’s well worth putting on your must-visit list. Not a partier? No problem: attractions like the Biloxi Lighthouse draw in history buffs and curious families. Check out these local campgrounds.
East Beach
East Beach is known for its soft sands and ample opportunities for everything from lazing in the sun to putting in your kayak to head for deeper, fishable waters. It’s smaller, but also often less crowded r than some of the other Mississippi Gulf beaches. Plus, area amenities like splash pads, fishing piers and volleyball nets make it easy to spend a whole day, or even a whole weekend, on the water without getting bored.
Things to do Near East Beach
Ocean Springs is noteworthy for its many well-maintained parks and green spaces, including Fort Maurepas City Park and Nature Preserve, the family friendly Little Children’s Park, and the sweeping Davis Bayous Area Gulf Islands National Seashore. Try these excellent area campgrounds.
Horn Island
Another of Mississippi’s barrier islands, Horn Island offers a different remote beachscape to enjoy. This is truly an out-there beach adventure unlike anything you’ll find on the mainland in Mississippi. Because you’ll be far from the hustle and bustle of the big cities along the coastline, you’ll be able to really enjoy the sound of the water gently caressing the shore and the seabirds flying overhead. Do be aware this island is only accessible via private boat, and there are no facilities on the island once you get there. Be sure you’re prepared!
Things to do Near Horn Island
Located southeast of Biloxi and off the coast of Pascagoula, Horn Island offers visitors all the attractions of a truly remote destination while still being within relatively easy reach of big-city resources and amusements. While you’re on the mainland, check out Round Island Lighthouse, whose spiral stairs you can climb to the top for a small fee.
Ross Barnett Reservoir
Located in the town of Ridgeland, a suburb of the capital city of Jackson, the Ross Barnett Reservoir is a popular beach getaway in the state’s interior. This reservoir is surrounded by a variety of nature preserves and access points, including Old Trace Park on the southwestern shore and the Pearl River State Wildlife Management Area up north. Beautiful flowing cascades complete the scenery of this unique Mississippi body of water.
Things to do Near the Ross Barnett Reservoir
Given its proximity to Jackson, there’s no shortage of exciting things to explore near this inland lake. We recomend the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science to the Jackson Zoo. Here are our favorite Jackson-area RV parks to stay in!
Old Bridge Beach
Old Bridge Beach lies along the southern end of Bay Springs Lake, which reaches into the wilderness of northeastern Mississippi. This beach punctuates its beautiful natural landscape with developments like picnic shelters, grills, playgrounds, volleyball courts, restrooms, outdoor showers, and more. It’ll make you feel like you’ve journeyed to a tropical destination.
Things to do Near Old Bridge Beach
Just about 45 minutes northeast of Tupelo, Old Bridge Beach is off the beaten path while still being close enough to major cities that you can find the resources you need pronto. It’s also close to a variety of other wildernesses. These include nearby Tishomingo State Park or slightly further out Lake Lamar Bruce State Park.
The Best Mississippi Beaches for RVers
Sardis Lake
Sardis Lake has long been considered a premier inland beach destination. A property of the larger Tallahatchie River, Sardis Lake is surrounded by preserved wildernesses and access points. Along with its opportunities for swimming and sunbathing, the lake offers great opportunities for fishing. Here, you’ll find largemouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, and more.
Why This Beach is Perfect for RVers
One of the natural areas surrounding the lake is the wonderful John W Kyle State Park. This park is well known for its soft sand beaches. it also boasts an 18-hole golf course and excellent on-site RV camping. This means you can camp right in the middle fo the action.
Things to do Near Sardis Lake
Only a few miles from the town of Oxford, Sardis Lake is simultaneously remote and within an easy drive of resources. It’s also in the shadow of nearby Holly Springs National Forest. This means there are plenty of other camping opportunities in the area.
Planning an RV Trip to Mississippi
While Mississippi’s beaches are one-of-a-kind, they’re far from the only reason to visit this storied state. Rent one of the best rental rigs in the state and take it to the best state parks and campgrounds to explore and camp in. You’ll also want to see Jackson and Vicksburg while you’re there. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore!
