Big Biloxi Recreation Area
4.1873 reviewsBig Biloxi Recreation Area
Big Biloxi Recreation Area
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard campsite fee is $20 per night. Discounts may apply for Interagency Senior Annual Pass holders. Payment is self-serve via dropbox or...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$20.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$40.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
ProviderN/AN/A
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of DeSoto National Forest, Big Biloxi Recreation Area offers an intimate escape into Mississippi's pristine woodlands. This peaceful campground features thoughtfully designed sites with paved surfaces, complete with water and electrical hookups for modern convenience. Each site comes equipped with its own fire pit for evening gatherings, a picnic table for outdoor meals, and convenient trash hooks to help preserve the natural beauty. A dump station ensures a hassle-free camping experience, making this hidden gem perfect for both weekend getaways and extended stays beneath the forest canopy.
The campground accommodates RV and tent camping with basic amenities. Group and luxury camping options are not available.
Historical SignificanceWhile Big Biloxi Recreation Area serves primarily as a gateway to nature's tranquility, its location within DeSoto National Forest connects visitors to the broader story of Mississippi's conservation heritage and the ongoing preservation of these magnificent Southern woodlands.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the gentle rhythms of Mississippi's seasons at Big Biloxi, where comfortable temperatures create an inviting outdoor atmosphere. During peak camping season, expect delightful days with temperatures hovering around 59°F, perfect for hiking and exploration, while evenings cool to a crisp 46°F—ideal for gathering around the campfire. The campground truly shines in late spring when wildflowers dot the forest floor, and early fall when the canopy begins its colorful transformation. Clear skies and low humidity during these seasons provide optimal conditions for stargazing and outdoor adventures.
ElevationNestled in the gently rolling terrain characteristic of Mississippi's Gulf Coast region, Big Biloxi Recreation Area sits comfortably within the embrace of towering pines and hardwoods. The campground's position in this coastal plain forest creates a unique microclimate where morning mists often drift through the trees, adding an ethereal quality to sunrise walks.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a cathedral of trees at Big Biloxi, where towering canopies create a natural sanctuary of dappled sunlight and cooling shade. This stunning forest setting transforms throughout the day as light filters through the branches, creating an ever-changing tapestry of shadows and golden rays. Meandering trails invite exploration through the verdant understory, while nearby streams provide a soothing soundtrack of flowing water. Campers consistently praise the campground's exceptional beauty, noting how the large, generously shaded sites offer privacy and a genuine connection with the surrounding wilderness.
Geological RegionBig Biloxi Recreation Area showcases the remarkable biodiversity of DeSoto National Forest, where ancient longleaf pine ecosystems merge with mixed hardwood forests. This unique geological setting creates diverse habitats that support an abundance of wildlife, from songbirds in the canopy to deer grazing in forest clearings. The dense woodland environment, shaped by centuries of natural processes, offers campers an authentic experience of Mississippi's original landscape, where every site feels like a private retreat carved from the living forest.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no specific information about ADA-compliant features. Reviews do not mention accessibility for disabled campers.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious with a mix of open and wooded areas. One review noted a 'large grassy area' for children to play.
Sites PrivacyCampsites offer a moderate level of privacy, with most sites at least partially wooded. However, the layout in a circular arrangement means campers may still see one another.
Total Campsites25 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommended spots include those farther from the highway to minimize road noise. Sites in the shaded wooded areas are preferred for privacy and coolness.
Best CampsitesSite 16 is mentioned positively in reviews for being flat and easy to set up. Other reviewers indicate spacious sites with privacy.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Exact check-in times are not provided.
Check-out
Exact check-out times are not provided.
Stay Limit
Exact consecutive night limits are not provided.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Guest limits are not explicitly mentioned.
Groups
Group camping is not available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is laid out in a large circle with a field in the middle, ensuring privacy with no direct neighbors across the road.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Seasonal restrictions or closures are not mentioned.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can potentially be made in person or through the Recreation.gov app using the Scan & Pay feature.
Walk-in AvailabilityThis campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not required, but some reviews mention limited availability on weekends.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 fee applies for cancellations made before the scheduled arrival date. Late cancellations incur additional fees, including forfeiting the first night's recreation use fee. Scan & Pay transactions do not allow for modifications, cancellations, or refunds.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational activities at the Big Biloxi Recreation Area are limited. The campground offers a small hiking trail and space for general outdoor activities. Several reviewers mentioned the lack of things to do in the area, but the peaceful atmosphere was appreciated by some.
Hiking
A small hiking trail is available, but its condition appears to be inconsistent. Reviews mention a collapsed bridge and blocked paths that need repair.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities were mentioned.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are described in the reviews or authoritative sources.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire rings are provided at each site. Firewood is sold onsite for $5 per bundle.
- Quiet hours are not expressly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsSome reviews warn of road noise at night and the potential for flooding during heavy rain. Litter and safety concerns were mentioned by reviewers, including reports of police activity and drug paraphernalia.
Active alertsNo current alerts are mentioned.
Weather forecast
73
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 93%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are not explicitly mentioned.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season information is not provided.
Trash and recyclingSpecific details are not provided, but user reviews mention litter and trash left behind by campers.
Proximity to water featuresA stream is accessible via a short trail near the campground. Swimming is not mentioned as an option.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints include outdated and dirty bathhouses, road noise at night, litter at campsites, and inconsistent behavior of campground hosts. Some reviewers noted safety concerns and poor trail maintenance.
HostVarious reviews mention hosts by name, including John, Mike, and their spouses. Mixed feedback includes appreciation for helpfulness and complaints about attitude or neglect of duties.
Campground Map
Big Biloxi Recreation Area
Driving directionsNo specific driving directions provided. Some reviews indicate Highway 49 is challenging to approach, especially at night, and the turn lane is short.
Roads are paved but tight for large RVs. Some reviews mention road noise due to proximity to nearby highways.Nearby places
Biloxi is the closest city, but exact mileage and travel times are not provided.
Nearby supplies
Some reviews mention proximity to gas stations, Walmart, and Dunkin Donuts. No exact distances are provided.
Camper Reviews
4.2
73 reviews
Big Biloxi Recreation Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Big Biloxi Recreation Area are mixed, with common themes of dissatisfaction with the cleanliness and maintenance of facilities. However, some reviewers praised the spacious sites and peaceful atmosphere.
Review Summaries
Based on 73 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews often highlight the spacious campsites, quiet atmosphere, and the convenience of water and electric hookups. Many campers appreciated the affordability of the campground.
Based on 73 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include poor maintenance of the bathhouse, lack of a consistent campground host, noise from the nearby highway, and litter left by previous campers.
Based on 73 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users suggest arriving early to secure a spot, bringing your own cleaning supplies for the bathroom, and avoiding sites near the highway due to noise.
Based on 73 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Winter and off-peak seasons tend to be quieter and more peaceful, but facilities are often in worse condition during these times. Summers may see more activity but also more litter and maintenance...
Based on 73 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
- 'The shower smelled strongly of urine and the stall looked just nasty.' - Ms. E
- 'Plenty of space between sites.' - Dale Butler
- 'Bathrooms could use some attention but otherwise I've seen...
Based on 73 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites near the highway are frequently criticized for noise. Site 16 was specifically praised for its flat and easy setup.
Based on 73 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 73 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically address pet policies or features.
Based on 73 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
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