Entrance Fee
$25.00
/ Entrance - Private Vehicle
Park Hours (Today)
8:00AM - 6:00PM
William M. Colmer Visitor Center: 9:00AM - 4:00PM
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About the Park
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!
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What to See & Do
Watch the Sunrise/Sunset at Gulf Islands
Forts, beaches, bayous, and batteries provide amazing views of both sunrise and sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.
Paddling in Gulf Islands
Canoe, kayak, or paddleboard in the beautiful blue-green waters and calm bayous of Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Visit the Gulf Islands Park Store
Purchase souvenirs and more pages for your passport at this bookstore located within historic Fort Pickens.
Get Your Passport Stamped at Gulf Islands
Collecting stamps, also known as cancellations, is a fun way to commemorate your visit to a new place. Learn where to get your passport stamped at Gulf Islands.
Ride your Bike at Gulf Islands
Ride your bicycle for miles up and down the scenic coastal roads of Gulf Islands.
Florida National Scenic Trail
This 36-mile contiguous section of the Florida National Scenic Trail is the southernmost portion of trail. This moderately strenuous hike can be difficult to traverse at certain times of year. The trail can be under up to 3 to 4 feet of water in the rainy season. During the dry season, there can be little to no water along the trail.
Self-Guided Tours
Advanced Redoubt Walking Tour
The United States Army Corps of Engineers designed and built Advanced Redoubt between 1845-1870. With the construction of this fort, the United States established complete control of Pensacola Bay and ensured the safety of the Pensacola Navy Yard. Walk around the structure to learn about how this fort would have operated.
Davis Bayou Scenic Tour
Gulf Islands National Seashore in Mississippi is a great place to observe a variety of habitats, including many offshore. Davis Bayou is one of the unique areas in our park that allows visitors to experience the natural marsh and waterways without leaving land. Within Davis Bayou there are many overlooks that provide great views and picture opportunities. This guided tour takes you to some of the best spots in the park so you can enjoy these hidden gems.
Fort Massachusetts WalkingTour
Walk through history at Fort Massachusetts, located on the remote Ship Island. Take a ferry or personal vessel to the island about 12 miles offshore and step back in time to the Civil War era.
Visitor Centers
William M. Colmer Visitor Center
Located in the Davis Bayou area of Gulf Islands National Seashore this is the main visitor center for the park resources in Mississippi.
Fort Barrancas Visitor Center
The Fort Barrancas Visitor Center tells the long history of European settlers attempts to secure the vital Pensacola Bay beginning in the late 1700s and through its deactivation in the mid-1900s.
Fort Pickens Visitor Center
Explore indoor exhibits on the natural environment, wildlife, and history of the Fort Pickens Area inside the Visitor Center.
Where to Stay
Davis Bayou Campground
Gulf Islands National Seashore's Davis Bayou Campground offers tent and recreational vehicle camping experiences in a wooded area next to Davis Bayou in Mississippi. Campground office hours are 8 am to 4 pm daily.
Fort Pickens Campground
The Fort Pickens Campground is one of the top ten busiest campgrounds in all of the 430+ national parks and sites. Available all year round it provides access to white sandy beaches and trails, including the Florida National Scenic Trail. The campground office is located in a historic white building located halfway down Fort Pickens Areas on Fort Pickens Road. Office hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Checkout by 11 a.m. Check-in begins at 2 p.m.
Naval Live Oaks Youth Group Camping
This area is available reservation throughout the year with a permit for organized youth groups comprised primarily of young people under the age of 18. This group camping area is located near Gulf Breeze, Florida and has direct access to Pensacola Bay for water recreation. The campsite features restrooms, outdoor showers, a picnic shelter, and a campfire ring. The Naval Live Oaks Area has over 7.5 miles of trails for campers to explore. To make a reservation email guis_special_use_permits@nps.gov.
Fort Pickens Group Campground
Group site is available with a permit for a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 40 occupants. Campground limited to soft-side on-the-ground tents only. Group area does not allow generators, trailers, pickup campers, RVs or any type of camping equipment. Persons camping in the group area are limited to the facilities (showers and restrooms) in the group area only. Entrance fee still applies.
Davis Bayou Group Campground
The area is available with a permit for a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 40 occupants. Persons camping in the group area are limited to the restroom facilities located at pavilion #5. Parking is limited.
Parking & Access
Getting Here
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.
Official NPS directionsParking Lots
Battery Worth Parking Lot
This is the main campground overflow parking lot. There are 80 parking spots here and RV spots.
Open in MapsDavis Bayou Boat Launch
This parking lot is for day use only for boat launch users. This parking area can accommodate cars, large vehicles, RVs, and trailers. No overnight parking allowed.
Open in MapsDavis Bayou Visitor Center
Two parking lots are located outside the visitor center that lead to trails or fishing pier. This parking lot is for day use only. This parking area can accommodate cars, large vehicles, RVs, and trailers. No overnight parking allowed.
Open in MapsFort Pickens Parking Lot
Passenger and bus parking only. No RV spots. This is the closest parking to the ferry and Florida Trail. This parking lot is for day use only. No overnight parking allowed.
Open in MapsJohnson Beach Parking Lot Main
There are 300 parking spots hear for Johnson Beach. No RV's allowed. This parking lot is for day use only. No overnight parking allowed.
Open in MapsLangdon Beach
There are 60 gulf-side parking spots here. No RV's allowed. This parking lot is for day use only. No overnight parking allowed.
Open in MapsNaval Live Oaks Area Sound Side
This parking lot is for day use only. This parking area can accommodate cars, large vehicles, RVs, and trailers. No overnight parking allowed.
Open in MapsNaval Live Oaks Bayside
This parking lot is for day use only. This parking area can accommodate cars only. No overnight parking allowed.
Open in MapsOkaloosa Area Parking lot
This parking lot is for day use only. This parking area can accommodate cars, large vehicles, and trailers. No overnight parking allowed.
Open in MapsOpal Beach Parking
More than 200 parking spaces. Passenger vehicles only, no RVs. This parking lot is for day use only. No overnight parking allowed.
Open in MapsGetting Here & Transit
How to Get Here
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.
Park Amenities
Permits & Reservations
Permits may be required
Some activities in Gulf Islands National Seashore — including backcountry camping, certain trails, and climbing routes — require advance permits. Check the official NPS website for current requirements before your visit.
Entrance Fees & Passes
Standard Fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
$25.00Cost for up to six people in one vehicle. Good for seven days into any fee area in Florida, (Opal Beach, Johnson Beach, Fort Pickens).
Entrance - Motorcycle
$20.00Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Fees are required at Fort Pickens Area, Opal Beach Complex Area, and Johnson Beach Area in Florida. Additional fees to ride the ferry.
Entrance - Per Person
$15.00Fees are required at Fort Pickens Area, Opal Beach Complex Area, and Johnson Beach Area in Florida. Additional fees to ride the ferry.
Annual & Lifetime Passes
Annual Entrance - Park
$45.00Good for 365 days from purchase. Non-replaceable if lost. Keep receipt as second proof of purchase. Design specific to the park and changes annually.
Operating Hours
Davis Bayou Area
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.
- Monday8:00AM - 6:00PM
- Tuesday8:00AM - 6:00PM
- Wednesday8:00AM - 6:00PM
- Thursday8:00AM - 6:00PM
- Friday8:00AM - 6:00PM
- Saturday8:00AM - 6:00PM
- Sunday8:00AM - 6:00PM
Photos
White sand and green water
Ferry in the Pensacola Bay
A white building and a fort
Water
When to Go
Crowd CalendarPlan your trip around peak seasons to avoid crowds or embrace the energy of the busy months. Our crowd predictions are based on historical NPS Visitor Use Statistics.
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Tell Miza your dates, pace, and interests—get a day-by-day plan with hikes, drives, and must-see stops.
Best Time
May-September
Trip Length
1 day
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Planning Gulf Islands National Seashore
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