Buccaneer State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Buccaneer State Park offers exceptional beachfront RV camping with 250 premium sites across six distinct campground loops, featuring Mississippi's only state park waterpark, full hookup amenities, and year-round Gulf Coast access. Strategic locations like Waveland RV rentals and Bay St. Louis camper van options provide prime access to this 400-acre coastal wonderland just 60 miles from New Orleans, making it ideal for families, snowbirds, and beach-loving RVers seeking the perfect Gulf Coast basecamp.
What Makes Buccaneer State Park the Ultimate Mississippi Gulf Coast RV Destination?
Nestled along the white sands of Waveland's beachfront, Buccaneer State Park captures the laid-back charm of Mississippi Gulf Coast living with a touch of adventure. Famous for being the state's premier coastal camping destination, this 400-acre park sprawls across moss-draped oak forests, tidal marshlands, and Gulf of Mexico shoreline. Buccaneer State Park is the ultimate RV adventure since it combines pristine beach access with modern amenities like the 4.5-acre Buccaneer Bay waterpark, an 18-hole disc golf course, and scenic nature trails winding through recovering hurricane landscapes.
You will be in store for a world of limitless coastal adventure during your RV trip to Buccaneer State Park, from swimming and fishing to disc golf and beachcombing. You can enjoy the wave pool at Buccaneer Bay waterpark (seasonal admission required) or cast a line right from the beach. There is no shortage of great spots for photography and wildlife viewing along the 1.8-mile nature trail, where you can observe oaks, magnolias, pines, and indigenous coastal wildlife. You will want to bring your binoculars because you might spot dolphins swimming offshore, pelicans diving for fish, and shorebirds hunting along the tideline.
The summer is peak season for RVers and beachgoers since temperatures typically reach a pleasant 85 to 90 degrees with Gulf breezes keeping things comfortable. The late spring and early fall are excellent times to visit, too, with mild temperatures and less crowded campsites. Snowbirds particularly love the mild winter months, when temperatures rarely dip below 50 degrees, and the park maintains full operations year-round. No matter what time of year you take your RV trip to Buccaneer State Park, you will be in for an unforgettable Gulf Coast adventure that combines beach relaxation with outdoor recreation.
The park has made a remarkable recovery since Hurricane Katrina's devastating August 29, 2005, landfall, which brought 160 mph winds and a 30-foot tidal surge that destroyed much of the original facilities. After nearly eight years of reconstruction costing millions of dollars, the park reopened in November 2013 with modern amenities and improved infrastructure. Today it thrives as one of Mississippi's most popular coastal destinations, offering guests an abundance of outdoor recreation enhanced by lessons learned in resilience and sustainability.
RV Rentals in Buccaneer State Park
Transportation
Driving
You can access Buccaneer State Park from I-10 by taking Exit 13 (MS-43/603) toward Bay St. Louis/Picayune. Turn LEFT onto MS-603 South and drive south for 5 miles. Cross over US-90 onto Nicholson Avenue, continue south over railroad tracks for 1,000 feet to Beach Boulevard, then turn to reach the park entrance at 1150 South Beach Boulevard. The entrance is easily accessible for RVs of all sizes, though some tight corners exist within the park roads. Most roads are one-way, with maximum vehicle lengths of 89 feet for the newest pull-through sites.
Where Are the Best Gateway Cities for RV Rentals?
Mississippi Coast Gateway Access: Waveland positions you within minutes of Buccaneer State Park's entrance, offering immediate beach access and local coastal charm. This location provides the shortest drive time to your campsite while keeping you close to Silver Slipper Casino and Waveland's waterfront restaurants.
Bay St. Louis Access: Bay St. Louis offers premium access just 3 miles from the park while providing opportunities to explore this charming historic downtown with art galleries, antique shops, and waterfront dining. This location serves as an excellent base for multi-day Gulf Coast adventures, combining beach camping with cultural experiences.
Regional Hub Access: Gulfport RV rentals provide access approximately 20 miles east of Buccaneer State Park while offering proximity to casinos, shopping centers, and the Gulfport-Biloxi Regional Airport. This option works well for fly-and-drive RV vacations.
Parking
You can park your RV at your designated campsite or in the spacious parking lots near the park entrance for day use. Parking is ample for RVs and tow vehicles in the front lot area. Additional small parking lots are located near the laundry facilities, activity building, and Picnic Pavilion 3. The park roads accommodate even large Class A motorhomes, though some are one-way only and feature tight corners requiring caution.
Public Transportation
Although public transportation is not offered inside the park, you can access the nearby towns of Waveland and Bay St. Louis by car. Once inside the park, alternate ways to get around include biking along the Bay-Waveland Beach Trail (a 4.5-mile paved path running from Washington St. Pier in Bay St. Louis through the park to beyond Waveland Pier), walking, or driving your tow vehicle to various park attractions. Golf cart rentals are popular for navigating the campground loops.
Campgrounds and parking in Buccaneer State Park
Campsites in Buccaneer State Park
Reservations camping
Royal Cay
Located near the rear of the park, Royal Cay offers 57 premium campsites with water, electrical 30/50 amp service, and sewer hookups. The sites feature distinctive limestone pads providing excellent drainage and stability. This loop does not include picnic tables, barbecue grills, or fire pits, though guests are welcome to bring their own. Campfires are permitted but must be contained in approved devices and cannot be left unattended. Modern bathhouses serve this area.
Jeanne Lafitte, Barataria Bay, Long John Silver, Pirates Cove, Blackbeard
Jeanne Lafitte Loop (Sites 1-25)
Named after the legendary French pirate Jean Lafitte, who operated in these Gulf waters, this 25-site loop offers premium camping with water, electrical 30/50 amp service, sewer hookups, picnic tables, and barbecue grills. This loop features proximity to the main park entrance and sits among beautiful moss-draped oaks. Two newly built, handicap-accessible bathhouses with hot showers are centrally located nearby. Reservations are highly recommended for this popular loop.
Barataria Bay Loop (Sites 26-47)
This 22-site loop continues the pirate theme with full amenities including water, electrical 30/50 amp service, sewer hookups, picnic tables, and barbecue grills. The loop provides easy access to park facilities and features level concrete pads suitable for RVs up to 65 feet. Modern ADA-accessible bathhouses with hot showers serve this loop, and the shaded sites offer relief from summer heat.
Long John Silver Loop (Sites 48-68)
With 21 premium sites offering full hookups, this loop provides water, electrical 30/50 amp service, sewer connections, picnic tables, and barbecue grills. The loop's location offers convenient access to the waterpark and beach areas. Well-maintained bathhouses with hot showers are within easy walking distance, making this a favorite among families with children.
Pirates Cove Loop (Sites 69-93)
This 25-site loop offers premium camping amenities with water, electrical 30/50 amp service, sewer hookups, picnic tables, and barbecue grills. The loop features level sites suitable for large RVs and is conveniently located near the disc golf course and nature trail. Modern bathhouses with hot showers are centrally positioned to serve campers in this popular loop.
Blackbeard Loop (Sites 94-104)
The smallest of the pirate-themed loops with 11 premium sites, Blackbeard Loop provides water, electrical 30/50 amp service, sewer hookups, picnic tables, and barbecue grills. This intimate loop offers a more secluded camping experience while still providing full amenities. ADA-accessible bathhouses with hot showers are nearby, and the loop's location provides easy access to all park facilities.
Treasure Cove (Sites 105-149)
Perhaps the most popular and secluded section of the park, Treasure Cove consists of 45 premium campsites nestled deep in the oak forest. Each site features water, electrical 30/50 amp service, sewer hookups, picnic tables, barbecue grills, and fire pits—making it the only campground area with dedicated fire rings. A handicap-accessible bathhouse with hot showers is centrally located within this loop. Four double sites are available (122-123, 130-131, 135-136, and 147-148), with half bookable through the park office only. Reservations are highly recommended for this sought-after camping section.
Gulf View Camping (Sites 207-250)
The newest addition to Buccaneer State Park, Gulf View camping features 44 premium beachfront campsites overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. These sites offer spectacular sunrise and sunset views with fishing access right at your doorstep. The campground includes 39 back-in sites accommodating RVs up to 71 feet and 5 pull-through sites for rigs up to 89 feet—the longest in the park. All Gulf View sites feature concrete camp pads, large patio/awning areas with lighted pedestals, extra parking space, water, electrical 30/50 amp service, and sewer hookups. Note: Senior, military, and disabled discounts are not available on Gulf View sites, and these premium sites command higher nightly rates.
First-come first-served
Grand Bayou Primitive Camping
If you are feeling adventurous, leave behind the comforts of your full-hookup RV site and embrace nature at the 25 primitive sites near Grand Bayou on the north side of the park. Located deep in the woods beyond Royal Cay, these sites are accessed via a shell road and offer a completely primitive experience with no water, electric, or sewer services. Restroom facilities are available within 100 yards of the camping area. Sites are first-come, first-served with limited availability—contact the park office at (228) 467-3822 for current status. These sites work well for tent camping or as an overflow option for self-contained RVs seeking a more rustic experience.
Explore more RV parks and campgrounds near Buccaneer State Park across the Mississippi Gulf Coast for your next adventure.
Alternate camping
Beach Overflow Sites (70 sites)
When the park experiences high demand, 70 overflow sites become available on a limited, first-come, first-served basis. Located on a grassy field overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, these sites offer only water and electrical hookups (no sewer). The sites lack picnic tables, barbecue grills, and fire pits. Dump station facilities and modern restrooms are available nearby. These sites provide zero shade, making them less comfortable during hot summer days but offering unobstructed Gulf views. Availability varies seasonally.
Seasonal activities in Buccaneer State Park
In-Season
Buccaneer Bay
When you park the Airstream at Buccaneer State Park during the summer months before Labor Day, the whole family is in for a treat. Visitors can enjoy spending the day at Buccaneer Bay, a 4.5-acre waterpark that offers incredible views of the Gulf of Mexico. The park features two waterslides, Pirate’s Plan and Pirate’s Plunge, as well as a splash pad with tipping buckets and a water playground called Lil’ Smuggler’s Cove. Check out six-foot waves in the Pirate’s Lagoon Wave Pool, which also simulates deep ocean swells, allowing for body surfing and beach crashing waves. Concessions and a food court are located at the Sea Dog Alley, along with lots of shade and picnic tables.
Pirate's Alley Nature Trail
There's plenty of space at Buccaneer State Park to stretch your legs after a long ride in the motorhome. Hiking this 1.8-mile self-guided nature trail is also a great way to connect with nature. Although much of the vegetation and trees were destroyed during Hurricane Katrina, years of regrowth has changed the landscape of the trail, and the ecosystem of the forest is thriving once again. There are beautiful trees including Oaks, Magnolia, and Pines as well as a multitude of Mississippi Gulf Coast wildlife.
Jackson's Ridge Disc Golf
Whether you're a huge fan of disc golf, or never tried it before, you're bound to have a blast the disc golf course at Jackson’s Ridge. This par 3, 18-hole disc golf course offers stunning views of the Gulf and a challenging experience with natural obstacles and open fairways. Another great thing about the course is that there is no extra cost for guests camping overnight at the park!
Castaway Cove Pool and Activity Center
During the busy season of summer, guests at the park can enjoy cooling off in the Castaway Cove Pool located inside of the waterpark. If you're RV camping with youngsters, there is also an activity center with plenty of things to do for kids of any age, including video games, foosball, ping pong, and billiards. The pool is open from Wednesday through Sunday each week during the summer, while the activity center is also only open seasonally.
Picnic and Playground
There is no question that this is a family-friendly park, and what could be more fun than a relaxing day having a picnic with the family? Pavilion 3 is large and can accommodate big groups, with seating for up to 75 people. It is also conveniently located in the main park near Buccaneer Bay Waterpark and right by the park playground. The playground is great for kids of all ages, from toddlers to teens, featuring a rock climber, swings, monkey bars, slides, and a merry-go-round. You can also try birdwatching at the Mud Bayou pier and gazebo, where you can see osprey, pelicans, and egrets.
Did you enjoy reading this guide? For more Gulf Coast adventures, check out our Gulf Islands National Seashore guide and De Soto National Forest guide.
Off-Season
Beach Combing
Just as the storms tend to wash driftwood ashore, there are a variety of other great finds waiting to be discovered in the sandy shoreline. Visitors who enjoy beach combing can find troves of seashells and sea glass, among a variety of other “treasures.” Be aware of state and national laws about what you can take from the beach, and it is highly recommended that you never take living organisms, including hermit crabs and starfish.
Collecting Driftwood
If you enjoy the quiet relaxation of the off-season, early spring, or late fall, make great times to visit the park. Enjoy walking along the Gulf of Mexico while taking in scenic views without the crowds. Spring and fall storms cause plenty of driftwood to wash ashore, and you can collect it as a unique souvenir or for other uses. Early mornings and evenings are especially good times to collect driftwood, as you may catch a colorful sunrise or sunset over the gulf.
Biking along the Beach
Biking is a popular activity during the spring and fall, as the air is crisp and light compared to the hot and humid summer months. There is a bike path that runs from the Washington St. Pier in Bay St. Louis, through Buccaneer State Park, and ends beyond the Waveland Pier. The Bay-Waveland Beach Trail is 4.5 miles long and runs along the coast parallel to S. Beach Boulevard, giving convenient and enjoyable access to local eateries, breweries, and more. Biking is also a convenient way to get around the park -- from the RV campgrounds to the waterpark and the beach.
Windsurfing
Having access to the Gulf of Mexico directly from the park provides lots of opportunities for fun in and on the water. Windsurfing is a popular sport along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, particularly during the off-season, when there tend to be even more coastal winds than normal. Also, you will notice that during the off-season you get more time on the water and better availability of gear rentals if you didn't bring your own along in the campervan.
Kayaking the Coast
If you are visiting Buccaneer State Park during the off-season and want to enjoy the water without getting in it, kayaking along the coast is a great way to enjoy the sites. Bring your own kayak along in the Class A, or rent one from one of the outfitters nearby. Either way, taking in the coastline from the water is a unique experience, and a workout too! For an extra special paddle, head out early in the evening to catch one of the park's breathtaking sunsets.
