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Shepard
Overview
Shepard State Park offers a serene escape into the natural beauty of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Nestled among 395 acres of moss-draped oaks and towering pines, this park provides a tranquil environment for travelers seeking a break from the hustle of more commercialized RV resorts. It is a place where the sound of the wind through the trees and the calls of local wildlife define the atmosphere, making it a scenic hidden gem in Gautier. The park is steeped in local history and offers a true sense of Southern coastal wilderness.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in the heart of Gautier, Mississippi, the park is bordered by the Singing River and its sprawling marshlands. The location serves as a gateway to the unique ecosystems of the Gulf, offering a lush, coastal forest backdrop that feels worlds away from the city. Visitors will find themselves surrounded by native flora and fauna, with easy access to the scenic Pascagoula River Basin just minutes away, providing a perfect blend of woodland and water views.
Amenities & Park Features
The park features numerous RV sites equipped with water and electrical hookups, catering to both 30 and 50-amp needs. Guests have access to bathhouses and a convenient dump station on-site. Notable park features include:
- An eight-mile disc golf course winding through the shaded woods.
- Multiple picnic pavilions perfect for group gatherings and family meals.
- Dedicated nature trails for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore miles of trails that traverse the park's diverse terrain. Birdwatchers will appreciate the park's inclusion on the Mississippi Coastal Birding Trail. Beyond the park gates, several notable attractions are easily accessible:
- The vibrant Ocean Springs downtown art district and local boutiques.
- World-class Biloxi casinos and high-energy entertainment venues.
- The scenic Pascagoula River for kayaking and fishing adventures.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for nature lovers and birdwatchers who prefer a rustic, quiet camping experience over a crowded resort setting. It is a fantastic choice for families looking for space to explore or disc golf players wanting to test their skills on a professional-grade course. If you value natural solitude and easy access to both nature trails and Mississippi coastal culture, Shepard State Park is an excellent fit for your travel style.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
User Reviews
Chris Conn
Easily a 5 star review! This is a beautiful park. The staff was great and the campsites were wooded and spacious. The trails were well marked and easy to follow. The grounds and facilities were very clean. There are several good restaurants close to the site .
Jim Gatz
It is a medium sized state of Mississippi park & campground. All sites are level gravel with full hookups. Alot of shade (nice for us). Camp sites are fairly close but don't feel that way due to the trees. Only 1 bathhouse, which was very clean. There is a disc golf course and a number of archery ranges. It's location is close to shopping & restaurants. And the staff are very nice. The only caveat is the road to the west is closed due to construction, so your only access is from the east over a raised railroad crossing. If you have a low clearance vehicle/camper combination there is risk of high-centering.
Kimbo
Really loved this campground and park! Booking a site was super easy and the staff was friendly and helpful. The park itself is why we love the south so much; tall beautiful shade trees, the smell of the water close by, the sheltered and private spaces and the security gave us peace of mind too with the locked gate. Overall a wonderful experience and I would definitely camp here again!!
Sam Guess
I have nothing but great things to say. This is a beautiful park and is well maintained. Great walking trails and lots to see. We will be back.
Marvin Mason
It was a very awesome place to be at other the tic's and some other kind of flies that bites you it was well worth going. We can't wait to come back
Angela Kennedy
Very well kept campground. Bath house was very clean. Several walking trails throughout the woods and a marsh walk. Nice playground for the kids. Most sites are very roomy and we will go there again.
Amanda Whyatt
A favorite place to stay. Has the world's nicest staff. Recently paved the roadway and added sewer hookups. Bathrooms clean with hot water. Gated in the evening and feels very safe. Watch out for overly friendly wildlife- too many people feeding them!
Dacks
This is a gem of a state park. We have a 35 foot 5th wheel, and we stayed in site #7, plenty of room, easy back in. So private and quiet. Tons if trails for dog walks. The disc golf was above my skill level, but look like a challenge for better players. The chip and put coarse by the boat launch was very run down and needed a lot of work. I hope they reinvest in the smaller course. The only issue we came across was the water. It's murky out of the tap and after a shower I felt a little slimy. I've tossed my filter for the rest of the trip until I get a new one. But don't let that stop you from a great stay at a wonderful state park. Make sure you are stocked up. Other than walmart, there are not a lot of grocery options.
Jemry Marie
This is a cozy little park, tucked into a forested area with a marsh full of wildlife. We've enjoyed our month long stay here. The sites are a decent distance from each other, which offers a small amount of privacy. It hasn't been loud at all. Everyone has been friendly. Dixie at the office is extremely friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable of the area. There's a very nice walkway to explore the marsh. If you're lucky, you may spot alligators, turtles, crabs, otters, and multiple species of birds. There's also a disc golf course, kayak launches, a boat launch, playground, dog park, primitive camping, and an archery course. This place has a lot to offer for everyone.
Sandy Ludke
Update 9/2023: this park we just visited was a totally different one from what was on this location in 2017. The rv sites are now clean, and site 15 was large and private. The trails are now clear and wide, and all the broken bridges and walkways have been replaced. The entire park was clean and upgraded. The Marshwalk Pier is an attribute to the entire community. In 2017 I swore I'd never come back here, but I will definitely be back now. A great place for a stay or just a day. Definitely 5 ⭐