Parks / Gulf Islands National Seashore
Gulf Islands National Seashore
National Seashore · FL,MS
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!
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (5)
Battery 234 Loop Road Closure
The Battery 234 Loop Road and Battery Cooper within the GUIS, Fort Pickens Management Area will be closed to all for vehicle, bicyclists, and foot (pedestrian) traffic until further notice for safety purposes until the park can correct the leaning and structurally unstable historic Tower 234 that poses danger to visitors and staff. The beach access points for pedestrians from the Gulf (south) side will also be closed. The pipe gates at the entrance and exit points will be locked with accompanied signage.
Road workers on Park Road in Davis Bayou
Phase II of the Davis Bayou Bicycle and Pedestrian Path is in process. Visitors may encounter minor traffic delays and flaggers on Eagle Point and Park Road.
Accessing Fort Barrancas
Fort Barrancas is open 9 am–4 pm Wednesday through Sunday. To access Fort Barrancas, visitors will need to enter the Naval Air station Pensacola through the west gate.
No Dogs on Beach
Dogs and pets are not allowed on any of the beaches in Gulf Islands National Seashore. Visit the pet rules page for information.
Rip Current Status
Review rip current status prior to visiting the park.
Entrance Fees
Fees are required at Fort Pickens Area, Opal Beach Complex Area, and Johnson Beach Area in Florida. Additional fees to ride the ferry. All other passes commercial and non-commercial need to be purchased by emailing [email protected].
Gulf Islands Annual Pass $45 Private Vehicle Pass $25 Motorcyle $20 Bicycle $15 The fee covers unlimited entry for one vehicle and passengers for 7 consecutive days, beginning on the start date you select. Please be prepared to show your site pass on your mobile device (or printed on paper). Entrance passes are non-transferable, non-refundable, will not be replaced if lost or stolen, and will be void if altered or reproduced.
Campgrounds (5)
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.
Details →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.
Details →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.
Details →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.
Details →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 [email protected].
Details →Upcoming Events
Ship Island Excursions Ferry Service to Ship Island
Aug 31, 2026 · Port of Gulfport ferry pier.
Adventure Through Davis Bayou: Ranger Led Hike
Aug 31, 2026 · Visitor center in Mississippi
Ranger's Choice Hike in Davis Bayou
Sep 1, 2026 · William M. Colmer Visitor Center
Civil War Trunk at Fort Pickens
Sep 3, 2026
Seashells (and a Murder Mystery) on Ship Island
Sep 4, 2026 · Meet on Ship Island swim beach on Ship Island in Mississippi. Only accessible by boat.
The Spanish Are Coming! (FL Program)
Sep 4, 2026 · Meet inside Fort Pickens
Guardian on the Gulf
Sep 4, 2026 · Inside Fort Picknes
Life of a Ship Island Soldier
Sep 5, 2026 · Meet inside Fort Massachusetts
Pensacola Bay City Ferry Service to Fort Pickens
Sep 5, 2026
Davis Bayou Kayak Tour
Sep 6, 2026 · Behind the William M. Colmer Visitor Center at the boat house.
Yoga in the Bayou
Sep 17, 2026 · Davis Bayou Pavilion 5
Full moon kayak paddle of Davis Bayou
Sep 25, 2026 · Meet at the Davis Bayou Boat House behind the Visitor Center.
Davis Bayou Cleanup for National Public Lands Day
Sep 26, 2026 · Pavilion 3
Things to Do
Birdwatching at Gulf Islands
More than 280 species of birds have been sighted in Gulf Islands National Seashore, which is featured on Florida and Mississippi birding trails. Whether you are a beginning birder or an avid ornithologist, you'll enjoy the abundant wildlife found at Gulf Islands.
Fishing at Gulf Islands
Fishing is a great way to enjoy the waters of Gulf Islands National Seashore. Anglers may enjoy casting from shore, a pier, or off a boat. Learn more about what's in season, size and take limits, and what to catch.
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.
Go for a Hike at Gulf Islands
Find trails in all sections of the park to explore.
Go Waterfowl Hunting
Learn about how and where to hunt for waterfowl at Gulf Islands.
Paddling in Gulf Islands
Canoe, kayak, or paddleboard in the beautiful blue-green waters and calm bayous of Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Ride the Ferry
Ride the to Pensacola Beach, Fort Pickens, or Ship Island.
Ride your Bike at Gulf Islands
Ride your bicycle for miles up and down the scenic coastal roads of Gulf Islands.
View the Night Sky at Gulf Islands
Come explore the dark side 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.
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.
Visitor Centers
- Fort Barrancas Visitor Center
- Fort Pickens Visitor Center
- William M. Colmer Visitor Center
Source: National Park Service.