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Shepard State Park

4.4
Β·661 reviewsΒ·Gautier, United States

A 395-acre nature park on the MS Gulf Coast, offering serene camping, scenic river trails, disc golf, and abundant wildlife.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Mild weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Beginning of Oscar Trail

Shepard State Park

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Mild weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 395-acre nature park on the MS Gulf Coast, offering serene camping, scenic river trails, disc golf, and abundant wildlife.

4.4
(661 reviews)

"This is a beautiful park and is well maintained. Great walking trails and lots to see."

Vertical photo
TIP

🐾 Dog-Friendly Trails

Bring your furry friends! Shepard State Park welcomes dogs on its walking trails. πŸ•

πŸ₯ Disc Golf Fun

Don't forget your discs! The park offers a great disc golf course for some outdoor recreation. :frisbee:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 Β· 661 reviews

Type

State Park

πŸ‘Ά Good for kidsβ™Ώ Wheelchair accessibleπŸ…ΏοΈ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wooded Campsites

Wooded Campsites

Spacious, private sites nestled among tall, beautiful shade trees. Perfect for a serene camping experience.

Scenic River Trails

Scenic River Trails

Explore well-marked paths winding along the river, offering opportunities to spot diverse wildlife.

Disc Golf Course

Disc Golf Course

Challenge your skills on the park's disc golf course, a fun activity for all skill levels.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Outdoors

Shepard State Park offers a refreshing escape with its 395 acres of nature. Explore diverse wildlife, enjoy scenic river views, and hike well-marked trails. It's a perfect spot for a peaceful getaway.

Plan Your Stay

This park boasts spacious, wooded campsites with essential hookups. Booking is easy, and the gated security ensures a safe, tranquil experience. Remember to pack for outdoor activities!

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Mild weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter park experience
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings
Why
Cooler temperatures
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We loved this hidden gem on the MS gulf coast! #shepardstatepark
@kellytranco
47 likes β€’ 1.1K views

🐾 Dog-Friendly Trails

Bring your furry friends! Shepard State Park welcomes dogs on its walking trails. πŸ•

πŸ₯ Disc Golf Fun

Don't forget your discs! The park offers a great disc golf course for some outdoor recreation. :frisbee:

reddit.com

Favorite hiking trails near the coast?

Hi guys! What are your favorite hiking locations near the coast? Im in the OS/Biloxi area ~ I'd be willing to drive an hour or more if you think its worth it. Any secret spots? Cool abandoned buildings I could explore? Im looking for an adventure!!

reddit.com

Good Food and Possibly Alligators

Hello! I posted last year looking for places to find alligators in the wild: https://www.reddit.com/r/MobileAL/s/Adw4pHyMmI We never found any, but my sisters and I are back in your amazing city and we are looking for places to eat and we are going to revisit some of the…

πŸ”’ Gated Security

Enjoy peace of mind with the park's secure, gated entrance. πŸ”’

🌳 Nature's Beauty

Take time to appreciate the mature oak trees and diverse wildlife. 🦌

reddit.com

Places for walks and photography

Greetings! I’m new to Biloxi and am staying with family until I get settled. Myself and my grandma have been going on morning walks to get out and get some exercise as well as let me practice my photography. Is there any outdoor places you would recommend for relaxing and easy…

Tips

from all over the internet

🐾 Dog-Friendly Trails

Bring your furry friends! Shepard State Park welcomes dogs on its walking trails. πŸ•

πŸ₯ Disc Golf Fun

Don't forget your discs! The park offers a great disc golf course for some outdoor recreation. :frisbee:

πŸ”’ Gated Security

Enjoy peace of mind with the park's secure, gated entrance. πŸ”’

🌳 Nature's Beauty

Take time to appreciate the mature oak trees and diverse wildlife. 🦌

What Travellers Say

4.4
(661 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Shepard State Park is consistently praised for its beautiful, well-maintained grounds and serene atmosphere. Visitors highlight the spacious, private campsites, well-marked trails, and friendly staff. It's a highly recommended spot for camping and enjoying nature.

"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."

Sam Guess

"Very quiet gated park with Large lots. Electricity hookups, water, and sewer. Wide variety of wildlife"

Tricia Adams

"This Park I can't say enough about it. The southern people are absolutely Divine. The park is private and safe and I would highly recommend staying at this park. This is dog-friendly and has trail walking areas. Ocean springs has a southern hospitality and you will absolutely love it. The water is spectacular all around with 100-year-old giant oak trees.
Thank you so much and God bless"

Angel f

What People Like

Beautiful and well-maintained
Spacious, private campsites
Well-marked trails

What People Dislike

Limited dining options on-site

Frequently Asked Questions

πŸš‡ πŸ—ΊοΈ Getting There

Shepard State Park is located in Gautier, Mississippi. It's easily accessible by car, with clear signage from major roadways. Many visitors find it a convenient drive from the Ocean Springs/Biloxi area. TikTok

Yes, the park is well-marked and generally easy to locate. GPS navigation systems will guide you directly to the entrance. Reddit

Public transportation options to Shepard State Park are limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle. Reddit

From Biloxi, take US-90 E towards Pascagoula, then follow signs for Gautier and Shepard State Park. The drive is scenic and takes about 30-40 minutes. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the park itself is generally free, but there are fees for camping and potentially for specific amenities or events. It's always a good idea to check the official park website for the most current pricing. Reddit

Park hours can vary, especially for the campground. It's recommended to check the official Shepard State Park website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on operating hours. Reddit

Booking a campsite at Shepard State Park is described as super easy. You can typically book online through the park's reservation system or by phone. Reddit

While the park itself is often free to enter for day use, specific activities like camping will incur fees. Confirm current rates before your visit. Reddit

Payment methods for campsites and any applicable fees usually include both cash and card. It's advisable to confirm this when making your reservation. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Shepard State Park offers a variety of activities including hiking on well-marked trails, disc golf, wildlife viewing, and camping. The park features a river and playground. TikTok

Yes, the trails at Shepard State Park are described as well-marked and easy to follow, making them suitable for most visitors. Reddit

Absolutely! Shepard State Park features a playground, making it a great destination for families with children. TikTok

Visitors frequently mention the wide variety of wildlife present in the park, so keep an eye out during your visit! Reddit

Yes, Shepard State Park has a disc golf course that visitors enjoy. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Shepard State Park does not have on-site restaurants. However, reviewers note that there are several good restaurants located close to the park. Reddit

Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy at picnic areas or their campsites. Grilling is also common for campers. Reddit

The nearby Ocean Springs area offers a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants, catering to different tastes. Reddit

Yes, there are grocery stores in the vicinity of Shepard State Park for stocking up on supplies for your camping trip. Reddit

πŸ“Έ πŸ“Έ Photography

The riverbanks, mature oak trees, and wooded trails offer beautiful natural backdrops for photography. Wildlife sightings can also make for great shots. Reddit

With its diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes, Shepard State Park is an excellent location for nature photography enthusiasts. Reddit

Early morning and late afternoon often provide the best lighting for photography, with softer light and potential for golden hour shots. Reddit

Yes, the wooded and spacious campsites themselves can be picturesque, especially during different seasons. Reddit

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