Biloxi Town Green
A family man with a chronic case of wanderlust, Adam Porter cruises America’s highways and byways looking for the best and “best-kept secret” RV getaways.

We are standing on Biloxi Town Green. A row of casinos and a huge neon guitar block our view of the beach, but we are not looking in that direction. In front of us is the Katrina Memorial, a granite monument commemorating the lives lost when one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history made landfall on August 29, 2005. Standing nearby, Carla, conductor of the “Shrimp Train” historic tour, shares a firsthand account of the storm and its aftermath. She remembers the smiling faces of townsfolk who used to wave from their front porches as the Shrimp Train went by. Many of those families are gone. The massive storm surge washed their homes away, leaving behind little more than cracked sidewalks and empty foundations. But Biloxi persevered.

Beauvoir in the fog
Today, the locals are smiling again, waving and welcoming visitors with their signature coastal Mississippi charm. Somewhere on this little gulf-side peninsula, someone is grooving to zydeco as they put fresh crawfish on to boil. And you can bet they’ve saved a seat for you.

WHAT TO DO IN BILOXI

Biloxi offers a number of historical and cultural sites, as well as tours by land and sea:

  • Beauvoir (www.beauvoir.org) — Built in 1852, this antebellum compound was the final home of Confederate leader Jefferson Davis. It includes a main building, several outbuildings and a Civil War Museum. Admission is $9 for adults and $5 for children, with discounts for seniors, students, AAA members and active-duty military personnel. Located at 2244 Beach Blvd.; call 228.388.4400.
  • Biloxi Tour Train (www.biloxitourtrain.com) — The “Shrimp Train” offers a whirlwind tour of Biloxi. Get an insider look at the waterfront, the historic district and casino row. Fares are $14 for adults and $5 for children, with discounts for seniors, military, groups and AAA members. Tours depart from Biloxi Lighthouse Park, at the intersection of Beach Blvd. and Porter Ave. Call 228.374.8687.
    Carla and the Shrimp Train
  • Gallery 782 (www.gallery782.org) — A visual art collection from local artists. The gallery is housed in the “Old Spanish House” at 782 Water St. Call 228.436.7782.
  • Katrina Memorial (biloxi.ms.us/katrina_and_biloxi/Katrina_Memorial.html) — Visit this monument to pay tribute to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Located at 710 Beach Blvd.
  • Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum (www.maritimemuseum.org) — Exhibits include shrimping, fishing, blacksmithing, net-making and Biloxi skiffs. While the museum was destroyed by Katrina, the exhibits and shop are currently housed at Edgewater Mall, 2600 Beach Blvd., while the museum is rebuilt. Admission rates: adults $5, seniors $4, kids 3 and up $3. Call 228.435.6320.
  • Ohr-O’Keefe Museum (www.georgeohr.org) — Explore the work of visual artist George Ohr, the “Mad Potter of Biloxi.” Admission rates: adults $10, seniors $8, students aged 6-17 $5; children 5 and under are free. Located at 386 Beach Blvd.; call 228.374.5547.
    Biloxi Schooners_Courtesy Biloxi Maritime Museum
  • Schooner Tours (www.maritimemuseum.org/schooners/schooners.php) — Tour the Gulf Coast on a classic dual-masted schooner. These gorgeous, circa-19th century “white-winged queens” recall a simpler, romantic time in maritime commerce. Call 228.435.6320 for rates and departure location.
  • Shrimping Trip (www.biloxishrimpingtrip.com) — On this family-friendly adventure cruise, you’ll see shrimp, stingrays, oysterfish, pufferfish, flounder and blue crabs. Fares: ages 12 and up $15, kids 4-11 $10; children 3 and under are free. Operates February through November. Sailings depart from Biloxi Small Craft Harbor at 679 Beach Blvd. For departure times, call 228.392.8645.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

  • The Biloxi Visitor Center (biloxi.ms.us/museums/Visitors_Center) offers a cool little local history museum and a panoramic view of the waterfront. Admission is free. Located at 1050 Beach Blvd.; call 228.374.3105.
  • Both main roads through town, Beach Boulevard and Pass Road, are RV-friendly, but parking can get tight. We recommend using your “toad” (towed vehicle) or public transportation.
    The Katrina Memorial
  • The Coast Transit Authority (CTA) offers inexpensive local transportation. Ride the Casino Hopper to casinos, attractions and businesses in east Biloxi, or board the Beachcomber for waterfront fun. Click over to www.CoastTransit.com for routes and times.

GETTING TO BILOXI

Biloxi is located on a peninsula created by Back Bay of Biloxi to the north and the Gulf of Mexico to the south. From east or west, take I-10 to I-110 South. You’ll find the Biloxi Visitor Center at GPS coordinates 30.394538, -88.901247.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Both the RV parks and the casinos are busy in winter and spring, but November through April is still the best time to visit. From May through September, both rates and temperatures rise.

WHERE TO STAY

Cajun RV Park (www.cajunrvpark.com)

Camping at Cajun RV Park
Their sign reads: “We’re glad you’re here!” And they are. There’s lots to do on site, and a convenient free shuttle to the casinos. You’ll find gravel sites, shade trees and a swimming pool.

  • Full hookups: water, sewer and electric (50 amp)
  • Wi-Fi and cable TV
  • Pull-through sites with big rig access
  • Family-friendly and pet-friendly; no tents

Reserve online or call 877.225.8699. Located at 1860 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, MS 39531. GPS: 30.393571, -88.948900

Majestic Oaks RV Resort (www.majesticoaksrv.com)

Guest-run activities give this park a family-reunion feel. Sites are paved and well-kept but a bit snug. Enjoy the shade trees and swimming pool.

Camping at Majestic Oaks RV Resort

  • Full hookups: water, sewer and electric (30/50-amp)
  • Wi-Fi and cable TV
  • Some pull-through sites; otherwise, can be tight for big rigs
  • Family-friendly and pet-friendly; no tents

Book online or call 228.436.4200. Located at 1750 Pass Rd., Biloxi, MS 39531. GPS: 30.40534, -88.942469

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