If you are going to be anywhere in Mississippi, you might as well be on the coast," says Brad Lea. Lea is the manager of Gulf Beach RV Resort in Biloxi, Mississippi. Gulf Beach RV Resort has only been around since 2017 and has already become a major hit in the area. Originally, it was a hotel but then Hurricane Katrina destroyed it in 2005. "The hotel was owned by the father of the current owners, but the owners decided they didn't want to continue with a hotel so they did the next best thing - a campground," Lea recalls.
"We are a laid back, relaxing place," Lea says, "And known for top-of-the-line facilities like bathrooms, showers, laundry - which is why we are called a resort." Another thing they are known for is their location. They are right across the street from the beach, which means great views and easy access. "We have a 3,200 square feet deck by the pool that overlooks the ocean, and people enjoy," he says. To access the beach from the resort, one simply walks across the 4 lane highway in front. Gulf Coast RV Resort is relatively small with 44 sites; however every site is full hookup and has a level concrete pad.
Reviewers enjoy the resort and often come back. One said, “This resort is the best on MS gulf coast...Right across from beach, all pads are level and concrete with full hook up and DirectTV. Nice fenced in dog park which was great for our 2 Australian Shepherds. Very clean and well maintained pool, party deck and club house that face the gulf.”
What is the draw of the Mississippi Gulf Coast as compared to some more well-known Gulf destinations, such as in Florida? "It just has a whole laid back atmosphere," Lea tells The Buzz. "It is a slower pace. If you want to go to a restaurant, you can get to one really easily. Don't get me wrong, I've been going to Florida all my life for vacation, but we'll go in the off season. Here, you don't have to spend your vacation sitting in traffic or waiting in line to go to the restaurant."
RV Resort guests gathering for a deck party and playing cornhole. [Photo/Gulf Beach RV Resort]
Gulf Beach appeals to this type of visitor, though they haven't exactly pinpointed their market yet as it relatively new. "We got some snowbirds this past winter, but we are mainly a weekend or week-long vacation spot," Lea explains. "The people that come here want to relax and that is what we give them. The view and not having to worry about noise late at night or partying or things like that is why people come here." They do not have permanent residents, though folks stay for months at a time, especially in the winter time.
Beyond relaxation, there is plenty to do in Biloxi. The casinos in the area are well known, including the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino down the street from Gulf Beach, which has over 10,000 Google reviews at 4.5 stars. Beau Rivage features entertainment, food, and, of course, gambling. Plus, Fallen Oak Golf Course is considered one of the finest in the world, winning multiple awards in 2018.
Also right down the street, there is Beauvoir, home of Jefferson Davis, the first and only president of the Confederate States of America. There is a museum, a presidential library, and more on the 51 acres devoted to that interesting time in history. History continues at the well-reviewed Biloxi Visitor Center. The Center was built in 2011 to resemble the Dantzler House, a beautiful two-story house built in 1849 that had a bowling alley, bath house, stables and more. Katrina leveled the house in 2005, so the city designed the 11-million-dollar visitor center to resemble it. The visitor center has information about the area, as well as a museum of sorts that give information about the cultural heritage of Biloxi.
And, of course, there is the beach. Many folks like the beautiful white sand, sunsets and sunrises, and the relative quietness as compared to beaches in Florida. For more amenities on the area, check out this article.
“For me, I love the view I get to see every day, as well as taking the time to talk to visitors from all over,” Lea says, “It is just really interesting learning how others do things.” They have had visitors from all over the United States, as well as some international visitors. “We get some people from Germany and Switzerland. A lot of times they fly into Canada or California and then rent and RV and travel the country. They say they want to see the Mississippi Gulf Coast,” he reports. And it is easy to see why. The laid back atmosphere has with plenty of opportunities to relax and plenty of opportunities to have interesting fun.