Mississippi’s wild barrier islands cry out for an aquatic expedition, that’s how adventurous they are. The Mississippi members of the Gulf Islands National Seashore are only accessible by boat.

Horn and Petit Bois are federally designated wilderness islands, practically untouched by humans. Navigate your own boat or go by private charter; then you can pitch your tent on their white shores for a true taste of primitive, original camping. Fish, hike, bird watch or swim from your peaceful home base. You can also set your campfire on nearby East Ship Island and on part of Cat Island.

During your day’s exploration of West Ship, be sure to check out Fort Massachusetts, a 19th-century fortification shaped like the letter D.