Barrier Islands
The 3 undeveloped barrier islands on the Mississippi coast are located 9 - 12 miles offshore and are reachable only by boat. Explore a world where land meets sea and life balances on the edge.

Horn, Petit Bois and East Ship Islands are some of the last barrier islands still in a natural state. Their beaches, lagoons and maritime woodlands offer a rare solitude on the Gulf coast. There are no amenities or shelters provided. Ranger stations on Horn and West Ship operate all year.

For centuries, Horn and Ship served as safe havens and projectile points discovered suggest Native Americans were the first to visit. 16th-century Europeans sailed offshore, exploring their "New World". Pirates possibly struck Spanish gold fleets from island bases and Ship Island's history as a safe harbor may be in part due to the pirates in the gulf.

In 1699, a French-Canadian fleet dropped anchor at Ship Island harbor. Using his new island base, Pierre le Moyne d'Iberville claimed for France Louisiana, extending from Ship Island to Canada.

Soldiers returned to the islands again and again through the centuries. 10,000 British soldiers visited during the War of 1812 and 20,000 Union troops for the 1862 invasion of New Orleans.

Permit Information
No permit needed.

Directions
The islands are 9 to 12 miles off the coast and can be reached only by boat.

Information Center
There are Ranger stations on Horn and West Ship which operate all year.

Activities