Winter traveling to Mississippi begins by following your wanderlust dreams. Divided into five intriguing regions of rolling hills, waterfalls, wild woodlands, sheltering swamps with marshes, flat deltas, and miles of southern sugar grain white sandy beaches flanked by the Gulf of Mexico,  the RVer has a smorgasbord of vacation delights. Just the word “Mississippi,” conjures up an image of a wide untamable river, steamboats, ante-bellum homes, southern hospitality, and memories of an early nation struggling for humanity. The state itself delivered to the Union ancient nomadic Indians, a confederate president Jefferson Davis, the Nobel Laureate William Faulkner, and Elvis Presley's birthplace.

As the geese fly south so does the RV “snowbird.” Whether traveling as a couple or family complete with the kids, you'll find plenty of winter entertainment. Traveling through Mississippi continue southbound until you reach Hancock County. There you will enter the gateway to the Gulf Coast. This is where the weather begins to remain moderately stable during the winter months, usually averaging around sixty-eight degrees, with fifty-two degrees being the lowest “winter” recording within the last thirty years.  Most “Mississippi Snowbirds” find their winter wonderland.  Besides the rich heritage of southern culture, the Mississippi Gulf Coast has successfully delved into its own tourism economy and put the marshes and wetlands into use. 

Once thought to be an area of wasteland, golf course designers were able to build spectacular courses around the challenging areas. Now the Gulf Coast area is abundant with approximately twenty-four well known courses, one of which is “The Bridges” This course is an Arnold Palmer designed course resplendent with twenty-one wooden bridges extending approximately over an area of a mile. These bridges help span numerous lakes, seventeen as a matter of fact, and fourteen acres of marsh, wetlands, and heavily seeded fairways. In its infancy, the course was a series of islands with bridges needed to “connect the dots.”

“The Bridges” golf course can be included in package deals obtained at Casino Magic – Bay St. Louis. The casino is a 492 room high rise resort hotel/casino with the only exclusive RV park onsite in the Gulf Coast area. Adults only in casino area for gaming and kids have areas designated for their pleasure. In speaking with public relations manager Christian Reese, one hears the enthusiasm and energy vibrating from Casino Magic – Bay St. Louis. Ms. Reese relates, “besides the casinos which we encourage our guests to participate in, we want to extend every opportunity for the traveler to explore Bay St. Louis. Our shuttle service assists guests to and from the hotel/casino into the quaint artsy town for excursions to meet the locals and view the available antiquities.” “For families with kids, NASA's John Stennis Space Center, the world's largest rocket testing complex with a newly expanded visitor's center and exhibit of the International Space Station is an excellent excursion.”

RV information and reservations should always be made in advance. Due to the popularity of the area, during the winter months, the Casino Magic Bay St. Louis stays pleasantly busy. For Casino Magic Bay St. Louis Reservations:

Call 1-800-5-MAGIC-5 for site prices!
For Group Discounts of 20 sites or more, ask for ext. 2684

Located in a beautiful setting, the park features:

• 100 sites with full hook-ups
• Laundry and shower facilities
• 24-hour security
• BBQ grills
• Phone
• 4,000 sq. ft. Pavilion
• 30 & 50 amp hook-ups
• Free Cable TV
• Pets welcome
• Casino action 24 hrs a day
• The Bridges, an 18-hole Arnold Palmer designed golf course
• Access to hotel swimming pools
• Five fabulous restaurants
• Free Nightly Entertainment
• A short walk to the casino or shuttle service available
• Access to Casino Magic Boat Launch
• Valuable coupon package

R.V. Park Guests
Special Golf Discount at The Bridges Golf Club
Call 463-4047 or 1-800-5-MAGIC-5 ext. 4047
Access to boat launch

When you make your plans to travel toward the Mississippi Gulf Coast, be sure to plan for a long stay, well, at least two weeks at a time in one place! Of the several R.V. places available, each one has its own personality and uniqueness. Information for these can be obtained by e mailing: Tourism@HancockCountyMS.org, or calling the Hancock County Tourism Development Bureau at 1-800-466-9048 and asking for information concerning the local RV parks.

Don't forget the beautiful white sandy beaches! Charter a fishing boat and experience the thrill of your first big catch. Be ready to pay $250 - $600 for one/half to a whole day of Gulf coast fishing. Saltwater licenses are required but most skippers carry licenses which cover you while onboard their vessels. In the winter time, wear layered clothing to keep up with the changing winds. Wear soft sole non-skid shoes and use sun block. If the kids are with you, stock up on anti-motion sickness medicines which can be purchased over the counter in the local stores. So, whether you decide boating, fishing, golf, gaming, shopping excursions, or just relaxing on the beach, you'll find a kaleidoscope of winter wonderland activity in the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. Happy Traveling!