Picnic tables at the William M. Colmer Visitor Center in the Davis Bayou unit of Gulf Islands National Seashore

---

See the Picnic Areas web page for an interactive location map.

---

A small picnic area with a little over a dozen tables is located at the William M. Colmer Visitor Center at Gulf Islands National Seashore in Mississippi. Davis Bayou is in sight, though at this point it’s not what comes to mind when one thinks of a bayou—here it is a wide river. Most of the picnic tables are set back too far to enjoy the view, but there is one table located right along the water. All tables are taken on a first come, first served basis.

Picnic table overlooks Davis Bayou near the William M. Colmer Visitor Center, Gulf Islands National Seashore

Tables at the Visitor Center are situated on level pads and come with grills, though I doubt these are fired up too often. The Visitor Center picnic area is really meant for visitors to grab a bite to eat, not spend the day picnicking with family and friends. If this is what you are looking for, try either Picnic Pavilions #1-4 or Pavilion #5. These areas are meant for serious picnicking, and Pavilions 1, 3, and 5 can be reserved for large groups.

Picnic tables at the William M. Colmer Visitor Center, Gulf Islands National Seashore

There are a number of short trails in the area. One leads to a restroom, and a sign points the way. If you head in that direction, you can take another trail that branches off to the right and leads to a fishing pier. A Mississippi State Salt Water Fishing License is required to fish. No permits are needed from the National Park Service.

Fishing Pier at the William M. Colmer Visitor Center, Gulf Islands National Seashore

Back to the Top