Gulfport sits within striking distance of some of the Southeast’s best legal OHV riding. From pine-lined single-track in the De Soto National Forest to private off-road parks with sandbars and camping, you can plan everything from a quick morning loop to a full weekend of mud, creeks, and campfires. Below are the standout places locals and visitors ride most, with quick notes on terrain, access, and need-to-know rules.
Bethel OHV Trails (De Soto National Forest, Saucier)
If you only check out one spot, make it Bethel. About 43 miles of designated, signed trail wind through classic Coastal Plain terrain—longleaf and slash pine, flats and swales, and a few wet stretches after heavy rain. The system is width-limited (USFS caps ATVs around 50 inches), managed for family-friendly riding, and posts closures after big weather to protect the trail. Facilities are simple (primitive camping and a vault toilet), and there’s a day-use fee collected on site. Always “call before you haul” to confirm conditions and gate status.
Rattlesnake Bay ATV Trail (De Soto National Forest, near New Augusta)
Rattlesnake Bay strings together three signed loops for roughly 31.6 miles of curvy, rolling trail. Expect sandy sections, smooth flow, and some tighter turns as the path follows natural contours. The area sits within Camp Shelby’s special-use zone, which means you may occasionally see military training nearby (riding usually remains open; just check schedules). Like Bethel, it’s a fee area with width limits and basic amenities at the trailhead. USFS notes a “call before you haul” line for current status and reminds riders of spark-arrestor and sound rules.
Red Creek Off-Road (Perkinston)
Prefer a private-park vibe with longer weekends, night riding, and lodging? Red Creek Off-Road is a go-to for South Mississippi riders. The park offers miles of trails with creek and sandbar access, mud play, on-site camping and RV hookups, plus cabins and cottages for groups. Riding typically concentrates on Friday–Saturday with weekday access by appointment; the park advises checking its posted hours before you load up (policies can change seasonally). It’s a solid choice for mixed groups where some want to ride while others hang by the water.
Wild Country Off-Road (Leakesville)
Wild Country blends a big-acreage trail system with an events calendar, camping, and a full kitchen/restaurant. Reporting from 2025 describes roughly 1,200 acres with around 150 miles of trails and several miles of riverfront—plenty of room to spread out for a long weekend or to plan your ride around races and special gatherings. Before you go, scan the latest park rules and hours and look for event weekends (they can change riding access and pricing).
Little Tiger ATV/Motorcycle Trail (Chickasawhay Ranger District)
Farther north but still a reasonable day trip, Little Tiger lays out about 12 miles of loops through open longleaf pine. Difficulty trends easy-to-moderate, which makes it great for newer riders or anyone looking for a mellow pace in a National Forest setting. Facilities include picnic tables and a chemical toilet; as with the De Soto trails, closures happen after heavy rain, so call the district office before you set out.
Trail-day tips
- Bring exact cash for USFS trailheads; fee stations are often self-serve.
- Width limits apply on National Forest ATV trails; check your machine’s specs and the current restriction before you go.
- After big storms, both public trails and private parks may close or change hours—always verify conditions first.
Conclusion
From the flowy pines of Bethel and Rattlesnake Bay to creek-side weekends at Red Creek and Wild Country, Gulfport riders have a deep bench of options within a short drive. Pick your vibe—public forest loops or private-park playgrounds—and you’ll find routes that fit beginners, families, and seasoned riders alike.
Plan your next ride with Turan-Foley Cadillac
When you’re ready to upgrade your trail rig hauler—think comfortable, quiet highway miles to Saucier, plenty of cargo space for helmets and coolers, and the towing muscle to pull a loaded trailer—visit Turan-Foley Cadillac in Gulfport. Our team can help you choose the right Cadillac SUV or truck setup and get you road-trip ready for your next ATV weekend. Stop in today and let’s outfit your adventure.
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