📷 tormentor4555, Public domainOld Town Bay St. Louis
Bay St. Louis, MS
A small Gulf Coast town with a beachfront, an old downtown of galleries and cafes, and a bridge across the bay. Park downtown and stroll on foot, then walk the sand along the waterfront.
The historic district of Bay St. Louis lies on a peninsula between the Mississippi Sound, the Bay of St. Louis and the Jourdan River. At 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 m) above sea level, it occupies the highest ground on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The district, added to the National Register in 2010, covers 504 acres (about 204 ha) with 933 buildings dating from 1850 to 1949. Landmarks include the courthouse (1910–11), the Art Deco post office (1935–36) and Our Lady of the Gulf church.
Hurricanes Camille (1969) and Katrina (2005) destroyed large parts of the historic streetscape, especially along Beach Boulevard and near the waterfront. The US 90 bridge across the bay was rebuilt after Katrina. Park downtown and explore on foot; one to two hours is enough for the old town and the beachfront promenade.
- Nearest town
- Bay St. Louis, MS
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 30.3088, -89.3300
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in May, September and December–February. Hot in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Love's RV HookupMotorhome stopover11 mi from Old Town Bay St. LouisMotorhomes
- Motorhome stopover · Bay St. LouisMotorhome stopover14 mi from Old Town Bay St. LouisMotorhomes
- KOA HolidayMotorhome stopover18 mi from Old Town Bay St. LouisMotorhomesElectricityWi-Fi
- Motorhome stopover · Bay St. LouisMotorhome stopover19 mi from Old Town Bay St. LouisMotorhomes
- Fox's RV ParkMotorhome stopover22 mi from Old Town Bay St. LouisMotorhomes
- WMA camp site (free)Campsite23 mi from Old Town Bay St. Louis
All campsites in Mississippi · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Old Town Bay St. Louis?
Old Town Bay St. Louis is in Bay St. Louis, MS, at GPS 30.3088, -89.3300. It is about 51 mi from New Orleans.
Can you camp near Old Town Bay St. Louis?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Love's RV Hookup, about 11 mi away; within 25 mi there are 11 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Old Town Bay St. Louis?
Places worth a stop nearby: Beauvoir (22 mi), Biloxi Lighthouse (26 mi), Downtown Ocean Springs (31 mi) and Walter Anderson Museum of Art (31 mi).
When is the best time to visit Old Town Bay St. Louis?
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in May, September and December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)