Visit Wilderness

The Gulf Islands Wilderness comprises Horn and Petit Bois Islands, offering a place of solitude and self-reliance. Here, the undeveloped islands remain wild, with minimal signs of modern human impact, preserving their natural coastal beauty.

The islands are continuously shaped by powerful oceanic and weather forces. Adapted wildlife and plant species thrive in the intricate ecosystems of rolling dunes, dense maritime forests, and unique wetlands. This dynamic landscape is home to diverse life, including sea oats, live oaks, saw palmetto, prickly pear cactus, southeastern snowy plovers, southern bald eagles, American alligators, ghost crabs, and various snake species. The surrounding waters support a thriving sea life, with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, moon jellies, Portuguese man-of-war, and Kemp's ridley turtles among the notable residents.

From the first light of dawn to the star-studded night sky, the Gulf Islands Wilderness offers a sanctuary—a place to not just observe nature, but to experience it from within.

Leave No Trace

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply in the Gulf Islands Wilderness.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

For more information on Leave No Trace, Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website.

Rules & Regulations

Contacts