What is Shepard State Park like?
Located in Gautier, Shepard State Park is part of a Mississippi disc golf scene that now runs to 95 registered courses. It plays 18 holes, par 54, across 6,714 ft — an average of about 373 feet a hole. That is long enough that you will want a driver you can actually control off the tee.
The terrain is wooded/flat — a mix of wooded and open holes, which puts the emphasis on a complete game. The variety is the test: you will need a tunnel shot on one hole and a full-power drive on the next, often back to back.
ThrowSpot rates the course demanding overall, making it experienced players who want a real challenge. Length, tight lines, and unforgiving misses mean newer players should expect a long round. Play the shorter tees if they exist. Most groups finish in about 110 minutes, though a busy weekend morning can add half an hour of waiting on the tee.
What discs should you bring to Shepard State Park?
For a course like this, a putter, two mid-ranges, and a couple of fairway drivers covers the majority of shots. The variety rewards a balanced bag over a specialist one. You will use almost everything you carry.
If you are not sure what matches your arm speed, the disc selector converts your throwing distance into a speed ceiling and specific mold recommendations. It is also worth reading the wind calculator before you play on a breezy day.
Cost and access
This course is free to play, like the majority of the 7,008 courses in the ThrowSpot directory. There is no booking system and no check-in — turn up and play. Most park courses are open dawn to dusk; hours can change seasonally, so it is worth checking locally before a very early or late round.
Amenities at Shepard State Park
Amenity information comes from PDGA course records and may not reflect recent changes. If something here is out of date, the local club is usually the fastest way to confirm.
Getting to Shepard State Park
Gautier, MS — free parking is listed for this course.
Other disc golf courses near Shepard State Park
More disc golf in Gautier
Gautier has 2 PDGA-listed courses. Others worth a round:
| Course | Holes | Difficulty | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulldog Bayou | 18 | Intermediate | $5 |
Frequently asked questions
How many holes is Shepard State Park?
Shepard State Park has 18 holes with a total par of 54. The course measures 6,714 ft, averaging about 373 feet per hole.
Is Shepard State Park free to play?
Yes. Shepard State Park is free to play, with no booking or check-in required.
Is Shepard State Park good for beginners?
It is rated advanced difficulty, so newer players should expect a challenging round. Length, tight lines, and unforgiving misses mean newer players should expect a long round. Play the shorter tees if they exist.
How long does it take to play Shepard State Park?
About 110 minutes for a typical group on 18 holes. Solo players move faster; busy weekend mornings can add 20 to 30 minutes of waiting.
Where is Shepard State Park located?
Shepard State Park is in Gautier, Mississippi, at coordinates 30.37919, -88.63579. Directions are linked on this page.
What discs should I bring to Shepard State Park?
For this layout, a putter, two mid-ranges, and a couple of fairway drivers covers most shots. The variety rewards a balanced bag over a specialist one. You will use almost everything you carry.