Best Campgrounds near Daphne, AL

The coastal region surrounding Daphne, Alabama features a diverse array of camping options within a short drive. Meaher State Park Campground, located just 5 miles east in Spanish Fort, offers waterfront sites along Mobile Bay with full hookups for RVs and several cabins. Blakeley State Park, 10 miles northeast of Daphne, provides a more secluded camping experience with multiple campground areas including the Harper and Apalachee sections, set among dense forests with Spanish moss and cypress trees. For beach-oriented camping, Gulf State Park in Orange Beach (about 30 miles south) maintains nearly 500 sites with extensive amenities. Dauphin Island Campground, accessible via a 40-minute drive southwest, offers coastal camping with boardwalk access to white sand beaches.

Most campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, though advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially for Gulf State Park where sites fill quickly. Hurricane season (June through November) occasionally impacts facilities, with some campgrounds reporting temporary closures or limited bathhouse availability during recovery periods. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winters remain mild with occasional cold snaps. As one camper noted about Meaher State Park: "Nice flat sites in the pines and next to the Bay. Bathhouses are nice. Only 5 miles west to the USS Alabama Memorial Park." Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, with most campgrounds reporting good coverage for major carriers, making remote work possible.

Extensive biking and hiking trails represent a significant draw for many visitors to the region. Gulf State Park features approximately 28 miles of paved bicycle paths and boardwalks through diverse ecosystems. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with campers regularly reporting sightings of alligators, armadillos, and various bird species. According to one visitor: "When you think Alabama this is the kind of beauty you imagine. The water, huge oak and cypress trees, Spanish moss, boardwalks are all lovely to explore." Many campgrounds provide boat ramps and fishing access, with the Mobile Delta and Gulf waters offering productive fishing. Traffic noise affects some campgrounds near major highways, particularly Meaher State Park, though most visitors report the convenience of nearby amenities outweighs this drawback.

Best Camping Sites Near Daphne, Alabama (146)

    1. Meaher State Park Campground

    32 Reviews
    Daphne, AL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (251) 626-5529

    "Nice flat sites in the pines and next to the Bay. Bathhouses are nice. Only problem is they are push button showers so it takes a couple pushes to get it hot."

    "**This park is in the middle of the delta, giving easy access to the water and lovely views. Trails are short but the boardwalk connecting the two parts of the park is incredible."

    2. Blakeley State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    Spanish Fort, AL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (251) 626-5581

    "**When you think Alabama this is the kind of beauty you imagine. The water, huge oak and cypress trees, Spanish moss, boardwalks are all lovely to explore."

    "Most sites have some privacy but a few are close to neighboring sites. Its a short walk to the bathhouse and tons of hiking trails are nearby."

    3. Gulf State Park Campground

    102 Reviews
    Orange Beach, AL
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (251) 948-7275

    "Gulf Shores Alabama Gulf State Park Current camping spot on the canal. Ours is a nice pull thru with electric and water. Almost 500 sites here from tent to big rig friendly."

    "Gulf Shores Alabama Gulf State Park Current camping spot on the canal. Ours is a nice pull thru with electric and water. Almost 500 sites here from tent to big rig friendly."

    4. Harper - Blakeley State Park

    4 Reviews
    Spanish Fort, AL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (251) 626-5581

    $20 - $30 / night

    "April 4, 2021 Camper Van Site: Harper #7 Primitive 20 Over 2,000 acres crisscrossed with trails."

    "Love the history here as well as the various trails for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. Still can’t believe that this woodsy campground is minutes away from Mobile."

    5. Apalachee RV Campground - Blakeley State Park

    4 Reviews
    Spanish Fort, AL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (251) 626-5581

    "Kayaking trails all around in the park and local. Close by to big city life but camping in the wild yonder"

    "It is very close to Mobile, but also very secluded. There is alot of space between sites and lots to see and do within the campground also."

    6. Chickasabogue Park - Temporarily Closed

    9 Reviews
    Eight Mile, AL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (251) 574-2267

    "Chickasabogue is a bit run down but it’s a great spot to get away from the bustle of daily life. There’s a sports field, water access, and several short, easy paths to hKe."

    "There are hiking trails leading off from the site. The ants were not a problem & definitely not as bad as compared to other local sites I've camped at."

    7. The Retreat RV & Campground On Styx River

    7 Reviews
    Robertsdale, AL
    16 miles
    Website

    $20 - $150 / night

    "The grounds are very beautiful and there are many places that you can walk around the campground. The river bank is gorgeous and we even spent a dinner out next to the river."

    "Very close to the Styx river where you can get cooled off."

    8. Wales West RV Resort & Light Railway

    1 Review
    Fairhope, AL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 569-5337

    "We were workampers here two years ago, so this park is near and dear to our hearts. The sites are easy pull-throughs onto gravel, wide and roomy with picnic tables."

    9. Dauphin Island Campground

    32 Reviews
    Dauphin Island, AL
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (251) 861-2742

    $50 / night

    "I loved the path/boardwalk to the beach. The beach is beautiful white sand and is not crowded at all. The areas around the beach are not developed so you get a more natural view."

    "Great park if you want to camp next to the beach! A short walk and dog friendly! Bath houses were great! No campfires ☹️, but a great place!"

    10. Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

    99 Reviews
    Gulf Breeze, FL
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 934-2622

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Best step above primitive camping while allowing for close to nature setting. Short walk to water, good coastal fishing, Ft Pickens historical site to visit, etc. Not long drive to town."

    "But other than that the showers / bathrooms are close by & clean, you can take a short walk to watch the sunrise & sunset .."

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Recent Reviews near Daphne, AL

699 Reviews of 146 Daphne Campgrounds


  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

    Nice beaches but campground pretty packed

    First off, we stayed in space number E 24 and I want to caution that there is a tree over hanging the site that if you have more than 11 feet height in your RV you need to hug the driver side of the site or you’ll hit the tree. Site was nice and level. Short quarter mile hike over to the beach. Hike out to Fort Pickens was a nice trail, and the fort itself was pretty cool. We did not visit the bathrooms/showers so can’t comment on those. I would say 80 to 90% of the campsites are probably in the sun. Very few actually have trees with shade. It does cost an extra $25 or America the beautiful pass to get into the Fort Pickens national Park. We did visit the aviation museum over on the airbase which was fascinating and it was free.

  • E
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Alabama Coast Campground

    Very nice spot!

    Extremely scenic and friendly staff. Great playground, 2 dog parks. Would stay again!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Island Retreat RV Park

    Change of Scenery

    Camping down in Florida earlier in week decided to go to Gulf Shores for a change of scenery. Nice RV park. Staff are great. Most sites are full sun. Great central location to the beach (bike ride or drive). Bike and walking path. It’s off the main tourist area so it’s nice and quiet. MO’s Landing is right across the street so you can put a boat in or you paddleboard/kayak and tool around Little Lagoon. The only reason for not a 5 star is a lot of the sites do not have the patio area right off the center of the trailer where you normally would hang out. Ours had 3 ft of concrete then drop off to sandy ground. Still a really nice RV park.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Pensacola Beach RV Resort

    Perfection!

    I'd give it 10 stars if I could! The parking spots are pristine, the showers clean, the tiki bar on the sound beach was incredible, with lots of chairs & bean bags to laze around in... The pool is beautiful & super clean, with lights all around & a fountain!

  • Tim B.
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Santa Maria RV Park

    Great RV Park - Very Easy Going

    My family and I had a great experience at Santa Maria RV Park in Gautier, MS during our travel adventure around the Gulf. Pam at the main office is very easy to communicate with, and their RV hookups are in great condition. Pads can be rented with no maximum time limit. The pool is just the right size for parents and kids, and the security fence around the pool area made it really easy to keep an eye on everyone without any fuss. Highly recommend Santa Maria RV Park to anyone traveling around the Gulf shore and/or southern Mississippi.

  • Bobbie S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Avalon Landing RV Park

    Absolutely Amazing Stay

    I have stayed many places and this is by far my favorite! We stopped over for one night on our way home from Texas. As soon as my husband backed the camper in, I asked if we could stay two nights. So glad we did! Breathtaking views and we were able to fish behind our camper. You're so close to all the "action" without hearing or having to be part of it. They have a boat ramp, rent fishing poles & kayaks, swimming pool, club house, bathrooms, laundry room and a wonderful covered deck/outside area. The office staff were absolutely wonderful. Hope to stay here again ❤️

  • Hugo R.
    Aug. 4, 2025

    SUGAR SANDS CAMPGROUND

    Amazing peaceful waterfront RV and tenting campground

    Verry clean and peaceful campground on the river and family friendly.

  • Hugo R.
    Aug. 4, 2025

    SUGAR SANDS CAMPGROUND

    Amazing 72 acre nestled around the Bluff creek

    Clean and nature at his best, peace full family oriented. Waterfront with swimming and canoeing! Concession area and multiple clean showers and bathrooms, open all year !


Guide to Daphne

Most tent and RV campsites near Daphne are situated within the Alabama coastal plains, where sandy soil conditions and mild temperatures prevail throughout the year. Temperatures rarely drop below freezing, even in winter months, making year-round camping viable. The region receives approximately 65 inches of rainfall annually, with summer thunderstorms occurring frequently between June and August, often clearing quickly but leaving campgrounds temporarily muddy.

What to do

Civil War history exploration: Blakeley State Park, located 10 miles northeast of Daphne, offers 26 miles of trails through historic Civil War sites. As one camper noted, "Great place to hike and learn about history... You will walk through historic civil war sites, trails that were once the streets of the town of Blakeley. A beautiful hike on boardwalks along the Blakeley River then through a swamp on deep into woods amongst ancient oaks."

Mountain biking opportunities: Blakeley State Park Campground provides extensive mountain biking trails suitable for various skill levels. The well-maintained paths wind through diverse ecosystems and historical landmarks. One visitor mentioned, "2000 acres, walking auto cell phone tours of civil war, boat tours, big pull through rv spots and a tent campground. Awesome."

Water recreation activities: The Retreat RV Campground on Styx River offers tubing and swimming access, though at a premium cost. According to a camper: "The grounds are very beautiful and there are many places that you can walk around the campground. The river bank is gorgeous and we even spent a dinner out next to the river... their tubing price to go down the river and be picked up was $30 a person, which was pretty steep price to pay especially for 4 adults."

What campers like

Secluded, spacious campsites: Apalachee RV Campground at Blakeley State Park offers particularly private sites. One visitor shared: "We stayed a few nights enroute to our final destination and really enjoyed this campground. It is very close to Mobile, but also very secluded. There is alot of space between sites and lots to see and do within the campground also."

Wildlife viewing: Harper Campground at Blakeley State Park provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Campers report: "Each site had trees to hang my hammock, a fire ring, water, and a picnic table. You walk maybe 50ft from your parking spot to the site in the woods... Lots of wildlife including deer that come very close."

Beach accessibility: Dauphin Island Campground offers quick access to Gulf beaches. A recent visitor mentioned: "I never want to leave!!! A perfect campsite within minutes of the beach in a nice shady spot! What more could I ask for?! The rates are surprisingly low for such a beautiful spot." The campground provides a natural buffer between sites and shoreline, protecting sensitive dune ecosystems.

What you should know

Ant problems: Multiple campgrounds report significant ant issues, particularly during warmer months. At Meaher State Park, one camper warned: "I have done tent camping at this park a couple times. All of the sites are close together and the ants are ridiculous. I had read reviews about the ants prior so I came prepared."

Uneven RV sites: Some campgrounds feature challenging terrain for larger rigs. At The Retreat RV Campground, a visitor cautioned: "The RV sites are not on any type of paved or level ground and are not suitable for larger RVs. They're VERY close together and there are a lot of trees... we were forced to back out and it was a long way we had to back out and navigate through the trees."

Advance reservations required: Gulf State Park Campground, with nearly 500 sites, frequently reaches capacity. A visitor advised: "Very popular, so plan ahead. Over 400 sites, great amenities, miles of biking and hiking trails." During peak periods (March-August), campsites can fill 6-8 weeks in advance.

Tips for camping with families

Splash pad access: Gulf State Park Campground offers water features specifically for children. A parent shared: "Loved this park. Kids love the splash pad. Bigs sites, food trucks, site store, boat ramps, nice pool, access to the beach, and between gulf shores and orange beach. Conveniently located to everything."

Educational opportunities: Fort Pickens Campground provides ranger-led activities suitable for children. According to a visitor: "The showers were separate from the bathrooms and what you might expect for a beach, the water was nice and hot. There is supposed to be a store, but it was closed when we were there. There is a book store in the old fort. The beach and water were just beautiful."

Short hiking trails: Chickasabogue Park offers family-friendly paths with minimal elevation change. One camper noted: "This is a nice campground... We stayed in site 11. We had two large tents. Each site has picnic table and fire ring and small open type grill. Several bathhouses. Playgrounds ball fields and also a roped off swimming area."

Tips from RVers

Power compatibility: RVers should verify electrical requirements before booking. At The Retreat RV Campground, a camper warned: "The campground website currently (September 4, 2021) that all electric campsites are 50amp which they are not, if you need a 50amp site you will have to call the office to ensure you can secure one."

Leveling requirements: Many campgrounds in the area require substantial leveling equipment. One RVer at The Retreat noted: "Make sure you bring leveling blocks, some of the sites are fairly level while other are not. Our site sloped down towards the river and we needed extra blocks to place under our tires and stabilizers."

Easy access pull-throughs: Wales West RV Resort offers convenient pull-through sites on gravel pads. A former workamper shared: "The sites are easy pull-throughs onto gravel, wide and roomy with picnic tables. There is a community center, pool, laundry & showers, lake with a beach and beach house."

Frequently Asked Questions

What RV parks are available in Daphne, Alabama?

While Daphne itself has limited RV options, several excellent RV parks are located within a short drive. Meaher State Park Campground is just minutes away, offering flat sites nestled among pines with bay views. For those willing to drive a bit further, Blue Heron Escape RV Resort in nearby Foley provides a newer option perfectly positioned for Gulf Coast exploration, approximately 6 miles from Gulf Shores beaches. Additional options include Blakeley State Park's RV areas and Highway 98 RV Park, all offering convenient access to Mobile Bay attractions while providing the amenities RV travelers need.

Are there campgrounds with tent sites in Daphne, AL?

Yes, tent campers visiting Daphne have several nearby options. Gulf State Park Campground in Gulf Shores offers dedicated tent camping areas among its nearly 500 sites, with easy access to the gulf coast, walking trails, and a nature center. Big Lagoon State Park Campground provides quiet tent sites with good separation between campers, clean bathhouses, and plenty of shade. Both parks are within reasonable driving distance from Daphne and offer excellent amenities for tent campers including walking trails, water access, and clean facilities.

What amenities do campgrounds in Daphne offer?

Campgrounds near Daphne provide diverse amenities to enhance your stay. Wales West RV Resort & Light Railway features easy pull-through sites, a community center, pool, laundry facilities, showers, and a lake with a beach area. Seasonal events add to the experience. Hwy 98 RV Park, while smaller with just 36 spaces, offers a quiet retreat close to beaches and attractions. Most area campgrounds provide standard utilities (water/electric), bathhouses, and picnic areas, while the larger parks include additional recreation options like hiking trails, fishing access, boat ramps, and swimming areas. Many parks are also pet-friendly and offer WiFi connectivity.