Best Campgrounds near Dauphin Island, AL

Camping near Dauphin Island, Alabama includes a mix of beachfront and coastal accommodations with options for RVs, tents, and cabins. The Dauphin Island Campground, located at 109 Bienville Blvd, serves as the primary camping destination on the island itself, offering year-round access to the Gulf of Mexico. Several additional RV resorts and campgrounds are situated within a 30-minute drive, including Bay Palms RV Resort in Coden and Pelican Nest RV Resort & Campground. The island's small size makes it easy to access beaches, fishing spots, and the Audubon Bird Sanctuary from most camping locations. As one camper noted, "Dauphin Island is not very large, but has lots to do with bike paths across the entire island, great fishing, a bird sanctuary, and beautiful white sand beaches."

Most campgrounds in the area operate year-round, though summer brings intense heat and humidity. Temperatures regularly exceed 90°F from June through September, making air conditioning highly desirable for summer camping. Spring and fall offer more moderate conditions. Hurricane season (June through November) occasionally affects the area, so monitoring weather forecasts is essential when planning a trip. Cell service is generally reliable across the island and at nearby mainland campgrounds. Most established campgrounds provide full hookups for RVs, while tent camping is available at select locations including Dauphin Island Campground, which features water and electric hookups at tent sites.

The camping experience varies between island and mainland locations. Island camping provides immediate beach access but limited grocery and dining options. According to reviews, visitors should "bring most of the food needed because there is no nearby fast food and limited grocery stores." Mainland campgrounds like Bay Palms RV Resort and Dockside RV Resort offer more amenities such as swimming pools and dog parks, with the island being a short drive away. For birding enthusiasts, Dauphin Island is particularly notable as a migratory bird sanctuary, making spring and fall excellent times to visit. Fishing opportunities abound both on the island and at nearby mainland locations, with many campgrounds offering fishing docks or boat launches.

Best Camping Sites Near Dauphin Island, Alabama (127)

    1. Dauphin Island Campground

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

    $50 / night

    "Anyone interested in birding should definitely take a trip to Dauphin Island. Everyone is very friendly and theres a great beach as well to relax and go for a swim."

    "Dauphin Island is an amazing place! The island is not very large, but has lots to do."

    2. Gulf State Park Campground

    102 Reviews
    Orange Beach, AL
    34 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."

    3. Pelican Nest RV Resort & Campground

    3 Reviews
    Dauphin Island, AL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (251) 861-2338

    "There are 7 miles of walking beach off this RV and the island is a bird sanctuary in the Gulf Coast all around. Really loved this site."

    4. Bay Palms RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    Coden, AL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (251) 873-4700

    $45 - $103 / night

    "It’s a short drive to dauphin island, which we enjoyed visiting. Luckily we brought most of the food we needed because there is no nearby fast food and limited grocery stores."

    5. Dockside RV Resort

    1 Review
    Coden, AL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (251) 442-1767

    $60 - $70 / night

    "Fishing dock is right across the street and we were only 25 minutes from Dauphin Island."

    6. Homestead RV Community

    3 Reviews
    Theodore, AL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (251) 973-2484

    "The dog park is so big and our pups were able to really run around and get their energy out."

    7. All About Relaxing RV Park, Mobile, AL

    10 Reviews
    Theodore, AL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (251) 375-0661

    $50 - $65 / night

    "I sent an email via Dyrt app early in the morning, before we departed from a boondock location. The owner called me 20 minutes after they opened, she was very nice and informative."

    8. Meaher State Park Campground

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

    "They have a few trails here, and you can also go boating, kayaking, canoeing, bike riding, and birdwatching."

    "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."

    9. Bay Breeze RV on the Bay

    10 Reviews
    Gulf Shores, AL
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (251) 540-2362

    $59 - $76 / night

    "We were camping close by and did a drive thru just to see what it looked like. Smaller campgrounds with sites close together. It looks like it’d be a good option if looking for a spot in the area."

    "Campground is situated on the bay with swimming, fishing, kayaking, sunnung, hiking, and socializing. Wonderful campground!"

    10. Stop N Rest RV Park

    1 Review
    Theodore, AL
    14 miles
    +1 (251) 604-0751

    "for fishing and a small bait shop that has cold drinks, snacks, and beer at the end is grocery store and other shops and entertainment , and nice restaurants take a right and over the bridge is Dauphin Island"

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Showing results 1-10 of 127 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Dauphin Island, AL

618 Reviews of 127 Dauphin Island Campgrounds



Guide to Dauphin Island

Camping near Dauphin Island, Alabama, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a place to enjoy outdoor adventures, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore the beaches: Dauphin Island has stunning beaches that are perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Campers at Dauphin Island Campground rave about the "beautiful white sand" and how "the beach is not crowded at all."
  • Visit historic sites: Check out Fort Gaines, a Civil War fort located nearby. One camper mentioned, "There is an aquarium, a fort, and the ferry to Fort Morgan within walking distance from the campground."
  • Enjoy nature trails: Many campgrounds, like Gulf State Park Campground, have extensive bike trails and hiking paths. A visitor noted, "The trail system looks amazing and there were plenty of staged opportunities for both free and paid bike rentals."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Meaher State Park Campground highlights, "The park was clean and quiet except for road noise which wasn't bad. Restroom was clean."
  • Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One camper at Blakeley State Park Campground said, "Giant RV spots that were very spaced and secluded."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground staff. A visitor at Island Retreat RV Park shared, "Great people, helpful and friendly."

What you should know:

  • Crowded during peak season: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially in July. A review from Gulf State Park Campground mentions, "We did make the mistake of coming here during one of the busiest weeks of July."
  • Limited bathroom facilities: Some campgrounds have fewer stalls than needed. A camper at Davis Bayou Campground noted, "There was a lack of stalls for how many campsites there are."
  • Road noise: If you're sensitive to noise, be aware that some campgrounds are near busy roads. A visitor at Meaher State Park Campground mentioned, "The only downside I could find was I10 is close enough to be heard."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose campgrounds with activities: Look for places with amenities like pools and playgrounds. Campers at Gulf State Park Campground enjoyed the "large pool" and "several playgrounds."
  • Plan for beach days: Make sure to pack beach gear for fun in the sun. A family camper at Dauphin Island Campground said, "The path/boardwalk to the beach is beautiful."
  • Bring bikes: Many campgrounds have bike trails. A visitor at Davis Bayou Campground mentioned, "The biking trails were amazing, very wide, with a good amount of shade."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check for full hookups: Many campgrounds offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. A camper at Island Retreat RV Park noted, "Amazingly clean restrooms with nice showers and full hookups."
  • Reserve in advance: Popular spots fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A visitor at All About Relaxing RV Park mentioned, "Reservations are needed as this is a popular spot."
  • Be prepared for close quarters: Some campgrounds can feel a bit cramped. A review for Island Retreat RV Park said, "You get jam-packed in these places. No room for the boys to throw a football."

Camping near Dauphin Island, Alabama, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just be ready for a mix of nature, fun, and a few quirks!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Dauphin Island, AL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Dauphin Island, AL offers a wide range of camping options, with 127 campgrounds and RV parks near Dauphin Island, AL and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Dauphin Island, AL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dauphin Island, AL is Dauphin Island Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 32 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Dauphin Island, AL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Dauphin Island, AL.

What parks are near Dauphin Island, AL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 parks near Dauphin Island, AL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.