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Best Campgrounds near Dauphin Island, AL

624 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Dauphin Island, Alabama (132)

    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 - $79 / 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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Recent Camping Photos near Dauphin Island, AL

93 Photos of 132 Dauphin Island Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Dauphin Island, AL

624 Reviews of 132 Dauphin Island Campgrounds

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • 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.

  • 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 !

  • Randi P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 25, 2025

    Presley's Outing

    For the Locals

    I stayed the entire month of June at Presley’s Outing with my parents (though I also grew up coming here). There’s a beach for day-use visitors and a separate one for long-term campers, which helps keep things a little more relaxed if you’re staying for a while. Entry is around $6/day for adults, and the monthly camping rate was about $750.

    Campsites are very close together—at least where my parents were parked near the bathhouse—which made it feel a little cramped for us. There are definitely nicer, more spacious spots, but the campground was fully booked during the summer. I’m not sure if those spots cost more.

    The bathhouse was decent (though warm in the June heat), and there’s a laundry facility onsite. Alcohol isn’t allowed, but there is a boat ramp where we launched our jet skis and boat with no issues. You can fish or head upriver, which adds some fun variety to the water access.

    There are also a few bonus features—kayak and canoe rentals, golf cart-friendly paths, basketball and tennis courts, a volleyball net, grills and picnic tables throughout the day-use area, and even a little air pump station. They sell ice onsite, and there’s a small restaurant, though I’ve never eaten there and couldn’t say what’s on the menu.

    Overall, it’s a decent spot for families or those with a nostalgic connection to the place. For us, the tight layout made it feel a bit too packed, and I’m not sure I’d rush back—but it’s got charm, convenience, and a solid list of amenities if that’s what you’re looking for.

  • Wendee W.
    Jun. 25, 2025

    Gulf Shores-Pensacola West KOA

    Older but nice

    The sites are a combination of dirt and grass. Ours is level enough no problems there. WiFi is okay they publish that it doesn’t work for streaming but it worked fairly well for our TV. We would stay here again for the price in comparison to other RV parks close by.

  • madison M.
    Jun. 18, 2025

    Bay Breeze RV on the Bay

    Love it!

    Small, homey campground! Clean bath houses, lots of shady trees, and plenty of parking! The campground sits a max of 75 yards from the bay (depending on where your camper sits). A long peer leads out to the water making a beautiful sitting and fishing spot. The boat ramp is right beside the peer! The beach is a short drive down the road!

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

Are there campgrounds near Dauphin Island if the island sites are full?

Several campgrounds near Dauphin Island offer alternatives when island sites are full. Bay Palms RV Resort is a short drive away, featuring a playground and pool, making it family-friendly. Shady Acres Campground offers full hookups and is about 30 minutes from Dauphin Island. Other nearby options include Mobile Oaks RV Resort (formerly Mobile West), which offers security gates, cameras, a 14-acre lake, and swimming pool, and Meaher State Park Campground, which features full hookup sites including some waterfront locations.

What are the campground options on Dauphin Island?

Dauphin Island offers limited but quality camping options. The primary facility is Dauphin Island Campground, a public campground with sites for tents and RVs. The island, though small, provides numerous amenities including restaurants, ice cream shops, parks, bike paths, and Skinners seafood market where you can order fresh steamed seafood. The island is also home to Dockside RV Resort, which features full hookups including sewer, level gravel lots, a swimming pool, and a large fire pit. Both options provide convenient access to the island's beaches and attractions.

What kind of rental accommodations are available at Dauphin Island fish camps?

Rental accommodations near Dauphin Island include various options beyond traditional camping. Stop N Rest RV Park offers rental campers in addition to RV lots, with amenities like a pavilion and laundry facilities. Located close to Fowl River Road, it provides convenient access to local attractions. Pelican Nest RV Resort & Campground near Dauphin Island also offers various accommodation options. While specific fish camp rentals on the island may vary seasonally, these nearby facilities provide alternatives for those seeking ready-to-use accommodations without bringing their own equipment.

Is tent camping available at Dauphin Island?

Yes, tent camping is available at Dauphin Island Campground. The campground accommodates both RVs and tent campers, providing a great base for exploring the island's attractions. The location offers access to beaches, birding opportunities, and swimming. While the summer months can be very hot, the campground is a popular spot for nature lovers and beachgoers. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, especially during warmer seasons.

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