Gulf State Park Campground spans over 6,000 acres with more than 400 campsites near the northern edge of the Gulf of Mexico, approximately 30 miles east of Dauphin Island. The park maintains a subtropical climate with high humidity and average summer temperatures of 90°F, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for glamping near Dauphin Island, Alabama. Winter temperatures rarely drop below 40°F, allowing for year-round luxury camping experiences throughout the Mobile Bay area.
What to do
Wildlife viewing in Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge: Located near Bay Breeze RV on the Bay, the refuge offers hiking trails and habitats for alligators and birds. "We went hiking along the trails and found 3 baby gators hanging out," reports one camper at Gulf State Park Campground.
Fishing from campground piers: Access Mobile Bay and surrounding waters directly from several campgrounds. At Meaher State Park Campground, "they have a nice little fishing pier. Boat and kayak launch" according to one regular visitor who returns frequently.
Biking on dedicated paths: Blakeley State Park Campground provides extensive biking opportunities across its 2,000 acres. "Bring your bikes, lots of roads to explore with little traffic," suggests one reviewer who appreciated the vast road network.
Historical tours at Civil War sites: Explore battlefields and historical structures dating to the 1800s. "Civil war history and beautiful scenery... The Civil War history is interesting and the rangers are well-versed in history," notes a visitor who enjoyed the educational aspects of camping at Blakeley State Park.
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Campers frequently mention the privacy and water views at select campgrounds. At Gulf State Park Campground, "We had a nice, level, paved pull-through site where all of the sites on our street faced their own private view of the wetlands," one camper shared.
Luxury bathroom facilities: Several glamping locations offer upscale bathroom amenities beyond standard campground facilities. "Bathhouse has 4 guest bathrooms like you would find in a house. Each has a sink, vanity, toilet and very large shower," reports a visitor to All About Relaxing RV Park.
Evening social activities: Organized gatherings and community spaces create social opportunities at many locations. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, "Lots to do with their activities, wagon rides, group s'mores campfire, fishing, crafts," according to a grandparent who regularly brings grandchildren to the campground.
Sunrise views over water: Morning vistas are particularly noteworthy at certain waterfront campsites. "There are bench swings, a giant chess board, horseshoe pit, dog run and dog bathing area, pool, cabana/pavilions, and many other amenities," writes a camper at All About Relaxing RV Park.
What you should know
Terrain challenges at some sites: Not all campsites are created equal in terms of levelness. "Some of the sites are so unlevel. But the historical tour of the park is amazing," warns a visitor to Blakeley State Park, suggesting careful site selection.
Ant problems in summer months: Multiple campgrounds report issues with ants, particularly during warmer periods. "Beware of the ants!!!!!! The whole campground is infested with stinging ants. There are ant piles all over the campsites," cautions one visitor to Gulf State Park Campground.
Reservation requirements: Popular glamping sites near Dauphin Island fill quickly during peak seasons. "Hard to get into this park, so best to reserve early!" advises a regular at Gulf Coast RV Park, highlighting the need for advance planning.
Weather considerations: The Gulf Coast experiences occasional severe weather requiring preparation. During storms at All About Relaxing RV Park, "the owner talked to us to ensure we were aware of which building to use for safety along with written instructions," appreciated one camper.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Select campgrounds specifically cater to families with children. "Kids love the splash pad, big sites, food trucks, site store, boat ramps, nice pool, access to the beach, and between gulf shores and orange beach," shared a father visiting Gulf State Park Campground.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer learning experiences for children. "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," explains one visitor at Blakeley State Park.
Activity planning for different ages: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offers scheduled activities that appeal to various age groups. "We had a blast. Pond, relaxing and quiet during off season. Quick trip to OWA," notes a family on their first RV experience.
Junior Ranger programs: Some parks offer structured activities for children to learn about nature. "Woke up to begin the junior ranger packet for our kiddos (provided at checkout) and hiked and explored all day," shared a parent who visited Blakeley State Park with 5 and 7-year-old children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for optimal views: Experienced RVers suggest requesting specific sites for the best experience. "We stayed in one of the bungalows and it was so pretty and had everything we needed," mentions a visitor to Gulf State Park Campground who enjoyed their stay.
Hookup placement awareness: Some sites have unusual utility configurations requiring preparation. "When we pulled into our assigned spot the water and electricity hookups were oddly placed," notes a camper at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, suggesting checking site details in advance.
Escort services: Several luxury glamping locations provide arrival assistance. "This is the only campground we have been in that the staff greet you as you pull in and take you right to your site. They direct you into your site which you are greeted with a welcome sign with all family members' names," explains an appreciative camper at All About Relaxing RV Park.
