Top Tent Camping near Dauphin Island, AL

Looking for tent camping near Dauphin Island? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Dauphin Island campsites are perfect for tent campers.


Recent Tent Reviews In Dauphin Island

447 Reviews of 3 Dauphin Island Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Gulf State Park Campground
    July 3, 2024

    Gulf State Park Campground

    Campers with way too much stuff

    If it didn’t have the Gulf weather and bugs and or for that matter, the campers, this would be a five star campground. I sit here writing this review at the pool. I opened my book to read and the lady next to me brought out her Bluetooth speaker to blast music. Last night, a family chowed down on a can of pringles in the pool. Trash everywhere at the fishing docks. My husband went to put our wash in the dryer last night and dryers were filled with abandoned clothing. People have bicycles with horns.

    We did make the mistake of coming here during one of the busiest weeks of July, but that doesn’t mean that every campsite should be littered with crazy amounts of gear, despite it being so obviously oppressively hot and muggy that much of it seems unusable. I want to reiterate: the weather is vile but I still can’t imagine bringing fans to plug in OUTSIDE of my camper. The campers next to us have a large trailer, camper bus, a large truck and a golf cart. In one spot. That doesn’t include the bikes, the chairs, the tents, etc.

    The actual campsites and facilities are nice. Individual campsites are spacious and level and come with a grill and picnic table. Some site locations are much better situated than others (I would never want to camp along Campground Road - it’s insanely busy with cars and bicycles). It’s great to have a large pool w backside, clean and fairly large laundry facilities, a camp store and an exceptional network of bike trails. There is also a very awesome nature center, several playgrounds, pickleball courts, a boat ramp, and free bicycle rentals! There is ten bathhouses and while only three bathroom and shower stalls each seemed insufficient to me there wasn’t anyone in the bathhouses any time I utilized them. They were super clean and in reasonable proximity to all of the sites in the loop.

    The campground, which is massive (500 plus sites) consists of several loops, and is smack dab in the middle of the State Park. Campers get free parking at several beaches in the Park, which we utilized (beach was pretty quiet in the morning). I thought that was a great perk. We didn’t get to bike much between the heat and rain but the trail system looks amazing and there were plenty of staged opportunities for both free and paid bike rentals.

    The campground is located right smack dab in between Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, which is ideal if you want to go play some miniature golf or grab a bite to eat.

    I think coming off season is probably the best bet - we honestly didn’t even feel like we were in nature when we came and it was so darn humid I didn’t really want to nature anyway! I think the campground would benefit from allowing less vehicles at each spot - from my vantage point, I’m literally staring out at nine trucks for maybe three campers.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Gulf State Park Campground
    June 23, 2024

    Gulf State Park Campground

    Great beach access with a ton of activities all around

    We stayed at spot 448. It was a pull through spot with a good amount of morning and late afternoon shade. Site was somewhat level, maybe about.75” lean on one side. Bathrooms were relatively close, but there was a lack of stalls for how many campsites there are. There is a lack of places to throw trash and the dumpsters are all the way back at the front of the park, it’s quite a drive. Not a lot of street lights throughout the campground made things nice and quiet at night. It was very nice that almost every spot had full hookups. The site had decent Verizon cell service, around 10-20 mbps. The Tmobile service was around the same. Service seemed to be better the closer to the main road you were in the park. The biking trails were amazing, very wide, with a good amount of shade. Lots of activities to do around the park besides the beach. You can walk or bike to the beach, although it's around 2 miles depending on where your spot is. Your parking pass for the campground also provides free parking at various beaches around the park. It’s only about a 15 minute drive to either gulf shores or orange beach for even more things to do. Overall the campground was clean, relatively quiet, right next to the beach, with a ton of activities. Negatives would be how expensive it is, lack of bathroom stalls, and since the park is so massive, it takes a while to get everywhere.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Meaher State Park Campground
    May 31, 2024

    Meaher State Park Campground

    Very nice state park

    Very clean, well kept park. Good space between sites. The only downside I could find was I10 is close enough to be heard. 5 minutes away from battleship park. Plan for a whole day there if you really want to see everything they have to offer. Only an hours drive to the Naval Air Station at Pensacola. Highly recommend the museum there as well as Blue Angels practice viewing.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Gulf Beach RV Resort
    May 28, 2024

    Gulf Beach RV Resort

    Good for RV spot overnight

    Stayed here because it was so close, literally a block away, from the Mississippi Colosseum, for granddaughters cheer competition. We checked it and were greeted at arrival, with information packet. FHU, back-in concrete pad, and small dog park. A nice clubhouse and facilities, although we did not use. Directly across the street from the beach, perfect for photos. Clean pool but too cold to use. Very close to neighbors and backed up to apts, which the garbage truck came super early on Sat, dumpster on other side of fence. We were up early, but if you like relaxing and peacefulness, probably not my choice. Close to lots of area attractions, stores and restaurants. Many closed for off season, however. Waffle House next door to RV park. Good for short stay!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Gulf State Park Campground
    April 28, 2024

    Gulf State Park Campground

    Awesome facilities

    Awesome state park with incredible facilities. We had reserved a campsite for our camper van, with my elderly parents renting a cabin at lakeside eagle cabins (also part of state park). It wasn’t a feasible option to walk between the two on a regular basis, so we ended up staying with them in their cabin so we could be together. It was phenomenal. New, modern, three bedroom cabin with awesome screen porch. Campground was clean and nice too. Good hiking trails in the park. We would return!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Gulf State Park Campground
    April 13, 2024

    Gulf State Park Campground

    Beautiful beach getaway

    This is a beautiful state park with lots to do for the kiddos. They have nature trails, a swimming pool, tennis courts, shuffle board and a nature center where you can learn about local wildlife. There are several lakes for fishing. The beach is across the highway from the park, so you have to drive or take the shuttle service - there is a shuttle that runs throughout the park. It is a large park and very spread out. Tons of bathhouses - We did not use so can’t comment on the status. We did see alligators on the nature walk. Super cool. Most of the sites do not have shade, just fyi. the beach had one of those rollout handicap mats so you could get your wheelchair closer to the water. LOVED that!!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Gulf State Park Campground
    March 30, 2024

    Gulf State Park Campground

    Amazing park on the water

    These campgrounds areamazing. We have full hookups, wifi, activity center with pool, tennis courts, horseshoes and volleyball. Great hiking and biking trails.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Gulf State Park Campground
    March 29, 2024

    Gulf State Park Campground

    The Queen of Campgrounds

    What can I say?  Gulf State Park is the one by which all other parks in the region (NW Florida/Alabama) are to be compared.  Everything you want: Hiking, BIKING, access to the beach, fishing, etc.  Many sites have shade and a degree of seclusion.  28 or so paved bicycle trails, great Wifi, etc.

    Only caveat:  Good luck trying to book a site.  Takes a pro, or a bot or something.  It's rightfully popular.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Gulf Breeze RV Resort
    March 28, 2024

    Gulf Breeze RV Resort

    Liars

    They are not calling guests with reservations to let them know that there is no longer free cable or internet.  The outside pool is empty and unsafe. They have removed putt putt, basketball,  and docks for fishing. Also, the amenities listed, like alcohol and market, do not exist. More lies to get people in. After raising rates and getting really bad feedback,  they are now begging people with promos to get them to stay.  And don't let them tow your rv because they don't have the truck that they use insured.  So if they damage it who pays for it? They can't afford repairs in the park so don't count on them paying for your repairs if it gets damaged. I see no future for this park with the " investment " management company they brought in. More worried about filling their pockets than caring for guests. It's sad that the summer folks will show up and find all of this out and be stuck because all of the other parks will be full for summer.  It's companies like this that take the fun out of the rv life.  If you want to see for yourself Google REEAF and RVPM. They don't even treat outside investors well.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Keesler AFB FamCamp
    February 27, 2024

    Keesler AFB FamCamp

    Keesler Famcamp

    Great location. Staffs are friendly and helpful. The RV sites are well mark. We will be back to stay

  • Camper-submitted photo from Dauphin Island Campground
    February 9, 2024

    Dauphin Island Campground

    Secret Beach

    Cute little beach that wasn’t crowded at all. The water gets deep fast. It’s a nice spot to park and be to your spot with little walking.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Shady Acres Campground
    January 29, 2024

    Shady Acres Campground

    Convenient, Full Hook Up, Nice Shade...but nasty showers & dog off leash...

    Passed through one night stay.  Convenient to get to off I-10, shady spot and full hook up.  Should have used our own shower, but I like to look around......not good.  Code to use the shower wasn't necessary because door wasn't shut and locked, shower was NASTY, but they did provide your own personal brillo pad for cleaning.....Wait, that wasn't a brillo pad!......lol.  Walked dogs in the morning to have to retreat back to camper due to pit bull running around off leash.  Probably won't be back.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Winner's Circle RV Resort
    January 18, 2024

    Winner's Circle RV Resort

    Easy check in, great office personnel, clean, safe and nice amenities

    Seems newer, close to town but not with all the noise, set far back from the road, clean, really nice pool, great amenities. Reasonably priced. We would visit again

  • Camper-submitted photo from I-10 Kampground
    January 9, 2024

    I-10 Kampground

    Ok for one night

    I know there are new owners but when I pulled in there was no one in the office. They had a lot of long term people with some pretty old rigs. Did not like the place at all and I moved on.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Gulf State Park Campground
    December 27, 2023

    Gulf State Park Campground

    Spacious sites, amenities and close to ocean, but no dogs

    This was our first visit to Gulf Shores State Park in Alabama.  The check in was as slow as molasses even though they had lots of staff, mostly standing.  Waited in line for 45 minutes with one person ahead of us taking her sweet time to book a future campsite.  Our site was nice, spacious with privacy.  We were worried about the alligators and snakes so kept pups on a short leash.

    The beach was beautiful, with sandy white shores and lots of shells.  However, if you have dogs, it's a no-go so they have to stay back at the camp.  They do have a lovely dog park, right on the lake where dogs can run and swim, but the 'do not feed alligators' was a concern.  Locals said they had never seen one in 15 years... so not sure and not sure I want my dog to be the exception.

    We enjoyed the friendly, southern hospitality of the town and would definitely return.  I would investigate other dog friendly places in the area.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Meaher State Park Campground
    November 11, 2023

    Meaher State Park Campground

    Nice location but I thing special

    This site is ok with a mix of nice and ok sites. The sites are a bit crowded but the overall location is nice. Would come back but would also be open to explore other sites in the area

  • Camper-submitted photo from Meaher State Park Campground
    November 7, 2023

    Meaher State Park Campground

    Really nice!

    Awesome state park! Plenty of room between spaces which are staggered so you aren’t looking out your door at another trailer. We lucked out and got a waterfront site. Had a great seafood dinner at Felix’s just down the road. Would love to come back for more than just a couple of nights.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Gulf State Park Campground
    November 4, 2023

    Gulf State Park Campground

    Always a pleasurable experience

    This is a great place to camp. We have been here several times. It is always clean, the bathrooms are now all repaired from hurricane damage, there are hiking and biking trails and occasionally wildlife. It is s huge park right on the gulf. They have a fishing pier that is currently closed to finish rebuilding after it was destroyed by a hurricane s few years back. The beach is large, but not dog friendly. There us a dog friendly beach a few miles away in Fort Morgan. Several bathrooms/ showers throughout the park. Sites are large and level. Most Ruth full hookups. There are a few primitive tent sites.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Southport Campground
    October 8, 2023

    Southport Campground

    Great Location and Good value!

    Stayed here because of convenient beach access and walking distance to Lulu’s. Campground manager is excellent. Facilities include hookups if needed and restrooms, showers. Only possible issue is it’s noisy near the i-59 bridge but really didn’t notice when we were closed up inside.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Gulf Breeze RV Resort
    September 20, 2023

    Gulf Breeze RV Resort

    Clean and friendly

    The park was very clean and the staff was friendly. They are beginning to upgrade the park and make solid changes.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Gulf Shores-Pensacola West KOA
    August 1, 2023

    Gulf Shores-Pensacola West KOA

    Pride in what you do

    I stayed here in July with my 8 year old grandson. It rained nearly the entire time, but the owners kept us up to date via text on serious weather conditions, indoor activities for the kids and held a great BBQ with live music Saturday night once the weather cleared. The bathrooms were clean, pool was beautiful (they texted to let us know when they opened as weather cleared) and we had a great time. I highly recommend them.



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

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Dauphin Island, AL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Dauphin Island, AL is Shady Grove Campground with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Dauphin Island, AL?

    TheDyrt.com has all 3 tent camping locations near Dauphin Island, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.