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Best Campgrounds near Fairhope, AL

688 Reviews

Campgrounds near Fairhope, Alabama center around Mobile Bay and Gulf Shores, with options ranging from waterfront state parks to private RV resorts. Gulf State Park Campground and Meaher State Park Campground offer tent camping, RV sites, and cabin accommodations within 30 miles of Fairhope. Most established campgrounds in the region provide full hookups for RVs while also maintaining tent camping areas, with several offering cabin rentals for those seeking more comfort.

The camping season extends year-round thanks to Alabama's mild Gulf Coast climate, with most campgrounds operating without seasonal closures. Summer brings higher humidity and temperatures in the 80s and 90s°F, while winter months remain relatively mild. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially for waterfront sites which tend to fill quickly during peak vacation periods. "The campground is clean and nice. They have a 2 week stay maximum, but I've read reviews from snowbirds that stay there every year," noted one visitor about Meaher State Park. Access to most sites is straightforward with paved roads leading to well-maintained campgrounds, though some visitors mention issues with ants at waterfront locations, suggesting bug spray is advisable.

Waterfront camping represents a significant draw throughout the region, with several campgrounds offering sites directly on Mobile Bay or nearby waterways. Campers consistently praise the sunset views and wildlife viewing opportunities. According to reviews on The Dyrt, "We enjoyed several amazing sunsets from this State Park. There are a few trails you can walk on and some places that people were out fishing." Alligator sightings are mentioned in several reviews of Meaher State Park, adding a wild element to the camping experience while remaining at a safe distance. Noise levels vary by location—campgrounds closer to Interstate 10 experience some traffic noise, while those further south toward Gulf Shores offer more peaceful surroundings. Most campgrounds feature clean facilities with showers, and many include amenities such as laundry facilities, boat ramps, and fishing piers.

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Best Camping Sites Near Fairhope, Alabama (140)

    1. Gulf State Park Campground

    102 Reviews
    Orange Beach, AL
    22 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."

    2. Meaher State Park Campground

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

    "Great local restaurants with seafood in nearby Spanish Fort and Fairhope. Shopping and grocery stores within 5 miles as well. All campground employees were very nice and welcoming."

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

    3. Blakeley State Park Campground

    31 Reviews
    Spanish Fort, AL
    14 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."

    4. Dauphin Island Campground

    33 Reviews
    Dauphin Island, AL
    22 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!"

    5. Island Retreat RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Gulf Shores, AL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (251) 967-1666

    $64 - $79 / night

    "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."

    "A nice base camp to explore Gulf Shores that is located near one of the boat launches, the bike path, restaurants, and beaches."

    6. Escapees Rainbow Plantation RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Magnolia Springs, AL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (251) 988-8132

    "Summerdale is very close to Gulf Shores, great bike trails along the beach, great restaurants, etc."

    "Very rural area with not much to do in immediate area, must drive 15+ minutes for groceries, food and shopping. Beaches about half hour away."

    7. Wales West RV Resort & Light Railway

    1 Review
    Fairhope, AL
    5 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."

    8. Pirates Cove RrrrV Park

    4 Reviews
    Foley, AL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (251) 978-2267

    $69 / night

    "They have activities daily all week long and step it up for the weekend. We will definitely be returning here."

    "Our corner campsite was close to two intersecting roads, and occasionally a loud vehicle will pass by."

    9. Bay Breeze RV on the Bay

    10 Reviews
    Gulf Shores, AL
    19 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. Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

    100 Reviews
    Gulf Breeze, FL
    38 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 Camping Photos near Fairhope, AL

112 Photos of 140 Fairhope Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Fairhope, AL

688 Reviews of 140 Fairhope Campgrounds

  • Jason D.
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Dauphin Island Campground

    Quick and easy

    Pop up tent on the truck. Very quiet and not buggy at all.

  • Aaron D.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Blakeley State Park Campground

    Hidden Spot Close to Mobile

    We stayed at spot RV Spot 2. It was a pull through spot and easy to get into. The spot was somewhat flat but we had to maneuver to get even and then still needed leveling blocks. It was very quiet at night with barely any lights. The cell service was pretty good since it close to town. We didn't stay for long, but the historic park was nice to check out and the sunset at the water was beautiful. Overall the campground was great, good amenities, very quiet, lots to see, and close to Mobile and Daphne.

  • Aaron D.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

    Perfect Beach Getaway

    We stayed at spot E40 in Loop E. Somewhat easy to back into. The spot was relatively flat and only needed slight leveling side to side. Bathrooms weren't too far away, just a short walk. It was very quiet at night with barely any lights. The cell service wasn't really great in our specific spot, the closer you got to Fort Pickens, the better it was, as was going back towards Pensacola Beach. Having easy access to all the beach spots was very nice. Langdon beach was a great place with good restrooms and was very quiet when we went. Fort Pickens itself was a great visit and a must see. Overall the campground was great, good amenities, very quiet, access to the beach, ton of other activities in Pensacola Beachas well as Gulf Breeze.

  • 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.

Guide to Fairhope

Camping near Fairhope, Alabama, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Explore the Beaches: Many campgrounds are close to stunning beaches. For example, at Gulf State Park Campground, campers can enjoy free parking at several nearby beaches. One reviewer mentioned, “Campers get free parking at several beaches in the Park, which we utilized.”
  • Bike Trails: The area has great biking trails. One camper noted, “The biking trails were amazing, very wide, with a good amount of shade.”
  • Visit Local Attractions: Check out nearby attractions like the Battleship Park. A reviewer from Meaher State Park Campground said, “5 minutes away from battleship park. Plan for a whole day there if you really want to see everything they have to offer.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Blakeley State Park Campground said, “Bathrooms/showers clean. Electric/water at tent site.”
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One camper at Island Retreat RV Park mentioned, “Lots of level spots, tidy and well laid out.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpful staff. A reviewer at All About Relaxing RV Park said, “The staff is super. One of the best parks that we have stayed at, ever.”

What you should know

  • Crowded During Peak Season: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially in July. One camper at Gulf State Park Campground noted, “We did make the mistake of coming here during one of the busiest weeks of July.”
  • Limited Trash Disposal: Campers have mentioned that trash disposal can be inconvenient. A visitor at Meaher State Park Campground said, “There was a lack of places to throw trash and the dumpsters are all the way back at the front of the park.”
  • Noise from Roads: Some campgrounds are near busy roads, which can be noisy. A reviewer 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

  • Look for Kid-Friendly Activities: Many campgrounds have playgrounds and activities for kids. A parent at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp Resort said, “Lots to do for kids.”
  • Choose a Spacious Site: Make sure to pick a site with enough room for kids to play. One camper at Island Retreat RV Park noted, “Parking pads were large and level, but there wasn't much space around the site.”
  • Plan for Nearby Attractions: Check out local attractions to keep everyone entertained. A reviewer at Dauphin Island Campground mentioned, “There is an aquarium, a fort, and the ferry to Fort Morgan within walking distance from the campground.”

Tips from RVers

  • Book Early: Popular spots fill up fast, especially during peak season. A visitor at Pandion Ridge Luxury RV Resort said, “Reservations are needed as this is a popular spot.”
  • Check for Amenities: Make sure the campground has the amenities you need. One camper at Luxury RV Resort noted, “The sites have concrete pads but sand for your patio area.”
  • Be Prepared for Close Quarters: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A reviewer at Island Retreat RV Park mentioned, “You get jam-packed in these places. No room for the boys to throw a football.”

Camping around Fairhope, Alabama, has something for everyone, so pack your bags and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find campgrounds near Fairhope, AL?

The Fairhope area offers several excellent camping options. Meaher State Park Campground is one of the closest options, featuring waterfront sites along Mobile Bay with full hookups and flat, level sites perfect for RVs. Within driving distance, Gulf State Park Campground offers nearly 500 sites with both water and electric hookups, including canal and lake views. Both parks are within easy reach of Fairhope's restaurants, shopping, and attractions while providing beautiful natural settings.

What RV parks are available in Fairhope, Alabama?

RV enthusiasts have several quality options near Fairhope. Gulf Coast RV Park provides spacious sites in a beautiful area with proximity to beaches and shopping, though reservations should be made well in advance due to its popularity. For those willing to drive a short distance, Blue Heron Escape RV Resort in Foley offers a newer facility approximately 6 miles from Gulf Shores/Orange Beach beaches. Its strategic location allows visitors to enjoy coastal attractions while avoiding the heaviest tourist congestion.

What amenities are offered at Fairhope camping locations?

Camping locations near Fairhope feature diverse amenities to enhance your stay. Hwy 98 RV Park may be small with just 36 spaces, but offers quiet surroundings while maintaining proximity to Alabama and Florida beaches. For more extensive facilities, Island Retreat RV Park provides water, toilets, and accommodations for big rigs in a reservable setting. Most area campgrounds offer full or partial hookups, level sites, and easy access to local attractions. Many parks also feature amenities like hiking and biking trails, fishing opportunities, boat ramps, and community gathering spaces.

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