Camping options near Foley, Alabama range from state parks with wooded campsites to beachfront RV resorts within 30 minutes of downtown. The Gulf Coast region experiences mild winters with temperatures rarely dropping below 40°F, making year-round RV camping possible. Summer highs typically reach 90°F with high humidity levels, while spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures in the 70-80°F range.
What to do
Hiking and nature trails: At Blakeley State Park, trails wind through historically preserved areas dating to the 1800s. "Great park with a ton of historically preserved areas from the 1800's. Bugs are not nearly as bad as I expected. Lots of wildlife including deer that come very close," notes John W. The park offers both hiking and biking trails with connections to nearby attractions.
Water activities: Island Retreat RV Park provides access to water recreation at Little Lagoon. "Camping down in Florida earlier in week decided to go to Gulf Shores for a change of scenery. MO's Landing is right across the street so you can put a boat in or you paddleboard/kayak and tool around Little Lagoon," reports Richard F. Many campers use the parks as a base camp for exploring nearby beaches.
Family recreation: Many RV parks feature dedicated recreation areas with multiple options. "The kids loved all of the Saturday activities. Campsites have a fire pit, so we made s'mores. They have a store with everything we needed," says Jaimee D. about Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park. This family-oriented campground includes organized activities for children throughout the week.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds near Foley offer well-designed sites with ample room. "This is the second time we've stayed at this campground for a few months each time. We have enjoyed the quiet, friendly campground. The sites are a good size, the campground is well-maintained," shares Lori from Magnolia Springs RV Hideaway. Campers consistently mention the clean facilities and properly spaced sites.
Lake fishing: Several campgrounds feature stocked lakes for fishing. "Lake is well stocked with big bass. Adjoins bike trails of Gulf State Park," notes Mike H. about Pandion Ridge Luxury RV Resort. These fishing opportunities provide recreation without leaving the campground property.
Proximity to attractions: The location near Gulf Shores beaches while avoiding crowds appeals to many campers. "Just a short drive to the Gulf of Mexico beaches and the wildlife refuge," explains Joel R. about staying at Bay Breeze RV on the Bay. The area offers quick access to multiple attractions within a 15-20 minute drive.
What you should know
Age and size restrictions: Some upscale RV resorts have specific requirements. "This is a Motorhome only park with lots owned by individuals who rent their lots when they are away," James R. explains about Bella Terra of Gulf Shores. Many luxury resorts require RVs to be less than 15 years old and at least 32 feet in length.
Seasonal considerations: The Gulf Shores area experiences peak crowds March through October. Humidity levels rise significantly in summer months, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms from June through September. Hurricane season officially runs June through November, with highest risk in August and September.
Reservation timing: For peak season camping (spring break and summer), reservations should be made 6-12 months in advance for popular campgrounds. Many campers report difficulty finding last-minute availability from March through August, especially for waterfront or premium sites.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Campgrounds with organized children's events reduce planning stress. "This was our first campground experience and we thoroughly enjoyed it! The lake is full of bream and each of my kids caught their first fish, definitely a memorable trip," shares Ashley P. about her stay at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park. Look for places offering scheduled activities throughout the day.
Swimming options: Many families prefer campgrounds with pools when beaches are crowded. Pools provide a convenient option when beach traffic is heavy or when afternoon thunderstorms make ocean swimming impractical. Most campgrounds with pools are open March through October.
Beach proximity: When choosing a campground, consider daily commute time to beaches. Traffic congestion on main routes to Gulf Shores beaches can add 30+ minutes during peak season, especially on weekends. Some families prefer staying slightly inland to avoid traffic and noise.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV sites on concrete pads provide stability during heavy rains. "Our site was pull thru, all with FHU, great water pressure, gravel sites," notes one camper. Request interior sites during stormy weather, as they often drain better than perimeter sites.
Connectivity concerns: WiFi quality varies significantly between campgrounds. "WiFi is not great, at least not at site 137, however we are in a newly developed area and may be better older areas," reports Mike H. about Sun Outdoors Orange Beach. Many RVers recommend having backup cellular data options.
Utility hookups: Multiple sewer connection points make longer stays more convenient. "2 separate spots to tie into the sewer which was nice. Level concrete pads with picnic tables," explains Anthony C. about Luxury RV Resort. Check for 50-amp service availability when booking if your RV requires it.
