Gulf Shores and the Alabama coastal region feature a mix of pine forests and wetlands with sandy shores along Mobile Bay. The area maintains moderate temperatures year-round, though summer humidity can reach 85-90%. Campgrounds in the Foley area sit at near sea level elevation, with most spots within 15-20 miles of the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Fort Pickens Campground, campers enjoy diverse fishing spots. "My husband and I tent camped at Fort Pickens campground in February, 2019. We were less than a 10 minute walk from the beach and walked about 30 minutes to the old fort," shares Deborah C. The historical elements add dimension to the outdoor experience as "sunset cruises, seafood cruises, and seasonal themed cruises" are available at nearby locations.
Explore historical sites: The Civil War history at Blakeley State Park Campground provides educational opportunities while camping. "If you bring nothing but a love of history this is the perfect spot for you," writes Nicole G., who adds, "We heard coyotes at a distance which was amazing." The park features self-guided tours and preserved battlefields.
Water activities: Kayaking and paddleboarding access points are available at several locations. At Blue Angel Park, visitors note, "We did some paddle-boarding and walked trails. There is so much more we want to do, like play volleyball, mini golf, go kayaking, and ride bikes." The varied water access points allow for different experience levels.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Campers frequently mention the site layout at some parks. "HUGE sites, very secluded. If I look really hard through the woods I can see a neighbor," reports Laurie A. about Blakeley State Park. This privacy factor creates a more immersive outdoor experience even at developed campgrounds.
Family-oriented amenities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park receives praise for its kid-focused activities. "We stayed at Jellystone this past weekend and ended up staying a third night (unplanned). We had a lot of fun. The kids loved all of the Saturday activities," notes Jaimee D. The scheduled programming makes yurt camping near Foley, Alabama particularly appealing for families with young children.
Waterfront views: Many campers value sites with water visibility. At Bay Breeze RV on the Bay, "The sites are located under massive oak trees with Spanish moss hanging from the limbs. There is a 150' fishing pier and chairs conveniently located for watching the beautiful sunrise over Bon Secour Bay," according to Keith G., highlighting the natural aesthetics of coastal camping.
What you should know
Site conditions vary significantly: Levelness can be an issue at some campgrounds. "Some of the sites are so unlevel. But the historical tour of the park is amazing," notes Michael about Blakeley State Park. Bringing leveling blocks is recommended for most locations.
Reservations essential during peak times: Most parks fill quickly, especially during spring and summer. "Hard to get into this park, so best to reserve early!" advises Kloee S. about Gulf Coast RV Park, emphasizing the importance of advance planning for Foley area yurt and cabin camping.
Wildlife awareness: Several campgrounds report frequent wildlife encounters. "Keep your eyes peeled for wonderful birds and alligators!" mentions Hannah C. about Gulf State Park Campground. Paul G. adds, "Went hiking along the trails and found 3 baby gators hanging out! Had a few good tent spots and lots of RV spots. Just watch out where you swim!"
Ant problems: Multiple campers mention ant issues. "I visited this campground on my way through the mobile bay area...There were several people who were staying there in tents who had taken over their sites and had some very aggressive dogs tied up," reports Asher K. about Meaher State Park, noting challenges that might affect comfort.
Tips for camping with families
Activity scheduling: The Retreat RV & Campground offers structured activities for kids. "The retreat offers several amenities including showers, laundromat, and gas grills. There are even bouncy houses and playgrounds for the kids," reports Amber L. Several campgrounds feature seasonal programming worth planning around.
Junior Ranger programs: Several parks offer educational activities. "Woke up to begin the junior ranger packet for our kiddos (provided at checkout) and hiked and explored all day," shares Nicole G. about Blakeley State Park. These programs typically require 1-2 hours to complete and are available at no additional cost.
Water safety considerations: When camping with children near water, some areas require extra vigilance. "The camp manager is nice and very helpful. They are definitely a great asset. It's located on the river and they have a pet beach separate so even your dogs can enjoy the water," notes Amber L. about The Retreat, showing how facilities separate different water recreation areas.
Tips from RVers
Site selection factors: At most campgrounds, site layout and access can be challenging. "The RV sites are not on any type of paved or level ground and are not suitable for larger RVs. They're VERY close together and there are a lot of trees," warns Tom about The Retreat RV & Campground. Requesting specific sites when booking can make a significant difference.
Utility hookup placement: Some campgrounds have unusual utility configurations. "The campground website currently (September 4, 2021) that all electric campsites are 50amp which they are not, if you need a 50amp site you will have to call the office to ensure you can secure one," cautions Chloe F. about The Retreat. Always call to verify hookup specifications rather than relying solely on website information when planning yurt or RV camping near Foley.
Dump station accessibility: Facilities vary widely between parks. "And their dump station was terribly unlevel and we had many issues dumping our tanks," notes Chloe F. Some RVers recommend using off-site dump stations if staying for extended periods.
