Gulf Shores is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Gulf Shores is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Gulf Shores. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
Gulf State Park has two miles of beaches, a spacious campground and a brand new Lodge and Conference Center to greet you. Yes, we have gorgeous white sand,surging surf, seagulls and a variety of activities, but there is more than sand and surf to sink your toes into. There is something for everyone inside Gulf State Park Campground. The beach pavilion provides picnic tables as an escape from the beach, the nature center is a great place for the kids to learn, the swimming pool provides refreshment for our guests and the Lake Shelby day use area offers kayaking and canoeing. For a change of pace while visiting check out the fishing and education pier, miles of biking on the Backcountry trail, beautiful flowers in the butterfly garden, and additional education at the learning campus, interpretive center in the near future.
Fort Pickens Campground is situated on Santa Rosa Island, a part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore south of Pensacola and Gulf Breeze, Florida. Visitors are drawn to the Gulf of Mexico for Gulf Islands National Seashore's emerald coast waters, magnificent white beaches, fertile marshes and historical landscapes. Come explore with us today! Each camp site offers a fire pit, picnic table, and a paved pad to park on. There are heated showers and flush toilets. We offer electric and non-electric sites. Many of our sites have restrictions from low limbs or bushes so be sure you will fit. Limited overflow parking is available. Choose a site that will accommodate all of your equipment. Campers may not stay in the campground more than 14 consecutive days. This policy is strictly enforced. Entrance fees are required for the Fort Pickens area and are good for seven consecutive days from purchase. Pets are not allowed on any beaches sound and gulf side, ferries, piers, in forts, batteries, pavilions, or inside facilities.
Many visitors young and old come to Fort Pickens to enjoy its scenic location on the beach. The white sands of Santa Rosa Island are the perfect place for a long walk or an afternoon of building sandcastles. The warm ocean waters are great for swimming and snorkeling. Fishermen will find a pier just a short distance from the picnic pavilions. It can be used by visitors without a Florida fishing license. Many hiking trails through the sand dunes provide beautiful views and hours of exploration. Historic Fort Pickens, a pentagonal fort built to defend Pensacola Bay in 1834, is just 1 mile from the campground. The structure was fortified after the War of 1812 and was one of four forts in the South never occupied by Confederates during the Civil War.
The campground is located on a barrier island between the Gulf of Mexico and Pensacola Bay. Groves of live oak trees are scattered across the island, providing shelter for resident and migrating bird populations, as well as shade for park visitors. The Gulf Islands National Seashore is home to sparkling blue waters, white beaches and coastal marshes. However, more than 80% of the national park is underwater, as it's a vital protective habitat to marine life.
The campground is a short distance from restaurants and beach nightlife, downtown Pensacola, the Pensacola Naval Air Station and Naval Aviation Museum, the Pensacola Lighthouse and other historic sites. Campsites are within 1/4 mile of the beaches of the Emerald Coast of the Gulf of Mexico and Pensacola Bay.
Cancellation and modification fees are non-refundable.
$20 - $40 / night
1
$20 / night
At this Dauphin Island RV park & campground, you can enjoy the natural beauty of Dauphin Island, with year-round camping for the entire family.
The 155-acre park offers an abundance of exceptional recreation offerings. It is uniquely positioned so that guests have immediate access to a secluded beach, the Audobon Bird Sanctuary, and public boat launches.
Dauphin Island Park has 151 available campsites, 99 of which have full hookups for your RV. Guests have access to ice and firewood sales on-site, free wi-fi, an an off-leash dog park, laundry facilities, a playground, bicycle rentals, picnic tables, and much more!
$50 / night
Paradise awaits you at Island Retreat! Conveniently located near the boat launch, bike path, restaurants,& entertainment. Each site is equipped with concrete pads to accommodate all size RV's and Full Hookups. Amenities include restrooms with showers, a beautifully renovated clubhouse complete with kitchen and TV, a pool, firepit, dog run, cornhole, and planned activities year-round. Island Retreat is the ideal location, surrounded by beautiful trees and located directly across the street from the lagoon/Mo's Landing. Guests rave about the park being in a quiet, peaceful location and the gorgeous walking and bike trails that are in front of the park on Fort Morgan Road.
$62 - $79 / night
You'll soon have even more to love at Sun Outdoors Orange Beach in 2023! Our amazing resort is pleased to announce that we're finalizing our expansion of over 330 luxury RV sites with select sites offering an outdoor kitchen. Orange Beach is also completing the addition of a brand-new swimming and lap pool, clubhouse with a bar and restaurant, arcade, and bathhouses.
Our premiere master-planned RV resort is full of affordable luxury, offering guests a refreshing escape with a dose of Southern charm. Choose from short-term or extended stays for families and snowbirds with access to world-class amenities. Take advantage of our fully equipped business center, nature trails for hiking and biking, plus planned activities and social events throughout the year.
Orange Beach offers a great location that's just minutes from the best beaches and attractions along Alabama's Gulf Coast. We're also the only privately owned resort with direct access to Gulf State Park, which is offering bike rental add-ons for a fee.
When you come to Jellystone Park™ you’ll find a family focused environment with something to make everyone happy! Relax by the crystal clear pool, take a hike around the beautiful grounds, participate in a planned activity, or catch a fish in the pond! We offer enormous RV Sites, cozy cabins and well equipped tent sites all at affordable prices. In addition, our staff is here to provide the atmosphere to create family memories that will last a lifetime!
Gulf State Park has two miles of beaches, a spacious campground and a brand new Lodge and Conference Center to greet you. Yes, we have gorgeous white sand,surging surf, seagulls and a variety of activities, but there is more than sand and surf to sink your toes into. There is something for everyone inside Gulf State Park Campground. The beach pavilion provides picnic tables as an escape from the beach, the nature center is a great place for the kids to learn, the swimming pool provides refreshment for our guests and the Lake Shelby day use area offers kayaking and canoeing. For a change of pace while visiting check out the fishing and education pier, miles of biking on the Backcountry trail, beautiful flowers in the butterfly garden, and additional education at the learning campus, interpretive center in the near future.
Fort Pickens Campground is situated on Santa Rosa Island, a part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore south of Pensacola and Gulf Breeze, Florida. Visitors are drawn to the Gulf of Mexico for Gulf Islands National Seashore's emerald coast waters, magnificent white beaches, fertile marshes and historical landscapes. Come explore with us today! Each camp site offers a fire pit, picnic table, and a paved pad to park on. There are heated showers and flush toilets. We offer electric and non-electric sites. Many of our sites have restrictions from low limbs or bushes so be sure you will fit. Limited overflow parking is available. Choose a site that will accommodate all of your equipment. Campers may not stay in the campground more than 14 consecutive days. This policy is strictly enforced. Entrance fees are required for the Fort Pickens area and are good for seven consecutive days from purchase. Pets are not allowed on any beaches sound and gulf side, ferries, piers, in forts, batteries, pavilions, or inside facilities.
Many visitors young and old come to Fort Pickens to enjoy its scenic location on the beach. The white sands of Santa Rosa Island are the perfect place for a long walk or an afternoon of building sandcastles. The warm ocean waters are great for swimming and snorkeling. Fishermen will find a pier just a short distance from the picnic pavilions. It can be used by visitors without a Florida fishing license. Many hiking trails through the sand dunes provide beautiful views and hours of exploration. Historic Fort Pickens, a pentagonal fort built to defend Pensacola Bay in 1834, is just 1 mile from the campground. The structure was fortified after the War of 1812 and was one of four forts in the South never occupied by Confederates during the Civil War.
The campground is located on a barrier island between the Gulf of Mexico and Pensacola Bay. Groves of live oak trees are scattered across the island, providing shelter for resident and migrating bird populations, as well as shade for park visitors. The Gulf Islands National Seashore is home to sparkling blue waters, white beaches and coastal marshes. However, more than 80% of the national park is underwater, as it's a vital protective habitat to marine life.
The campground is a short distance from restaurants and beach nightlife, downtown Pensacola, the Pensacola Naval Air Station and Naval Aviation Museum, the Pensacola Lighthouse and other historic sites. Campsites are within 1/4 mile of the beaches of the Emerald Coast of the Gulf of Mexico and Pensacola Bay.
Cancellation and modification fees are non-refundable.
$20 - $40 / night
1
$20 / night
At this Dauphin Island RV park & campground, you can enjoy the natural beauty of Dauphin Island, with year-round camping for the entire family.
The 155-acre park offers an abundance of exceptional recreation offerings. It is uniquely positioned so that guests have immediate access to a secluded beach, the Audobon Bird Sanctuary, and public boat launches.
Dauphin Island Park has 151 available campsites, 99 of which have full hookups for your RV. Guests have access to ice and firewood sales on-site, free wi-fi, an an off-leash dog park, laundry facilities, a playground, bicycle rentals, picnic tables, and much more!
$50 / night
Paradise awaits you at Island Retreat! Conveniently located near the boat launch, bike path, restaurants,& entertainment. Each site is equipped with concrete pads to accommodate all size RV's and Full Hookups. Amenities include restrooms with showers, a beautifully renovated clubhouse complete with kitchen and TV, a pool, firepit, dog run, cornhole, and planned activities year-round. Island Retreat is the ideal location, surrounded by beautiful trees and located directly across the street from the lagoon/Mo's Landing. Guests rave about the park being in a quiet, peaceful location and the gorgeous walking and bike trails that are in front of the park on Fort Morgan Road.
$62 - $79 / night
Scout
Large campground. Not near the beach. Seems to be decently maintained. Bathrooms were updated and clean. Campground not near the park restaurants . Would be a long walk to get to them. Decent hookups. Beware of the ants!!!!!! The whole campground is infested with stinging ants. There are ant piles all over the campsites. I was stung really bad after accidentally getting near an ant hill. They are really bad!!!! Almost had to go to the ER.
Scout
This is a great place to enjoy the beach, fur pets, and outdoors!
Ranger
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.
Ranger
Pros: Great location Good fishing Smaller camp site Friendly happy nice campers Great fishing dock Sites are close to level
Negatives: Very expensive nightly rates Restrooms no soap for the four days we were there Restrooms in rough shape Crapped camping sites Bugs with (black flys) that bite are out of hand they draw blood
We did enjoy our stay and will return in a year. New owners are taking over by November 2024, hopefully they make the improvements that they say they’ll do.
Traveler
Very nice rv park. All have full hookups including sewer. Lots at gravel and level with plenty of room to park your camper & tow vehicle. Swimming g pool is nice, there is also a large fire pit. We arrived late and we’re offered help setting up since it was getting dark. WiFi is good enough for Roku & Hulu. Fishing dock is right across the street and we were only 25 minutes from Dauphin Island.
Traveler
Nice and quiet. Good separation between campsites with shade. Bathhouses clean and close to most campsites. Plenty of walking trails. Love the Bird tower and kayak launch. Sandbar near launch to hangout when paddling. Perdido Key state park is close by for great beach access. Free if staying at Big Lagoon.
GuideCampground and beach area as well as bathrooms are in good shape. Camp sites are missing shade trees from hurricanes. Worth a stop👍
Scout
We used this place for the stop for the night during our cross country road trip. The pull through site 67 had a nice level slab which was nice. Free wifi available and no contact check in. Late check in was perfectly fine. Alot of folks do live here.
Guide
Really nice place to camp for folks who enjoy access to an uncrowded beach. There's a 25$ entrance fee(one time fee for campers)at the gate coming into the Gulf Islands area so not many folks who just want to go to the beach. The sites aren't spectacular(not a lot of shade)but they do have the basics 30/50 Amp service at many sites (campground D is tent/popup specific). Clean bathhouses and well maintained grounds. This was our 1st time visiting in the middle of summer (who knew FL is hot and humid in July) we enjoyed the trip but in the future will make spring and fall for our target dates. Access to beautiful beaches and the sound are minutes away. Fees were 40$ a night at the time of our visit.
Ranger
The Blue Heron Escape RV resort is one of the newest RV camping options in Foley, AL. It is the perfect location for beachgoers and explorers to enjoy Alabama's Gulf Coast. It is approximately 6 miles from Gulf Shores/Orange Beach. Additionally, the location is perfectly distanced to avoid the hustle and bustle of tourists, and it is close to shopping.
The owners, Scott and Gayle, are very involved with the resort and make the time to welcome you to the park. They are continually looking for ways to improve their guest's experiences.
Scout
Danny was a fantastic host, we got in later than expected which he accommodated and proceeded to show our daughter around his boats and property. He has a property that any macgyver could appreciate and a lot of cool plans for future rental areas. After speaking with him for a while he made it clear he doesn’t do this for the money but he really enjoys getting to know the people that stop in at his place. If you get the chance to stop and meet Danny I would take the opportunity.
ScoutThe staff at 밤의전쟁 are friendly and attentive.
RangerIf 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.
GuideWe 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.
TravelerClean restrooms and nice clean showers,nice big pool,beach nearby
Legend
This review is written as a short stay versus a destination campground (CG). Our RV GPS and Waze took us to the Pensacola area, and then we followed the email instructions for coming in Eastbound on I-10 and taking exit 7A. They are the second RV park on Wilde Lake Blvd, 1/2 mile past the large Wilde Lake Church on the left. Check-in was super friendly and we were escorted to pull through site 64 with FHUs. 50 psi on water, 5 bars on Verizon, and a good shot to the north sky as requested for Starlink as this was Super Bowl Sunday. They had cable but we didn't use it. We were in what seemed to be their short-term area. The sites were close together but we did have a little brick patio with a picnic table. Solid CG for a few days.
Traveler
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.
ScoutCheck~in was a breeze, nice people in the office. Site was easy to back in and very clean.
ScoutPerfect for anyone wanting to have a nice quiet stay near the beach. Can get pretty packed during the busy season though
Legend
Our site was pull thru, all with FHU, great water pressure, gravel sites. Great place to decompress and unwind, in a natural environment. Spacious sites, also saw a nice tent area, several portable potty’s, and a free to use washer and dryer in the Hanger/guest clubhouse , that also has a sink station, picnic tables, and grilling area! Lots of added touches! 3 dog parks, dog washing station, mutt mitts throughout park(which was much appreciated,) a nice playground, tree swing, volleyball area, soccer field, and disc golf. This is our third time here, the first was for the balloon festival, and we stayed in a smaller back-in site, second time was for our granddaughter’s cheer competition, in Orange Beach, and now we are here to kick off the summer with our grand at OWA! The pull through site was partly shady and more than accommodating, with our truck and 40” RV. T-Mobile was ok, but we used our Starlink for work and streaming, which was awesome…no interference. We went to the fireworks at OWA tonight and ate at The Goat and watched the playoffs! The rest of the week will be full of fun at Tropic Falls, and ACC is within minutes of restaurants, stores and beaches!
Scout
Great hiking trails. There is even trails connecting to Gulf State Park. Something for everyone here.
ScoutThis was a nice spot and was free. You do have to have a reservation. It's a little unlevel and best to back in. Be sure to get a site map, or it will be hard to find.
TravelerThe staff at오피스타 are friendly and attentive.
Scout
We stayed at Deer Creek RV Park after returning from Florida headed back out west and this place is awesome. It is very conveniently located off I-65 and the park is very well kept, bathhouses are immaculate and very large. Has a dog park which our dog loved being off leash and owners are very nice, informative and can also recommend great restaurants around. They also have two other RV sites close to Gulf Shores and OWA in Foley. Highly recommend!
Guide
This is a really nice place, convenient to all the areas of Foley. All campsites have a wide concrete pad, fully electric with water and sewer. The shower bathrooms were very clean and open 24 seven. I personally had one issue in that I had a long day, and arrived later in the evening, but the Friday night karaoke did not end until after 10 PM, so I didn’t get to sleep as soon as I wanted to. However, I got over it and slept a little bit later the next morning and went about my business for the day. Our second night Saturday evening was just fine. I would definitely stay here again if I come through the area. Our corner campsite was close to two intersecting roads, and occasionally a loud vehicle will pass by. As I am used to some noise in the evening, it didn’t bother me, but it might bother someone else who is looking for complete silence. But that has more to do with the location of some of the campsites so feel free to book sites in the center of the campground if they are available. I still give this place four out of five stars. Although each individual campsite has Wi-Fi, I had a strong signal on Verizon 5G ultra wideband.
RangerAwesome 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!
LegendThis 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!!
Camping near Gulf Shores, Alabama, offers a mix of beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, and family-friendly fun. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.
Camping near Gulf Shores, Alabama, has something for everyone, from beach lovers to families looking for fun. Just keep these tips in mind to make the most of your outdoor adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Gulf Shores, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Gulf Shores, AL offers a wide range of camping options, with 116 campgrounds and RV parks near Gulf Shores, AL and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Gulf Shores, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gulf Shores, AL is Gulf State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 100 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gulf Shores, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Gulf Shores, AL.
What parks are near Gulf Shores, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Gulf Shores, AL that allow camping, notably Gulf Islands National Seashore and De Soto National Forest.
