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.
"PROS
Quiet
Minimal streetlights
Site 435 level
Asphalt parking pad is extended as an area for the picnic table
Pedestal BBQ in good condition and free of ash upon arrival
Moveable metal and"
"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."
$59 - $76 / night
"The sites are located under massive oak trees with Spanish moss hanging from the limbs."
"Staff was very friendly, campground was very clean. Very close to some great restaurants, we ate at De Sotos and some the very best crab claws I’ve ever had. Close to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach."
$20 - $40 / night
"There are water and electric hookups snd a dump station in all but D loop. Bathrooms and showers. Every site is just a short walk to the beach."
"Gorgeous white sand beaches a short walk from the campground. Clean, great hot showers, level asphalt pads, water and electric, dump station on site."
"It is located in Elberta Al. The sites are gravel and dirt but they are level and very spacious. Great for RVs and large rigs."
"Campsites have a fire pit, so we made s’mores. They have a store with everything we needed, which was really nice. The staff was great and accommodating. And bonus - you can earn Yogi points!"
$90 / night
"This is a great place to enjoy the beach, fur pets, and outdoors!"
"Beautiful area, with great biking and hiking trails. Very close to the beach and shopping. The sites are mostly very good size and there are lots of sites to choose from!!"
"Dog friendly park that is away from the major city hubs, nothing but the beach is walkable. Our site was level with a grill, fire pit, picnic table and a wooden deck."
"We had an issue with the electrical that we couldn’t figure out, but one of the campground workers was very nice and tried to help us figure out the issue. We loved walking to the waterfront."
"**This park is in the middle of the delta, giving easy access to the water and lovely views. Trails are short but the boardwalk connecting the two parts of the park is incredible."
"Reserved a nice spot next to the Bay. Well kept campground. We arrived at 10 pm; site closed at 7, but we thought we would have access since we had a reservation."
"There are two wooden platforms for beds. A twin and a queen, and barstools to sit inside and look out into the woods, over the hill in which they are nestled."
"There's a lot of cool Civil War history to witness, as well as a beautiful walking path/deck along the bay."
$7 - $75 / night
"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. It was quiet at quiet time, no problems."
"Electric, water with Dump Station. Very friendly staff. Quiet. Great area for long dog walks in the woods. We are repeat customers. 😎"
LegendPROS
Quiet
Minimal streetlights
Site 435 level
Asphalt parking pad is extended as an area for the picnic table
Pedestal BBQ in good condition and free of ash upon arrival
Moveable metal and wooden picnic table
Super clean climate controlled bathhouses
Very nice, large, park laundromat with coin changing machine. Detergent sold at camp store.
Recycling available at dump station
Super bike trails
Good park WiFi
TMobile 3 bars
CONS
No senior or vet discount
15.25% resort fee charged
15% sales tax charged
$5 reservation fee charged
Site 425 no shade - we were HOT in January!
No info provided that state park does not provide campfire rings. Campfires are permitted but you must bring your own campfire ring/pit
Picnic table top rotted leaving large holes and unuseable
Two roll-off compactors for the campground located at the dump station near the entrance/exit. If you are not camping in that area you are in for a hike.
LegendGulf 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. Spacious sites, some with foliage, some with Lake or canal views. Grills but no fire pits. Right now there's a shortage of usable bath houses because of hurricane damage repairs in progress. Good wifi, local TV, and cell service. Close to stores and dining. Free access to adjacent pier. Great coastal access. Free use of bikes. Lots of great paved and boardwalk trails. Gators, snakes, armadillos and birds reside here.
GuideWe stayed 4 nights at Gulf State Park, over the 4th of July, 2019. We made the reservations online, and would have done better to have made them a few months earlier, so that we could have insured more shade for our site. But, we could see the lake across the road, and we were really close to the air conditioned bath house/restrooms, and within a short walk from the swimming pool, nature center, lily pond, camp store, air conditioned laundry, tennis courts,swings, etc. It was a pretty good site, if lacking good shade. There was a camp dog show, a poster contest, a bicycle decorating parade/contest, and an ongoing day camp for the kids (seemed to be Christian based, and we didn’t have time to check it out). The beach is not close enough to walk, but you drive to a parking lot and walk out on the boardwalk next to a pavilion which has restrooms, and an outdoor shower to help you get rid of sand. Waves are pretty calm, so older kids a can enjoy it without having to have an adult holding them. Nice afternoon breezes. When we needed medical care for a problem, the staff were very helpful in telling us which place would be best for our needs. Friendly staff all round. We all felt very safe in this campground.
LegendGulf 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. Spacious sites, some with foliage, some with Lake or canal views. Grills but no fire pits. There are a few community pits. Right now there's a shortage of usable bath houses because of hurricane damage repairs still in progress. Good local TV, and cell service. Close to stores and dining. Free access to adjacent pier. Great coastal access. Free use of bikes. Lots of great paved and boardwalk trails. Gators, snakes, armadillos and birds reside here.
TravelerThis KOA isn't the greatest but it isn't one of the worst I've stayed at. I'd stay again, but only if there wasn't camping availability around the area except for here.
Pros: Location on the bay - 👌 Pool/hot to on site Close to fuel stations Close to main roads to get you where you want to go (Gulf Shores, Pensacola, etc)
Cons: Office closes at 6, good luck if you have issues after that during check-in Very very few fire pits - I saw maybe 5 and they were in premium sites that are closer to 80 a night or more. Not worth it Sites were extremely close together The campground itself is small
TravelerThe retreat offers several amenities including showers, laundromat, and gas grills. There are even bouncy houses and playgrounds for the kids.
It's located on the river and they have a pet beach separate so even your dogs can enjoy the water.
The camp manager is nice and very helpful. They are definitely a great asset.
Full service hookups are currently limited as they work on an expansion, but they do have plenty of water/power hookups both off and on the river. There's also a cabin, glamping tents, and a tiny house. There are plenty of shaded spots.
There are a few long term residents who are friendly and welcoming.
I definitely recommend this campground for a fun, relaxing stay.
Scoutthis park is amazing! very clean bathrooms and they are air conditioned. Nice pool and the Nature center is really neat. We got to hold reptiles. They have plenty of trails to walk! You can fish on their fishing dock in lake Shelby. The park in located across the street from the ocean! Laundry room is very clean and you can look out onto lake Shelby from the laundry room area. This place is super fun for kids!
TravelerThis park is now a Yogi Bear Jellystone park. It is located in Elberta Al. The sites are gravel and dirt but they are level and very spacious. Great for RVs and large rigs.
It offers a great central location for Gulf Shores, Perdido or Pensacola. They have tons of activities for the kids. (Crafts, hay rides, s'mores and more)
Just a short drive to many attractions including (Old Fort Morgan, USS Alabama, Drum Submarine, Pensacola Air museum, two water parks, Barber Marina and more)
If you are looking for a peaceful setting in a central location. This is the place!
There are many good restaurants - here are some of our favorites. (Reileigh's - best breakfast at the gulf, Wolf Bay, Fisherman's Corner, GT's on the Bay, Perdido Pass Oyster bar, McGuire's in Pensacola.
TravelerThis was the closest thing I have found to a camping experience near the Gulf of America. Most RV parks in this region are sterile asphalt and concrete, but Bay Breeze is different. 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. A communal fire pit offers a gathering place to meet interesting people, many of which said that they come back to Bay Breeze every year.
Across the road is the Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge with hiking trails, sandy beaches on Little Lagoon and a kayak launch. Head west and you will find historic Fort Morgan and a public pier perfect for watching sunsets over the gulf. Head east and you will find Gulf Shores only 15 minutes away with some of the best beaches along the gulf.
This was a great find and We will be back!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Gulf Shores, AL is Gulf State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 102 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 15 glamping camping locations near Gulf Shores, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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