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Best Tent Camping near Gulf Shores, AL

519 Reviews

Tent campers visiting Gulf Shores, Alabama can find several established campgrounds within driving distance. Shepard State Park Campground in Gautier, Mississippi offers tent sites with varying levels of amenities, including both developed sites with electric hookups and more primitive options. Becks Camp, located in Florida near the Alabama border, provides tent camping with picnic tables and trash service in a natural setting.

Shepard State Park features spacious sites that are not crowded together, providing a sense of privacy even when the park is busy. The campground offers fire rings at each site, with firewood available for purchase at $8 per bundle. Facilities include showers and toilets, though some reviewers note the bathrooms show signs of age despite being generally clean. The primitive camping areas cost approximately $13 per night and are situated near trailheads, making them convenient for hikers. Water and electric hookups are available at some sites, with a dump station located at the entrance.

The tent camping experience at these locations includes access to natural attractions and recreational opportunities. Shepard State Park features hiking trails through wooded areas, an archery range, disc golf course, and a boat launch for water access. The park's location provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, particularly along marsh trails. Tent campers should prepare for insects, especially in the primitive areas. According to one visitor, "The primitive campsite was very nice. Even though the park was a bit crowded we still had privacy." Cell service varies throughout the region, with campers reporting 1-3 bars depending on carrier. Becks Camp offers locations right on the water, suitable for campers interested in fishing and boating activities, though facilities are more limited than at Shepard State Park.

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Best Tent Sites Near Gulf Shores, Alabama (3)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Gulf Shores, AL

5 Photos of 3 Gulf Shores Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Gulf Shores, AL

519 Reviews of 3 Gulf Shores Campgrounds

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2017

    Blakeley State Park Campground

    Educational Trails

    The park is set up on a historic site where they have several trails set up talking about civil war battles that occurred there. They have two separate areas for camping where one is for RVs and tents and the other is the more basic tent only sites. I visited the tent only area which had many many sites and most had a nice amount of space with a good bit of privacy. I was there in June though and it gets really hot during the day and night and also very buggy. If you were here in the fall or winter it could be a great place to camp though. The bathrooms were nice but nothing special. There is a single bathroom for all of the tent sites so if you are far you could have a pretty long walk. The sites are pretty cool to see so if you are a civil war buff it might be worth checking out. The camping is expensive though at $20 a night for the tent sites and $30 for an RV site. People were friendly though and it was one of the nicest places in the area.

  • Karen L.
    May. 17, 2018

    Blakeley State Park Campground

    Very large park, hiking, camping, battlegrounds

    Blakely State Park is a very large State Park, with different choices for camping. There are larger primitive tent sites, smaller tent sites with power/water hookups, RV sites, two primitive cabins and 2 newer cabins which are very nice. There's TONS of hiking, a battleground for history buffs, a playground, a boatdock, lots of hiking, horseback riding etc.

    I stayed in one of the two Squirrels Nest, which are primitive cabins. Basically open air cabins. 2 walls, a roof and 2 walls of screens. 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 sink (but no water) and a cabinet, and outside a large deck with bench seating. Below is a fire pit and picnic table. There is a shared porta potty outside of the two cabins. These cabins are a bit of a drive out in the woods, so make sure your vehicle is up to it. It's very peaceful out there. My cabin was inhabited by mice at night, so I kept my food in airtight plastic paint bucket containers & my belongings covered by garbage bags on one of the platforms and had my air mattress inside a pop-up mosquito tent, so the mice did not bother me. I was after all in their house. I sprinkled peppermint oil around my gear & my bed platform to keep the mice away. Next time I will have my food in a large cooler so that the wildlife is not attracted.

    There are hiking trails by these sites, as well as, steps down the hill, leading off into another trail.

    i would stay there again. Great place to get away.

  • Sonyia W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 29, 2019

    Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

    Excellent as always

    This was my third trip to Pickens and it was amazing as always.

    *The camping store is closed until they can find someone to run it. Wood and ice can be bought at the Tom Thumb just outside the park or at Walmart/Publix in Gulf Breeze.

    *Battery Cooper Rd was closed so those two batteries are inaccessible.

    *Loops B/D no longer have electric or dedicated water (there is a water spigot every few sites). Tent sites D24, D25, B6 have the best shade and space.

    *We stayed at A15 (right next to walking trail entrance) and my best friend on A14. Other good shaded sites on this loop are A4 (grass not level enough for tents), A6, A12, A19, A21, A24, A26, A35 (next to dumpsters though), A36 (okay but not great).

    *You can no longer hang anything from trees or power poles (hammocks, clotheslines etc). You also cannot having a shower looking tent (we have one for a changing tent only—no toilet or shower—and they made us take it down). Max two tents or camper and one tent per site (awnings/pop up shelter over picnic table don’t count towards the two).

    *I didn’t peek into the restrooms in loops B-E. A-loop restrooms were a little dated but clean and functional. The laundry/dish washing station was stellar.

    *The price for getting into Gulf Island National Seashore is now $20 and it’s a 7 day pass.

    *The campground now gives out two slips at check-in. One is for your car and one is to keep with you after 8pm so you don’t get kicked out of the area after dark.

    Everyone was very nice and helpful.

  • Sonyia W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 29, 2019

    Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

    Excellent as always

    This was my third trip to Pickens and it was amazing as always.

    *The camping store is closed until they can find someone to run it. Wood and ice can be bought at the Tom Thumb just outside the park or at Walmart/Publix in Gulf Breeze.

    *Battery Cooper Rd was closed so those two batteries are inaccessible.

    *Loops B/D no longer have electric or dedicated water (there is a water spigot every few sites). Tent sites D24, D25, B6 have the best shade and space.

    *We stayed at A15 (right next to walking trail entrance) and my best friend on A14. Other good shaded sites on this loop are A4 (grass not level enough for tents), A6, A12, A19, A21, A24, A26, A35 (next to dumpsters though), A36 (okay but not great).

    *You can no longer hang anything from trees or power poles (hammocks, clotheslines etc). You also cannot having a shower looking tent (we have one for a changing tent only—no toilet or shower—and they made us take it down). Max two tents or camper and one tent per site (awnings/pop up shelter over picnic table don’t count towards the two).

    *I didn’t peek into the restrooms in loops B-E. A-loop restrooms were a little dated but clean and functional. The laundry/dish washing station was stellar.

    *There are dump stations (one in loop A and one for B-E) but no sewer hook ups per site.

    *The price for getting into Gulf Island National Seashore is now $20 and it’s a 7 day pass.

    *The campground now gives out two slips at check-in. One is for your car and one is to keep with you after 8pm so you don’t get kicked out of the area after dark.

    Everyone was very nice and helpful.

  • G
    Jul. 12, 2021

    Big Lagoon State Park Campground

    Big Lagoon State Park - Florida - Nice, quiet state park.

    Stayed at Big Lagoon 7/8/2021 for 4 nights in 24” travel trailer. There is a mixture of sites that have dirt, gravel, sand, fully paved, partial paved drives.

    Our first site: # 45 was a back in and was in low area, near a marshy area. Entire site was muddy, and caked on to your shoes. (It had been pretty rainy the previous day, but we stayed at this site 2 nights and never really dried out.

    Went to Ranger who was very helpful and moved us, 1 site over: # 46. This site had a paved area for Trailer and wide cement area to walk in and out of.. a much better site. With the heavy foliage through out the park, sites are pretty private.

    If you look at the campground map, you will see the sites on the north side are a bit higher and elevation and did not seem to have any issue with water. When booking, read the description of the site, carefully, some are tent only, or very short drive so limited what you can put where.

    Campground is gated, and you are given a code for “off hours” entrance. Used rest rooms and shower. Very clean and really hot water. No water views, short walk to water BUT, board walk was still closed due to last hurricane. Looks very close to being done.

    Lastly: Campers: if you do not plan on keeping your reservation, please be kind and formally cancel. We wanted to move the first night but sign at Ranger stated “campground full” so we did not ask.. next morning there were at least 5 or 6 sites where people did not show nor cancelled.

  • Sam S.
    Jan. 18, 2022

    Mystic Springs Recreation Area

    And it comes with a cat!

    Loved this place. It doesn’t look like it on the campground map, but most sites are secluded and come with their own picnic table, fire ring, and cover! The cover is amazing - you can put your tent, car or camper under it to stay dry. Makes me wonder why more campgrounds don’t have something similar. There’s a portapotty available, and it’s one of the cleanest I’ve visited.

    Only issue with this place is the reservation system. I like that you can reserve a site in advance, but it seems like a lot of people take advantage of it and don’t end up showing. While I was here I think almost all the sites were officially booked, yet less than half actually were occupied. Please don’t do this if you’re staying here!

    Oh yea, there was a pregnant cat at my site (6) as well. She was very sweet and maybe you’ll get to see her kittens if you stay here!

  • Lisa S.
    Apr. 5, 2021

    Harper - Blakeley State Park

    Beautiful Well Maintained Huge Park

    April 4, 2021 Camper Van Site: Harper #7 Primitive $20 Over 2,000 acres crisscrossed with trails. Interesting replication of the ghost town of Blakeley which disappeared around 1830, but before then it rivaled Mobile in population and economy. Harper loop, where I camped, is at least a mile into the woods and has no hook ups. The sites have picnic tables and fire rings and offer decent privacy. Bath house is 7 minute walk. My shower was cold. Dumpsters near bath house. Staff house nearby. Staff very pleasant and helpful. Wish I could stay more than two nights.

    RV park closer to entrance.

  • K
    Jan. 23, 2020

    Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

    Sarge Slept By The Seashore

    What's not to like about this campground? Nothing that I could find. Ample space to maneuver my camper in to my site, level ground, plenty of space between sites so you're not hearing your neighbors but close enough to make friends. The waves from the Gulf can be heard as well as the "bugle" calls from NAS Pensacola across the sound. The site (E20) has both 30/50 amp electric and water hookups. Bathhouse was clean with adjoining single, private showers close by each site. Nearby trails either lead you to the Gulf beach or along the sound side where the Pensacola lighthouse can be seen. Both tent and campers are allowed. No Wi-Fi and my phone signal (Verizon) was intermittent with 2-3 bars.

  • M
    May. 16, 2018

    Gulf State Park Campground

    Great Spot for Family Fun

    You could stay at this park for your whole trip and not have to leave. There is an awesome pool and splash pad, basketball courts, and boat launch on the property, plus a laundromat and impressive camp store. The restroom facilities are relatively nice and are always air conditioned during the warmer months. The only complaint I have of this park is that there are only 11 tent camping sites. They claim any site can be used for tent camping, but no one in a tent wants to set up on a concrete pad, especially when it is hot! The tent sites they do have are primitive without water or electrical hook ups - it would be nice to have some sites with hook ups. The sites they do have for tents are very shady and clean. They do back up to a swampy canal, but I have never seen any alligators although I am sure they are in there somewhere.

    I would definitely recommend this park for families.

Guide to Gulf Shores

Tent camping near Gulf Shores, Alabama offers several options within driving distance. The Gulf region features a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Sites around Gulf Shores typically range from sea level to only 5-10 feet above, creating unique coastal camping conditions with distinct wildlife viewing opportunities compared to inland locations.

What to do

Disc golf course exploration: Shepard State Park Campground offers a disc golf course that provides recreational activities without leaving the campground area. As one camper noted, "It was also a decent course. Probably wouldn't be my first place to itch to return to." Shepard State Park Campground also provides multiple hiking trails through wooded areas.

Archery practice: The archery range at Shepard State Park gives campers an alternative outdoor activity. According to a visitor, "There are several trails, lots of trees and underbrush, a playground. There is an archery range, and boat launch." This offers a structured recreational option separate from typical camping activities.

Water activities: Fishing and boating opportunities exist at multiple locations. Becks Camp provides waterfront access, with one camper stating, "Definitely a bit out of the way but very pretty! Bring some bug spray, a boat, and some fishing gear! Has spots right on the water to camp!" Becks Camp is particularly suited for anglers who want direct water access.

What campers like

Spacious site arrangement: Campers appreciate the layout at several campgrounds that provides privacy. One reviewer of Shepard State Park Campground mentioned, "Two small loops. Enough space between sites you are not to crowded. Trails to explore. It has been quiet and the RV site area is mostly full." This spacing creates a more natural camping experience.

Renovated facilities: Recent updates to bathrooms and facilities have improved some camping areas. A camper observed, "Camp here a couple nights. The have completely updated. Nice clean bathrooms and sights." Another noted the "Beautiful new bath house" at Shepard State Park.

Budget-friendly options: Several campgrounds offer affordable rates compared to commercial alternatives. One camper highlighted this value: "I love this park, camp sites are well spaced and private with some water fronting on the Pascagoula River. Water and electric at each site with dump station at the entrance. Can't beat the price at $18 a night, reservations available on their website."

What you should know

Bathroom conditions vary: Facilities at campgrounds can range from newly renovated to dated. One camper at Shepard State Park Campground reported, "The showers are adequate—no mold or mildew, tiled, nice benches, plenty of hooks and hot water. The rest of the bathroom is quite old and stained, but generally clean, if outdated/chipped/showing age."

Road conditions: Some campgrounds have less maintained access roads. As one camper noted, "Nice campground set in the forest. The roads in the park could use a little attention." Tent campers should consider vehicle clearance when visiting certain areas.

Insects preparation: Gulf Coast camping often involves significant insect activity, particularly in warmer months. Multiple campers mention bugs, with one primitive camper specifically noting their site was "the buggiest of my trip so far."

Tips for camping with families

Dog-friendly areas: Shady Grove Campground provides options for those traveling with pets, though specific amenities vary by location. Some parks offer dedicated pet areas, as one camper mentioned: "The dog park was perfect for our two large dog, very clean."

Toddler-friendly trails: Some camping areas feature easy walking paths suitable for young children. A family camper reported, "My toddler had a very easy time walking around which was a huge plus! The marsh trails were perfect for viewing wildlife."

Field activities: Multi-use open spaces provide play areas for children. One review mentions that Shepard State Park has "a large multi-use field" in addition to its other recreational facilities, providing space for impromptu games and activities.

Tips from RVers

Limited RV options: Some previously RV-friendly campgrounds have changed their policies. Regarding Becks Camp, one visitor warned, "Head's up. I just called to ask about reserving an RV site. They no longer have those types of sites." Always call ahead to confirm current RV accommodations.

Utility connections: Where RV camping is available, hookup quality varies. One camper noted about Shepard State Park, "Sites are level, electric is strong and reliable (I haven't tested the water yet)." Most campgrounds offer limited hookups rather than full connections.

Dump station locations: Access to sanitary facilities is typically centralized. As mentioned by one RVer, "There is 1 dump station on at the entrance, and 1 large dumpster," indicating campers should plan accordingly for waste management during longer stays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Gulf Shores, AL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Gulf Shores, AL is Shepard State Park Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 10 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Gulf Shores, AL?

TheDyrt.com has all 3 tent camping locations near Gulf Shores, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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