Best Campgrounds near Magnolia Springs, AL

Campgrounds near Magnolia Springs, Alabama provide access to both coastal and inland camping experiences within a short drive. Gulf State Park Campground in Orange Beach offers nearly 500 sites for tent camping, RVs, and cabins with full hookups, while Meaher State Park Campground in Spanish Fort provides waterfront sites along Mobile Bay. The region includes mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate various camping styles, from primitive tent sites to luxury RV resorts with amenities. Most campgrounds in the area feature water and electric hookups, with many offering sewer connections as well.

Road conditions throughout the region remain accessible year-round, though summer months bring higher temperatures and increased humidity. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly during peak beach season from May through September. As one camper noted, "Gulf State Park is the one by which all other parks in the region are to be compared. Everything you want: Hiking, biking, access to the beach, fishing, etc." Proximity to the Gulf Coast means hurricane season (June through November) can affect camping plans, with some facilities occasionally closing for repairs after storms. Most campgrounds in the area maintain paved or gravel sites suitable for both tents and RVs, though tent-only areas are available at select locations.

Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, with beach access being a primary draw. Several campgrounds provide direct access to the Gulf of Mexico or Mobile Bay, while others offer canal or lake views. Campers report excellent biking and hiking opportunities, particularly at Gulf State Park with its 28 miles of paved trails. A review mentioned that "Big Lagoon State Park has nice secluded campsites with easy access to the beach and surrounding forms of entertainment." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with alligators, birds, and marine life commonly spotted from campgrounds. The region balances natural settings with convenient access to urban amenities, as most campgrounds are within a short drive of restaurants, shopping, and attractions in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Mobile.

Best Camping Sites Near Magnolia Springs, Alabama (128)

    1. Gulf State Park Campground

    102 Reviews
    Orange Beach, AL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (251) 948-7275

    "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."

    "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."

    2. Island Retreat RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Gulf Shores, AL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (251) 967-1666

    $64 - $79 / night

    "A nice base camp to explore Gulf Shores that is located near one of the boat launches, the bike path, restaurants, and beaches."

    "The parking pads were large and level, but there wasn't much space around the site. "

    3. Big Lagoon State Park Campground

    46 Reviews
    Perdido Key, FL
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 492-1595

    $20 / night

    "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."

    "Nice secluded campground with easy access to the beach and surrounding forms of entertainment. Awesome area to walk, hike, and ride bikes. Nice clean bathrooms/shower houses (3)."

    4. Bay Breeze RV on the Bay

    10 Reviews
    Gulf Shores, AL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (251) 540-2362

    $59 - $76 / night

    "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."

    "Campground is situated on the bay with swimming, fishing, kayaking, sunnung, hiking, and socializing. Wonderful campground!"

    5. Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

    98 Reviews
    Gulf Breeze, FL
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 934-2622

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Best step above primitive camping while allowing for close to nature setting. Short walk to water, good coastal fishing, Ft Pickens historical site to visit, etc. Not long drive to town."

    "But other than that the showers / bathrooms are close by & clean, you can take a short walk to watch the sunrise & sunset .."

    6. Meaher State Park Campground

    32 Reviews
    Daphne, AL
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (251) 626-5529

    "Nice flat sites in the pines and next to the Bay. Bathhouses are nice. Only problem is they are push button showers so it takes a couple pushes to get it hot."

    "**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."

    7. Dauphin Island Campground

    32 Reviews
    Dauphin Island, AL
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (251) 861-2742

    $50 / night

    "I loved the path/boardwalk to the beach. The beach is beautiful white sand and is not crowded at all. The areas around the beach are not developed so you get a more natural view."

    "Great park if you want to camp next to the beach! A short walk and dog friendly! Bath houses were great! No campfires ☹️, but a great place!"

    8. Sun Outdoors Orange Beach

    9 Reviews
    Orange Beach, AL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 978-2080

    "Some amenities were limited due to covid, but they had plenty of signs up, had contactless check in, spaces loungers our around the pool, and everyone was very respectful of your space."

    "Close to beach(not on the beach). Close to restaurants and shopping. Lake is well stocked with big bass. Adjoins bike trails of Gulf State Park."

    9. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp Resort - Alabama Gulf Coast

    12 Reviews
    Elberta, AL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (251) 986-3566

    "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."

    "Enjoy taking the grandkids to Jellystone campground in Elberta, Alabama. "

    10. Ahoy RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    Foley, AL
    8 miles
    Website

    $55 - $69 / night

    "Its pretty close to the highway, so you get road noise, but its not bad."

    "One more quick stay in Alabama and up north we head! Wish we would have had more time at this park, will have to come back with some of our grandchildren! This is a newer park at only 3 yrs old."

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Recent Reviews near Magnolia Springs, AL

666 Reviews of 128 Magnolia Springs Campgrounds


  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Pensacola Beach RV Resort

    Perfection!

    I'd give it 10 stars if I could! The parking spots are pristine, the showers clean, the tiki bar on the sound beach was incredible, with lots of chairs & bean bags to laze around in... The pool is beautiful & super clean, with lights all around & a fountain!

  • m
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Pelican Palms RV Park

    Great site

    this is an RV park and is quiet and accommodating, the WiFi works well, had laundry facilities and mailbox to have your mail sent to , cannot complain

  • Bobbie S.
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Avalon Landing RV Park

    Absolutely Amazing Stay

    I have stayed many places and this is by far my favorite! We stopped over for one night on our way home from Texas. As soon as my husband backed the camper in, I asked if we could stay two nights. So glad we did! Breathtaking views and we were able to fish behind our camper. You're so close to all the "action" without hearing or having to be part of it. They have a boat ramp, rent fishing poles & kayaks, swimming pool, club house, bathrooms, laundry room and a wonderful covered deck/outside area. The office staff were absolutely wonderful. Hope to stay here again ❤️

  • Randi P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 25, 2025

    Presley's Outing

    For the Locals

    I stayed the entire month of June at Presley’s Outing with my parents (though I also grew up coming here). There’s a beach for day-use visitors and a separate one for long-term campers, which helps keep things a little more relaxed if you’re staying for a while. Entry is around $6/day for adults, and the monthly camping rate was about $750.

    Campsites are very close together—at least where my parents were parked near the bathhouse—which made it feel a little cramped for us. There are definitely nicer, more spacious spots, but the campground was fully booked during the summer. I’m not sure if those spots cost more.

    The bathhouse was decent (though warm in the June heat), and there’s a laundry facility onsite. Alcohol isn’t allowed, but there is a boat ramp where we launched our jet skis and boat with no issues. You can fish or head upriver, which adds some fun variety to the water access.

    There are also a few bonus features—kayak and canoe rentals, golf cart-friendly paths, basketball and tennis courts, a volleyball net, grills and picnic tables throughout the day-use area, and even a little air pump station. They sell ice onsite, and there’s a small restaurant, though I’ve never eaten there and couldn’t say what’s on the menu.

    Overall, it’s a decent spot for families or those with a nostalgic connection to the place. For us, the tight layout made it feel a bit too packed, and I’m not sure I’d rush back—but it’s got charm, convenience, and a solid list of amenities if that’s what you’re looking for.

  • Amy L.
    Jul. 23, 2025

    Mystic Springs Recreation Area

    Remote Primitive and Wild

    Pros: Covered tent sites (we tent camped) portapottys, free for up to a week, boat launch, spaced out sites (pretty private). Has picnic tables, fire pits, and grills. Cons: Sites flood, lots of gaters (if you have small pets this is sketchy), gets a little busy on the weekends with the boaters, it's reaallllly far from the next town but there's a gas station 15mins away. Get gas before you go back to camp. It's beautiful and clean. About 45mins to pcola

  • Wendee W.
    Jun. 25, 2025

    Gulf Shores-Pensacola West KOA

    Older but nice

    The sites are a combination of dirt and grass. Ours is level enough no problems there. WiFi is okay they publish that it doesn’t work for streaming but it worked fairly well for our TV. We would stay here again for the price in comparison to other RV parks close by.

  • madison M.
    Jun. 18, 2025

    Bay Breeze RV on the Bay

    Love it!

    Small, homey campground! Clean bath houses, lots of shady trees, and plenty of parking! The campground sits a max of 75 yards from the bay (depending on where your camper sits). A long peer leads out to the water making a beautiful sitting and fishing spot. The boat ramp is right beside the peer! The beach is a short drive down the road!


Guide to Magnolia Springs

Camping near Magnolia Springs, Alabama offers diverse terrain from bayou marshlands to coastal pine forests at elevations below 20 feet. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F with humidity levels reaching 85%, while winter months bring milder 55-75°F days. Several campgrounds maintain boat launches directly into Mobile Bay, providing anglers immediate water access without trailer transportation.

What to do

Wildlife observation: Venture to Gulf State Park Campground where diverse ecosystems support abundant wildlife viewing. Keep your eyes open for alligators, birds, and other native species. "We had the best time here. Very clean, family friendly, convenient location! We will definitely go back!" notes Jamie S. Another visitor reports, "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!"

Fishing opportunities: Cast a line from purpose-built piers at Meaher State Park Campground without needing a boat. The park's location in the delta creates prime fishing conditions year-round. As one camper mentioned, "The people camping next to us caught so many fish they invited us to their BBQ and on a sunset cruise." The park features both freshwater and brackish water access points, increasing catch variety.

Historical exploration: Tour Civil War-era Fort Morgan near Bay Breeze RV on the Bay. This historic site provides educational opportunities about Gulf Coast defenses. "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," writes Keith G.

What campers like

Waterfront access: Campers appreciate Dauphin Island Campground for its proximity to beaches. Sites are just a short walk from the water. "24 hour access to the beach, which is just a short stroll away. Good hiking trails. I would highly recommend and we will go again!" shares Donna H. Another visitor notes, "A perfect campsite within minutes of the beach in a nice shady spot! What more could I ask for?! The rates are surprisingly low for such a beautiful spot."

Bike-friendly infrastructure: Many visitors enjoy the extensive paved trails connecting Sun Outdoors Orange Beach to surrounding areas. These paths allow for car-free exploration of the region. "We really enjoyed being on the bike path and riding into town to mini-golf and shop the stores," notes Jeffrey S. Another camper adds, "Great hiking trails. There is even trails connecting to Gulf State Park. Something for everyone here."

Winter camping comfort: The mild winter climate makes camping near Magnolia Springs viable year-round. Average January temperatures remain in the 50-60°F range, rarely dropping below freezing. "We are staying here for 3 months during winter. This park is adding lots more sites," reports JoAnn G., highlighting the popularity of winter-season camping at Sun Outdoors Orange Beach.

What you should know

Stinging ant populations: Fire ants create challenges at multiple campgrounds in the region. These insects build mounds throughout camping areas and can deliver painful stings. "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," warns Marilyn G. at Gulf State Park Campground.

Hurricane season considerations: The Gulf Coast hurricane season runs June through November. Campground closures may occur with minimal notice during severe weather events. Facilities occasionally close for repairs following storms, particularly in low-lying areas.

Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak periods (March-August). Holiday weekends often fill 3-6 months in advance. Sites with water views book particularly quickly at popular locations like Big Lagoon State Park Campground.

Tips for camping with families

Family activities: Several campgrounds offer organized programs specifically for children. "The kids loved all of the Saturday activities. Campsites have a fire pit, so we made s'mores," writes Jaimee D. about Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park. The resort offers wagon rides, crafts, and seasonal water features.

Beach safety awareness: Teach children about rip currents and jellyfish before visiting Gulf beaches. The Gulf Coast occasionally experiences strong currents, especially near pass areas. Lifeguards are typically present only at major public beaches, not at campground waterfront areas.

Educational opportunities: The Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola provides free admission and interactive exhibits. Located approximately 45 minutes from most Magnolia Springs area campgrounds, this attraction offers indoor activities during inclement weather. "Close to the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, home of the Blue Angles and a great aviation museum," notes Larry from Big Lagoon State Park Campground.

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer water and electric connections, while sewer hookups vary by location. "All sites have FHU I believe. They have a nice little fishing pier. Boat and kayak launch. Bath houses clean and operated correctly. Hot water etc," reports Clay M. about Meaher State Park Campground.

Site selection strategy: Request interior sites to minimize road and boat noise. Sites further from main roads typically provide a quieter experience. "The park is between two highways, but we didn't notice the noise," notes Lynn G.

Local dining recommendations: Fresh seafood establishments within 15 minutes of most campgrounds offer authentic Gulf Coast cuisine. Multiple RVers recommend local seafood markets for self-catering. "Check out Joe Patties for the freshest seafood on the gulf coast," advises Larry from Big Lagoon State Park Campground.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Magnolia Springs, AL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Magnolia Springs, AL offers a wide range of camping options, with 128 campgrounds and RV parks near Magnolia Springs, AL and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Magnolia Springs, AL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Magnolia Springs, AL is Gulf State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 102 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Magnolia Springs, AL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Magnolia Springs, AL.