Best Glamping near Orange Beach, AL

Gulf State Park Campground provides safari tent and luxury canvas glamping accommodations on Alabama's coastal paradise, all with full hookups and climate control features. Located in Orange Beach with easy access to sandy Gulf beaches, these premium accommodations offer a perfect blend of outdoor beauty and indoor comfort. According to a camper, "Great park with many bike trails and a shuttle to the beach. Lots to do in the area." Each glamping structure includes comfortable mattresses with quality linens, electrical outlets for charging devices, and a private outdoor space with seating. The campground's glamping options surpass traditional camping with furnished interiors, mood lighting, and some units featuring private bathrooms or outdoor shower facilities nearby.

Miles of scenic biking trails wind through Gulf State Park, connecting glamping accommodations to natural attractions and pristine beaches. The park boasts a heated swimming pool, pickle ball courts, and a nature center with educational programs about local wildlife. One visitor noted, "We have full hookups, wifi, activity center with pool, tennis courts, horseshoes and volleyball. Great hiking and biking trails." Glamping guests can explore boardwalk trails that lead directly to white sand beaches or paddle along the natural lakes where alligators can sometimes be spotted. The park restaurant provides convenient dining options with outdoor fire pits and occasional entertainment. Glamping reservations are highly sought after, with many visitors recommending booking well in advance, especially during peak seasons when the luxury outdoor stays fill quickly.

Best Glamping Sites Near Orange Beach, Alabama (21)

    1. Gulf State Park Campground

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

    "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"

    "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"

    2. Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

    100 Reviews
    Gulf Breeze, FL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 934-2622

    $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."

    3. Gulf Shores-Pensacola West KOA

    20 Reviews
    Lillian, AL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (251) 961-1717

    "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."

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

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

    "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!"

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

    5. Blue Angel Park

    11 Reviews
    Lillian, AL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 390-6133

    $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. 😎"

    6. Bay Breeze RV on the Bay

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

    $59 - $76 / night

    "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."

    "This 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."

    7. Gulf Coast RV Park

    1 Review
    Gulf Shores, AL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (251) 968-6494

    "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!!"

    8. Meaher State Park Campground

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

    "They have a few trails here, and you can also go boating, kayaking, canoeing, bike riding, and birdwatching."

    "**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."

    9. Blakeley State Park Campground

    31 Reviews
    Spanish Fort, AL
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (251) 626-5581

    "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."

    10. The Retreat RV & Campground On Styx River

    7 Reviews
    Robertsdale, AL
    24 miles
    Website

    $20 - $150 / night

    "The retreat offers several amenities including showers, laundromat, and gas grills. There are even bouncy houses and playgrounds for the kids."

    "Ice on site always a plus."

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Glamping Reviews near Orange Beach, AL

398 Reviews of 21 Orange Beach Campgrounds


  • Napunani
    Jun. 10, 2023

    Gulf State Park Campground

    Pricy State Park Once Fees and Taxes Added

    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 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.

  • R
    Jul. 5, 2019

    Gulf State Park Campground

    Beautiful park, so many things to do!

    We 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.

  • Molly M.
    Jul. 7, 2018

    Gulf State Park Campground

    Awesome bike trails and boardwalks

    They have biking trails throughout the park - and boardwalks to go over to the beach! If you aren’t camping you can pay to just bike! There is a pool, tennis courts, laundry facilities & boat ramps! They have information sessions about local animals in the park as well. Campground is spacious - bring your own fire pit there is a grill available but that’s all. Bathhouses are so clean! Best way to stay in the orange beach area!

  • Amber L.
    Nov. 10, 2022

    The Retreat RV & Campground On Styx River

    Welcoming

    The 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.

  • Rebekah C.
    Jun. 11, 2018

    Gulf State Park Campground

    Fun!

    this 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!

  • j
    Apr. 8, 2021

    Gulf State Park Campground

    Beaches and bikes

    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. 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.

  • j
    Jan. 6, 2022

    Gulf State Park Campground

    Great State park on coast

    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. 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.

  • Karla T.
    Nov. 26, 2023

    Navarre Beach Camping Resort

    Southern Hospitality at its Best!

    Staff: once again the entire staff is a living definition of southern hospitality. The moment you step on the property you are greeted with staff that actually want to be there, everyone from office, store, clubhouse and maintenance. They do an amazing job at setting a welcoming and accommodating atmosphere for all patrons. 5 STARS! Accommodations: Grounds: well maintained and clean; Pool Area: Clean and pool is HEATED. Cabins: clean and have a pinterest beach vibe! Pet Area: clean, double gated, lighted with bench poo bags supplied! Pet friendly. Pier and beach area very clean with swings and super comfortable lounge chairs to soak up all the sun and breeze. Pier is great for fishing and benches along the pier provide a great way to view sunrise and sunset. Club house: during our stay they hosted an amazing THANKSGIVING dinner and a paint night; also features a large screen tv and seating areas for those occasional rainy days. On the weekends they have breakfast on the grill, best breakfast I've had in a long time(shout out to the cook and staff:) Playground area is lighted with a box of sand toys and various other toys to keep the kidos busy. Atmosphere: There is NO OTHER campground in the area that beats the atmosphere at this campground. The staff and the care they take to make sure everyone's experience is the best is hands down the best in this area. I honestly can't think of one thing that would have made our stay more enjoyable. This is the second time I've stayed here.

  • 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 Orange Beach

Gulf State Park sits just north of Orange Beach along Alabama's Gulf Coast, positioned where pine forests meet coastal dunes at 10-15 feet above sea level. This area receives over 60 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush vegetation but also requiring campers to prepare for humidity and occasional sudden afternoon thunderstorms. Camping options extend beyond the main campground with alternative glamping near Orange Beach, Alabama available at smaller private parks.

What to do

Beach access from camp: Gulf Shores-Pensacola West KOA offers proximity to beaches without being directly on the shore. As one visitor noted, "Nice place to camp close to beaches and lots of things to do. Everyone was very friendly and the place was clean."

Wildlife spotting: Search for alligators and other native species along the trails at Gulf State Park Campground. "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!" explains one camper who visited specifically for wildlife.

Civil War history exploration: Blakeley State Park Campground combines outdoor recreation with historical sites. "When you think Alabama this is the kind of beauty you imagine. The water, huge oak and cypress trees, Spanish moss, boardwalks are all lovely to explore. The Civil War history is interesting and the rangers are well-versed in history," shares one visitor.

River recreation: The Retreat RV & Campground offers water activities on the Styx River. "The grounds are very beautiful and there are many places that you can walk around the campground. The river bank is gorgeous and we even spent a dinner out next to the river," reports one camper.

What campers like

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Fort Pickens Campground provides natural settings for animal observation. A visitor described: "We heard coyotes at a distance which was amazing... Loved seeing the horses on the trails and the easy bikes for our 5 and 7 year old."

Waterfront locations: Bay Breeze RV on the Bay offers direct water access. "This 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."

Military recreation facilities: Blue Angel Park provides unique amenities not found at other campgrounds. "There's absolutely everything you need right here! They have tent spots, cabins, rv spots, sail boat rentals, paint ball, frisbee golf, and anything else you could want!"

Kid-friendly activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offers structured entertainment for families. One camper shared: "We had a lot of fun. The kids loved all of the Saturday activities. Campsites have a fire pit, so we made s'mores."

What you should know

Ant issues: Multiple campers report problems with ants at various sites. At Gulf State Park, one camper warned: "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."

Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require additional equipment for comfortable setup. At The Retreat RV & Campground, a camper advised: "Make sure you bring leveling blocks, some of the sites are fairly level while other are not. Our site sloped down towards the river and we needed extra blocks to place under our tires and stabilizers."

Seasonal crowds: Many parks fill quickly during peak times. A camper at Fort Pickens recommended: "Reservations can be made online (and should be made early if you plan on coming during the busy spring and summer seasons)."

Road closures: Some parks experience access issues during weather events. "It is best to check the park's website before your visit because sometimes they have to close the road to the campground due to sand and water on the roads," warned a Fort Pickens visitor.

Tips for camping with families

Look for educational programs: Parks with nature centers provide learning opportunities. At Meaher State Park Campground, families can explore "trails that are short but the boardwalk connecting the two parts of the park is incredible."

Check for water features: Pools and splash pads are popular with children. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, one visitor mentioned: "3 year old loved the splash pad, pool and seeing Yogi bear make an appearance."

Consider proximity to attractions: Some parks offer convenient access to family activities. Gulf Shores-Pensacola West KOA is "a short drive down the road" to beaches and other attractions, making day trips manageable with children.

Look for fishing opportunities: Many kids enjoy fishing at accessible locations. At Blue Angel Park, one parent shared: "My daughter even caught her first big ole catfish right off the boat launch!"

Tips from RVers

Check site size carefully: Some parks have tight spaces that challenge larger rigs. At The Retreat, one RVer warned: "Our camper is 35 feet travel trailer, and it was quiet tight getting into our spot, and it will be for most current spots, we would not have been able to park where we were had there been a camper next to us."

Confirm power requirements: Don't assume all sites meet your needs. A Retreat camper noted: "The campground website currently 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."

Consider interior roads: Navigation within some parks can be challenging. A Gulf Shores-Pensacola West KOA visitor observed: "There is an entrance and an exit on opposite ends of the park - the exit is a bit tight and my husband was nervous to pull the camper that way."

Research dump station conditions: Some facilities may present challenges. At The Retreat, one RVer reported: "Their dump station was terribly unlevel and we had many issues dumping our tanks."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Orange Beach, AL?

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

What is the best site to find glamping camping near Orange Beach, AL?

TheDyrt.com has all 21 glamping camping locations near Orange Beach, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.