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."
