Orange Beach is situated along Alabama's Gulf Coast where freshwater rivers meet saltwater bays, creating a unique coastal ecosystem. The area experiences a humid subtropical climate with summer temperatures typically reaching into the 90s and mild winters rarely dropping below 40°F. Most RV camping options near Orange Beach are located within a 20-minute drive of the coast, with several properties offering shuttle services to public beaches during peak season.
What to Do
Beach access alternatives: The public beaches of Gulf Shores are accessible from most RV parks within a 10-minute drive. At Island Retreat RV Park, you're positioned for convenient beach trips: "Beach access wasn't that far. I believe we payed a small parking fee for the beach," notes Ryan M., while another camper shares that it's "about 10 minutes (+/-) from the closest beach."
Waterfront activities near campsites: Perdido Key RV Resort offers water access right at the campground. "Located in the Intracoastal Waterway, they have a raised beach where you can sit and enjoy the ships passing through," writes Teri F. The park also provides a heated pool that's temperature-controlled based on weather conditions.
Biking opportunities: Several parks connect to local trail networks. Paul & Jane O. of Luxury RV Resort highlight this advantage: "Connected by a path through the woods to Gulf Shores State Park. The park is huge with 29 miles of walking or biking trails, which wind through the forest, through wetlands and around lakes."
What Campers Like
Proximity to multiple attractions: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park is situated to provide access to regional attractions. Terry J. explains it "offers a great central location for Gulf Shores, Perdido or Pensacola... 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)."
Pet-friendly facilities: RV parks in the area typically welcome pets with dedicated amenities. At Bay Breeze RV on the Bay, one visitor noted the campground is "pet friendly" and "the staff provide poop bags for clean up." Another camper mentioned "a dog park just over a mile away with a swimming area for dogs."
Family activities: Many campgrounds organize regular social events. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, David C. shares they offer "lots to do with their activities, wagon rides, group s'mores campfire, fishing, crafts... holiday weekends will usually include a inflatable water slide."
What You Should Know
Site spacing considerations: Space between sites varies significantly between parks. At Island Retreat RV Park, Eric S. notes: "My only complaint is that you get jam-packed in these places. My front door was about 15 feet away from the neighbors driver side slide-out."
Reservation timing: Peak season fills quickly, especially for waterfront sites. Walt W. recommends making reservations well in advance: "Everything we needed...solid power, nice dog walk area, cable available...location was perfect for the area."
Weather planning: The Gulf Coast climate can produce sudden weather changes. Richard F. warns: "It rained most of our stay and beware that if you have a site that is in the center of the park you may get flooded. Even though the sites are in cement pavement with gravel on the side, it still floods."
Tips for Camping with Families
Kid-friendly amenities: Ahoy RV Resort offers numerous activities for children. Jaimee D. reports, "They have volleyball, basketball and tennis courts, and tetherball. If you don't have a volleyball or basketball, they have some equipment at the store that appears like you can borrow or rent."
Beach alternatives: When beaches get crowded, onsite water features provide alternatives. Cat R. describes Ahoy RV Resort: "The pool was nice with a fountain and 2 water slides, also a large pond in the middle of the park. Saw a couple of large fish!"
Structured activities: Look for parks with organized children's programs. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, one visitor shared, "We stayed at Jellystone this past weekend and ended up staying a third night (unplanned). We had a lot of fun. The kids loved all of the Saturday activities."
Tips from RVers
Site surface considerations: Sugar Sands RV Resort provides level concrete pads that work well for larger vehicles. "Spacious sites with level concrete pads. Full hook ups," writes Clay M., adding there is "tons of room to back into back-in sites. Pull throughs also easily assessible."
Utility connections: Water systems at some parks require careful handling. Jeffrey S. cautions at Island Retreat RV Park: "The sites are on concrete pads with Full Hookups but the waterlines are getting a bit brittle so be careful not to break it like we did (and both our neighbors had too)."
Accessibility factors: Bella Terra of Gulf Shores maintains age and size restrictions. Nancy W. explains: "There are restrictions on age of RV (15 years) and size (32'+). We took advantage of a special they were running in which we got a standard site for $34 if you took a guided tour around the property."
