Gulf Shores offers premium glamping and camping options within 30 minutes of Robertsdale, Alabama, where the coastal plains meet Mobile Bay. The area's subtropical climate creates camping conditions with warm summers and mild winters, though high humidity can be expected from June through September. Sites in this region typically require reservations several months in advance during peak season, with many campgrounds reporting full bookings for weekend stays.
What to do
Beach access and swimming: Gulf State Park Campground offers multiple access points to Gulf Coast beaches with white sandy shores. "This is a nicely maintained state park with the most unique layout that I have ever seen. We had a nice, level, paved pull-through site where all of the sites on our street faced their own private view of the wetlands," notes one camper.
Wildlife viewing: At Blakeley State Park, trails lead through diverse ecosystems. A visitor explains, "We heard coyotes at a distance which was amazing. Woke up to begin the junior ranger packet for our kiddos and hiked and explored all day." The park spans 2000 acres with walking and auto cell phone tours of Civil War sites.
Water recreation: Fort Pickens Campground provides water activities beyond swimming. "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!" warns one visitor. The shallow waters are suitable for fishing and kayaking with numerous access points.
What campers like
Historical experiences: Blakeley State Park offers historical explorations through Civil War sites. According to a camper, "There are bathrooms and bath houses, fairly secluded campsites, along with 26 miles of trails which are easy to moderate with a flat surface. You will walk through historic civil war sites, trails that were once the streets of the town of Blakeley."
Waterfront views: Bay Breeze RV on the Bay provides camping with water visibility. "It's a beautiful area right on the water. It's small but cozy and clean," reports one visitor. The campground features a 150-foot fishing pier and chairs positioned for watching sunrises over Bon Secour Bay.
Natural settings: Meaher State Park Campground offers nature immersion with water access. A camper notes, "Beautiful pines and waterfront spaces are spread apart nicely. This is really a diamond in the rough!" The park includes boardwalks connecting different sections for wildlife viewing.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Bookings at glamping sites near Robertsdale require advance planning. "Gulf Shores beaches approximately 30 minutes away" is accurate, but traffic can double this time during summer weekends and holidays.
Ant issues: Multiple campgrounds report ant problems. At Gulf State Park, one camper warns, "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 levelness: The Retreat RV & Campground requires preparation for uneven terrain. A camper advises, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park caters to families with various activities. A visitor reports, "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."
Water activities for children: Blue Angel Park offers diverse water recreation options. A camper shares, "There's absolutely everything you need right here! Took our kids and pups here often! They have tent spots, cabins, rv spots, sail boat rentals, paint ball, frisbee golf, and anything else you could want!"
Educational opportunities: Several glamping sites near Robertsdale feature learning experiences. At Gulf State Park, "This is a great park with lots of amenities including Pickle Ball, Pool, Restaurant, Trails, etc. Pretty busy with over 400+ sites but an older crowd. Very relaxing and well kept."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When RV camping near Robertsdale, consider size limitations. At The Retreat, a visitor notes, "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."
Hookup verification: Check electrical specifications before booking. "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," advises an RV camper at The Retreat.
Amenities access: Many RV sites offer full hookups with additional facilities. A camper at Bay Breeze RV notes, "25 site campground right on the bay. Staff was very friendly, campground was very clean. Very close to some great restaurants."
