Campgrounds near Spanish Fort, Alabama offer a range of overnight accommodations along the eastern shore of Mobile Bay. The area sits at an elevation of around 10 feet above sea level with a humid subtropical climate averaging 67 inches of rainfall annually. Most campgrounds in this region remain open year-round due to mild winter temperatures that rarely drop below freezing, making it a practical destination for northern travelers seeking warmer weather.
What to do
Historical exploration: 10 miles east of Spanish Fort at Blakeley State Park Apalachee Campground, visitors can explore preserved Civil War battlegrounds and ruins. "There is alot of space between sites and lots to see and do within the campground also. Hiking and biking trails, a boat excursion and a history tour of the area," notes reviewer Alana R.
Kayaking: Multiple water trails are accessible from local campgrounds. At Apalachee Campground, "Kayaking trails all around in the park and local. Close by to big city life but camping in the wild yonder," according to Christie M.
Water recreation: Swimming or fishing opportunities exist at several campgrounds. The Retreat RV & Campground On Styx River offers riverside recreation where "you can get cooled off" as noted by Eugene D. The campground also has "a pet beach separate so even your dogs can enjoy the water," mentions Amber L.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the natural setting at Blakeley State Park. "Big camping spaces- semi private," reports Christie M. Another reviewer, John W., notes "Great park with a ton of historically preserved areas from the 1800's. Bugs are not nearly as bad as I expected. Lots of wildlife including deer that come very close."
Concrete pads: For RVers seeking level parking, Riverside RV Resort offers "concrete pads, full hookups," and according to Steven, "The river provides entertainment and a place to cool off on hot days." Druann B. adds that the resort has "a deck that overlooks the river" and is "convenient to I-10 and to the Foley Beach Express."
Cleanliness and amenities: At All About Relaxing RV Park, campers frequently mention the impeccable facilities. "Bathhouse has 4 guest bathrooms like you would find in a house. Each has a sink, vanity, toilet and very large shower. By far the nicest I have ever seen at any campground," says Caroline S. Ryan & Lorri R. note that the park includes "bench swings, a giant chess board, horseshoe pit, dog run and dog bathing area, pool, cabana/pavilions, and many other amenities."
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: At some campgrounds, terrain can be uneven. At The Retreat RV & Campground, one 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."
Maneuverability concerns: RV sites vary in accessibility. The Retreat RV & Campground can present challenges for larger rigs as "the RV sites are not on any type of paved or level ground and are not suitable for larger RVs. They're VERY close together and there are a lot of trees," according to Tom.
Wi-Fi reliability: Internet access varies by location. Magnolia Springs RV Hideaway has "intermittent wi-fi signal," according to Lori, though the campground is otherwise "quiet, friendly" with "sites a good size" and "within an easy drive to the gulf."
Tips for camping with families
Train attractions: For families with young train enthusiasts, Wales West RV Resort & Light Railway offers a unique experience. "The big attractions are the two narrow-gauge rails systems with their passenger-carrying trains," explains HandL C., adding that "There are 3 event seasons- Hallowe'en, Christmas and Easter- when the park gets all dressed up for the occasion."
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds feature pools or natural swimming areas. At The Retreat RV & Campground, families will find "several amenities including showers, laundromat, and gas grills. There are even bouncy houses and playgrounds for the kids," according to Amber L.
Kid-friendly fishing: Some campgrounds offer accessible fishing opportunities. At Mobile Oaks RV Resort (formerly Johnny's RV Resort), there's "a 14 acre lake and swimming pool," though one reviewer notes about fishing at The Retreat that it's an "Awesome campground but no fish. Great place for familys with little ones."
Tips from RVers
Pull-through accessibility: For easier parking, consider the specific layout of sites. At The Retreat RV & Campground, one reviewer cautions: "They call them 'pull through' sites but there isn't enough room to pull through and turn onto the road (you could barely pull a pickup truck out without doing a 3-point turn) so we were forced to back out."
Overnight considerations: For those just passing through, Deer Creek RV Park is "very conveniently located off I-65" with "bathhouses are immaculate and very large," according to Brian T. Similarly, Kevin H. notes that Riverside RV Resort is "Great for overnighting" with "WiFi good enough to stream" though it's "Close enough to I10 to hear it in the background."
Extended stays: Several parks accommodate longer-term visitors. Magnolia Springs RV Hideaway has been used by campers "for a few months" with positive experiences, as Lori notes: "We have enjoyed the quiet, friendly campground. The sites are a good size, the campground is well-maintained, clubhouse clean, and laundry well-maintained."
