Gulf Shores campgrounds and what you need to know about them
We were asked to tell you about fun things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, as a part of their #ALBeachNearcation campaign.
This article is going to:
1) give you an idea of how much it is to go camping at Gulf Shores
2) highlight different Gulf Shores, AL campgrounds and Gulf Shores RV Parks and what they have to offer
3) show you how camping can be one way to transition from “safer at home’” orders to a socially distanced summer trip
As the nation continues to socially distance, many folks are wondering how to salvage their summer travel plans.
Heading for wide open spaces like the beach and National Parks, travelers are seeking alternatives to traditional summer travel. Although hotels and lodging partners are increasing their cleaning protocols in an attempt to alleviate travelers’ concerns, many tourists are opting for self-contained summer trips, one with minimal interactions and exposure to others.
Enter Gulf Shores, AL, camping.
Many find camping at Gulf Shores, AL beaches a less expensive and more relaxing way to enjoy the sandy outdoors rather than booking crowded vacation rentals and waterfront hotels.
How much is camping at Gulf Shores?
Tent camping at Gulf Shores can start at $25/night. RV camping in Gulf Shores can range between $45 to $100/night. Cabin rentals can range from $90/night to $400/night, depending on the campground.
If you have an RV, there are a plethora of RV parks in Gulf Shores. But even if you don’t, you may consider tent camping or cabin rentals as a safer, more socially distanced option for travel this summer. Here is a handy list of info detailing campgrounds near Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Here are 11 campgrounds, Gulf Shores
1. Gulf State Park Campground
Gulf Shores’ State Park campground Is one of the prime spots for primitive tent camping in Gulf Shores. It also has numerous sites for RV hookups. One of the things that makes Gulf State Park camping appealing is all of the amenities: bathhouses, laundry, camp store, over 28 miles of bike trails, nature center, pool and more! Gulf State Park is not beachfront, but it is located adjacent to Shelby Lakes. Some sites have lake views.
Source: Campendium
One guest review of Gulf State Park Campground from Google says:
Very cool park. The beaches are super close and there is a pool when you need to take a break from the waves. TONS of bike trails around too. We have the for 2 days straight and not seen the same thing twice. We saw turtles bobcats and alligators while riding down the trails also. This might be our new favorite campground.
2. Bay Breeze RV Park on the Bay
Bay Breeze RV Park on the Bay is just one of many RV parks in Gulf Shores, AL. This is a great spot, if you like bay views and don’t mind being a little further away from downtown Gulf Shores. Known for being pet-friendly and quiet, Bay Breeze only allows motor homes, fifth wheels and travel trailers. No popups or tents are allowed.
One guest review of Bay Breeze RV Park on the Bay from Google says:
Perfect stay! Clean well kept grounds, friendly folks! Bonus with laundry room and ice available. Beautiful sunset views and beaches so close. Will definitely want to return....soon.
Save this post to your travel bucketlist:
#RoadTripUSA, #BestWeekendRoadTrips: What you need to know about beach camping in Gulf Shores, AL
3. Sugar Sands RV Resort
This campground in Gulf Shores, AL, is nearer to the heart of the city’s attractions. It has newer amenities, like a resort-styled pool, fitness center, fire pit, playground and splash pad, giant rec house with fireplace, and many planned activities. What makes this one of the unique Gulf Shores campgrounds? Well, if you don’t have an RV, you don’t have to feel left out. The RV resort offers 5 tiny homes that are available for rent!
One guest review of Sugar Sands RV Resort from Google says:
Very nice resort! The people were all very nice, the spots are completely equipped and level concrete pads. Very quiet.
We really enjoyed our stay!
Only a few minor things to note:-washers and dryers are not free, cost is $4 to wash and dry, and there is no coin machine, so make sure you get your quarters from the office before it closes!
-the pool is a little small but very nice, I wish it would have been cooler though, but it's very hot down here, so keeping a pool cold is hard!
Great things:
-shower house is very nice and the showers are strong and always warm, never had a cold shower
-the lots are separated slightly by foliage, so you get some privacy
-the club house is very nice and homey, I saw kids in there a lot watching TV and playing games
dogs welcome and wanted-private and gated
-It is off the Foley beach toll road, but the toll is easily avoided by using different routes
4. Gulf Breeze RV Resort
If you want to be further away from the crowds of the beach, Gulf Breeze RV Resort is a campground in Gulf Shores, AL that you’ll want to check out. At this location, you’ll be just a few minutes from the Tangers Outlet Mall. Keep in mind, however, that when you decide to take a drive to the beach, you will have to time your commute so that you don’t run into the beach traffic, which could easily turn your 10-minute drive into 45 minutes. The resort offers RV camping, as well as cabin rentals. There is a lake on-site for fishing, too.
One guest review of Gulf Breeze RV Resort from Google says:
Very nice campground. The pool is awesome and we really enjoyed it. We stayed in a cabin and I will say I was a little disappointed I was required to bring so much with me. The mattress was so uncomfortable on both beds but I guess that's part of it. The staff was super and we will stay again.
5. Island Retreat RV Park
Located on the quiet peninsula of Fort Morgan, about 3 miles from downtown Gulf Shores, Island Retreat RV Park’s nearby attractions include the ferry to Dauphin Island and Fort Morgan State Historic site. It connects to many miles of bike trails which allows for exercise with gorgeous views! If you want to be near the beach, but also feel like you’re getting away from the hectic chaos of life, this might be the perfect spot for you. This campground in Gulf Shores, AL only allows RV camping. Take a video tour of the campground.
One guest review of Island Retreat RV Park from Google says:
Loved the family friend and dog friendly environment. Loved the quick assess to paved trials.
6. Eagle Cottages at Gulf State Park
If a Gulf Shores RV resort isn’t your vibe and neither is tent camping, then you might love Eagle Cottages at Gulf State Park. It’s the perfect blend of campground + modern amenities. These cottages are located in Gulf State Park, but you’ll have all the luxuries of home, with an added bonus…free shuttles to the beach!
One guest review of Eagle Cottages at Gulf State Park from Google says:
What a wonderful experience. Cabin was exactly as described. Perfectly located near town. And bike trails run conveniently close. The screened porch begs for morning coffee and candles with a toddy @ nite.
7. Pandion Ridge RV Resort
Pandion Ridge RV Resort is a 30-acre luxury campground in Gulf Shores that offers amenities such as, back-in and pull-through sites, business center, swimming pools, lakefront sites, and BBQ grills. While being open and flat, it is not very shady. So, if that’s important to you, you may want to choose another campground.
One guest review of Pandion Ridge RV Resort from Google says:
Huge sites, beautiful park, staff is very nice and helpful, nice grounds, clean pools and hot tub.Nice area close to everything. Just a little pricey but that would not stop me from coming back.
8. Gulf Shores/Pensacola West KOA
There are 3 ways to do Gulf Shores camping at this site : tent, RV and cabins. Cabins range from rustic camping cabin (no bath) to deluxe cabins (with full bath). Sunrise and sunsets are amazing here, though you’re further from the beach, camping sites overlook the bay. Pool and hot tub are available amenities to campers, as are frequent dolphin sightings in the bay.
One guest review of Gulf Shores/Pensacola West KOA from Google says:
Our first experience in a KOA. Nice park. Clean and well kept. Sites were a little cramped, and bathrooms and showers were in need of modernizing. Rated “good” because it is a little pricey for the accommodations compared to other parks better equipped and better located.
9. The Duke, (Alabama State Park Outpost Primitive Campsite)
For the hard-core camper only. If you feel recharged by the outdoors and want to walk in to your camp site, pump water for a shower, and don’t mind a rustic outhouse, this is your jam. There’s no need to bring a tent with you to this site, however, that part is already done for you.
One guest review of The Duke from Google says:
Great experience. I went for 2 days and then decided extend 1 extra day. The campsite is NOT in the beach, but opposite direction. To get in, you have to walk around 1 mile on a pavement trail from the parking lot (cotton bayou p.l. trail is the closest one). There is three tends with a shared restroom, shower and faucet both water pump NOT drinkable and also got firewood ready to use. Inside the tend there was an outlet car style and lamp (solar) which provides limited energy. I would do again.
10. The Cabins at Gulf State Park
Here is another option for renting Gulf Shores State Park cabins. While these cabins are a bit minimalistic when it comes to decor, campers who don’t own RVs and need something more than a tent camping experience often end up here. There is a nature center, butterfly garden, and pool nearby, as well as a free bike sharing program and a restaurant on-site.
One guest review of The Cabins at Gulf State Park from Google says:
I would definitely recommend these cabins. We stayed lakeside, a location which offered relaxing views and close access to biking and hiking trails. The cabin itself was clean and had just about everything we needed. We particularly enjoyed the swing, and our boys had plenty of room to run around.
11. Buena Vista Coastal Luxury RV Resort
Class C and Class A RVs only! Luxury alert! This RV Resort is located across the street from the beach. Amenities include a clubhouse, indoor, heated pool, and a new lazy river pool. But their most stunning amenity? Coach house condos that you can rent, in addition to parking your RV on-site.
One guest review of Buena Vista Coastal Luxury RV Resort from Google says:
Place is awesome. Very quiet and high class. If you have a high-end RV look no further. The pool has a lazy River and a cool water slide, so the kids and grandparents will be happy. Most lots are owns and have some type of amenities so when you rent those out you get a bit extra. Prices are descent, but seriously if you’re staying here anyways, price isn't the deciding factor.
