best campsites at gulf state park

The Best Places for Camping in Florida Escape to stunning beaches and quiet forests for your next camping adventure. The new property was built with the environment in mind, not only in a location thats further from the water where the dunes can be restored, but also in its design and function. Pro tip:make reservations if you intend to go to dinner at Foodcraft. Speaking of education within the park, the Nature Center is another fun spot to learn about the local ecosystem. How Do You Manage Chronic Conditions While RVing? It would have been nice to have a fire at night but the park still had lots to do if the weather would have cooperated. . All campsites are FHU and big rig friendly. Without the amenities that you would find in the main park, this campsite is still well worth reserving. Fun fact:the original lodge, built in 1974 was actually closer to the beach than the current property. Great beach to walk and relax. Your email address will not be published. If youre local or traveling with a dog, a visit to the dog park is a must. Turn north on Highway 135 to go away from the beach and towards more of the parks natural beauty. Also so many taxes tacked onto the base price including resort fees. Is this a state park or have we wandered into your daydream? The last time I visited Gulf Shores with kids, we ran into this Interpretive Center almost on accident. We absolutely love this state park! Yes, it offers wheelchair access. It is through the gated entrance. Big pool. There is a swimming pool, tennis courts, etc. Bald eagles and red-tailed hawks keep a close watch on your progress, as do American alligators lurking just below the waters surface, culminating in an incredible night deep within this wilderness setting. Can you believe this list?! There are lots of state parks and finer upscale resorts along the Gulf Coast where you can be a short walk from the white sandy beaches and warm emerald waters. The Woodside Restaurant is a must try! But, no shade trees and no fire pit. The parks range from Gulf Coast beaches to the Appalachian Mountains providing opportunities and facilities from day-use outdoor recreation to camping, resort convention lodging, restaurant and golfing areas. They also have kayaks for rent so that you can paddle with the dolphins in Mobile Bay. The checkin process could have been a nightmare because their are so many sites but the staff works efficiently and effectively. This park has two improved campgrounds with 72 campsites available. You also can't forget the three-and-a-half miles of beach for you to enjoy. Joe's non-fiction history titles include: In 2006, Joe was named American Hiking Society's Southeastern Volunteer of the Year for his work in building and maintaining hiking trails in the region. Their pull-through sites are long and roomy, and nicely spaced, with water and power hookups. Doc's RV Park. Browse camping spots nearby 1 - 30 of 1461 camps Ensuite at Camp Benjamin Camp Benjamin 100% 2 Reviews This beachside park has paved roads with pull-through and back-in RV sites and cabins for rent. This barrier island has a state park on the very eastern end along the Gulf Of Mexico and is one of the best places in the country for saltwater fishing. Additional waterfront sites, numbers 469 through 496, are located along the parks boat canal, where you will have an easy put-in for your kayak or paddleboard. Established in 1814, the town became a major port city that challenged its cross-bay rival, Mobile. Gulf State Park has free bikes to use. Overview of Gulf State Park Campground Last Price Paid: $59 Reported by Napunani on 6/10/2023 Longest RV Reported: 43 feet (Class A) Reported by Jenn41 on 10/4/2017 Weekly Rate Yes Monthly Rate Yes Number of Sites 496 Pad Type asphalt Reservations yes Elevation 0 ft / 0 m Tent Camping Yes GPS: 30.2603, -87.6481 View on Google Maps Close to restaurants and shopping. It was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Step out of your RV and be just steps away from the turquoise water of Miramar Beach. The pier is nice and would love to get back and do some fishing off of it. Although I guess It's a rare sight and you must be lucky I'd really could spend many hours waiting by the nest to spot it! For resort-style camping, there is no better location along the entire Gulf Coast than Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores. Each time I've been in the area, the crowds aren't challenging because it's been fall, and during the week. Beautiful beach and views. Huntsville State Park is a 2,000-acre wooded recreational area in the Sam Houston National Forest. Woodsmoke Camping Resort is located in Fort Myers and is locally known as one of the friendliest and most beautiful campgrounds on Florida's Gulf Coast. Great service too! One of the highlights for kids and adults alike is the animal interactions. Everyone was super helpful and truly wants everyones experience to be positive. Pro Tip: Even though the trails are covered with signs, the delta is not for the neophyte paddler. Dont worry about the alligators the campsites float way above the water level, so they cant climb aboard. Some campsite have sewer hookups. Location:just off Lakeview Drive as you head south from the Woodside Restaurant, take the Woodside Connector part of the trail. That is where check in is. Location:anywhere throughout the park! Fishing enthusiasts have 900 acres of fishing from the beach or dock of Lake Shelby, and with everything from camping to cottages, your budget shouldn't be a road block here. Great question! The only reason I gave it 4 stars was from the road noise. Walking distance to the beach. If youre a visual person like I am, this map will be helpful in planning your trip to the park. The Gulf State Park cabins are a popular rental in the area. Good thing this park has hundreds of campsites, because we hear paradise is pretty popular these days. Laura it IS beautiful! Camp on the sparkling white sand. We spent 10 days at park over july 4 2021. They also have 70 sites on a grassy field overlooking the Gulf with only water/electric. I have also been looking at private campgrounds, and same situation. Super clean climate controlled bathhouses Your arches will thank you later! The campground has 496 campsites, including 11 primitive sites, 11 ADA accessible sites. It includes one main room with a queen-size bed, a small double bed (cribs can be provided upon request), a dresser, a television, a microwave, linens, towels, and Wi-Fi. The fishing pier extends out over the Gulf and provides anglers a place to catch speckled trout and more. Better yet, get delivery from Rotolos Pizzeria Orange Beach for some amazing pizza without even cleaning the sand from your toes! Sites are generally open though some on the edges of loops have a little more privacy. Photo via Wikipedia Creative CommonsYinan Chen, Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Eagle Cottages Outpost Campsites Rates and Discounts RV and Primitive Campground The Lodge Event Facilities Activities Center Amphitheater Beach Pavilion EDUCATION BUILDING Learning Campus Meetings & Conferences Picnic Pavilions Weddings Things To Do Activities Calendar Beaches Only a short drive west of the park is an oasis for wildlife, the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. It is right in the middle of Mobile Bay at the gateway to the second-largest delta in the country, the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta. Very nice, large, park laundromat with coin changing machine. lol. Also, our wifi is not guaranteed anywhere in the park except for our Refuge Golf Course Grill. The fort has guarded Mobile Bay for 150 years, including during the famous Civil War Battle of Mobile Bay. All sites have 30-amp electric and water hookups and easy access to the shore. WiFi is available and cable TV. Directly across from the fort is the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, an educational estuarium and aquarium with plenty of exhibits on ocean life plus a touch pool where your grandkids can enjoy petting the stingrays. Located on the banks of historic Mobile Bay is the smallest of Alabamas state parks, but one that makes the perfect base camp from which to explore the areas 300+ years of history and incredible wildlife: Meaher State Park. Contact: 20115 State Hwy 135, Orange Beach, AL 36561 Best Place To Camp - Review of Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores, AL Check rates and availability here. Henderson and st Augustine have long boardwalks throught the dunes which is enjoyable. Keep Reading Visit Website Sugar Sands RV Resort Gulf Shores Make Sugar Sands RV Resort your home away from home in Gulf Shores. Half of the campsites face the dunes and the others face the water. Village Creek State Park. Detergent sold at camp store. The South's Best State Parks For Camping And Hiking All the trails are paved and relatively flat. Located within the Lake Shelby Picnic Area, trail maps, annual parking passes, and our helpful staff are available to assist you in making the most of your park adventure. We absolutely love this state park! The park has almost a mile of sandy beach, walking and biking trails, and campsites along a coastal dune lake with a boat ramp. A giant sandbox with rinse station and several climbing structures create a great space for kids to run off some energy. Oh I love that Anita! They have bike rentals available, as well as kayaks and paddleboards. Your pics look pretty empty of other tourists. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. I love all the activities you can do there, but most of all I'd love to see a bald eagle! This is one of the most extensive campgrounds in the state park system, and its one worth staying at if you like tent or RV camping. Located only 1.8 miles from the parks main campground, the site offers three heavy-duty safari-style tents complete with four cots each. Too fun! Is this a strict policy or will they allow you to check in earlier? Visitor Center | Alapark Its equipped with coin-operated washer/dryers, four bathrooms with showers, and a meeting space for small gatherings. Thank you for taking the time to review Gulf State Park. Trails galore! Best Camping Spots Along Alabama's Gulf Coast Beaches are amazing. The only reason I gave it 4 stars was from the road noise. Hurricane Harvey devastated most of the Port Aransas area in 2017, but this beachside resort was not damaged. As youre driving, biking, boating or walking, watch out for nature! Today, campers and visitors to the park can hike and bike over 20 miles of trail through wetlands and along the banks of the delta, plus tour the historic battlefield. It is well maintained, great views of the coastal scenery, occasional wildlife siteings ( I have seen alligators, snakes, bobcats, turtles, armadillos). Dec. 1, 2022, at 4:00 p.m. Sites on the Gulf side also have shade from the Texas heat and grills for barbecuing. Location:21196 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542. 5 Henderson Beach State Park. Gulf State Park: 14 Things to Do Plus Best Beaches, Camping & More Good WIFI and several OTA TV channels. Website: Southport Campground. One of the coolest additions to the park by an individual is the nest viewing platform. We spent 2 nights at the Gulf State Park Campground and were very pleased with the cleanliness and the well-maintained large sites. Dauphin Island is Alabamas only barrier island on the Gulf Coast, and can easily be reached via State Route 193. This state park is on the very eastern end of the island with electric/water hookups and back-in sites among large pine trees. All sites have full hookups, with picnic tables and there's potable water, flush toilets, showers, laundry, a playground, WiFI, cable TV, and a pool. 11 of the BEST Florida Beach Campgrounds (Gulf Coast) Although there have been no reported people-related alligator incidents. Youll have fun in and around the restaurant. Location:20249 State Park Rd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542. Rent kayaks for Lake Shelbyon a first-come, first-serve basis. Why no trashcans around park? The mosquitoes in the delta can be overwhelming, so bring plenty of repellent. What makes camping on Dauphin Island special is the proximity of the campground to all the fun attractions the island has to offer. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle out to Shell Island from Saint Andrews Park. There are plenty of restaurants, grocery stores, activities in the area. And of course, youll be only minutes from the coasts famous restaurants and nightlife. Located at the beach pavilion, the Gulf State Park Interpretive Center is an absolute gem within the park. Named for its 1,000-foot-deep canyons, the park is a playground of awe-inspiring natural features. The lower wooded loop is meant for smaller RVs and gives you both shade and privacy. A private lake fully stocked with bass and bream is on-site for anglers, as well as a fenced dog park for pet owners. Select preferred location within the campground. She is based on the Oregon Coast and has traveled all over the Pacific Northwest in a converted camper van. If you. more, This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. It is between a one to two-hour drive from popular destinations like Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and the Gulf Coast. Piping Plover Campground. This is the park as youll see it on Google. Clean restrooms, no litter, well kept grounds, bike trails, swimming pool, wifi, on the water, central location, everything is A+. If you are not camping in that area you are in for a hike, This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com. I hope you can make it to Gulf Shores and the state park really soon. Photo via CampgroundReviews.com. Top notch.They really bad is the golf course, it is in dire need of repair.Everything is subpar, and the greens are worse. State Parks. With that many campsites, youll need a lot of bathhouses, and they have them 11 in all, and all are air-conditioned, a must for three quarters of the year on the hot and humid Gulf Coast. Here are some of the very best activities! Other outdoor games like ping pong are a fun break from hiking, biking or beaching, too. pavilion bike riding walking trails tennis courts lake shelby picnic tables orange beach nice beach fish campground camping campers beaches rv alligators . Lets get to the best things to do in the park! You can also enter the park off Highway 59: take E Fort Morgan Road towards Alabamas Coastal Connection. An amazing family camping adventure awaits on Alabamas barrier island at the Dauphin Island Campground. 20115 State Park Road, Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Phone Numbers General Park Info: 251-948-7275 The Lodge: 251-540-4000 Camping: 251-948-7275 ext. I did spend some time waiting by the nest, but not enough to catch it. The washrooms are clean and nice, and good showers too. Each cabin has two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and satellite television. Its just across the street from the beaches and backed by Gulf State Park. What is the best time in the winter months to be able to to swimming in the gulf? Gulf State Park Campground - Gulf Shores, Alabama -Site Views - All More like resort. 29 40 Best Campground on the Gulf Review of Gulf State Park Campground Reviewed August 1, 2012 We've stayed at Gulf State Park for years! Cloudland Canyon State Park. Posted on Published: May 2, 2022- Last updated: May 27, 2022. We come here 3 - 4 times a year to camp. If youre looking for a little more comfort (and luxury) with ocean-front views, then The Lodge at Gulf State Parkmight be the right spot for you. If you want something more luxurious, get a spot at Buena Vista Coastal RV Resort in Orange Beach. It has lots of scenic hiking trails and miles of quiet, uncrowded beach. Despite its size, the campground at Meaher is extremely popular due to its location. Pedestal BBQ in good condition and free of ash upon arrival The 6 best Texas beaches for every kind of beachgoer - Chron Its located right at the southern entrance to Lake Shelby, by the dog park. 4 Grayton Beach State Park. It has a peaceful sandy beach to stroll along the emerald Gulf Of Mexico waters and a campground with 60 sites. Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Gulf Shores. All Rights Reserved. There is a decent store and a nature center. No info provided that state park does not provide campfire rings. Once in the park, you will find three lakes, trails, dining, and lodging. The app unlocks it for you to use. St George Island is yet another of Floridas pristine barrier islands with great RV camping. This is a review of the Gulf State Park Campground in Gulf Shores, AL. Pro Tip: Dauphin Island is home to some incredible restaurants, and a local favorite is JTs Sunset Grill. I think if we had come in the Summer rather than the Spring, the lack of shade would've been an issue. For example, condensation from air conditioners are collected, filtered and used for the swimming pool, saving 14,000 gallons of water per month. Theres two areas for your dog to run around one for large dogs, the other for small dogs. Yes, you'd definitely love visiting, I just know it! You can also walk just across the street to the coastal public beach. Thanks for the information. Beach. I love the segway tour and catching sand crab ideas, so different. Getting in late is ok. Like I said, enter off 182. Is there an off leash dog park at the campground? Regular athletic shoes and some drinking water will do! What Are The BestPortable AntennasFor RVs? Hike one of 10 trails and keep an eye out for wildlife like bobcats, alligators, and even black bears. With 2 full miles of pristine, white-sand beaches included in the Gulf State Park, its one of the best ways to spend an afternoon. Friendly staff. Basically, you download the app and scan the QR code on the bike. With 496 campsites for RVs and tents, there will likely be room for you to camp if you wish to do so during your time at Gulf State Park. But the beaches arent the only draw in the area. Gulf State Park has a huge campground with just under 500 full hookup sites and 11 modern bathhouses. Pro Tip: If youd like to spend a couple of nights at Blakeley but are not into camping, check out the parks new rustic cabins. Theres 6,150 acres in the park, including 2 miles of white sandy beaches. Peaceful Easy Parking Easy access. The Best Camping in Florida: 12 Top Campgrounds - U.S. News Travel See more questions & answers about this hotel from the Tripadvisor community. Bathrooms very nice. Nestled between Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, this recreation area is everything you want it to be: beautiful, fun and full of adventure! Its the largest pier in the Gulf of Mexico, and one worth visiting for some of the best views of the Gulf Coast! 5/18/19. To make camping or cabin reservations, contact the park office at (251) 626-0798. The Outpost at Gulf State Park offers glamping with a twist its primitive glamping. restaurant is within the park at the far end of Lake Shelby. Campground Phone Number: 251-948-7726. Location:navigate to the Gulf State Park Forest Pavilion and Butterfly Garden. Instead of small shampoo and conditioner bottles for each guest, the rooms have large, refillable bottles. Why in the world people would spend $2,000 on a condo for the week when Alabama has Gulf State Park Campground I will never fully understand. Price is the only thing keeping this from being a 5 star campground. There are some pull through. Verizon and AT&T were both good enough to support streaming. 2023 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved. Sites are well spaced and very clean. On the western edge of the Florida Panhandle, just 10 miles west of Pensacola, the saltwater marshes and pine flatwoods of Big Lagoon State Park are a gateway to both the 1,515-mile Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail and the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. When renting cabins in Gulf State Park, be sure to book them far in advance (6+ months!). If you are looking for a wilderness camping adventure, then the Bartram Canoe Trail is for you. There is a swimming pool, tennis courts, etc. Nearby attractions include Breakout Games - Orange Beach (1.9 miles), Gulf State Park (2.4 miles), and Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail (2.0 miles). You wont get the elevation gains like youll see in Big Sur, California or even Loess Hills, Iowa. Lots of trails. Grayton Beach State Park is in-between the cities of Destin and Panama City Beach. Rates and Discounts | Alapark There are cabins located in the more wooded areas, and lakeside cabins. Miles and miles of sandy beach make it a serene place to lay back and admire the waves or read a book in the sun. The really great is the bike trail. If youre local, theres plenty of opportunities to organize or attend a group event. The Confederate army established Fort Blakeley here in 1864, and soon after, it became the site of the last major battle of the Civil War. The Apalachee Campground offers full hookups for RVs in a quiet wooded location. We couldnt be happier that you had a positive experience with us. Laundry available. They mainly stick to themselves in the less-used areas of the park. Great bike trails and amenities. Tent campers can enjoy eight improved campsites at the recently renovated Bartram Campground. October 20, 2017 By Pat Williams Leave a Comment I am amazed that they are constructing a brand new lodge at the beach for conventions and this is the course that they will be showcasing. Reservations: Yes, see full details below. The trails extend from Orange Beach to Gulf Shores (close to the Walmart Supercenter) and the Woodside. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. Its located right across from the pedestrian bridge connecting the trails from the Lake Shelby Picnic Area to the pier. When you return the bike to a drop-off location, just lock it via the app again. Located on the banks of the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta, the Historic Blakeley State Park provides visitors with a more rustic camping experience. The Visitor Center is your go-to source for all things Gulf State Park. Lots of amenities. Coastal RV Resort and Campground in Eastpoint, which is minutes from St George Island is a great place to stay. Location:Lake Shelby or the Gulf State Park Pier. Read our. Goose Island State Park. You can also cool off in their new outdoor pool with a slide and a lazy river. Camping is available here at the 15 campsites with utility hookups, in a rental cabin, and primitive camping on the beach. And directly across from the park is the Five Rivers Delta Resource Center with an educational exhibit hall, a theater where outdoor and nature-related movies play almost constantly, and a gift shop. Okay, enough chatting already! Joe Wheeler State Park is the perfect place for camping in the great outdoors and is located at 4401 McLean Drive, Rogersville, AL 35652. 100% 1 Review. Rid the same trails as you would hiking (#3 above or on the Segway tour #6 above). 210 reviews #2 of 80 Specialty lodging in Gulf Shores Location 4.7 Cleanliness 4.8 Service 4.5 Value 4.5 Approximately 1.5 miles from the white sands of the gulf beaches, Gulf State Park offers a 496-site improved campground including 11 modern bathhouses, pull-thru sites, back-in sites, water front campsites, and ADA accessible sites. Of course, each icon is described throughout this guide below. Nevertheless, keep an eye out at all times. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. While most of the park is free to visit, there are some spots with fees: Okay, before we get to the things to do, cabins, trails, etc., lets have a little fun. The campground has bayfront and beachside sites for RVers. Ive never been in a park this large that had it all: large sites, some on a waterfront, with full service, excellent spacing, and all the other accoutrements mentioned by others. 1. We took a nice hike through the park, not sure the name of the section we were in but it was the one with the alligator habitat and the butterfly gardens. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Location:20249A State Park Rd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542. InterContinental (IHG) Hotels in Gulf Shores, Hotels near Gulf Adventure Center at Gulf State Park, Hotels near Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church, Hotels near (PNS) Pensacola Regional Airport, Hotels near (MOB) Mobile Municipal Airport. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Looks like a beautiful place with lots to do, I would love to visit one day! WE loved how close it was to beach. Well taking a Segway Touris one of my favorite ways to explore a new area! Search. The greens are ATROCIOUS. Stephen F. Austin Campground. They have a peaceful setting with palm trees, palapas, pergolas, a pond, and a boardwalk that leads out to the beach. Best Campground on the Gulf - Review of Gulf State Park Campground Bike, hike, fish, swim, paddle, and ogle at the park's alligators, birds, and other wildlife. I personally feel the lakeside cabins have better views, but the wooded areas are more private. Don't forget to bring the canoe! The park encompasses more than 2,100 acres of land that was once the site of the town of Blakeley. Total Cost Per Night: $45
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