Gulf State Park Campground in Gulf Shores, Alabama was our first ever campground we stayed at on our RV excursion. In some ways, I wish it hadn’t been our first and in a hundred other ways I am so grateful that it was.
If you have never been to the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama area, please know it needs to be added to your list of must-sees. This was our third time visiting the area and it most definitely will not be our last. We plan to purchase property down there because that is how much we love the place.
See related:
Our Guide To Orange Beach, Alabama
When I came to the realization that I wanted to start our journey in Gulf Shores I immediately started researching all the typical RV parks. None stood out to me so I took a chance at taking a look at the State Park. State Parks will always be my first choice because they usually offer some great amenities such as nature centers, hiking or nature trails, pools, playgrounds, and other great features and they are often cheaper per night. I love them too because they typically give you more space between campsites then some private campgrounds. That being said they fill up quicker than most private campgrounds, especially in the wintertime.
Much to my surprise, I was able to find five consecutive days at Gulf Shores State Park and after doing some research I knew the place would be a hit with my family.
What we loved about Gulf State Park Campground:
Pull Through Sites
Somehow I managed to score a pull-through spot. So if you can swing it (it may cost more), book near the right side of the RV park near the lake. Beautiful views, quiet, and right near a scenic boardwalk and bike trails. Plus did we mention pull through? As complete newbies at this whole RV thing, it made our life so much easier. For those coming without an RV, there is also the option of primitive camping with tents or very nice lakeside cabins.
Bike Trails
27 miles of bike and nature trails. I’m not sure you read that correctly. 27 freaking miles of bike and nature trails. Paved and easily accessible. If you are into biking, nature or beautiful scenery you will appreciate these features immensely. Some of the most beautiful sunsets we’ve ever admired as a family took place here. We took them in on evening strolls on bike trails not even 100 feet from our campsite.
Beach Access
Beach access to the gulf coast and it’s right across the street which can be about 1.5 miles from the white sand beaches. When you are camping at Gulf State Park you get a pass that allows you access to the beach parking across the street and you don’t have to pay to visit the pier. Currently, they are building bridges across the highway from the State Park so you could ride your bike or walk and not have to cross the busy street.
Family Friendly
We loved all the family-friendly educational opportunities and activities the park offered. There is a nature center with small aquatic and land animals including a baby alligator, snakes, mice, turtles and owls (our favorite). Plus there is a swimming pool with a splash pad that is open year-round and a decent sized playground with views of the lake. We also love the tennis courts, horseshoes, and volleyball courts that are conveniently located in the park. Each campsite has full hookups, a picnic table and a spot for grill tops and nice camping pads. We also loved the clean and well taken care of air-conditioned bathhouses.
Centrally Located
Gulf State Park Campground is centrally located right in between Gulf Shores and Orange Beach so you have plenty of activities to do, delicious restaurants to eat at and two Walmart very close by. I think you would have to try very hard to be bored in this town. It also is located right next to Lake Shelby which offers great options for paddle boarding and kayaking. For those who like hiking the state park campground is close proximity to Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail which offers miles of groomed and maintained backcountry trails, boardwalks, and bridges to explore the middle lake.
Super Clean
Bathrooms and bathhouses were always clean and not overcrowded for how packed the park was. Did not try the laundry facilities since we had full hookups we just used our own.
Peaceful
Some people may not love that it’s chock full of Snowbirds in January and February but we loved it because it was quiet and everyone was respectful, polite and kind.
What we didn’t love:
The only downside to Gulf State Park Campground being our first camp is that it set the bar very high. When you have that many features and amenities crammed into one destination and location- it’s going to make it very difficult for others to measure up.
Have you ever stayed at Gulf State Park? What did you think?
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