Eagle Cottages are located on the shore of Lake Shelby in Gulf Shores, Alabama, in the heart of Gulf State Park.

TL;DR Don't have time to read the full article? Here are my top finds:
🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals
📍Tours
Eagle Cottages at Gulf State Park
After staying a few nights in Eagle Cottages, I did not want to leave and could have happily moved in. I'm pretty sure that my lovely wife would be all in with this decision, considering how much she loves the area.
These cottages are the perfect family getaway, a place to relax and unwind, or have a romantic weekend getaway. I must warn you that once you have stayed here, you will want to return!
The cottages are centrally located in Gulf Shores, making it easy to reach your favorite activities, restaurants, and beaches.
They are also located in the heart of Gulf State Park, which offers numerous outdoor recreation opportunities.
The screened-in porches practically beg you to go out and sip on a cold glass of sweet tea or drink coffee while reading.
They even had guidebooks of local birds and wildlife on the bookshelf and two bikes available and ready for you to use to explore the trails!
There was no chance of either of us saying, "I'm bored," or having to worry there wasn't enough to do. In all honesty, the cottages were set up so nicely we didn't want to do a thing but hang out inside the cottage and relax.
We could have easily spent an entire day at the cottage curled up on the porch doing absolutely nothing and loving it.

Eagle Cottages Reservations
Click here to learn more/book your stay at Gulf State Park Eagle Cottages.
Eagle Cottages are very popular and oftentimes fill months in advance.
If the dates are unavailable in Eagle Cottages, you can also check availability at the Gulf State Park Cabins.

Eagle Cottage Room Options
Lakeside Three Bedroom Eco-Retreat Cottage has a maximum occupancy of six guests and has three queen bedrooms, three full bathrooms, a living room, a kitchen, a dining area, two screened-in back porches, and a side deck with an outdoor dining table.
Accessible - Lakeside Three Bedroom Eco-Retreat Cottage has ramp access and ADA Master Bedroom/bathroom. There is a maximum occupancy of six guests and three queen bedrooms, three full bathrooms, a living room, a kitchen, a dining area, two screened-in back porches, and a side deck with an outdoor dining table.

Eagle Cottages Information:
Check-In Address:
20111 State Park Road
Gulf Shores, Al 36542
Check-In Time - Check-in start time is 4:00 PM, and end time is 6:30 PM
Check-Out Time - Before 11:00 AM
Pet Policy - Pets are allowed an extra charge; service animals are welcome and exempt from fees. Doga and cats only, two total (up to 50 LBS per pet). Pets cannot be left outside unattended without adult supervision. Pets must be on a leash at all times when outside of the cabin.
Accessible Cottages - There is at least one accessible Lakeside Three Bedroom Eco-Retreat Cottage available.

What Is Included With Your Eagle Cottage Stay
- WI-FI
- A 45" flat-screen television with satellite and DVD Player
- stove, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, toaster
- Plates, cups, pots, pans, and flatware
- Picnic table, BBQ Grill, and porch swing
- Firewood with firepit and Adirondack seating
- Daily housekeeping refresh
- Complimentary bicycles for your use to explore the park's 28 miles of trails
- Breakfast each morning is freshly prepared at Woodside Restaurant for up to six people per day
- Decorated with art commissioned by local Alabama Artists
- Free tram ride connection to all major locations in the park
Check Eagle Cottages Availability & Book Your Stay

Dining Options in Gulf State Park
One of the best parts of having a kitchen is you get to choose when to dine out. Here are the top options within minutes of the cabins.
Restaurants inside Gulf State Park
Woodside Restaurant (5 minutes from the cabins)
Woodside Restaurant is located in the heart of Gulf State Park, minutes away from the cabins. It is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and serves good food, has a gift shop, and live music. Breakfast includes oatmeal, pancakes, benedicts, omeletes, etc. Lunch/Dinner has sandwiches, salads, burgers, chicken, etc. Make sure to get one of their mason jar desserts! I had the key lime pie and loved it!

Foodcraft
Foodcraft is a beachfront family restaurant with incredible view of the Gulf! They serve American cuisine including breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
My personal favorite is the breakfast buffet (seasonal) and is my favorite on the Island! They have fresh fruit, omelette station, darn good biscuirts & gravy, and more.
Perch
Beachfront restaurant is an elevated dining experience featuring premium steaks and coastal fresh seafood with beautiful sunsets on the Gulf. Open for Dinner Only.
Bywater Beachside (Open seasonally)
Casual beach bar on the Gulf State Park Pier servving salads, pizza, burgers, sandwiches, Quesadillas, and seafood. Go for a walk on the pier and have lunch /dinner with stunning waterfront views.

Things to do In Gulf State Park
Go for a bike ride. You don't even need to bring a bike; just go to one of the bike share locations in the park (The Pavilion, The Lodge, Woodside Restaurant, Eagles Loop, The Gulf Oak Ridge), use your smartphone to download the app, scan the QR code at the bike station, and you can ride a bike for three hours for free! When you are done, return the bike to the station of your choice.
Bird watching/wildlife viewing is a must, especially for birders. There is an incredible variety of birds, including Bald Eagles, Ospreys, Purple Martins, Red-Winged Blackbirds, mockingbirds, robins, cardinals, kingfishers, warblers, Blue Jays, sparrows, loons, ducks, and much more! Also, keep an eye out for deer, otters, alligators, turtles, coyotes, and bobcats.
Have a Beach Day and spend time in the sun! Gulf Shores is located on the Gulf of Mexico and has some of the most beautiful sugar sand beaches imaginable! Why not go for a swim, sit in a beach chair, pull out the toys and build a sand castle, or look for shells. Whatever it is you decide to do, just don't forget the sunscreen!
Canoe, Kayak, or paddleboard on Lake Shelby! Located at the Gulf State Park Visitor Center, Coastal Segway Adventures rents Electric bikes, kayaks, and paddleboards. They also offer Coastal Segway Tours, which include a two-hour guided tour of the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail.
Hiking is also popular, as there are 28 miles of trails to explore. The Hugh S Branyon Backcountry Trail is a fantastic trail that visitors and locals enjoy. It is a collaborative agreement between the City of Orange Beach, the City of Gulf Shores, Gulf State Park, and property owners, creating a trail system consisting of 26 trails that pass through nine distinct ecosystems.
The fishing and Education Pier is a great place to go fishing, go for a walk, or find a bench and enjoy the breeze while staring out at some of the best views along Alabama's Gulf Coast! You can also visit the ByWater Beachside Beach Bar & Grill at the base of the pier and enjoy a meal with incredible views!

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tours
Dolphin Tours - Book a dolphin cruise here
Check out our experiences on Hammock Time Tiki Tours, Explorer Dolphin Cruise, Southern Rose Dolphin cruise, Cruise OB (Orange Beach), Sail Wild Hearts, Sunset Sail and Dolphin Tour, and the Sunny Lady Dolphin Cruise.
Pontoon Boat Rentals - Enjoy cruising the waters of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach on a Pontoon. Check out the pontoon boats with slides for extra fun. Book your Boat Rental Here
Parasailing - Check out the epic views as you parasail in the Gulf of Mexico. Look for wildlife and you float high above the water. Book your Parasaiing Trip Here
Jet Ski Rentals - Jet Ski Tours and rentals are a great way to explore the back bays of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Book your Jet Ski Rental Here
Click here to see all of the top-rated tours and activities available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Click Here to Book Your Stay at Eagle Cottages

Alternative Lodging Options if the Eagle Cottages and Cabins are Fully Booked
Eagle Cottages and Cabins are extremely popular and oftentimes fill up months in advance. Here are a few options right on the Gulf that I have personally stayed in and really enjoyed.
⭐️ 4.4 of 5 Stars - The Lodge at Gulf State Park - Click here for Rates and Availability.
The Lodge at Gulf State Park is a Hilton Hotel that has breathtaking views of the Gulf! You can walk out of the back of the hotel and walk to the sand! They have all the amenities you would want, including a swimming pool, gym, five restaurants on-site, a coffee shop/cafe, free WI-FI, and much more.
⭐️ 5 of 5 Stars - Timberline Glamping, Orange Beach - Click here for Rates and Availability.
Timberline Glamping offers spacious luxury safari tents with air conditioning, private bathrooms with walk-in showers, full kitchenettes, and outdoor furniture, combining modern comfort with the camping experience just a 3-minute walk from Orange Beach. Each tent sleeps large families or groups comfortably and includes free parking, outdoor dining areas, and fire pits perfect for roasting s'mores under the stars.
⭐️ 4.6 of 5 Stars - The Tides Hotel Orange Beach - Click here for Rates and Availability.
This is a gorgeous beachfront hotel with a great breakfast buffet, outdoor pool, and amazing customer service.
⭐️ 4.2 of 5 Stars - Island House Hotel - Click here for Rates and Availability.
This is a great hotel in Orange Beach, right on the beach with epic views from every room.

Don't Forgry to Pack
- Insect repellent is always a great idea outdoors, especially around any body of water.
We use Permethrin Spray on our clothes before our park trips. Please read my article on preventing biting insects while enjoying the outdoors.
- Sunscreen - I buy environmentally friendly sunscreen whenever possible because you inevitably pull it out at the beach.
- Bring your water bottleand plenty of water with you. Plastic water bottles are not sold in the park.
- Sunglasses - I always bring sunglasses with me. I personally love Goodr sunglasses because they are lightweight, durable, and have awesome National Park Designs from several National Parks like Joshua Tree, Yellowstone, Hawaii Volcanoes, Acadia, Denali, and more!
Click here to get your National Parks Edition of Goodr Sunglasses!
- Binoculars/Spotting Scope - These will help spot birds and wildlife and make them easier to identify. We tend to see waterfowl in the distance, and they are always just a bit too far to identify them without binoculars.
Check Eagle Cottages Availability Now

Gulf State Park and Area Resources
- Things to do in Gulf State Park
- Gulf State Park Campground
- Things to do Outdoors in Gulf Shores, Alabama
Make sure to check out GulfCoastJourneys.com for lots of information on the Gulf Coast, including things to do, restaurants, attractions, hotels, and more!
Check out all of the Alabama National Parks along with neighboring National Parks in Tennessee, National Parks in Georgia, National Parks in Florida, and Mississippi National Parks
Make sure to follow Park Ranger John on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok






Leave a Reply