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Gulf State Park Cabins
Imagine sitting on the covered porch of your private stilt home, coffee in hand, watching the sunrise paint Lake Shelby in shades of orange and pink. You hear the Purple Martins chirping as a Great Blue Heron glides past. And you're just 10 minutes from some of Alabama's most beautiful sugar-sand beaches.
This is what staying in Gulf State Park Cabins makes possible, and it's an experience you can't get from a beachfront hotel.
While other Gulf Shores visitors cram their families into expensive hotel rooms or rent out affordable houses miles from the beach, Gulf State Park Cabin guests get the best of both worlds: a pristine lakefront retreat in the heart of a 6,500-acre Gulf State Park, with beaches, trails, restaurants, and attractions all within minutes.
The cabins are modern stilt homes that opened in April 2024 and offer something rare on the Gulf Coast: privacy, nature, and convenience all in one location. They have full kitchens, in-unit laundry, multiple bedrooms, and that incredible lake view. All while being centrally located to literally everything Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have to offer.
Here, you get space to spread out, nature at your doorstep, and the beach down the road. That's the Gulf State Park advantage.
Why Stay at Gulf State Park Cabins?
Beach hotels in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach cost $200-400+ per night for a single room. The Gulf State Park Cabins cost more upfront ($180 cleaning fee + nightly rate), but when you factor in what you're getting, the value becomes obvious:
An Entire Modern Stilt Home, Not Just a Room
These aren't typical cabins; they're brand new two-bedroom stilt homes elevated over Lake Shelby. You get 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a full kitchen, a living room, a laundry room, and a covered porch with lake views. Compare that to a cramped hotel room where your family is stacked on top of each other.
Cost Per Person Makes Sense
A cabin sleeps 6-8 people comfortably. A beach hotel would require 2-3 rooms at $200-400 each ($400-1,200 total per night). That cabin's total cost ends up being comparable to or less with far more space and amenities.
Best of Both Worlds: Lake and Beach
Most visitors choose either a beach hotel or an inland rental. Gulf State Park Cabins give you both: waterfront living on beautiful Lake Shelby, with Gulf beaches just 10 minutes away. You can go kayaking on the lake in the morning and swim in the Gulf that afternoon.
Central to Everything
The cabins sit in the middle of 6,500-acre Gulf State Park, putting you minutes from:
- Sugar-sand Gulf beaches (10 minutes)
- Gulf State Park Pier (7 minutes)
- 28 miles of biking/hiking trails (access from cabin)
- Orange Beach restaurants and attractions (15 minutes)
- Waterside Restaurant (5 minutes)
Here, you're not choosing between "beach" or "nature"; you get both without the commute.
Brand New Construction (2024)
These cabins opened in April 2024. Everything is pristine: modern appliances, comfortable furniture, clean finishes. You're not staying in a dated rental that's been through hundreds of guests.
Exclusive access to Park Amenities
As a cabin guest, you have gated access to the Eagle Cottages and Cabins area with several piers for epic lake views.
Each cabin has a fire ring for a lakeside campfire in the evenings and access to the park's swimming pool, pickleball courts, nature center, interpretative center, beach pavilion, and a dog park.
Park Ranger John Pro Tip
Save gas and the hassle of parking by taking the park Tram. The tram makes stops at Woodside Restaurant, The Nature Center, the Interpretative Center (beach access), Eagle's Nest, and Coastal Segway Adventures.
The premium you pay for Gulf State Park Cabins isn't a cost, it's an investment in space, privacy, nature, and convenience that beach hotels simply can't match.
Check Cabin Availability & Book Your Stay
Before You Book: Important Details
Check-In Window
- Check-In: 4:00-6:30 PM (Limited Window!)
- Check-out: Before 11:00 AM
Booking Timeline
Cabins book 6-12 months in advance for the peak summer season (June-August) and Spring Break (March). Book early for the best availability.
Cleaning Fee
A one-time $180 cleaning fee applies to all reservations. This covers professional cleaning, linens, and towels for your entire group.
Pet Policy
Pets welcome (Dogs and Cats only, 2 maximum, up to 50 pounds each) for an additional fee. Pets must be leashed when outside and cannot be left unattended outdoors.
Room Types and Amenities
Lakeside Two-Bedroom Cabin
Twelve cabins feature one king bedroom, one queen bedroom, a bunkroom, two bathrooms, a living room, a kitchen, a laundry room, and a front porch.
- Best for families, groups wanting the best views, and anyone prioritizing lake access.
- Prime location for Kayaking/canoeing
- Direct lake views from your covered porch
Accessible Two-Bedroom Cabin
Three accessible lakeside cabins feature one king bedroom, one queen bedroom, two bathrooms with roll-in showers, a living room with a sleeper sofa, a kitchen, and a laundry room.
- Best for guests with mobility needs, multi-generational families.
- Accessibility features include Roll-in showers, wider doorways, accessible kitchen and bathroom layouts.
Parkside Two-Bedroom Cabins
Five Parkside cabins are located on the tree line but only a one-minute walk from the shore of Lake Shelby. They feature a one king bedroom, one queen bedroom, a bunk room, a living area with a queen sleeper sofa, a kitchen, a front porch, and a laundry room.
- Best for budget-conscious families, nature lovers who don't need a waterfront.
- Get tree views instead of lake views with a short 1-minute walk to the shore.
- Typically, a lower nightly rate.
Cabin Amenities
- A flat-screen television with satellite
- stove, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, toaster
- Plates, cups, pots, pans, and flatware
- Picnic table, BBQ Grill, and fire pits
Which Cabin Should You Book?
- Best Lake Views: Lakeside two-bedroom cabins (12 available)
- Accessibility Needs: Accessible Lakeside Cabins (3 available)
- Best Value: Parkside Cabins (5 available and still have lake access!)
- Most Privacy: End Unit Cabins
Reserve Your Gulf State Park Cabin
My Experience Staying at Gulf State Park Cabins
We stayed in Lakeside Cabin #17 in March, and it exceeded our expectations in every way imaginable. The views were spectacular, we had easy access to everything we could hope to do, and felt like we had our own private area in a nature preserve.
We received so much more than a cabin, we had plenty of room to spread out and relax. We were able to have creature comforts like a warm shower, living room, and a king sized bed, yet felt at home with the screened in porch and fire ring having a campfire and eating smores.
There were so many activities available, yet we found ourselves wanting to spend time on the screened in porch drinking coffee, watching sunrise & sunset, and watching wildlife. We just couldn't get over how surprisingly peaceful and serene it was for being so close to civilization.
We loved seeing alligators in the lake, Blue Herons and Pelicans by the pier, and listening to the Purple Martins chirp on their nest near our cabin. We could feel life's stresses melt away as we reconnected with nature.
Mornings and afternoons/evenings became all about the lake life and would make our way out to enjoy a walk on one of the trails or spend time at the beach during the day. We even took a dolphin cruise!
It was hard to pack up and leave but we vowed that we were definately coming back! This was the perfect 5 star vacation in our book.
Dining Options
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 in 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.
Practical Information
Closest Airports
(GUF) Gulf Shores - 3 miles from Gulf State Park Eagle Cottages and Cabins. The only airline to serve Gulf Shores is Allegiant Airlines.
(PNS) Pensacola (Florida) - is 37 miles, a little over an hour to Gulf Shores. Numerous airlines fly into Pensacola, including American, Delta, Southwest, United, Spirit, and Frontier.
Check-In Time - Check-in start time is 4:00 PM, end time 6:30 PM
Check-Out Time - Before 11:00 AM
Address -
20111 State Park Road
Gulf Shores, Al 36542
Pet Policy - Pets are allowed an extra charge; service animals are welcome and exempt from fees. Dogs 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 Cabins - There are three accessible Lakeside Two Bedroom Cabins available
What's Provided in Cabins
- Full Kitchen (stove, microwave, fridge, coffee maker, toaster)
- Complete Dishware, cookware, flatware
- Towels and linens(included in the $180 cleaning fee)
- Washer and Dryer
- Satellite TV
- Picnic Table, BBQ Grill, fire pit
What to Bring
- Groceries for meals
- Beach Gear (Chairs, umbrellas, toys)
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Fishing Gear (if planning to fish)
Weather by Season
- Summer (June-August): Hot, humid, 85-95°F
- Spring/Fall (March-May, September-November): Perfect 70-80°F
- Winter (December-February): Mild 50-65°F
Click here to book your stay at the Gulf State Park Cabins
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, 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 the Gulf State Park Cabins
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.
⭐️ 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.
Book Your Gulf State Park Cabin Before They Fill
After staying in the Gulf State Park Cabins, I understand why they book months in advance. The Gulf State Park Cabins offer something rare along the Alabama Gulf Coast:
genuine privacy, immersion in nature, and convenient access to beaches and attractions, all in one location.
What You Get Staying Here
Space for your whole family with an entire modern stilt home with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a full kitchen, and laundry. Not a cramped hotel where everyone's on top of each other.
Lakefront Living
Wake up to sunrise over Lake Shelby, watch Great Blue Herons glide past your porch, and enjoy evening campfires by the water. Beach hotels can't offer this.
Central to Everything
The cabins are 10 minutes to Gulf beaches, 5-15 minutes to restaurants, and 28 miles of trail outside your door. You're not choosing between beach or nature, you're getting both.
Brand new Construction
These cabins opened in April 2024. Everything is pristine, modern, and well-maintained. No musty rental property smells or worn furniture.
The Reality of Booking
Gulf State Park Cabins book 6-12 months ahead for summer and spring break, and Lakeside Cabins fill first for their prime water views.
If you're reading this and thinking I'll book next week, there's a good chance your preferred dates will be gone, especially for peak season.
If you are unable to find a Cabin on your desired dates?
- Try booking one of the Eagle Cottages. They are located next to the cabins but have three-bedroom eco-retreat cottages.
- Consider the shoulder season (September-October or April-May). You will find smaller crowds and perfect weather.
The moment you're sipping morning coffee on that covered porch, watching the lake come alive at sunrise, you'll understand why these cabins are worth every penny.
Check Gulf State Park Cabin Availability Now
Don't forget to Pack these Items
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 bottle and 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.
Additional Photos of Gulf State Park Cabins
Gulf State Park and Area Resources
Things to do in Gulf State Park
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
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