Located near the sugar sand beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, the Gulf State Park Campground is perfect for both RV and Tent Camping. This campground has amazing amenities, including full hookups, a pool, and beach access.
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Gulf State Park Campground
Have you ever visited a campground and thought I could live here for a while? That is how I felt in the Gulf State Park campground and I honestly didn't want to leave it. The campsites are well laid out with some of them right on the water of Middle Lake.
There are hookups, showers in the bathroom, sunny Gulf Coast weather and an alligator or two depending on what trails you explore. There is easy access to the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail for even more exploration.
It is only 1.5 miles from the white sand beaches that make Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama famous! With easy access to Lake Shelby!
Did I mention the swimming pool with splash pad, tennis, pickleball, and more? Or all of the biking trails that are easily accessible!
I told my wife that we could happily live in this campground for a while and just soak up the sunshine and everything the park offers.
Plus all of the amazing Gulf Shores Restaurants we could enjoy! Plus, you can't go wrong with any of these outdoor activities in Gulf Shores/Orange Beach!
Gulf State Park Camping
Number of Sites: 496 improved full-hookup campsites with paved pads
11 primitive sites
3 new Back Country Trail Sites at The Outpost
Location in the park:
Address: 20115 State HWY 135, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Campsite Cost: Depends on the time of year and type of site.
Senior Discounts: Senior citizens age 62+ and 100% Disabled- 15% November—February and 10% March-October.
Not valid on holidays or special events, nor in conjunction with any other discounts or specials. Valid only on daily rates Sunday – Thursdays during peak season and not for weekly or monthly rates.
Reservations: Yes, see full details below
Campground Address: 20115 State Hwy 135, Gulf Shores, Alabama
Campground Phone Number: 251-948-7726
Accessible Sites: If a handicap site is needed, it must be requested when making the reservation
Pets Allowed: Yes, but they must be on a leash less than 6 feet long.
Campground Fees
Make sure to check with the park for the most up-to-date camping fees
Campground Reservations
Are campground Reservations Available? Yes
Phone Number? (800) 252-7275 OR (251) 948-7275.
Online? Yes, Reservations are available through Alabama State Parks
How Far Ahead can you make a reservation? Reservations can be made one year to the date in advance. Reservations for holiday/event weekends should be made at least 3 months in advance.
Sites can only be booked for a maximum of 14 nights per site.
Monthly reservations can be made for November through March only, and can only be made by phone or in person at the Park Headquarters
There is a 3-night minimum on all bookings during special events and holiday weekends. All 3 nights will be charged at the time of reservation and are nonrefundable.
Reservation dates may be changed twice after the original reservation. After that, the 1st-night deposit would be forfeited
Campground Amenities
Gulf State Park Campground is an amazing campground with amenities you don't often find in state park campgrounds!!!!
These amenities include 11 modern air-conditioned bathhouses, a camp store, laundry facilities, swimming pool with splash pad, tennis/pickleball courts, horseshoes, volleyball, Nature Center, and ongoing weekly activities.
The campground has amazing access to incredible hiking and biking trails.
Dump Station: Yes
Bear Boxes: No
Flush Toilets: Yes
Payphone: Yes
Firewood: Available near the campground
Is cellular Phone Service Available? Yes
Is there a camp host available on site? Yes
Amenities at each campsite: picnic tables, pedestal grill tops
Fire pit on the site? No, but there are pedestal grill tops
Picnic Table in the site? Yes
Potable Water? Yes
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.
RV Camping at Gulf State Campground
Gulf State Park Campground is perfect for RV Camping. There are hooks ups available at every site. The sites are either back in or pull through depending on the loop in the campground.
There is ample space between campsites for a comfortable environment. The bathrooms have showers if you do not want to shower in your RV. There is a laundry facility onsite.
RV Length: RVs up to 45 feet in length
Generators: Full hookups in the campground
Campground Regulations
The maximum number of people in a campsite:
The number of cars per campsite: Only 2 vehicles allowed per site and they must be registered at arrival.
Check-in Time: 11:00 am
Checkout time: 4:00 pm
Quiet Hours:
The minimum age to rent a site is 18 years old.
A 2nd tent is allowed on a site, either with another tent or with an RV, only if it is for children under the age of 18 years.
There will be an additional charge of $5.00 per night plus tax for the 2nd tent.
Registered guests only after 10 pm -all guests not staying in the campground will need to leave before 10 pm.
Photos of Gulf State Campground
Primitive Campsites
Gulf State Park Trails access
There is easy access to many of the Gulf State Park trails, including the trail to the beach.
We will be sharing a ton of coverage on Gulf Shores and Orange Beach! We truly love this part of the country and can't wait to return for another visit.
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tours
These are some of our favorite tours available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama.
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.
Where to stay when visiting Gulf Shores/ Orange Beach/ Perdido Key Area
We Live In the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area and have spent time in several hotels while looking at homes and planning to move to this area. Some even offer a discount! I loved each one for seperate reasons but if you are into the outdoors, check out the Cabins & Eagle Cottages at Gulf State Park first.
Gulf State Park Cabins and Eagle Cottages- These swoon-worthy cabins are located right on Lake Shelby in Gulf Shores, Alabama! They offer numerous amenities, stunning views, and are situated in a perfect location to explore this incredible area. Be warned, you will not want to leave!
Click here to book your stay at the Gulf State Park Cabins.
Click here to learn more/book your stay at Gulf State Park Eagle Cottages.
The Beach Club Resort and Spa (Fort Morgan): This resort offers beachfront condos with amazing amenities and a great spa. Don't miss dinner at Coast Restaurant.
Use Code - GULFJOURNEY for a discount when booking with Spectrum Resort.
Turquoise Place Luxury Vacation Rentals (Orange Beach): This is our favorite resort in the area! It offers luxury amenities, epic beachfront views, and unbelievable condos.
Use Code - GULFJOURNEY for a discount when booking with Spectrum Resort.
Click on the map below to see current hotel and vacation rental rates near Perdido Key.
Island House Hotel Orange Beach - a DoubleTree by Hilton- Located by the ocean, Island House Hotel Orange Beach - a DoubleTree by Hilton offers a 4-star experience. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a coffee shop/cafe, bar, and dry cleaning/laundry services. The onsite restaurant, Island House, boasts ocean views and hosts happy hour. All guests have access to free in-room WiFi, a 24-hour gym, and a business center for their convenience.
Best Western Premier The Tides - Discover the rejuvenated Best Western Premier The Tides, a 3-star eco-certified hotel that underwent renovations in 2021. Immerse yourself in a delightful experience with a complimentary breakfast buffet, unwind at the poolside bar or terrace, and indulge in relaxation at the hot tub. Stay connected with the convenience of free in-room WiFi and take advantage of additional amenities including laundry facilities and a bar for your enjoyment.
Additional Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Resources
Gulf Shores Restaurant Guide - Check out all of the amazing restaurants you can enjoy while staying in Gulf State Park.
Best Things to do in Gulf Shores - All of the things you don't want to miss during your visit to Gulf Shores/Orange Beach.
Dolphin Cruise in Gulf Shores - Hit the water and look for Bottlenose Dolphins, or maybe watch the Blue Angels flyover.
Perdido Key State Park - A really fun Florida State Park just down the street from Gulf State Park.
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