One of the most fun and cost-effective ways to enjoy the beach is to camp. Thankfully, camping at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama is fun, easy, and comfortable. Nestled along Alabama’s stunning Gulf Coast, Gulf State Park offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for camping enthusiasts. With miles of sugar-white beaches, scenic hiking and biking trails, and diverse wildlife, this coastal gem provides an unforgettable outdoor escape. From sunrise strolls on the beach to evenings around the campfire, this guide will help you make the most of your camping experience in one of Alabama’s most beautiful destinations.
When to Visit Gulf State Park
The campsites at Gulf State Park are open year-round, offering visitors the opportunity to camp in all seasons. Keep in mind that summers in Alabama get very hot. For that reason, I recommend planning your camping trip in the spring or fall so that you can enjoy the beach during the day but sleep comfortably during the cooler night. I recommend visiting in April-May. It’s always a good idea to check availability and make reservations in advance, especially during peak seasons like spring and summer.
How to Get to Gulf State Park
The airport closest to Gulf State Park is Pensacola (PNS) and is located about 35 miles from the park. The drive from the airport to the park takes about 50 minutes.
If you’re driving to the park, the drive is about 4 and a half hours from Birmingham, Alabama and about 5 and a half hours from Atlanta, Georgia.
Which Campsite Should I Choose at Gulf State Park?
Camping at Gulf State Park with an RV or Camper
Gulf State Park has 6 campgrounds named Campground A, B, C, D, E, and F. Most of the campsites within these campgrounds are about $70 per night and suit an RV, trailer, or camper with hookups for water, sewer, and electric plus a grill and picnic table. Campground C is closest to the pool and tennis courts. Some of the campsites in campgrounds A, B, and D are located along Middle Lake and offer great views. If you’re hoping to snag a campsite along Middle Lake, book one of these sites:
- Campground A: 11, 12, 469, 471, 473, 475, 477, 479, 481, 483, 485, 487, 489, 491, 493, 495, and 496
- Campground B: 13-17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, and 39
- Campground D: 220, 222, 224, 226, 227, 228, 233, 235, 237, 239, 241, 243, 245, 247
The remainder of the campsites within campgrounds A, B, C, D, E, and F are located just off of the paved road and close to shared bathrooms and biking trails. Make sure to check out the maps at Camping Reservations | Gulf State Park to choose the perfect campsite for you.
Tent Camping at Gulf State Park
The only “tent only” campsites in the park are sites 501-508 which are “primitive” campgrounds located within campground E. These sites are only $25 per night and are for tent camping only. There are no hookups. Campers and RVs are not permitted. These sites have a tent pad, fire pit, and picnic table. The campsites are tucked along the trees and are really beautiful and peaceful.
We stayed at primitive campsite #1, but sites #2-10 actually provide a little more privacy as site #1 is located along the intersection of two roads. All of the primitive sites are within walking distance to the restroom which is complete with sinks and showers. I highly recommend booking a primitive campsite if you want to save a little money and enjoy a peaceful evening in the park.
Book at: Camping Reservations | Gulf State Park
What to do at Gulf State Park
Ride Bicycles
To me, the best part of camping at Gulf State Park is enjoying the extensive bicycle trail system. Gulf State Park has over 28 miles of biking trails spread across nine interconnected trails within the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system. These trails wind through six distinct ecosystems, offering scenic views of lakes, dunes, wetlands, and forests.
Here are the nine trails in the park:
- Alligator Marsh Trail – 0.9 miles
- Armadillo Trail – 1.5 miles
- Bear Creek Trail – 2.1 miles
- Catman Trail – 3.0 miles
- Coyote Crossing – 0.4 miles
- Gopher Tortoise Trail – 1.5 miles
- Gulf Oak Ridge Trail – 2.2 miles
- Rattlesnake Ridge Trail – 1.7 miles
- Rosemary Dunes Trail – 2.1 miles
These paved trails are perfect for cyclists of all skill levels, offering a mix of easy and moderate rides with opportunities to see wildlife along the way.
We biked 12.2 miles along the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry trails and loved every minute of it. We rode through swamp lands, around Middle Lake, and across the board walk to the beach. I highly recommend bringing your bikes to Gulf State Park if you can. You can, of course, run or walk the trails as well.
Watch Sunset at Fort Morgan
I highly recommend spending the afternoon and evening in Fort Morgan. Fort Morgan is about a 30 minute drive from Gulf State park. Tour the historic site between 8am-5pm. Afterward, walk out to the bay, put a blanket down on the beach, and enjoy watching the sunset as ships take off from the port and blue herons fly by.
This was truly one of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever witnessed.
Go to Gulf State Park Beach
Of course, one of the best things to do while you camp at Gulf State Park is enjoy the beach! You’ll get free parking at Gulf State Park by just showing your camping pass. The parking lot is located across from the state park on Perdido Beach Boulevard. The beach is gorgeous and there’s nothing better than staying right across the street. Plus, with the showers available at Gulf State Park, sweat and sand is no problem.
Picnic at Shelby Lakes
Just down the street from Gulf State Park, you can find a lovely picnic table near Lake Shelby playground. Just because you’re camping doesn’t mean you have to eat hotdogs and smores the whole time. Gulf Shores has some delicious seafood options. I recommend grabbing some food to go and enjoying a picnic next to the lake.
Enjoy the Wildlife
Gulf State Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or kayaking, you’re likely to encounter some of the park’s animals.
I hoped to see an alligator while at Gulf State Park. I didn’t want to wake up with one next to my tent or anything, but I hoped to catch a glimpse of one of these fascinating creatures from a safe distance. Kyle and I got lucky on our last day in Gulf Shores. We spotted a baby gator while we were having a picnic out at Shelby Lakes. The cute little guy walked right past our picnic table and plopped into the water. Thankfully, his momma was nowhere near.
Wildlife You Might See at Gulf State Park
Reptiles & Amphibians
- Alligators – Commonly seen in the park’s lakes, marshes, and swamps.
- Gopher Tortoises – These protected species dig deep burrows and can be spotted along trails.
- Snakes – Mostly non-venomous species like rat snakes and water snakes, but watch for the occasional cottonmouth.
Birds
- Ospreys & Bald Eagles – Frequently seen soaring over Lake Shelby and the coastline.
- Herons, Egrets, & Pelicans – Common near wetlands and the beach.
- Red-Headed Woodpeckers & Warblers – Found along wooded trails.
Mammals
- White-Tailed Deer – Often spotted in the early morning or evening.
- Coyotes & Bobcats – More elusive but known to roam the park.
- Raccoons & Armadillos – Frequently seen foraging near campsites and trails.
Insects & Marine Life
- Butterflies & Dragonflies – Especially active in the wildflower areas.
- Dolphins – Can be seen off the coast in the Gulf of Mexico.
- Ghost Crabs & Sea Turtles – Along the beach, especially during nesting season (May–October for turtles).
The park is a designated conservation area, so wildlife is protected, and visitors are encouraged to observe from a safe distance. Whether you’re an avid wildlife watcher or just out for a casual stroll, Gulf State Park offers an incredible opportunity to experience Alabama’s wildlife.
I hope this post helps you plan an incredible trip to Gulf State Park.
Enjoy!
-Alanna