~ Carmen

We love to go camping!  Recently, we spent three days camping in Gulf Shores, Alabama attending the National Shrimp Festival (see 5 Reasons to Go to the National Shrimp Festival).  This wasn’t our first rodeo.  It was so fun and memorable the last couple of visits, we continue to camp at Gulf Shores State Park year after year.  There are lots of affordable condos and other campgrounds, but we stay at the state park because:

1.  There is a variety of campsite options.

2.  There is variety of activities available at the campgrounds.

3.  Camping at the state park gives you access to beach facilities.

3 Reasons to Camp at Gulf Shores State Park

“Come see me at Gulf Shores!”

Our tent on a primitive site– $18 a night

1.  There is a variety campsite options.

Gulf Shores State Park has over four hundred camp sites.  That’s a whole lot of campers.  You’ll see every kind of camper from tent campers to full time RVers.  We’re talking about some big rigs!  All are welcome at the state park.

We’ve stayed at the primitive sites, where you are surrounded by trees and on your own for a power source (Bathroom facilities are just a short walk away).  We’ve also stayed at some of the full hook-up sites (water, electricity, and sewer).  There are also cottages and cabins available to rent.

The campground has 11 nice bathhouses.  No creepy-crawlies in the corners!  All of the standard campsites come with a grill and a picnic table.  The only amenity missing from the standard sites are fire rings or pits.  Campers may bring their own fire pit if it is at least 6 inches off of the ground.  I missed my campfire!

Our camper trailer at campsite #294– $40 a night

2.  There is variety of activities available at the campgrounds.

There is a wide offering of activities at Gulf Shores State Park to keep all family members busy from sunup to sundown.  My favorite part of the park are the miles of bike trails that go in and around the lake and marsh (heed the “Watch for alligators” signs).

Ranger programs are held daily at the nature center.

Bike rentals are available at the camp store.

Fish or boat off of “Middle Lake”.

2 tennis courts

Splash pool

Huge pool!

3.  Camping at the state park gives you access to beach facilities.

Gulf Shores Beach is just a short bike ride away from the campground.  Part of the state park is a huge section of the beach with parking, a pavilion, and a fishing pier.  When you camp at Gulf Shores State Park, you automatically have access to all of the facilities for no additional charge.  Others pay a “day use” fee.

LONG Fishing pier

Beach pavilion

Protected sand dunes

Watching the sunset from the pavilion

Have you ever been to the beaches on the Gulf of Mexico?  We’d love to hear your thoughts.  Please share by commenting below!  We’d also love to hear about any other campgrounds we should check out.

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~ Carmen

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