Camping in Gulf Shores, Alabama
A complete guide to camping in Gulf Shores
Photo Credit: S Van Elk
Overview
Gulf Shores sits on Alabama's 32-mile Gulf Coast, a barrier island strip of white sand beach between the Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Waterway. The town draws beach campers and winter RV residents from across the Southeast, with a camping scene split between large private RV resorts and Gulf State Park, the anchor public campground for the coast.
Gulf State Park Campground provides the primary public option with sites in maritime forest behind the dunes and beach access via boardwalks. The park covers 6,150 acres with 28 miles of trails, a fishing pier, and a freshwater lake. Island Retreat RV Park, Luxury RV Resort, and Gulf Breeze RV Resort serve the RV crowd with full-hookup sites, many oriented toward seasonal and long-term stays. Sugar Sands RV Resort and Bay Breeze RV on the Bay add waterfront RV options along the back bay. Doc's RV Park rounds out the established options.
The beach itself is the primary draw. Fine white quartz sand, warm Gulf water from June through September, and a gradual shelf that stays shallow for 100 yards make this coast accessible for families. Sun Outdoors Orange Beach in neighboring Orange Beach adds a branded option to the corridor. Orange Beach extends the camping corridor east with additional campgrounds and charter fishing operations.
Weather & Best Seasons
Best months: March through May and September through November
Spring warms into the 70s and 80s with Gulf water reaching swimming temperature by May. Summer is hot and humid with daily afternoon thunderstorms, but the Gulf stays calm and warm through September. Hurricane season runs June through November. Fall brings the best camping conditions with warm water, comfortable air, and reduced crowds. Winter is mild (January averages 52 degrees) and draws a loyal RV snowbird population that fills campgrounds from November through March.
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