Prepare to be blown away, literally and figuratively. I had no idea what was waiting for me when we headed out for our Gulf State Park Spring Break Trip. The amenities and activities offered were far beyond anything I have experienced at a State Park, thus far. In some ways, it felt more like a resort than a park which is exactly what the Alabama State Park’s website calls them, resorts. 

This post is a longer one, as I wanted to provide comprehensive information to help you plan your trip. If you do not have time to read it all right now, simply “Pin It” for later!

Getting to Gulf State Park

This was by far our longest RV haul. There are a variety of routes to travel from DFW to Gulf State Park. We elected to travel primarily on interstates: I-20 to I-49 to I-10. We stopped in Shreveport, Louisiana the first night. Overall, it took us about 14 hours to make the trip with a top speed of 65 miles per hour. Traffic was heavy through Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Know before you go: If Buc-ees is your thing, know you will pass by three on this route. Due to quarantine, most of the food places in Louisiana were drive-through only. Not an easy option with an RV, so we ended up having meals at gas stations and Target.

The Facilities at Gulf State Park

It seems that with every new campsite I visit, there are things that I wish I would have known before my trip. Even though I always check out the campsites’ web pages, there are details missing that would have been helpful to have in advance. Here are some facility specifics every RVer would want to know.

Check In Procedures

We had a little trouble finding where to check in at night. GPS the address in your confirmation email and avoid our mistake. The speed limit is an odd 26 miles per hour and well enforced. I know, right? Watch your speed. Park in one of the lanes on the right and walk up to the office with your driver’s license and plate #. The lane to the left is for campers who have already checked in. Attendants quickly check those vehicle’s window stickers and wave them through. 

Campfires

Our site did not have a fire ring. I was told that this was true of all the sites, but that some areas have community fire rings. We were glad that we brought our new Solo Stove, which is quickly becoming one of my most loved camping essentials. They sell firewood for about $7.00 a bundle, but they were out when we went to purchase. Firewood can not be brought in from other states. Gathering fallen limbs for firewood is allowed, but of course no cutting from trees. Our children eagerly gathered sticks and limbs from the wood to try out our new SoloStove. There was no shortage of supply on the ground.

RV Pad Layout

Our site was spacious with a large paved area, a picnic table, charcoal grill, and required minimal leveling. That appeared to be true of most all the sites. I recommend bringing long hoses, specifically the sewer hose. We were not able to back up as far as we would have liked in our spot due to the center placement of the hookups.

Site Location Tips

We stayed at site #121. A short little path through the trees leads straight to the pool, laundry room, and other amenities. However, it is on the main road with lots of traffic and noise. There is a restroom right across the street, but it was closed for renovation while we were there. Next time, I would like to try and find a spot nestled back in the park or even on Middle Lake.

Things to do

Inside Gulf State Park

1. Bike and Walking Trails: Gulf State Park has 28 miles of paved trails with pathways leading to the beach and several off road trails they call the Backcountry Trails. We only explored maybe 5 miles during our week’s stay. I’m anxious to go back and see everything we missed. Know before you go: You don’t have to bring your own bike or rent one, just bring your smartphone. Next to the Woodside Restaurant (more on that later), there is a bike sharing station. Just download the Bloom Bike Share app, pick your bike, scan the code, and check one out for up to three hours for free! If you want a longer ride, you can pay for more time or rent a bike from the camp store.
2. Wildlife Viewing: Throughout the park there are many opportunities to observe wildlife. Our favorite was Lefty, the three legged gator mamma. Know before you go: We received a lot of conflicting information on where we could find Lefty in this 6,500 acre park and consequently went on a few disappointing goose (or gator) chases. Lefty hangs out in the Marsh off Rosemary Dunes Trail between Crosspark Trail and the small playground. There will be signs posted when you are getting close. There is also a Bald Eagle conservation area in that vicinity. If you are lucky you may spot one or a family! Babies hatched during our visit. 
3. Nature Center: The Nature Center offers learning programs and homes many small animals. Know before you go: Pick up a schedule as soon as you get there to find out when and what sessions will be offered during your stay. Be sure to explore under the Nature Center to catch a glimpse of some pretty distinguished birds.
4. Exercise Classes: On the schedule you pick up at the Nature Center you will find the times and locations for exercise classes. Know before you go: Pack your own light weight dumbbells and a yoga mat.
5. Heated Pool: My kids would have spent the entire vacation in this pool if I would have let them. Even though the pool is heated to 82 degrees, it was still a bit chilly for me. The kids didn’t mind and I enjoyed a good book in the sun. Know before you go: Your kids may to want to spend a lot of time here and must be supervised. If the splash pad isn’t on, just ask. The attendant will happily turn it on.
6. Woodside Restaurant: There is a restaurant right inside the park! More than a restaurant, it is a place for games, outdoor dining, fire pits, live music, and community. Know before you go: Click for menu 
7. Geocaching: We found three geocaches hidden in the park! There are many more, especially if you have the paid version of the app. Know before you go: Bring little trinkets to trade out treasures. We left some good ones!
8. Campfire Cooking: I like to try at least one new recipe every time we camp. This time we did cream cheese and jelly sandwiches grilled over an open flame. They were a hit! Know before you go: See Campfires paragraph above.
9. Make New Friends: Our new best friends pulled up right next to us only a few moments after we arrived. We hung out with them most of the trip and had nice little chats with several other families. RV campers are uniquely friendly in that way. Know before you go: Camping themed T-shirts are a great way to make friends.
10. Butterfly Garden: If you take a walk down the main road, Campground Trail, as far as you can go, you will run into the Butterfly Garden. The flower garden is stunning and there are rock climbing structures for the kids. However, I did not see any butterflies. Know before you go: There is a restroom close to the gardens, might come in handy after the long trek.
11. Playground: There are play structures scattered throughout the park. We found some at the Woodside Restaurant, the Butterfly Garden, and on Rosemary Dunes Trail not too far from Lefty, the alligator.  Know before you go: The playground by the pool was a bit of a disappointment. The swings were too high and the monkey bars were slick due to the humidity.
12. Dock Fishing: Grab your poles and some bait. Middle Lake is a relaxing place to throw in a line. We picked up worms at Walmart just a few miles from the park. Know before you go: You can even ride your bike to Walmart.
13. Horseshoes: Several mornings a week you can play in horseshoe tournaments.
14. Volleyball: Start your own game or join in on park hosted games.
15. Paddle Ball: We didn’t take part in this one, but the courts were hopping every morning.
16. Camper Devotion: If you will be in town on a Sunday morning, you can attend a worship service by the lake.
17. Segway Tours: This is a fun way to see the park. This one wasn’t for us either, I prefer the bike, but we saw a lot of people doing it and looked to be having a great time.

Venture Out

Even with as much as gulf shores has to offer, you are going to want to venture out into the town of Gulf Shores and possibly a little farther.

18. The Beach: A trip to Gulf Shores would not be complete without some beach time. During our week vacation in March, we were able to catch a few good hours of sunny beach weather. The majority of our trip it was too cold and windy at the beach to be enjoyable. Know before you go: There are a couple of ways to access the beach for free. Campers staying at Gulf State Park can park free at the Beach Pavillion across the street and also at the The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel. 

19. Fishing Pier: Your residence at Gulf State Park also gives you access to the fishing pier. Know before you go: Look closely in the water around the pier and you can see sharks circling, waiting for chum.

20.The Warf: The Warf is a lively place with shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Every night there is a stunning laser light show choreographed to upbeat music. 

21. Ferris Wheel: The Warf is home to one of the tallest Ferris Wheel in the Southeast.

22. Souvenir Shopping: As in most beach towns, there are souvenir shops on every corner. We found that Alvin’s Island had the best prices for mainstream souvenirs. If you are looking for something different, there are many boutiques and thrift shops in the area.

23. The Hangout: The Hangout is a restaurant and party place with funky decor such as entire walls decorated with back to back Hot Wheels, Pez dispensers, and rubber duckies. It is kid friendly with a large sand mountain and live bands. Know before you go: If you go in the summer, make a reservation for the Pirates and Princess breakfast buffet!

24. Flora-Bama: There is just something cool about being in two places at once. The state line passes right through the property. Flora-Bama is a restaurant, bar, and music venue that has been around since 1964.

25. Sweet Treats: We found Kayden’s Candy Factory that has ice cream, donuts, and fudge! I mean, something for each meal of the day. Am I right? They even have wine and beer pairings. We went in the middle of the afternoon, so opted for ice cream. 

Conclusion

We have camped in 12 places this first year of owning an RV. I normally prefer camping in new places, but this one I would repeat in a heartbeat. That is saying a lot when you lump in some of the cabin glamping experiences we have had this year. My next visit to Gulf State Park will be later in the Spring or an early Summer trip. Know before you leave: Gulf State Park offers RV storage for $2/day!

Love a good beach camping trip? Check out this lesser known Texas Beach spot, Port O”Conner.

I am always looking for a good beach camping trip and would love it if you shared your favorite beach camping spots in the comments below.