Last Updated: February 24, 2017
We only had a couple of days at Gulf State Park, and it rained for most of them — so this isn’t an exhaustive account. But even a rainy short stay at one of Alabama’s largest state parks gives you a sense of the scale. Gulf State Park covers 11.5 square miles of Alabama’s Gulf Coast, with 2.5 miles of white sand beach, a 1,540-foot fishing pier, miles of paved trails, and enough campsites to house a small city.
The Park
Gulf State Park opened in 1939 after the federal government donated the land to Alabama. It was largely destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004 — a storm that reshaped this stretch of coast dramatically. The rebuilt park added a new 1,540-foot pier extending into the Gulf, a 5,000-square-foot swimming pool, an interactive nature center, and a beach pavilion, along with a renovated campground. A private operator runs zip-line tours and kayak and paddleboard rentals on Lake Shelby, the freshwater lake inside the park’s boundaries. There are 20 cabins, 11 cottages, and 496 campsites for RVs and tents. Still no spa, hot tub, food trucks, or wifi — but we’re starting to think that’s just the state of state parks.
Camping
Our site was large enough, private, and quiet — impressive given that roughly 500 sites surround you. No need to close the shades at night, which is always a good sign. Full hookups, showers, recycling bins, and paved bike paths throughout. The one minor complaint: the asphalt pad was smaller than ideal, which meant more sand and gravel tracking into the motorhome than we’d have liked. Some sites in the park have larger pads — worth requesting one at booking if you’re particular about that.
Sandy’s Walk & Bike Ride
Between rain showers, Sandy got out for a walk with Jake along the trails and followed it up with a bike ride on the paved paths. The park’s trail system is one of its genuine strengths — flat, wide, and well-maintained, connecting the campground to the beach and winding through the pine and oak hammocks in between. The boardwalk over the dunes is worth the trip even in gray weather.
The Playground Next to the Alligator Water
The park has a playground, which is fine — except that whoever sited it chose the spot directly adjacent to a freshwater lake known to have alligators. We didn’t see any during our visit, but the signage was there. Seems like a bold design choice. The kids appeared unconcerned.
Great Blue Herons & the Fish Cleaning Station
The park has a fish cleaning station near the beach, and the local Great Blue Herons have completely figured it out. They station themselves nearby and wait — not for fish in the water, but for scraps from whoever is cleaning their catch. A fisherman nearby had taken three sheephead using ghost shrimp as bait off the beach. The herons were watching with professional interest.
Visitor Information
Gulf State Park
Address: 20115 State Hwy 135, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Phone: (251) 948-7275
Hours: Open year-round; beach and trails accessible daily
Admission: Day-use fee applies; camping and cabin rates vary
Camping: Full-hookup RV sites, tent sites, cabins, and cottages; reservations at alapark.com
Website: alapark.com/gulf-state-park
Practical Tips
Request a site with a larger asphalt pad when booking if sand management matters to you — the pads vary noticeably across the campground. The paved trail network is excellent for cyclists and is one of the best reasons to bring bikes. The 1,540-foot fishing pier is a highlight regardless of whether you fish — it’s a good sunset walk when the weather cooperates. Lake Shelby kayak and paddleboard rentals are operated by a private concessionaire, so availability and hours vary by season. Keep an eye out for alligators near any of the freshwater areas, particularly around Lake Shelby.
