Planning Gulf Shores trip

[e5earley]

I'm planning a trip with the family to the Gulf Shores Alabama area for either June or July. Any recommendations for RV parks in the area?

[AWCHIEF]

I stay at the State Park when I visit. Nice facilities, good location and prices. Excellant swimming pool for when the summer heat gets too much to handle.

[RoadCessna]

Ditto Gulf State Park. Spent six nights there last July. Nice facility, clean, quiet, at a good price. But make your reservations early!

[Mrjkq]

Gulf Shore State Park.

[HowieE]

If you get as far a Fl. Top Sail State Park in Santa Rosa is as good as they get. 1 mile of beach and only 120 sites so the crowds will be small.

Make your reservation early for it an Gulf Shores

[BassCan]

Need to make your reservations now. Gulf State Park stays full in the summer.

[Jarrod White]

Gulf shores state park is good. If it is full, the top private park option in my opinion is Luxury RV Park in Gulf Shores. It is walking distance to beach and local shops and restaurants. There are many other options north of intercostal. Another option south of intercostal to east which is one of my favorites is the Perdido Cove RV resort.

[e5earley]

Thanks for the suggestions. Top Sail is booked until August. Gulf State Park is not accepting online reservations so I'll have to call in the morning. Hopefully they will have something. Worse case we'll head that way in August. Looked like several of the places had age restrictions on RV's. Not sure how strict they are with vintage airstreams.

[Protagonist]

There are other Alabama State Parks near the coast. I'm going to be staying at Meaher State Park at Spanish Fort, AL in a couple of weeks. Not on the beach, but the next closest state park. The park's address is on Battleship Parkway, and even though it's on the other side of Mobile Bay, it's a straight shot to the battleship memorial in Mobile.

Or if you're willing to go a little further east, you've got Fort Pickens Campground at the eastern end of the Gulf Islands National Seashore near Pensacola Beach.

[Boxite]

Originally Posted by RoadCessna

Ditto Gulf State Park. Spent six nights there last July. Nice facility, clean, quiet, at a good price. But make your reservations early!

Yep! Wife and I parked next door to RoadCessna and our entire group had great experiences at Gulf State ParK!

[BassCan]

The state park has closed a portion of County Road 2 (state park road) a back route leading into the park.
Part of the road is now a continuation of the BackCountry Bike Trail.
The only entrance to Gulf State Park is along Beach Blvd (the 4 lane highway along the beach). Just turn at the intersection of County Road 2 and Beach Blvd.
If your navigation system takes you the back way and not through town till you reach Beach Blvd you will not be able to get through.

[greghoro]

Originally Posted by Protagonist

Or if you're willing to go a little further east, you've got Fort Pickens Campground at the eastern end of the Gulf Islands National Seashore near Pensacola Beach.

And a bit west in Mississippi is the sister Gulf Islands National Seashore campground to Fort Pickens, Davis Bayou. Smaller than Fort Pickens and near a lot more things to do without driving far. And the price is right, especially if you have a US Park Service senior pass.

Greg

[tjansen]

There is an Airstream park just north of Pensacola. Looks nice I have not stayed there. Inexpensive, Storage, work camping. 30 miles to shore. http://pensacolaflorida.wbcci.net

[jalewis]

As been recommended, Gulf State Park would be most desirable for your destination. They do stay booked, however, so be sure to call. Fort Pickens has been rebuilding the entrance road and may not be open. Mystic Springs is an Airstream Park with full hookups 30 miles north of Pensacola but about 50 miles from Gulf Shores, Al. The luxury RV parks mentioned are really nice but too pricey for us. YMMV!

Jim Lewis
WBCCI 5652
Pensacola, FL

[DOCBloom]

There is a small park called Bay Breeze half way to fort morgan if you like quiet is real nice

[loudruff]

Originally Posted by e5earley

Thanks for the suggestions. Top Sail is booked until August. Gulf State Park is not accepting online reservations so I'll have to call in the morning. Hopefully they will have something. Worse case we'll head that way in August. Looked like several of the places had age restrictions on RV's. Not sure how strict they are with vintage airstreams.

Try out Rocky Bayou/Fred Gannon SP at Niceville, FL. It is across the Bay Bridge from Top Sail. It has beach "sister" privileges at Henderson. It is clean and has large camping sites. Nice walking trails and shower/bathrooms. Crossing the bridge costs $4. last time we were there. It was not nearly as expensive as Top Sail. A little gem.

[Jarrod White]

Notwithstanding the name, the Luxury RV Park rate is going to about the same as the state park. In fact, with rising state park rates and the reserve America fee for Florida state parks (particularly for short stays), private parks compare favorably for price. Topsail is almost $50 a night. State parks are still my first choice due to layout and privacy but I just want to make sure there isn't a false assumption on price.
I've stayed at almost all of the other parks mentioned and they are all good. It really comes down to location and where you want to be.

[loudruff]

We had a great time at Ft. Pickens SP. Very good prices, esp. if you are a senior.

[tjansen]

Most states have 6 months out, as the the start for making reservations. Here in Co. they are gone in 2 weeks. Plan ahead.
Best of luck.

[e5earley]

Looks like most beachside parks are booked through June. We were able to get in at Johnny's Lakeside RV. June 12 - 18. Looks to be about 10 minutes from beach. But has nice pool and water slides for the kids.