5 Scenic RV Campgrounds on Alabama’s Gulf Coast (2024)

You don’t need to go to Florida for a beach vacation. In Southern Alabama along the Gulf of Mexico are lesser-known beach towns, like Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. They’re situated on 32 miles of coastline with turquoise waters and sandy beaches.

While the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico are the main draw, there are other activities for families, RVers, and students visiting for spring break. Hike through Gulf State Park, visit the alligators at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, or eat seafood and watch the sunset at a seaside cafe.

The best time to visit the Gulf Coast in Alabama is from March to October. Plan for heavier traffic during the summer. Consider navigating your RV via the Baldwin/Foley Beach Express rather than Alabama Highway 59 to avoid traffic backlogs.

1. Gulf State Park, Orange Beach

Gulf State Park’s proximity to local beaches like Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Foley is unmatched and worth the stay.

The park offers full hookup RV sites, glamping sites, and primitive sites. The grounds have 11 bathrooms, and sites are large enough for big rigs with pull-through, back-in, and waterfront options.

Campers and visitors have access to hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, kayaking, and even educational opportunities about the local ecosystem. Be sure to book your site ahead of time as this is a popular campground.

2. Sun Outdoors Orange Beach, Orange Beach

Sun Outdoors Orange Beach (formerly Pandion Ridge RV Resort) is a luxury resort located in Orange Beach. It has 30 acres for camping, swimming, hiking, exercising at the fitness center, and long-term stays. The grounds offer full-service bathrooms, full hookups, WiFi, big rig access, and laundry.

This resort is an ideal place to stay if you’re visiting for local festivals, golf courses, or family vacations. “This place was great! Very clean. The park connects to the backcountry trail system which was awesome for a bike ride or walk,” according to a Campendium reviewer. “Location was perfect and close to lots of local attractions. We rode bikes all the way to the beach. Pool, hot tub, and volleyball courts. Sites were large. We would stay here again.”

3. Luxury RV Resort, Gulf Shores

The Luxury RV Resort in Gulf Shores overlooks the quiet serene beauty of Alabama’s wetlands. Beyond the wetlands, the resort is in a central location. It’s within walking distance to Waterville USA amusem*nt park, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, and The Hangout, a popular beachside restaurant. Plus, don’t forget the ocean lapping at the town of Gulf Shore.

You’ll find full hookups, full-service bathrooms, laundry, a swimming pool, WiFi, and other amenities here.

4. Bay Breeze RV on the Bay, Gulf Shores

The Bay Breeze RV on the Bay website promises “another day in paradise,” with Mobile Bay greeting you every morning.

The grounds offer full-service RV sites, cabins, cottages, RV rentals, and even a four-bedroom house. Each spot has shade, picnic tables, and a view of Mobile Bay. When staying at Bay Breeze RV on the Bay, campers can expect full-service bathrooms, a dog park, laundry, WiFi, and beach access.

There’s also a two-story dock on the premises that is a perfect escape to watch the sunrise and spy on wildlife in the area. The Bay Breeze RV on the Bay experience is quiet, quaint, and local.

5. Pelican Nest RV Resort & Campground, Dauphin Island

Pelican Nest RV Resort & Campground is located on Dauphin Island, which is also home to the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, where neotropical migrant birds rest during the spring and fall shoulder seasons.

Aside from a prime location for campers, the grounds have full hookups, WiFi, big rig accessibility, full-service bathrooms, laundry, and a swimming pool. Nearby, you’ll find the Isle Dauphin Golf Club, tennis courts, Fort Gaines, and the Sea Lab Estuarium where you can touch and view sea creatures native to the area.

While Alabama is known for its hospitality, football, and food, it’s also home to the Gulf of Mexico coastline. It’s a lesser-known vacation destination of beaches, seaside towns, and premiere campgrounds with luxury amenities and incredible views. Get off the main drag, book a scenic site, and experience the best Gulf Coast beach camping in Alabama.