Something magical happens when you visit the Alabama Gulf Coast. The moment you arrive, the world starts to fade away. Maybe it's the sound of waves gently lapping the shore or the smell of coconut oil. Perhaps it's the white sand Gulf Coast beaches and  sparkling emerald water. Suddenly building sandcastles moves to the top of your "to-do" list. You remember just how much fun your spouse is. You find yourself laughing at your son's "Knock, knock" joke, even though you've heard it a zillion times.  Okay, okay, so that is the "official" travel and tourism description but it really is pretty darn close. Who knew Alabama had such beautiful beaches!

We stayed at  Gulf State Park located in the city of Gulf Shores on the coast of Alabama. The white sun-kissed beaches, a surging surf, seagulls and seashells greet you at Gulf State Park. Consisting of 6,150 acres with two miles of sugar white sand beaches, Gulf State Park has modern and primitive camping, cottages, trails and fishing. There is also tennis, group pavilions, 18-hole golf course, 900 acre lake for fishing, swimming, and water skiing, nature programs and picnic areas.

Gulf State Park offers a 496-site improved campground with modern bathhouses. The campgound is approximately 1-1/2 miles from the Gulf beaches. All camping pads are paved with larger lots for RV's with pullouts.

$30 for site on the lake

*HINTS: Great campground to ride bikes, cool trails, store area and bathhouse was being renovated when we were there. Parking for the beach if at the base of the road but we went across the street to the new pavilion for easier access to the beach, although we did have to pay for parking it was worth it to have access to the car/cooler/etc

Campground is on a beautiful lake area that is across the street from the beach. You have to drive to the beach through the road access.