Gulf State Park-Alabama

Gulf State Park-Alabama Official page of Gulf State Park. Gulf State Park offers a 496-site improved campground with 11 modern bathhouses.
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The campground offers: pull-thru sites, back-in sites, water front campsites, and ADA accessible sites. All sites have water, sewer and electric (20,30, & 50 amp). All sites have a picnic table and pedestal grill. There is a laundry facility located beside the camp store to accommodate our guests. There are two playgrounds located in the campground. The park also features an amazing nature center

with scheduled weekly events that specialize in educating the public on the local flora and fauna. Trails and Picnic Areas: Sunrise to Sunset

Offices: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Another exciting bird sighting recently at Lake Shelby Overlook! Check out this beautiful Purple Gallinule. While this s...
06/07/2026

Another exciting bird sighting recently at Lake Shelby Overlook! Check out this beautiful Purple Gallinule. While this species is common in coastal areas, we rarely see them in the park, making this a special treat.

Fun fact: According to Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Purple Gallinules can build up to four different nests, although only one is used for laying and incubating eggs.

📸: Hannah Russell, Alabama State Parks

Check out our lineup for our Stars and Stripes celebration on our first day of the event, July 3rd. We have a pet & bik...
06/06/2026

Check out our lineup for our Stars and Stripes celebration on our first day of the event, July 3rd. We have a pet & bike parade with a pet contest, art vendors, and an awesome music line up featuring: The Bitter End Band, The Virtues, and the Funky Lampshades! Come check it out!

Nothing beats summer sunsets on the Gulf Coast! Check out this great photo that was captured while presenting an animal ...
06/05/2026

Nothing beats summer sunsets on the Gulf Coast!

Check out this great photo that was captured while presenting an animal program on the terrace at The Lodge at Gulf State Park. You know it’s a beautiful sunset when even the hawk seems to stop and admire the view!

📸: Hillary Bryan, Alabama State Parks

06/04/2026

Sometimes you don't realize what you are missing until you slow down and look around! Slowing down increases the likelihood of spotting wildlife and helps protect the animals that call these trails home.

This time of year, animals are constantly on the move, and you never know what may be crossing the trail ahead - gopher tortoises, turtles, rabbits, snakes, alligators, and more. A slower pace helps keep both visitors and wildlife safe!

Come join us at Shark Fest, June 25 - 27, 2026, at the Gulf State Park Pier! We will have several activities and present...
06/03/2026

Come join us at Shark Fest, June 25 - 27, 2026, at the Gulf State Park Pier! We will have several activities and presentations throughout the three days. Register online to secure your spot at https://tinyurl.com/5fa7aymx!

Mississippi State University Marine Fisheries Ecology

Make memories with family and friends while enjoying all the festivities by planning your stay at https://tinyurl.com/Bo...
06/03/2026

Make memories with family and friends while enjoying all the festivities by planning your stay at https://tinyurl.com/BookGulf

Enjoy delicious food trucks, browse unique offerings from art vendors, and take in live entertainment as we celebrate together.

Check out the event details here: https://tinyurl.com/mpwyrv42

In celebration of National Trails Day, join our naturalist on Saturday, June 6, 2026, for a leisurely guided walk throug...
06/02/2026

In celebration of National Trails Day, join our naturalist on Saturday, June 6, 2026, for a leisurely guided walk through one of our favorite trails, Gulf Oak Ridge. This scenic trail is known for its sprawling live oaks, Spanish moss, cool shade, and unmistakable southern charm.

Click the link to learn more! https://reserve.alapark.com/register/guided-hike--gulf-oak-ridge-gsp

Photo: Hannah Russell, Alabama State Parks

Fellow birders, if you want to see a Least Bittern, one has been frequenting the canal next to Lake Shelby Overlook. It ...
06/01/2026

Fellow birders, if you want to see a Least Bittern, one has been frequenting the canal next to Lake Shelby Overlook. It can often be spotted in the grasses along the water’s edge or while carefully walking across the lily pads.

Fun fact: The area between a Least Bittern’s eye and beak, called the loral area, is unfeathered and can change color depending on the bird’s behavior. It is usually yellow, but during breeding season, this patch may flush bright red.

Photos: Hannah Russell, Alabama State Parks

Does this sight look familiar? If you’ve visited our beaches over the last couple of weeks, you’ve probably noticed sarg...
05/30/2026

Does this sight look familiar? If you’ve visited our beaches over the last couple of weeks, you’ve probably noticed sargassum washing ashore, so we thought we’d share a few interesting facts about it!

Most of the sargassum that washes up on our beaches is a free-floating seaweed that forms large mats out in the Gulf. Believe it or not, it is actually a type of brown macroalgae.

While it may not seem ideal when you’re hoping for a picture-perfect beach photo, sargassum plays an important role in our coastal ecosystem. Out in the Gulf, these floating mats provide shelter and protection for juvenile marine life, including sea turtles, crabs, seahorses, and fish. Once it washes ashore, it helps return nutrients to the beach and supports the health of our shoreline ecosystem.

So the next time you spot sargassum along the beach, remember, it’s more than just seaweed. It’s an important part of a healthy and thriving coast!

Photo: Hannah Russell, Alabama State Parks

Address

20115 State Park Road
Gulf Shores, AL
36542

Telephone

(251) 948-7275

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