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Along the Alabama coast in the City of Gulf Shores, lies two miles of sugar white sand beaches, seashells and the sound of the rolling surf. Welcome to Gulf State Park. Home to over 6,000 acres of sparkling sand & sun, this park also offers modern and primitive camping, cottages, trails and fishing. There is something here for everyone, no matter what type of outdoor activities you enjoy, including tennis, an 18-hole golf course, a 900 acre lake for fishing, water skiing, and swimming, plenty of nature programs and picnic areas for taking a break from all the fun. The activity center, located in the campground, also provides free wireless internet access, for those of you that have to check in with work or family.

Located inside Gulf State Park is the Nature Center, a living museum of native plants and animals in the Gulf Coast region. Since the summer of 2005, after Hurricane Ivan, a native flower that was thought to be extinct in Alabama was spotted along the edge of the marsh in the Campground. The Scarlet hibiscus, also known as the Wild red mallow, is one of the most beautiful native flowers of North Amercia and has continued to bloom every year since its return. Through experiences that lead to understanding our connection to the natural world, Park Officials strive to expand the knowledge of the state’s natural resources to its visitors, hoping to inspire people to care for the environment. There are weekly programs, such as guided nature walks, pier walks, beach walks, and a nature time. These programs provide a multitude of learning opportunities for children and adults concerning Alabama’s Gulf Coast. In addition, through a volunteer program known as Share the Beach, the Nature Center works closely with the United States Fish & Wildlife Service helping to protect Alabama’s sea turtles.

Within walking distance of The Gulf State Park Golf Course are 11 new cottages. Nestled along the northern shore of Lake Shelby, these cottages are a mere two and a half from the beautiful snow-white beaches of Alabama. Each cottage contains three bedrooms with queen size beds, three bathrooms, a deck overlooking Lake Shelby and two screened porches. Amenities include a full kitchen with cookware, dishes and flatware, microwave, coffee pot, toaster, dishwasher, televisions with dvd/vcr combos and satellite. Included in a full weeks reservation, a supply of linens are provided, and towels and face cloths will be exchanged once. Smoking is not permitted inside the cottages and there is a no pet policy. Please call for reservations.

Gulf State Park offers 20 modern cabins, 16 (lakeside) cabins located on the Lake Shelby shores. The remaining four are referred to as (woods) cabins because they are surrounded by the beautiful longleaf pine and palmetto forest of coastal Alabama. The woods cabins offer one room with a separate kitchen and bathroom that sleeps four or a two-bedroom, one-bath that sleeps six. The lakeside cabins are two-bedroom, one-bath that sleeps four, or a three-bedroom, two-bath that sleeps six. Two of the lakeside cabins are handicapped accessible and all are elevated 12 feet above the ground. All cabins include screened porches, barbecue grills, picnic tables, full kitchen with cookware, dishes, flatware, microwave, coffee pot, toaster and televisions with satellite. Included in a weeks reservation are a supply of linens with towels and face cloths exchanged once. Pets and smoking are not allowed. Please call for reservations.

Pets are permitted on the trails and in the campground area, but must be kept on a leash at all times. Please do not bring pets of any kind into park facilities. Well behaved dogs are welcome. There are two dog friendly woods cabins available, by reservation, for an additional charge. Rules do apply.

In the Gulf State Park you will find 496 site improved campgrounds and modern bathhouses. All camping pads are paved for larger lots to accommodate RV’s with pullouts. Please call for reservations.

There is a beautiful new Beach Pavilion with a large concession stand open on a seasonal basis located in Gulf State Park. Year round the picnic tables are available for use under the pavilion, as well as air conditioned bathrooms with showers for beachgoers. If you’re searching for a location to host your sunset wedding, reunion, beach party or family/group outings, the pavilion is the perfect place. Rental is available seven days a week, excluding major holiday weekends during the summer. A permit is required to have your wedding ceremony on the beach. Call for rates, availability and reservations. Hours of operation are 7am to sunset year round for the Beach Pavilion and beach. Pets are not allowed.

Gulf State Park includes over 3.5 miles of beaches, in both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama. The beach in Gulf Shores can be accessed from the beach pavilion area and requires a $5 per car fee. All areas in Orange Beach are free of charge. Again, you must have a permit from Gulf State Park to hold a beach wedding.

For the avid fisherman, Lake Shelby provides freshwater fishing while saltwater fishing can be enjoying right from the beach. There is a mandatory fishing permit for Lake Shelby alongside an Alabama State fishing license. Cabin guests are not required to obtain the fishing permit.

For the golf enthusiast, Gulf State Park provides an 18-hole championship golf course, complete with proshop and snack bar, that is open seven days a week. Guests staying in a cabin, cottage or in the campgrounds receive a discounted price. Clubs and pull carts are available for rent.

As of July 23, 2009, Gulf State Park is home to the longest pier on the Gulf of Mexico, measuring 1540ft. New amenities have been added since the old pier was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan. These include indoor seating for concession area, comfort stations at the midpoint of the pier, indoor retail area for tackle and souvenirs and wheelchair accessible rail fishing. With over 2,400 feet of fishing space available along the rails, the pier offers plenty of room for everyone to enjoy. A saltwater fishing license is required for ages 16 and older, with the exception of Alabama residents ages 65 and up. A non-resident annual pier fishing license can now be purchased.

There are numerous attractions nearby to ensure everyone is having a great time. Waterville USA is a 20 acre Water and Amusement Park that the kids are sure to enjoy. For shopping and dining, visit the City of Gulf Shores, Alabama or the City of Orange Beach, Alabama. The ultimate shopper will have a blast at the nearby Foley Outlet Mall. Take a ride on the Mobille Bay Ferry or visit the Orange Beach Zoo. The history buff will be overjoyed to visit the USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park or Fort Morgan State Historic Site.

Looking to take in the beauty of nature? Go for a walk on one of the many unique trails in Gulf Resort State Park. All trails are level and easy to explore, but remember to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as it will get hot in the summer. Please keep in mind that in order to keep this world of beauty and nature, it is to remain wild and untouched. Put litter in its proper containers. Always stay alert and watch for alligators. They are dangerous. Do not approach them, even if they appear to be tame. Any wildlife may suddenly turn and cause serious injury. Never feed the alligators or other wildlife.

Whether you’re looking for a nice place to relax, enjoy nature and learn new things or you want to take the family somewhere they can all enjoy a wide variety of activities and dining, Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama is the ideal place to visit.

Gulf State Park
20115 State Hwy. 135
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-948-7275
1-800-ALA-PARK (1-800-252-7275)
251-948-7726 (fax)

Official Email: gulf.statepark@dcnr.alabama.gov
Official Website: http://www.alapark.com/GulfState/
Official Website- AL State Parks: http://www.alapark.com/
Official Website- AL Dept of Conservation: http://www.outdooralabama.com/
AL State Parks: http://www.stateparks.com/al.html
Gulf State Park on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_State_Park