I just love Gulf State Park boondocking, they have two miles of beaches, a spacious campground and a brand new Lodge to greet you. Yes, we have gorgeous white sand, surging surf, seagulls and a variety of activities, but there is more than sand and surf to sink your toes into. You can stay in the campground but it can be a bit costly or you can choose one of our great Gulf State Park boondocking in the first section. This is one of our favorite boondocking spots for winter when we head down south to beat the cold.
It’s perfect for taking in the breathtaking natural splendor of Alabama’s Gulf Coast, with new trailheads and rest areas, as well as interpretative and wayfinding information along the way. Additionally, it is accessible to people of all physical abilities. Parking your vehicle will allow you to embark on amazing hikes of all kinds.
Want more ideas to round-out your trip to Alabama and Surrounding States?
► Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee ◄
- 29 Free Alabama Boondocking Locations
- 90 Free Florida Boondocking – RV Parking and Camping Sites
- 77 Great Georgia Boondocking – Free RV Parking & Camping Locations
- 87 Best Mississippi Boondocking and Free RV Parking Spots
- 34 Free Tennessee Boondocking – Camping Spots & RV Parking
12 Great Gulf State Park Boondocking Locations
check out our video
1. Free Gulf State Park Boondocking – Mississippi Rest Area Picnic and Parking Cul de Sac.
Gautier, Mississippi
GPS: 30.43644, -88.622458
Elevation: 23′
Rest Area (Official)
Gulf State Park Boondocking Rest Area with bathrooms, vending machines, trash, dumping station and overnight security. Despite “No Overnight Parking” signs, it is permitted. This seems to be a trend with other MS rest stops along RT 10. We were happy to find this one because unlike others where the picnic areas were very close to truck parking or along the exit of the rest area, this one has a culdisac in the back where very few cars even travel by. The road in is Paved. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited.
Amenities:
Dump Station
Picnic Tables
Restrooms
Trash Cans
2. Free Gulf State Park Boondocking Locations – Moss Point RA
Moss Point, Mississippi
GPS: 30.462366, -88.434303
Elevation: 20′
Rest Area
Normally I wouldn’t add a rest area but this one is a bit different. There is an area behind the truck parking with paved aprons, shelters, trash cans, and picnic tables. I think anything larger than 35′ wouldn’t fit and would have to park in the truck parking area. The road in is Paved. Moss Point RA is open year-round. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is any. Pretty niche Gulf State Park Boondocking area if you are coming, going or arriving late.
Amenities:
Dump Station
Picnic Tables
Restrooms
3. Free Gulf State Park Camping Spots – Alabama Rest Area Welcome Center
Grand Bay, Alabama
GPS: 30.47797, -88.38932
Elevation: 46′
Rest Area
Not sure why this gem of a Gulf State Park Boondocking spot is not on Free Campsites, Rest areas are generally noisy and not our preferred stop while traveling but this one is far from your average rest area. the welcome center is architecturally beautiful and the parking areas huge with several paved and well lighted parking lots for cars, RV’s and Semi-truck parking but No trouble finding quiet areas to park and rest. 2 Dump stations and plenty of water spigots to refill the tanks, vending machines inside, trash receptacles, during daytime hours friendly folks running the welcome area inside and running around day and night (security?)
4. Free Gulf State Park Boondocking – Wal-Mart
Pensacola, Florida
GPS: 30.36017, -87.3613
Elevation: 26′
Retail Store
Got in around midnight and did not want to look for a Gulf State Park Boondocking spot that late. There were some other vans and a few RVs parked in the back of the lot near the gas station. Nice, quiet spot. The road in is Paved. Wal-Mart is open year round. The maximum RV length at Wal-Mart is unlimited. You may stay overnight at Wal-Mart.
5. Free Gulf State Park Boondocking Locations – Walmart – Pensacola, FL
Gulf Breeze, Florida
GPS: 30.364926, -87.168443
Elevation: 16′
Super tight parking lot. Only recommend for vans .. maybe pop-ups if you’re desperate.
6. Free Gulf State Park Camping Spots – Wilderness Landing Park
Baker, Florida
GPS: 30.802824, -86.767187
County Park
Best Gulf State Park Boondocking RV park, friendly camp host, hot showers and flush toilets that are clean, 25 acres to park and camp, trails available, beach area by black water river, sounds to good to be true but it is, may stay 14 days in a 30 day period, no Verizon service but some AT&T or Cricket service.
Amenities:
BBQ Grill
Boat Ramp
Restrooms
Showers
Trash Cans
7. Free Gulf State Park Boondocking – Blackwater State Forest Boat Ramp
Holt, Florida
GPS: 30.710808, -86.866233
Elevation: 32′
Fish and Wildlife Service
Great location at this Gulf State Park Boondocking spot. We camped in our 31 foot RV at a sport right by the boat ramp. Stayed a few nights, no problems. The park rangers are very nice and knowledgeable. Great views. Make sure you check out the trails and bring your camera 🙂 There is free primitive camping here. The entrance is about 100yds past the State Park main entrance.
Amenities:
Boat Ramp
Near Water
8. Free Gulf State Park Boondocking Locations – Williams Lake Boat Ramp
Jay, Florida
GPS: 30.877305, -87.291967
Elevation: 36′
Fish and Wildlife Service
Great Gulf State Park Boondocking and free camping location but you have to drive a few miles on a red clay road! There are about 5 designated campsites with nice grass, picnic tables and porta-potty & fire rings. Concrete boat ramp is in great shape. The road in is Dirt and 4.6 miles from a paved road. There are 1-5 campsites at this location. You may stay 14 days at Williams Lake Boat Ramp.
Amenities:
Boat Ramp
Fire Ring
Near Water
Picnic Tables
Restrooms
9. Free Gulf State Park Camping Spots – Mystic Springs WMD
591 Mystic Springs Road
McDavid, Florida
GPS: 30.853569, -87.314057
Elevation: 36′
Florida Water Management
The Mystic Springs Recreation Area includes a boat ramp, day-use area, a group campsite and eight individual campsites that are available by reservation only. The recreation area offers picnic tables, fire rings, trails, charcoal grills and portable toilets The road in is Paved. There are 6-15 campsites at this location. You may stay 7 days at Mystic Springs WMD. dont miss this Gulf State Park Boondocking spot.
Amenities:
Boat Ramp
Fire Ring
Near Water
Picnic Tables
Restrooms
Trash Cans
10. Free Gulf State Park Boondocking – Sandy Landing Escambia River
Jay, Florida
GPS: 30.82178, -87.296382
Elevation: 30′
Fish and Wildlife Service
Best overall Gulf State Park Boondocking facility on the east side of the river. Best river view from camping spots. Nice. Great boat ramp, camping spaces, porta potty, fire rings, picnic tables…. It also has the shortest dirt road of all the Water management sites on the east side of the river. The road in is Dirt. There are 1-5 campsites at this location. You may stay 14 days at Sandy Landing Escambia River.
Amenities:
Boat Ramp
Fire Ring
Near Water
Picnic Tables
Restrooms
11. Free Gulf State Park Boondocking Locations – Webb Landing Ramp
Webb Landing Road
Molino, Florida
GPS: 30.731876, -87.285081
Elevation: 17′
Fish and Wildlife Service
Free camping in the swamp at this Gulf State Park Boondocking spot. Boat launch into the Escambia River. Long dirt road in. Get here via Gin road at Chumuckla springs rd. Follow Gin Road all the way and the last half mile or so it changes to Web Landing road. Google maps will send you down dead ends with no place to turn around. The road in is Dirt and 5.8 miles from a paved road. There are 1-5 campsites at this location. You may stay 14 days at Webb Landing Ramp.
Amenities:
Boat Ramp
Near Water
12. Free Gulf State Park Camping Spots – Otto Hill
Cantonment, Florida
GPS: 30.669025, -87.402128
Elevation: 32′
Public
Otto Hill is location on the Perdido River off Jack’s Branch Road in the Perdido River WMA. The campsite includes a portable toilet, pavilion, access to the bank of the river. This campsite is available by reservation only. Otto Hill is subject to flooding at certain times of the year and may be closed temporarily during times of high water. There are 1-5 campsites at this Gulf State Park Boondocking location.
Amenities:
BBQ Grill
Near Water
Picnic Tables
Restrooms
Gulf State Park Discount Paid and Permit Sites
1. Pascagoula River WMA – Graham Lake
All persons using this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing
an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife
Management Area User Permit. Cost $15 Year for Residents and $30 Non-Residents.
2010 Wade Vancleave Road
Vancleave, Mississippi
GPS: 30.617243, -88.63569
Elevation: 13′
Fish and Wildlife Service
The road in is Gravel. The maximum RV length at Pascagoula River WMA – Graham Lake is 18 feet.
2. Blakeley State Park – Harper
Spanish Fort, Alabama
GPS: 30.7412, -87.913906
Elevation: 72′
State Park
Blakeley State Park – Harper is open all year. You may stay 5 days at Blakeley State Park – Harper. Tent Camping Only. Our individual and family tent campground, located in a wooded, central area of the park. It features large individual campsites, each equipped with a fire ring and picnic table. No utilities but restrooms with shower facilities nearby. Rates: $10 per night for adults/$5 for kids ages 6-12, with a $20 minimum. Includes park admission. Up to 8 people per site. (5 night maximum)
Amenities:
Drinking Water
Pets Welcome
Restrooms
Showers
3. Rainbow Plantation – SKP Park
10341 CR 28
Summerdale, Alabama
GPS: 30.45791, -87.780297
Elevation: 93′
Privately Owned Campground
Non-members are welcome at this Escapees membership park. They can dry camp in a tent or RV for one night per year. The fee is $12. Full hookup campsites are $27.50/night. Non-members are welcome to longer stays in them. Weekly and monthly rates are also available. The road in is Paved. Rainbow Plantation – SKP Park is open year-round. There are 30 or more campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay one night at Rainbow Plantation – SKP Park.
Amenities:
Drinking Water
Dump Station
Laundry
Pay Phone
Restrooms
Showers
Trash Cans
Campgrounds Located Inside Gulf State Park
1. State Park Campground Improved Camping
Open year-round.
All sites have 30 / 50-amp electric connections, water and sewer hookups and WIFI.
Access to bathhouses.
Lake-front sites available. Some sites
Located 1.5 miles from the white sand beaches, Gulf State Park Campground offers 496 improved full – hookup campsites with paved pads and with 11 primitive sites. Tents are welcome on all sites.
All full hookup camping pads are large enough for RVs with pullouts and have picnic tables, pedestal grill tops (no fire rings yet but you are welcome to bring your own that are above ground). There are 11 modern, air-conditioned bathhouses throughout the Campground.
Amenities:
11 bath houses (6 of these are currently being renovated)
Laundry facilities
Access to trails that connect to all 28 miles of trails
Camps tore with food, firewood, camping supplies, souvenirs, bike rentals and more for sale
Nature Center with native flora and fauna displays and ongoing weekly activities
Swimming pool with splash pad
Tennis/pickle ball courts
Horseshoe courts
Volleyball courts
2. Outpost Campsites Cost $50 Night
These campsites are ideal for those who love to primitive camp. Each of the 3 military style tents are already set up for you, with 4 cots inside. (Each campsite includes firewood.) There are bathrooms and a shower on site for Outpost guests only.
The Outpost has a sink that can be used to wash dishes and provide water. We feel that the water is clean, but we can not guarantee it is drinkable water. This is a primitive camping area, and is located 1.5 miles along the trail, not on the beach – there is no electric and you have to walk or bike in (or you can pull a wagon in)!! Law Enforcement will be patrolling the area several times during the day and evening.
Each tent is $50 per night. Reservations can be made up to 1 year prior in advance. There is a 2 night minimum stay on all bookings during festivals, holidays, special events and all weekends. The maximum length of stay per site is 14 nights. Each outpost allow 4 people per site, 6-guests max with an additional tent.
3. Primitive Campsites Cost $11 Per Night
Open year-round.
Tent sites located off of main road.
Short walk to several bathhouses.
Easy trail access.
History of Gulf State Park
Local landowners and the US government donated the region that would become Gulf State Park in the early 1930s. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was contracted to create the Park between 1933 and 1939 as a part of the nationwide public labor relief program put in place by President Roosevelt’s New Deal to provide much-needed training and employment during the Great Depression.
The young men slept in giant tents until more permanent housing could be constructed and were paid $1 per day, the majority of which was returned home to help feed their families. Some of the remains of the previous CCC work camp, the old hut foundations, the barracks, and the sawmill are still visible close to the Learning Campus. A fascinating collection of tales and pictures are on display in the modest museum building at the Park’s western gate.
The CCC erected a beachfront casino with a dance hall and snack shop, a bunkhouse for the summertime residence of the lifeguards, trails, and other things.
History of Gulf State Park
Local landowners and the US government donated the region that would become Gulf State Park in the early 1930s. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was contracted to create the Park between 1933 and 1939 as a part of the nationwide public labor relief program put in place by President Roosevelt’s New Deal to provide much-needed training and employment during the Great Depression.
The young men slept in giant tents until more permanent housing could be constructed and were paid $1 per day, the majority of which was returned home to help feed their families. Some of the remains of the previous CCC work camp, the old hut foundations, the barracks, and the sawmill are still visible close to the Learning Campus. A fascinating collection of tales and pictures are on display in the modest museum building at the Park’s western gate.
The CCC erected a beachfront casino with a dance hall and snack shop, a bunkhouse for the summertime residence of the lifeguards, trails, and other things.
Things to Do Near Gulf State Park!
Gulf State Park is one of 21 Alabama State Parks! Don’t miss all of the National Parks in Alabama.
1. Segway Tours
Want to explore Gulf State Park in a fun new way? Check out the two hours Segway tours offered by Coastal Segway Adventures!
These tours travel through six different ecosystems along seven trails including the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail so you can see many of the amazing natural sites within the park.
You will see hardwood forests, sparkling freshwater lakes, and dense bogs and swamps as you travel through the park.
Don’t worry if you have never ridden a Segway every tour starts with lessons so you are safe and comfortable during the tour.
Riders must be 12 years old to participate in the tour.
2. Hiking and Biking Trails
There are close to 28 miles of trails that cross through nine ecosystems within the park. The park is home to many rare and endangered species including White-topped pitcher plants, gopher tortoises, and Bald Eagles.
24 miles of trails are paved within the park.
3. Fishing
You have the opportunity to enjoy both fresh and saltwater fishing in Gulf State Park.
There is amazing saltwater fishing from the Gulf State Park Fishing Pier and freshwater fishing in Lake Shelby.
The fee to fish from Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier does not include an Alabama saltwater and/or pier fishing license.
Purchase a fishing license online
Daily: $9.00
Weekly: $41.00
Monthly: $81.00
Semiannual: $161.00
Annual: $321.00
4. Hit the Beach
There are 3.5 miles of white sand beaches in Gulf State Park that are just waiting for you to enjoy them. As your toes bury themselves in the sugary white sand of the beach and the waves slowly approach the coast, it is time to enter paradise.
You can rent beach equipment and have it delivered to and picked up from your hotel or beach house if you don’t want to lug all of your beach gear. The Coleman Cooler, beach tables, and beach chairs are all included in beach package deals! Ft. Morgan, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Perdido Key all provide service.
You may also arrange a baby beach necessities rental if you are traveling with a child, which will come with everything you need to take your child to the beach. Beach toys, a baby beach tent, a beach table, and other necessities are included.
As a part of the government New Deal initiative, the Civilian Conservation Corps initially built Gulf State Park. Visit the original camp site to hear more about the daily struggles these young men faced while converting this wilderness into a park that is open to the public. It is necessary to register in advance.
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