Gulf State Park

Waves Crashing at the Beach at Gulf State Park
Family Enjoys the Backcountry Trails at Gulf State Park
Twin Bridges Trail Illuminated By the Sun Close to Dusk. Photo by Farren Dell
Osprey Soars Through the Sky. Photo by Farren Dell
Conradina Blooming in the Park. Photo by Farren Dell
Middle Lake Overlook Boardwalk
Yellow Bellied Slider in a Pond. Photo by Farren Dell

PARK ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The Gulf State Park Pier is open! 

Please note that the pier’s elevated observation deck will remain closed until a new elevator is installed to make it accessible for all guests. 

 

All minors 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult. 

Pier Access Fees: 

Parking: $10.00, all day
 
Sightseeing (All Day)
Adult – $3.00
Veteran – Free
Children under 12 years – Free
Gulf State Park Campground/Lodge Guests – Free
 
Fishing (All Day)
Adult – $10.00
Veteran – $7.00
Campground/Lodge Guest – $7.00
Children under 12 years – Free

Weekly Fishing Permit – $41.00
Monthly Fishing Permit – $81.00
Six Month Fishing Permit – $161.00
Annual Fishing Permit – $321.00

Please note that the pier’s elevated observation deck will remain closed until a new elevator is installed to make it accessible for all guests. 
 
Anglers must possess a valid fishing license.

 

Recreation

There is something for everyone at Gulf State Park. The beach pavilion provides picnic tables as an escape from the beach, the nature center is a great place for the kids to learn, the swimming pool provides refreshment for our guests and the Lake Shelby day-use area offers kayaking and canoeing. For a change of pace while visiting, check out the fishing and education pier, miles of biking on the Backcountry trail, beautiful flowers in the butterfly garden, and additional education at the Learning Campus or Interpretive Center.


Gulf State Park has a multitude of activities to participate in that includes hiking. biking, fishing, exploring, geocaching, paddling, and more!  Beach vendors are available to plan activities such as parasailing and kayaking. 


Use the ADCNR Interactive Map to learn more about the Alabama State Parks.


Use this park map to help you make your plans. 

 

Accommodations

 

Reconstruction of The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel, is complete, and new hostel-style accommodations are available nearby as well. The Lakeside Cabins and Eagle Cottages are also available for overnight stays. Longleaf pines and the local palmetto forest surround our four “woods cabins”. Remaining “lakeside cabins” along Lake Shelby offer swimming, fishing, and sunrise walks right outside your front door. And with recent trail enhancements, waking up to jog or bike ride is easier than ever.


The park’s 20 cabins provide guests with beautiful views of Lake Shelby or the beautiful longleaf pines and the palmetto forest of coastal Alabama.


Guests choose to stay at Eagle Cottages because of all the fishing, swimming, boating, and other activities found along the shores of Lake Shelby. This 900-acre freshwater lake is one of the closest to saltwater along the Gulf of Mexico.


From canvas tents to full hook-up RV sites, camping comes naturally to our guests. We offer a 496-site improved campground including 11 modern bathhouses, pull-thru sites, back-in sites, waterfront campsites, and ADA accessible sites. Our paved camping pads fit large RV’s and provide full hookups with water, sewer, electricity, a picnic table, and pedestal grill. The park even has 3 new “glamping” sites and 11 primitive camping sites that include stone campfire rings, grill tops, and picnic tables nestled among the trees and along the creek.

 

AREA ATTRACTIONS

The park’s close proximity to Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Foley, Fairhope and Mobile, provides Gulf State Park with several retail and restaurant options to choose from. The Five Rivers Delta Resource Center, Weeks Bay Reserve, The USS Alabama and Meaher State Park are all within driving distance.

Use the ADCNR Interactive Map to learn more about the Alabama State Parks.

Gulf State Park 2024 Tripadvisor Traveler's Choice Award