The campground at Gulf State Park has long been recognized as one of the biggest for RV enthusiasts, with nearly 500 paved, full hook-up campsites.
The campground can now officially be considered one of America’s best.
Gulf State Park’s campground is ranked among the nation’s 10 best, according to the USA TODAY 10Best2025 Readers’ Choice Award for Best RV Campground. The official announcement was made today by USA Today.
“If you want to understand why our state is called ‘Alabama the Beautiful,’ all you have to do is visit Gulf State Park,” said Chris Blankenship, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “The campground stays full year-round, and that’s a testament to the work of our incredible, dedicated staff. It’s especially gratifying to see others recognize how special the park is and for the campground to receive this national award.”
Gulf State Park draws more than 3 million visitors a year, and the campground — located a short walk or bike ride from the park’s sugar-white beaches — ranks among the park’s top attractions.
Reservations for Gulf State Park and all Alabama State Parks can be made online by clicking on the “Plan Your Alabama State Parks Adventure Online” portal on the State Parks’ homepage.
The recognition for the Gulf State Park campground marks the second time this year the park has garnered national respect from the 2025 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Just last month, the Hugh S. Banyon Backcountry Trail was named America’s top recreational trail for the third consecutive year.
The City of Gulf Shores was also named the nation’s No. 6 Best Coastal Small Town in the USA today 10 Best 2025 Readers’ Choice Award program.
The Gulf State Park Campground accommodates virtually all of today’s modern RVs, including ones with pull-outs, thanks to all of the current camping pads measuring at least 45 feet and some as large as 65 feet. The campground also features 11 recently updated air-conditioned bathhouses, swimming pool with splashpad, tennis/pickleball courts, horseshoe courts, volleyball courts and a nature center.
The Gulf State Park Campground is also expanding, with contractors building more than 100 new campsites on land that previously served as a golf course. The expansion, which is expected to be completed in 2026, will offer a “luxury-style campground” with larger campsites and 100 feet of space between each one, a clubhouse, putting green, pool and splashpad as well as other amenities.
“We are excited about the campground expansion, because it can be difficult for people to reserve a spot, especially during the peak summer travel season,” Alabama State Parks Director Matthew Capps said. “It’s rewarding to know the campground is considered one of the nation’s best, and we’re committed to making it even better in the future.”
Gulf State Park Pier also re-opened its iconic fishing pier in 2024 after undergoing a $13.6 million renovation. Hurricane Sally destroyed a 200-foot section of the pier and caused other damage in September 2020. The Iconic Beach Pavilion underwent an extensive renovation last year as well.
“Gulf State Park is one of our state’s natural treasures, and we truly appreciate this national recognition for the campground,” Blankenship said.
