Gulf Coast RV Parks
Traveling by RV is one of the most fun ways to travel — especially if you’re heading to the beach. Imagine driving your home-on-wheels right onto sugar white sand and waking up each morning with a view of bright blue water. At many of the Gulf Coast’s RV parks, you can do that and more. If you don’t have your own RV but are interested to see if the RV life is for you, you can rent an RV from RVshare, the first and largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace. Like the Airbnb of RVs, the company has more than 100,000 RVs for rent of every size, shape, and color. Much of their inventory can be delivered directly to your RV Park destination, in case you prefer to drive your own vehicle to the park. Many rentals are pet friendly. So get your RV ready, pick the RV resort that’s best for you, and head to the coast! From beachfront spots to resort-style amenities to sunsets over the bay, here are the 10 best Gulf Coast RV parks.
GULF COAST RV PARKS IN FLORIDA
HENDERSON BEACH STATE PARK
If you’re already a fan of RV friendly state parks you’re absolutely going to love this one. Nestled along the white sands of Destin, Florida Henderson Beach State Park is often referred to as “The Gem of the Emerald Coast” and once you drive onto this property you will quickly understand why. Because of its location smackdab in the middle of Destin, this fantastic park is easily accessible for day trips and camping alike. Henderson Beach State Park’s pristine 1.2 miles of sugar white coastline is a calm retreat tucked within the urban sprawl of the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” and offers a quiet escape from some of the more crowded public beach access points around town.
Within Henderson Beach State Park, there are over 60 campsites that can accommodate everything from a small tent to a large 60ft RV. Each site includes water and electric hookups, and everything you need to spend a weekend or a week, without actually roughing it. Henderson’s bathing facilities are air conditioned and heated, as needed, and there are coin operated washers, dryers, and vending machines on site. Want to experience a picnic at the park? Henderson’s six pavilions make for a great place to hang out with your family or friends, and just enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Among its many features, this park offers a ¾ mile pet-friendly hiking trail that winds through the coastal scrub and atop the dunes. While engulfed in the beauty and tranquility of Henderson Beach State Park it’s easy to forget how close you are to shopping, restaurants, and entertainment venues, however from the nature trail’s highest point you are quickly reminded of the busy world beyond the trails, vegetation, wildlife and park amenities. If convenience is an issue for you, then this is one of the best parks you will ever find anywhere… even along these beautiful beach towns that make up the Alabama and Northwest Florida Gulf Coast.
Grayton Beach State Park
This park along scenic highway 30A includes a one-mile beach, walking and biking trails, and 61 full hookup sites along two loops. The upper loop is paved and has no trees, making it ideal for larger rigs, while the lower wooded loop is better for smaller RVs and those who want shade and privacy. Another unique thing about this campground: it’s located on one of the area’s rare coastal dune lakes. Learn more about Grayton Beach State Park.
Pensacola Beach RV Park
This beautiful, beachfront RV park is located on a barrier island between Santa Rosa Sound and the Gulf Coast. It’s got a laid-back vibe and a tiki theme. The 72 spots surround a clubhouse and pool, and the beach is just steps away from the lots that aren’t directly beachfront. Guests may reserve a standard, deluxe or one of the 17 premiums sites located directly on the Santa Rosa Sound. Pensacola Beach RV Resort also provides complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas for its guests.
St George Island State Park
Along Florida’s “Forgotten Coast” is St. George Island State Park, with nine miles of undeveloped beaches and dunes surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and Apalachicola Bay. The park occupies 2,023 acres at the end of a long, narrow barrier island, and is a combination of sandy coves, salt marshes, shady pines, and oak forests. There are 60 sites equipped with water, electricity, and a dump station.
Camp Gulf
You can literally drive onto the beach at Camp Gulf in Miramar and park your RV there. Every morning you’ll be able to step out your RV’s front door and put your toes directly into the sparkling white sand. The hot spots are obviously on the beach, but all of this Gulf Coast RV park’s 200 spots are just a minute’s walk from it.
Emerald Coast RV Beach Resort
For RV luxury on the panhandle, the spot to be is Emerald Coast RV Beach Resort. The family-friendly resort in Panama City Beach has a great selection of big-rig-friendly sites available with concrete pads and patios areas that include back-in and pull-through availability. Premium, lakefront RV sites include a patio set, charcoal grill, and an extra-long paver pad. You’ll be able to enjoy amenities such as two heated pools, a hot tub, fitness center, and bocce ball and volleyball courts.
GULF COAST RV PARKS IN ALABAMA
Gulf State Park
With two miles of beaches, trees draped in Spanish moss, and paved walking paths, Gulf State Park is one of the most popular camping destinations in Gulf Shores. The park has just under 500 full hookup sites and 11 bathhouses, which allows for plenty of booking options. The campground includes amenities such as laundry facilities, a camp store, a nature center with weekly activities, a swimming pool, and volleyball, tennis, and horseshoe courts.
Buena Vista Luxury Coastal RV Resort
No one said RV camping meant roughing it. At this luxury RV resort sandwiched between Orange Beach and Gulf State Park, you’ll find 111 RV lots spread out among 32 acres and surrounded by beautiful landscaping. Buena Vista RV Resort also includes an outdoor pool, lazy river, a lake stocked with bass and bream, a dog park, and a 6,000-square-foot clubhouse with an indoor heated pool, hot tub, and fitness room.
Bay Breeze RV Park
The best spot to watch the sunset is from Bay Breeze RV Park. Located on Mobile Bay, this park offers 25 full-service RV spots, as well as three rental RVs for those who don’t have their own. Most sites have a view of Mobile Bay with beach access within just a few minutes’ walk. In addition to the Gulf Shores Public Beach just a few minutes away, Bay Breeze has a natural beach, sun deck, and fishing dock, along with an area to tie your boat.
Sugar Sands RV Resort
Sugar Sands RV Resort in Gulf Shores is especially popular with families. The retro-inspired resort includes 82 sites with full hookups and is pet friendly. There are plenty of amenities that families can enjoy, including a pool, splash bad, playground, fitness center, firepits, and shuffleboard. The 5,000-square-foot ‘Rec House’ on site includes a full kitchen, TVs, a fireplace, and six roll-up doors. And there are always planned activities going on!
Bella Terra of Gulf Shores
You’ll feel like you’re at the Ritz-Carlton at this RV resort in Foley. You can rent or buy one of four RV lot types at Bella Terra: lakefront, terraced, coach estate, or pull-through lots. All have beautiful views and access to the resort’s five-star amenities, including a zero-entry infinity pool, jacuzzi, sauna, fully-stocked lake, on-site laundry, concierge service, and fenced dog parks. Guests also can enjoy a 6,000-square-foot clubhouse with firepits, grills, and a private movie theater.
About RVshare: RVshare is the first and largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace. With more than 100,000 vehicles available, RVshare’s diverse inventory ranges from affordable travel trailers to luxury motorhomes and can accommodate any outdoor adventure, whether it’s a weekend of camping or a cross-country tour of national parks. In addition to offering a unique travel experience, RVshare provides RV owners in North America the opportunity to turn their RV into a second income. RVshare allows for RV owners to generate revenue, up to $40,000 per year, on an otherwise unused vehicle.
When traveler's rent through RVshare, they can relax knowing every trip comes with 24/7 Emergency roadside assistance. RVshare Rental Insurance covers both domestic and international renters and provides collision and comprehensive coverage. The company offers rentals in all 50 states, with one-way rentals available.
(This article was originally written by Julia in 2021 and updated in 2022 by BeachGuide editors.)
Published on Monday, February 21, 2022