The best river, stream, or creek glamping near Gulf Shores, Alabama

Looking for a glamorous camping or "glamping" experience near Gulf Shores, Alabama with easy access to a river? Hipcamp has over 125 options that match your criteria! Some of the top campsites in the area include Bay Forest Retreat (148 reviews), The Wandering Path (103 reviews), and Larry & Sheila D.’s Blackwater G (56 reviews). With an average price per night of $50 and options as low as $25, you're sure to find a spot that fits your budget. Popular amenities include pets, potable water, and showers, while popular activities include whitewater paddling, paddling, and wildlife watching.

99% (320)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking for a glamorous camping or "glamping" experience near Gulf Shores, Alabama with easy access to a river? Hipcamp has over 125 options that match your criteria! Some of the top campsites in the area include Bay Forest Retreat (148 reviews), The Wandering Path (103 reviews), and Larry & Sheila D.’s Blackwater G (56 reviews). With an average price per night of $50 and options as low as $25, you're sure to find a spot that fits your budget. Popular amenities include pets, potable water, and showers, while popular activities include whitewater paddling, paddling, and wildlife watching.

99% (320)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Bay Forest Retreat

96%

(362)

49mi from Gulf Shores · 7 sites · Tents, Lodging · Navarre, FL

Explore 11+ acres of rustic and untamed woods. We are a military veteran family who enjoys the land as a place for family and friends to explore, camp, and relax at the 250+ feet of the East Bay beach. We do not have WiFi, but we do have 5g service throughout the 11 acre property. Our camping sites DO NOT have electricity These are hike-in only campsites ☺️ Primitive camping is permitted at designated wooded high grounds in the middle of the property. It is a 5 and 10-minute rugged hike in to the middle ground respectively. The trail remains under development, so please bring close-toed shoes or boots for hiking throughout the property (depending on rainfall, there may be mud and water). We have two primitive campsites these campsites are first come first serve, they are not assigned when booking. Plesea see pictures. Our Glamper tent is a 10x12 canvas furnished full size bed with bedding, pillows and enough floor space for two sleeping bags. The tens are located off a short trial, but rugged 2-minute hike from the parking area. We provide the opportunity to go camping without having to pack the tent. Closed toed shoes are highly suggested as well as plenty of lighting with batteries or solar charging capability. This is a rugged, fun and serene camping experience. Locates justminutes from the Emerald Coast - 7 mins to Navarre Beach, - 30 mins to Pensacola Beach, - 15 mins to Naval Live Oaks, - 45 mins to Fort Pickens, - 50 mins to NAS Pensacola, - 45 mins to Santa Rosa Island, - 35 mins to Okaloosa Island, - 40 mins to Destin. Recommended local restaurants: St. Michael's Brewery which has rotating food trucks and is family friendly, Ye Olde Brothers Brewery, Dewey Destin’s, Andy D's on Navarre Beach, Stripe's Pub, Johnny Huston's, Windjammers, TC’s Front Porch, Deb’s Coffee, The Eatery food truck park, Top’s Burgers, and New York Pizza Depot. Other sightseeing in the area includes: Museums: National Naval Aviation Museum, Air Force Armament Museum, Fort Pickens, Indian Temple Mound Museum, Pensacola Museum of Art, Museum of Industry, and Destin History & Fishing Museum Additional activities include: Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, HH Arts Gallery, Emerald Coast Science Center, Gulf Breeze Zoo, and Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.

2. Gulf Shores Waterfront RV Getaway

97%

(34)

2.2mi from Gulf Shores · 3 sites · RVs, Lodging · Gulf Shores, AL

WELCOME TO PLASH ISLAND'S "OSPREY LANDING" RV PARK ON OYSTER BAY. BRING YOUR RV AND FAMILY AND ENJOY FISHING, KAYAKING AND SWIMMING. FURRY FAMILY IS WELCOME! CANOE TO OYSTER BAY TO SEE BOATS, DOLPHINS AND WET A LINE. WATCH THE AMAZING SUNSETS, BIRDS AND THE MULLET JUMPING RIGHT FROM YOUR PATIO. PLASH ISLAND IS LOCATED IN GULF SHORES ON OYSTER BAY AND IS ABOUT 8 MINUTES FROM THE BEAUTIFUL SANDY BEACHES. ENJOY OUR BOAT LAUNCH! GOLF CARTS AND FURRY FAMILY ARE WELCOME. THIS SPOT IS CLOSEST TO THE WATER. TMOBLE PROVIDES WIFI PASSWORD Oneram2482 WE ARE LOCATED 3 MILES WEST OF LULU'S. FULL HOOK UPS PROVIDED. WE OFFER 1 RV PAD WITH FULL HOOKUPS. WE HAVE ANOTHER LISTING WITH A VINTAGE RV FOR RENT.

3. Sandy Creek Resort

100%

(5)

9.2mi from Gulf Shores · 1 site · Lodging · Elberta, AL

Nesteled in nature on few acres in the valley of Sandy Creek. Our healing center offers accommodation, restorative yoga, deep meditations and breath work, magical sound baths and Icebath. Property has ample trails to wonder around to star-gaze or just connect with mother Earth bare foot. Beautiful deep creek offers kayaking, paddle boarding, rope swing or fishing. Our Glamping Yurt sleep maximum of 4 peple, has Heat and Air conditioning, Refrigerator, coffee maker, Wifi and blue tooth speaker. It is very Dreamy, you will love it.

4. War Wagon on FOB Pelican

47mi from Gulf Shores · 1 site · Lodging · Milton, FL

The War Wagon @ FOB Pelican is located one mile north of I-10 off Exit 28. The Vietnam era truck is under a shaded cover and equipped with a queen size bed, ac, tv, coffee maker, refrigerator and wifi. The property’ amenities are available to guests. Outside under cover bar, trolley car bar, kayaks, canoes and floats. We’re on the water with a small beach for kayak launching and a boat tie-up area. We’re close to the beaches, downtown Milton, and Pensacola. Our property features a dock with boat access to the Blackwater River and the surrounding bay. There is additional lodging available on FOB Pelican. Guests can enjoy free use of canoes, kayaks, and floats. There’s an air-conditioned trolley bar overlooking the water, plus a covered outdoor bar area with a TV and hot tub. Milton offers great bars and restaurants nearby, and you can even have food delivered from Domino’s or Walmart. You’ll feel like you’re in a remote Florida bayou, yet still close to everything.

5. FOB Pelican on the bayou War Wagon

100%

(4)

47mi from Gulf Shores · 3 sites · Lodging · Milton, FL

FOB Pelican is a small peninsula surrounded by Little Pelican Bayou. We have an airstream camper, sleeps 3, an M109a3 army truck, sleeps 2 with an adjacent shower and restroom. FOB Pelican has an air conditioned trolley car converted into a bar that overlooks the bayou and a larger outdoor bar that overlooks the bayou. We also have a small beach with canoes and kayaks. There’s feeders that attract numerous turtles and fish to watch at feeding times. The bayou leads out to the Blackwater River accessing downtown Milton river walk or go south into the bay and Pensacola. We have an RV electrical and water hookup as well.

Stories from the community

Baking biscuits with the dry heat method on my coleman stove.

S

Scarlett

2 weeks ago

1 night at Bay Forest Retreat

Secluded and private getaway from the norm. My fiance and I slept really hard. The host was super nice & helpful!

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Sarah

3 weeks ago

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Sandy Creek Resort

The place was absolutely fantastic. We really enjoyed the yurt, the hot tub, kayaks, the goats, the list goes on and on. Would absolutely stay again!

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Amanda

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Bay Forest Retreat

I loved this hidden gem! I was traveling and decided to call it a night and this spot was perfect for me. The host was extremely helpful and led me straight to the spot in the dark. I will be back! Thank you again, Hillary!

Haylee

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Bay Forest Retreat

The space was very secluded and clean. We would come again!

R

Rachel

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bay Forest Retreat

Great place to stay! It was quiet, clean, the tent smelled great which I don’t expect camping. It was just what I look for. Secluded enough to not be shoulder to shoulder but it had all the convenient amenities. We will be back!

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Amaury

October 2025

2 nights at Bay Forest Retreat

Kids loved having their own tent. The parents got Glamper 1 and the boys got Glamper 2. Great setup. We will be coming back.

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Amaury

October 2025

With kids

2 nights at Bay Forest Retreat

What a wonderful place tucked away next to the bay. Our host was very helpful and nice. 2 Adults and 3 kids stayed in both of the glamping tents. The camping experience by far was even more pleasant than we had imagined. Navarre beach and a several night at here will be something we do again. Bring your kayaks and explore the East Bay river. What a treasure!

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Tabitha

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Bay Forest Retreat

Everything was good. Bed was comfy. Fire pit, porta potty, a d water spigot were close. Would recommend to others and stay again.

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Joseph

August 2025

With kids

1 night at Bay Forest Retreat

What a wonderful experience! This was the perfect introduction to camping for my three-year-old son and me. Even with hot weather and a rainy, chilly day, having the spacious canvas tent made everything smooth and enjoyable. A huge thank you to our co-host, Brooke, who was absolutely fantastic. Her quick and polite replies, along with her excellent customer service, really enhanced our stay. We even received a bonus night for Labor Day weekend, which was an awesome surprise.

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Joseph

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bay Forest Retreat

This was the first time camping with our three-year-old son, and it was a wonderful experience for him and for us! He absolutely loved his first time seeing a campfire, and it was so special to experience that with him as a parent. The campgrounds were clean and well-maintained. We especially appreciated the provided tent, which was a fantastic touch. Communication with the landlord and manager was excellent; their responses were both respectful and quick. I highly recommend this spot!

M

Mckinnon

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bay Forest Retreat

The place was great easy to find pretty private. Loved being able to use the kayaks..

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Eve

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Sandy Creek Resort

Igor and April's property is absolutely gorgeous, well thought out, and a magical place to spend any amount of time. We had an amazing time kayaking on the creek, cooking in the outdoor kitchen and just enjoying our time on their magical property. The yurt was comfortable, well provisioned and had everything you could possibly need. We will definitely be back!

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Emily

August 2025

1 night at Bay Forest Retreat

Super cool area!! Would highly recommend! Very clean and a great outdoor space to spend with family! We stayed in Glamper 2 and it was perfect for us!

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Rebecca

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bay Forest Retreat

We enjoyed our stay!!! This is a great place if you are looking to spend less than a hotel or an air BNB, and a more fun and relaxing, in my opinion. It was a short drive to Navarre Beach and also close to Pensacola. Every evening we loved watching the sunset on the bay and the free kayaks. It was hot, as expected in late July, but with a cheap battery operated fan we brought it was very pleasant at night. I would definitely recommend and plan to return.

J

Jordan

July 2025

1 night at Sandy Creek Resort

Had so much fun! What a beautiful escape from reality we had. Will definitely be booking again in the future. Even recommended to my friend who’s visiting in August. Thank you guys!!!!

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Jessica

July 2025

With kids

3 nights at Bay Forest Retreat

My family and I loved this property! Would definitely recommend 👌

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amber

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Sandy Creek Resort

This place was amazing! All the little details that you see in everything they have built there, by hand! My favorite part was the smell of fresh wood in the yurt. And the bathroom, was beautiful. I want my bathroom at home to be that nice. I will definitely be booking another night here in the future. The host was amazing too. Super friendly, made you feel comfortable, and responded quickly to any questions!

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Ava

June 2025

4 nights at Bay Forest Retreat

Had an amazing time camping here! The property was beautiful and exactly as advertised. The directions were very clear, and we really appreciated the amenities. It’s in a great location and the nearby town is super cute. Highly recommend staying here!

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Sidnie

June 2025

1 night at Bay Forest Retreat

It was a great experience camping here! We loved the beach and the fire. There are a ton of mosquitos so make sure to lather in bug spray! Thank you for the help and keeping my husband’s bag safe when he forgot it. You guys are awesome!

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Samantha

April 2025

Weekend Trip to Sandy Creek Resort

We had a great time! I love being outside and setting up a hammock around the fire and be away from everything! My girlfriend needs a little more- so this was PERFECT! Beautiful set up with many extras to enjoy. Felt like we were in a hotel room! But still got to set up my hammock, cook over the fire, and feel like I was out and away from everything! They have incredible outdoor kitchen ready for if you want more than the fire. The hosts were great communicating and making sure we were set up and enjoying everything! Very friendly and welcoming! Felt comfortable the entire time. Looking to book again soon and get goat yoga scheduled:)