The best camping near Gulf Shores with swimming

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Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping adventures near Gulf Shores, Alabama! With over 380 options specifically catering to swimming enthusiasts, you're sure to find the perfect spot to cool off and relax. Whether you prefer a lakeside oasis or a beachfront paradise, we've got you covered. Check out our top campsites like Bay Forest Retreat (148 reviews), The Wandering Path (103 reviews), and 30A Bay Hideaway (97 reviews) to see what fellow campers have to say. With popular amenities like pet-friendly sites, clean toilets, and the option for campfires, you'll have everything you need for a memorable camping experience. And for the adventure seekers, off-roading, boating, and whitewater paddling are just a few of the thrilling activities available. Book your camping trip today and enjoy the great outdoors at an average price per night of $35, with options as low as $10!

98% (609)

Top-rated campgrounds

Bay Forest Retreat

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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$28
 / night
Colorful Camping at Beakertopia✨️🌈

2. Colorful Camping at Beakertopia✨️🌈

97%
(110)
4mi from Gulf Shores · 23 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Bon Secour, AL
Come camp on one of the Southeast's most unique properties, Beakertopia! Our 2.4 acre artist compound is enclosed in bamboo and lush with hundred-year-old live oaks + native pollinator flowers we’ve planted. Choose any spot to pitch your tent and enjoy our magic oasis only 20 min from the beautiful white sandy beaches of Gulf Shores. You're welcome to use the "outdoor living room" as you please. This area includes a bar with rainwater catchment for washing hands/dishes, refrigerator, freezer, electric tea kettle, microwave, solar oven, complimentary coffee/tea station, 2 burner biogas stovetop with cooking equipment&utensils, games, aerial yoga silks, climbing wall, slackline, Iyengar yoga rope wall, trash/recycling, filtered alkaline drinking water and more! Feel free to use our laundry facilities, communal picnic basket, and complimentary condiments, seasonings, sauces, etc found in the door of the fridge. Attached to the lounge is our air conditioned ecobathroom with *hot* shower, bio toilet, and complimentary toiletries if you forget anything. A few notes on the property: Most people have never used an EcoToilet and don’t realize it takes some work. If you have children, you will very likely have to do this part for them. We keep the lounge area as clean as possible but at the end of the day it is an outdoor kitchen! Kitchenwares will have a layer of dust even if cleaned the day prior, so please give everything a rinse before you using! You may read about mosquitoes in some of our past reviews, but I am happy to share that we now have a monthly mosquito service in place that has mitigated that issue :) Learn more about this land: Our intention for this artist community is to bring like-minded people together and make the world a more beautiful place. It serves as our primary residence and also residence for seasonal workers&traveling artists when they come here. Every year we have the opportunity to employ about a dozen people to work with us during the tourist season, from March-October. Aside from our local employees, we also wanted to create a space that would allow for fellow travelers to join our crew. Beakertopia provides the possibility for friends from around the world to come live and work. Check out our website for more info ✨️
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night
Day trip fun.

11. YaYa's River Retreat

100%
(15)
25mi from Gulf Shores · 101 sites · Tents, RVs · Robertsdale, AL
A little slice of camping heaven, 41 acres with 800 feet of water frontage on Styx River. YaYa's is a completely primative or boondocking campground and swim area with porta pottie available. There is hot showers available at truck stop about a mile away and they have a dump station for those in RV. Come enjoy all the natural beauty or we are within an hour of hundreds of things to do for all ages. YaYA lives about 1/2 mile away and has a well available to refill your water. There is plenty of fallen wood to gather for fires or cut wood available for purchase. We have a community area with picnic tables, sun sails, grill, pavilion, and large bonfire. Please note the access road is old gravel and dirt, so if in a low car you'll need to take it slow. If there has been rain call ahead for entry directions as part of road becomes muddy. There is also a shooting range near by so during the day you will hear this some. You will not be disappointed if you love the tranquility of being outdoors.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night
Wales West RV Park & Light Railway

17. Wales West RV Park & Light Railway

17mi from Gulf Shores · 77 sites · Silverhill, AL
Discover the unique charm of Wales West, a one-of-a-kind campground and railroad theme park located in Silverhill, Alabama. This family-friendly destination offers an unforgettable train ride experience that sets it apart from typical RV parks. More than just a campsite for RV enthusiasts, Wales West combines the thrill of a theme park with the comforts of a well-equipped campground. Wales West is highly regarded among travelers, boasting a remarkable customer satisfaction rate of 9.5 out of 10, as reported by Trailer Life magazine. The park is an ideal retreat for RV owners seeking mild winters and a central location to explore the beautiful Gulf Coast. In addition to its unique train ride, Wales West features a variety of amenities that enhance your stay, including spacious sites for RVs, clean facilities, and recreational activities. Guests can enjoy nearby natural attractions, swimming holes, and outdoor adventures, making it a perfect spot for families looking to create lasting memories. With positive reviews and a welcoming atmosphere, Wales West is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking family fun in Alabama.

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping adventures near Gulf Shores, Alabama! With over 380 options specifically catering to swimming enthusiasts, you're sure to find the perfect spot to cool off and relax. Whether you prefer a lakeside oasis or a beachfront paradise, we've got you covered. Check out our top campsites like Bay Forest Retreat (148 reviews), The Wandering Path (103 reviews), and 30A Bay Hideaway (97 reviews) to see what fellow campers have to say. With popular amenities like pet-friendly sites, clean toilets, and the option for campfires, you'll have everything you need for a memorable camping experience. And for the adventure seekers, off-roading, boating, and whitewater paddling are just a few of the thrilling activities available. Book your camping trip today and enjoy the great outdoors at an average price per night of $35, with options as low as $10!

98% (609)

Top-rated campgrounds

Bay Forest Retreat

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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$28
 / night
Colorful Camping at Beakertopia✨️🌈

2. Colorful Camping at Beakertopia✨️🌈

97%
(110)
4mi from Gulf Shores · 23 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Bon Secour, AL
Come camp on one of the Southeast's most unique properties, Beakertopia! Our 2.4 acre artist compound is enclosed in bamboo and lush with hundred-year-old live oaks + native pollinator flowers we’ve planted. Choose any spot to pitch your tent and enjoy our magic oasis only 20 min from the beautiful white sandy beaches of Gulf Shores. You're welcome to use the "outdoor living room" as you please. This area includes a bar with rainwater catchment for washing hands/dishes, refrigerator, freezer, electric tea kettle, microwave, solar oven, complimentary coffee/tea station, 2 burner biogas stovetop with cooking equipment&utensils, games, aerial yoga silks, climbing wall, slackline, Iyengar yoga rope wall, trash/recycling, filtered alkaline drinking water and more! Feel free to use our laundry facilities, communal picnic basket, and complimentary condiments, seasonings, sauces, etc found in the door of the fridge. Attached to the lounge is our air conditioned ecobathroom with *hot* shower, bio toilet, and complimentary toiletries if you forget anything. A few notes on the property: Most people have never used an EcoToilet and don’t realize it takes some work. If you have children, you will very likely have to do this part for them. We keep the lounge area as clean as possible but at the end of the day it is an outdoor kitchen! Kitchenwares will have a layer of dust even if cleaned the day prior, so please give everything a rinse before you using! You may read about mosquitoes in some of our past reviews, but I am happy to share that we now have a monthly mosquito service in place that has mitigated that issue :) Learn more about this land: Our intention for this artist community is to bring like-minded people together and make the world a more beautiful place. It serves as our primary residence and also residence for seasonal workers&traveling artists when they come here. Every year we have the opportunity to employ about a dozen people to work with us during the tourist season, from March-October. Aside from our local employees, we also wanted to create a space that would allow for fellow travelers to join our crew. Beakertopia provides the possibility for friends from around the world to come live and work. Check out our website for more info ✨️
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night
Day trip fun.

11. YaYa's River Retreat

100%
(15)
25mi from Gulf Shores · 101 sites · Tents, RVs · Robertsdale, AL
A little slice of camping heaven, 41 acres with 800 feet of water frontage on Styx River. YaYa's is a completely primative or boondocking campground and swim area with porta pottie available. There is hot showers available at truck stop about a mile away and they have a dump station for those in RV. Come enjoy all the natural beauty or we are within an hour of hundreds of things to do for all ages. YaYA lives about 1/2 mile away and has a well available to refill your water. There is plenty of fallen wood to gather for fires or cut wood available for purchase. We have a community area with picnic tables, sun sails, grill, pavilion, and large bonfire. Please note the access road is old gravel and dirt, so if in a low car you'll need to take it slow. If there has been rain call ahead for entry directions as part of road becomes muddy. There is also a shooting range near by so during the day you will hear this some. You will not be disappointed if you love the tranquility of being outdoors.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night
Wales West RV Park & Light Railway

17. Wales West RV Park & Light Railway

17mi from Gulf Shores · 77 sites · Silverhill, AL
Discover the unique charm of Wales West, a one-of-a-kind campground and railroad theme park located in Silverhill, Alabama. This family-friendly destination offers an unforgettable train ride experience that sets it apart from typical RV parks. More than just a campsite for RV enthusiasts, Wales West combines the thrill of a theme park with the comforts of a well-equipped campground. Wales West is highly regarded among travelers, boasting a remarkable customer satisfaction rate of 9.5 out of 10, as reported by Trailer Life magazine. The park is an ideal retreat for RV owners seeking mild winters and a central location to explore the beautiful Gulf Coast. In addition to its unique train ride, Wales West features a variety of amenities that enhance your stay, including spacious sites for RVs, clean facilities, and recreational activities. Guests can enjoy nearby natural attractions, swimming holes, and outdoor adventures, making it a perfect spot for families looking to create lasting memories. With positive reviews and a welcoming atmosphere, Wales West is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking family fun in Alabama.

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Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field