The best camping near Gulf Shores with wildlife watching

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Looking for a camping experience near Gulf Shores, Alabama that's perfect for wildlife watching? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 443 options specifically tailored to wildlife watching in the area, you're sure to find the perfect spot. Enjoy the beauty of nature while observing wildlife in their natural habitat. And don't worry about breaking the bank, with prices starting as low as $10 per night and an average price of $33 per night. Check out some of the top campsites in the area, like Bay Forest Retreat (148 reviews), The Wandering Path (103 reviews), and 30A Bay Hideaway (97 reviews). Plus, enjoy popular amenities like toilets, potable water, and showers, as well as activities such as hiking, off-roading (OHV), and visiting historic sites. Start planning your wildlife watching adventure today!

98% (821)

Top-rated campgrounds

Our sign near the entrance

1. Heart of the Country

98%
(226)
36mi from Gulf Shores · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Spanish Fort, AL
Heart of the Country is our home and also your own personal twelve acre state park whenever you stay with us! We are less than 15 minutes from Interstate 10 and from Interstate 65. I offer a half-dozen campsites, all either on a relatively level paved driveway or grass. Power (20 amp and 30 amp) and water is available. We have two 30 amp campsites, which are first come, first served. WIFI is available! (please ask for password). We have a portable toilet for your use. This is a Longleaf Pine sanctuary with lots of nature trails. This is also a hobby farm with livestock (Donkey, two Goats, a Duck and a flock of Chickens). I feed the livestock grain every morning usually between 8 and 9 am, and again hay before dusk. You are always welcome to join me and I'll introduce all of them to you! My dog, Homer, is our very friendly welcoming ambassador who will enthusiastically great you upon your arrival. I put him up in his kennel each evening around dusk, then lock him in his shed until morning which keeps him from backing during the night. We also host an AirBnB, so other guests may be here as well. Texting via the app is our preferred mode of communication. If you call, please leave a message if I can't answer, and I will call you back. We are slowly updating the site photos. Use them only to determine your price, for example: A site with 30 amp power and water is $25 per night. A site with 20 amp power and water is $20 per night. A boondocking site (no power) is $15 per night. All sites have access to a porta-potty and water. Suggested local attraction: Blakeley State Historic Park is four miles away.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$15
 / 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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night
Bay Forest Retreat

4. 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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
Day trip fun.

5. 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
A&W Christmas Tree Farm

9. A&W Christmas Tree Farm

100%
(6)
46mi from Gulf Shores · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Moss Point, MS
Discover Nature’s Haven: A tranquil escape amidst Christmas trees, wildlife, and muscadine vineyards Nestled approximately 5 miles north of Interstate 10 at the Mississippi/Alabama state line, our location offers the perfect blend of accessibility and tranquility. We are ideally situated between the vibrant Mardi Gras cities of New Orleans and Mobile, each rich with history and festive spirit. Additionally, you can reach the stunning beaches of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and the West Florida coastline in under two hours. Imagine walking through the open fields of Christmas trees, with the scent of pine in the air, and then venturing into the thickly wooded wetlands where deer, turkey, and rabbits roam freely. For bird watchers, spotting chelated woodpeckers, hawks, cardinals, and doves must be a delightful experience. Our muscadine vineyard sits on a secluded hill, surrounded by streams and wetlands, adding a touch of rustic charm. It's the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the tranquility of nature. It is a wonderful place for people to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. For those seeking a peaceful retreat, our property provides a serene escape where you can savor local wines. During the holiday season, our Christmas Tree Farm becomes a magical wonderland, perfect for creating lasting memories. Enjoy secluded walks through our picturesque meadows and forest trails, offering a perfect setting for relaxation and reflection. Whether you’re looking for adventure or a quiet getaway, our location has something special for everyone.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night

Looking for a camping experience near Gulf Shores, Alabama that's perfect for wildlife watching? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 443 options specifically tailored to wildlife watching in the area, you're sure to find the perfect spot. Enjoy the beauty of nature while observing wildlife in their natural habitat. And don't worry about breaking the bank, with prices starting as low as $10 per night and an average price of $33 per night. Check out some of the top campsites in the area, like Bay Forest Retreat (148 reviews), The Wandering Path (103 reviews), and 30A Bay Hideaway (97 reviews). Plus, enjoy popular amenities like toilets, potable water, and showers, as well as activities such as hiking, off-roading (OHV), and visiting historic sites. Start planning your wildlife watching adventure today!

98% (821)

Top-rated campgrounds

Our sign near the entrance

1. Heart of the Country

98%
(226)
36mi from Gulf Shores · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Spanish Fort, AL
Heart of the Country is our home and also your own personal twelve acre state park whenever you stay with us! We are less than 15 minutes from Interstate 10 and from Interstate 65. I offer a half-dozen campsites, all either on a relatively level paved driveway or grass. Power (20 amp and 30 amp) and water is available. We have two 30 amp campsites, which are first come, first served. WIFI is available! (please ask for password). We have a portable toilet for your use. This is a Longleaf Pine sanctuary with lots of nature trails. This is also a hobby farm with livestock (Donkey, two Goats, a Duck and a flock of Chickens). I feed the livestock grain every morning usually between 8 and 9 am, and again hay before dusk. You are always welcome to join me and I'll introduce all of them to you! My dog, Homer, is our very friendly welcoming ambassador who will enthusiastically great you upon your arrival. I put him up in his kennel each evening around dusk, then lock him in his shed until morning which keeps him from backing during the night. We also host an AirBnB, so other guests may be here as well. Texting via the app is our preferred mode of communication. If you call, please leave a message if I can't answer, and I will call you back. We are slowly updating the site photos. Use them only to determine your price, for example: A site with 30 amp power and water is $25 per night. A site with 20 amp power and water is $20 per night. A boondocking site (no power) is $15 per night. All sites have access to a porta-potty and water. Suggested local attraction: Blakeley State Historic Park is four miles away.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$15
 / 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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night
Bay Forest Retreat

4. 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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
Day trip fun.

5. 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
A&W Christmas Tree Farm

9. A&W Christmas Tree Farm

100%
(6)
46mi from Gulf Shores · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Moss Point, MS
Discover Nature’s Haven: A tranquil escape amidst Christmas trees, wildlife, and muscadine vineyards Nestled approximately 5 miles north of Interstate 10 at the Mississippi/Alabama state line, our location offers the perfect blend of accessibility and tranquility. We are ideally situated between the vibrant Mardi Gras cities of New Orleans and Mobile, each rich with history and festive spirit. Additionally, you can reach the stunning beaches of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and the West Florida coastline in under two hours. Imagine walking through the open fields of Christmas trees, with the scent of pine in the air, and then venturing into the thickly wooded wetlands where deer, turkey, and rabbits roam freely. For bird watchers, spotting chelated woodpeckers, hawks, cardinals, and doves must be a delightful experience. Our muscadine vineyard sits on a secluded hill, surrounded by streams and wetlands, adding a touch of rustic charm. It's the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the tranquility of nature. It is a wonderful place for people to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. For those seeking a peaceful retreat, our property provides a serene escape where you can savor local wines. During the holiday season, our Christmas Tree Farm becomes a magical wonderland, perfect for creating lasting memories. Enjoy secluded walks through our picturesque meadows and forest trails, offering a perfect setting for relaxation and reflection. Whether you’re looking for adventure or a quiet getaway, our location has something special for everyone.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field