Gulf State Park - Gulf Shores, AL - camping, swimming, golfing and numerous recreational activities

Gulf Shores, Alabama's southern Baldwin County has the Gulf State Park which is over six thousand acres and fronts the Mexican Gulf. The park has seen a number of hurricanes but Hurricane Ivan did the most damage during 2004.

The park has two miles of beaches, rental cottages, campgrounds, golf, fishing and nature trails. There are one hundred and fifty-four campsites; the modern sites have water and electrical service. There are also RV sites with sewer hookups. The golf course is open seven days a week and includes snack bar and a pro shop.

The campground at Gulf State Park is located at 22050 Campground Road. The campground's activity center offers wireless access to the Internet at no charge. The nature center at the park is open from nine in the morning until four in the evening Monday through Saturday. Gulf State Park Nature Center is museum dedicated to both animals and plans native to the region of the Gulf Coast. The facilities goal is to get people to increase their knowledge and gain a respect for the environment. When off site programs that included guided tours through the park are scheduled the center is closed.

The Day Use Area at the Gulf State Park is open from seven in the morning until the sun goes down. The Gulf Pier stays open twenty-four hours a day seven days a week. The park allows pets as long as owners keep them on a leash and then only in the Campground and on trails. Pets are not allowed in the Campground office, Nature Center, Camp store, headquarters of the park, the pier house, cottages or cabins.

The charge for dogs at the Gulf State Park is $15 each dog, each night. There are no dogs allowed in areas that are not dog friendly and guests must notify the clerk to the number of dogs when they check in. There is a two dog limit. A credit card must be on file in order to act as a deposit in the event of damages of which guests will be notified if there are any.

The right of prohibiting any dog found on the property is held by the management. If a dog is considered to be objectionable by any of the park visitors both the owner and the dog can be asked to leave and still have to pay the full cost of the reservation. No dogs that are destructive, intimidating or dangerous are allowed to stay in the park. The owners of the dog are responsible for everything they do and have to clean up after them. Tags and proof of vaccinations are required for all dogs.

The fees for entrance to the Gulf State Park's picnic area include swimming in Lake Shelby. The cost is fifty cents for those aged six to eleven and sixty-two and over. The cost is $1 for those aged twelve to sixty-one. Anyone wishing to vacation in Gulf Shores, Alabama should visit the Gulf State Park.