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 onto sugar-white sand and waking up each morning with a view of bright blue water. You can do that and more at many of the Gulf Coast’s RV parks!
If you don’t own an RV but are interested in trying out one, you can rent an RV from RVshare. It’s the first and largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace. The company is like the Airbnb of RVs with more-than 100,000 for rent of every size, shape, and color. Many can be delivered directly to your park/destination. And many are pet friendly.
When booking accommodations at campgrounds, the two most popular types of RVs that visitors choose are Class C motorhomes and Travel Trailers. Class C motorhomes are a versatile option that combines the convenience of a motorized vehicle with the comfort of a living space. These RVs typically feature an overhead bunk area, providing additional sleeping space, and are known for their ease of maneuverability on the road. On the other hand, Travel Trailers offer a towable option for campers, allowing them the flexibility to set up a home-away-from-home wherever their travels take them. Travel Trailers come in various sizes and layouts, offering amenities such as kitchens, bathrooms, and sleeping quarters. One of the key advantages of Travel Trailers is the ability to detach them from the towing vehicle, giving campers the freedom to explore local attractions without having to bring the entire RV along. Both Class C motorhomes and Travel Trailers provide unique camping experiences, catering to different preferences and travel styles for RV enthusiasts.
So, get your RV ready, pick your resort and head to the coast! Here are the 12 of the best Gulf Coast RV parks.
GULF COAST RV PARKS IN FLORIDA
HENDERSON BEACH STATE PARK
Update: Please read on to learn all about Henderson Beach State Park and why we believe you would love camping here. However, be aware that beginning July 24, 2024, the park will be closed for about six months while construction is being done. Park officials predict the reopening will be in January 2025.
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 more-than 60 campsites that can accommodate everything from a small tent to a large 60-ft 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 great places to hang out with your family or friends, and just enjoy the beautiful scenery.
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 from the lots that aren’t directly beachfront. Guests may reserve a standard, deluxe or one of 17 premiums sites directly on the Santa Rosa Sound. Pensacola Beach RV Resort also provides guests complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas.
TH Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
TH Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is along Florida’s “Forgotten Coast.” This beautiful park provides campers with white-sand beaches and some of the state’s tallest sand dunes. Campers enjoy a plethora of activities, including fishing, snorkeling, swimming, and shelling.
There’s a paved boat ramp and deep-water access, as well as a marina basin with limited space. Fishermen like the cleaning station next to the boat ramp. And the park is wheelchair accessible with a wheelchair-friendly route to the beach. Campers can set up in the park’s Shady Pines campground, which features 36 standard-facility campsites and 10 tent-only campsites.
St George Island State Park
Also along Florida’s “Forgotten Coast” is St. George Island State Park. The park features nine miles of undeveloped beaches and dunes surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and Apalachicola Bay. It 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. Campers like sunbathing, kayaking, canoeing, boating, fishing, hiking and stargazing in the park.
Camp Gulf
You can literally drive onto the beach at Camp Gulf in Miramar and park your RV. 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 camping spots are obviously on the beach, but all of this Gulf Coast RV park’s 200 sites are just a minute’s walk from it.
Sun Outdoors Panama City Beach
Sun Outdoors Panama City Beach is the place to be For RV luxury on the Florida panhandle. The family-friendly resort in Panama City Beach has a great selection of big-rig-friendly sites available with concrete pads and patio 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, bocce ball and volleyball courts.
GULF COAST RV PARKS IN ALABAMA
Gulf State Park
One of the most-popular camping destinations in Gulf Shores is Gulf State Park. Two miles of beaches, trees dripping with Spanish moss, and paved walking paths add to the beauty. The park has just fewer-than 500 full hookup sites and 11 bathhouses, which allows for plenty of booking options. And 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 Motor Coach Resort
No one said RV camping meant roughing it. At this luxury RV resort between Orange Beach and Gulf State Park, you’ll find 110 RV lots spread out over 32 acres. Buena VIsta Motor Coach 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. All this surrounded by lush landscaping.
Bay Breeze RV Park
Bay Breeze RV Park is the one of the best spots along the Gulf to watch the sunset. Located on Bon Secour 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 the bay with Gulf Shores Public Beach access within just a few minutes’ walk. Bay Breeze also features 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, 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 lots have beautiful views and access to the resort’s five-star amenities. Those include a zero-entry infinity pool, hot tub, fully stocked lake, on-site massages and laundry, concierge service, fenced dog parks and a dog-washing facility. Guests also 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 inventory ranges from affordable travel trailers to luxury motorhomes. Their selection can accommodate any outdoor adventure, whether it’s a weekend of camping or a cross-country tour of national parks. Most people who rent RVs choose a Class C or a Travel Trailer for use in campgrounds. 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 a sometimes otherwise-unused vehicle.
Travelers renting through RVshare 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 2024 by BeachGuide editors.)
