New Gulf State Park Campground Set to Open in 2026

Scheduled to welcome visitors in the first half of 2026, the new campground at Gulf State Park aims to provide more space for campers. With a focus on privacy and additional amenities, this campsite will be developed in two phases on the site of the old golf course. There’s also a new entrance for easier access from State Route 180 near the Beach Express Bridge.

“We have two phases based on the funds available. The first phase will add around 100 campsites before we move on to Phase 2,” explained Matthew Caps, director of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources State Parks Division. “The new entrance put in place will allow campers to reach their spots in just a few hundred feet.”

Caps noted, “I think this project is transformative. As soon as you park, you can access trails that lead right to the new campsite.”

The park features the renowned Hugh S. Branonn Backcountry Trail, which has been recognized as one of America’s best trails for the past three years. It was also recently hailed as Alabama’s top attraction during the Governor’s Tourism Awards. For more details, you can visit their website.

Chris Blankenship, a member of the Conservation Committee, shared, “The campground concept has been on the table for a while. One of the hardest decisions I faced was closing the golf course. Renovating it proved impractical, so building a new campsite is a much wiser investment for Gulf State Park.”

The upcoming executive campground will span about 200 acres and will make it easier to access unique park amenities. Caps pointed out that this new campground differs substantially from the existing South Campground.

“We’re developing executive-style campsites, which means there will be more space. Typically, campsites are about 30 feet apart, but here, it’ll be between 60 to 100 feet,” he noted.

Additional features will include an activity center featuring a large pool, splash pads, pickleball courts, putting greens, restrooms, laundry facilities, event spaces, and recreational areas.

Caps expressed enthusiasm for the improvements, underscoring the $24 million project. Matt Young, the Southern Operations Supervisor, added that the new campground will crucially boost available space for guests wishing to experience the stunning Gulf Coast of Alabama.

“The existing campsites show over 90% occupancy for about 11 months a year. Hence, this new site will offer a much-needed alternative for campers,” Young remarked. “Many of the new campsites will be shaded, and they are designed for easy accessibility to shared facilities.”

According to Young, the activity center will serve various guest needs, featuring rentable rooms for special occasions and a comprehensive facility with 24/7 laundry and restrooms.

“The new campground will provide a level of privacy that wasn’t feasible before. It’s conveniently located near amenities like the Middle Lake launch,” he explained. “Given the anticipated demand, we want to ensure everything is set by mid-2026 before we start taking bookings.”

Caps mentioned, “We’ll begin bookings as we approach the opening date. We want to give people reliable information, so they can plan their visits effectively.” Stay tuned for announcements and updates via the Gulf State Park Facebook page.

Young also mentioned that many park features have recently been upgraded, including access points to the Gulf State Park pier, Beach Pavilion, and Romar Beach. Another significant enhancement involves a lodge within the park, where all 350 rooms will be updated with new furnishings, paint, carpets, art, and televisions, plus an additional pool aimed at meeting demand.

“This new pool will be spacious and family-friendly,” said Caps. “The existing one is more geared towards adults. We’re excited to create a welcoming environment for all. Construction is already underway, and we anticipate opening in spring 2026.”

Caps encouraged those interested in Alabama State Parks to follow social media for updates on various parks and construction progress. “We’ve begun sharing photos and plans on our Facebook page to keep everyone informed about what’s happening at Gulf State Park and other state facilities,” he concluded.