Gulf State Park

The city of Gulf Shores is just a few miles south of our campground in Summerdale.  In my opinion, one of the crown jewels of Gulf Shores is Gulf State Park.  Soon after we arrived at the Plantation, we went for a walk at this beautiful stat park, but with the cold weather we haven’t wanted to be outside much.  The temperatures are warming up nicely, so we are getting back into our old habits of walking again.

Gulf State Park has two distinct sections.  This 6,150 acre park is divided by highway 182 with a lake, campground, golf course, and trails on the north side of the highway and 2 miles of white sand beach on the south side.  The park offers activities for almost anyone.

For the RVer, there is large campground with nearly 500 full hook-up sites. This is the winter destination for many snowbirds and reservations are suggested.  We were encouraged to make reservation now for next winter.  The base rate for sites is $25 per night or $400 for a month stay.  There is a variety of prices, with the sites along the lake begin the most expensive. There are laundry facilities, clean bath houses, and a small camp store.  Although the campground is on the north side of the highway, many sites are within walking distance of the beach.

The fisherman can choose to fish the 900 acre lake or walk out on the pier from the beach for an almost deep sea experience.  The park offers swimming areas around the larger Lake Shelby, but the signs warning about alligators would keep me well upon the shore. There is a swimming pool under construction.  I’ll wait for that.  For those who enjoy walking for exercise, there are several miles of paved walkways which meander through woods and wetlands.  If you want to combine a little competition with your exercise, the park has an 18-hole golf course and tennis courts.  We saw a volleyball game in progress today.

Pavilion on the beach

Although mostly deserted in January, the beach is a popular place in warmer weather.  A very nice pavilion on the beach is a great place for a picnic.  

This park sustained considerable damage from hurricane Ivan resulting in its closure for a portion of that year.  However, the state has been diligent in getting the repairs completed and it is now almost restored to the gem it once was.  The bath houses have been retiled, painted, and new fixtures installed and they are like new.  The brand new laundry facility is under construction and they expect it to be open within the next 3 months or so.  The old facility is operational, but new will be great.  The hotel was damaged beyond repair and the park has decided not to reopen.  A new swimming pool is being installed at the campground rather than at its previous location near the hotel.  That storm also did damage to the natural landscape.  The rubbish has been cleaned up, but it will take time for the trees to grow.

Along Twin Bridges Trail

After our ride through the campground and checking out the beach, we did a short walk along the trail.  It was a nice leg stretcher, but the air is still a little cool requiring coats and hats.

Tonight we have been invited to Norm and Linda Payne’s for dinner.  That promises to be an evening of good food and lively conversation.

That’s it for today.