Gulf State Park

Gulf State Park occupies about 6,150 acres in Gulf Shores in Baldwin County, on the Gulf of Mexico. It is Alabama‘s southernmost state park, with a two-mile white sand beach, freshwater lakes, marsh, tea-coloured streams and pine forest. The land was deeded to the state in 1939 and the park was dedicated that summer.[1][2]

Landscape and wildlife

The park combines dunes, three spring-fed lakes (Lake Shelby, Middle Lake and Little Lake), marshland and pine forest. Raccoons, bobcats, deer, rabbits and alligators live here, and endangered loggerhead sea turtles nest on the beaches from May to October. It is a stop on the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail and hosts the John L. Borom Alabama Coastal BirdFest each October.[1][2]

History

Civilian Conservation Corps crews built cabins and a casino here in the 1930s, and the park opened in 1939 after the property transferred to the state. Hurricane Ivan devastated it in 2004, including the lodge, and many facilities were rebuilt, including a 1,540-foot fishing pier (the longest on the Gulf) that opened in 2009. Hurricane Sally severely damaged the pier in 2020 and it reopened in August 2024. The Lodge at Gulf State Park opened in 2018 as part of an $85 million plan funded from Deepwater Horizon recovery money, which drew a lawsuit from conservation groups; the golf course closed in 2018.[1][2]

Facilities

The park has ten hiking and biking trails, including the 7.8-mile Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail System, 496 RV sites, 11 primitive tent sites, 11 lakeside cottages, 20 cabins on piers above the lake, a nature centre, a beach pavilion and a swimming pool and splash pad. It received a Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice Award in 2020 and entered the Tripadvisor Hall of Fame. See also Alabama State Parks.[1][2]

History

Civilian Conservation Corps workers built facilities in the 1930s and the park opened in 1939. It covers 6,150 acres in Gulf Shores on the Gulf of Mexico, with 2.5 miles of white sand beach. Hurricane Ivan devastated the park in 2004, and post-Ivan projects included an interactive nature center.[3]

Facilities

Lake Shelby, one of three spring-fed freshwater lakes, covers 750 acres. A 1,540-foot fishing pier built after Ivan was damaged by Hurricane Sally in 2020 and reopened in August 2024. The Lodge at Gulf State Park opened in 2018, and there are nature, hiking and biking trails and a campground for RVs and tents.[3]

FAQs

How big is Gulf State Park? About 6,150 acres.

When did it open? 1939.

How long is the fishing pier? 1,540 feet.

Sources

1. Encyclopedia of Alabama: Gulf State Park
2. Wikipedia: Gulf State Park
3. Wikipedia: Gulf State Park

Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 10, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue