Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Ala., is set for major upgrades with the development of a new executive campground that will add 200 acres of camping capacity to the coastal destination.
The first 100 sites are scheduled to open in early 2026, with access provided through a new entrance on Canal Road.
The $24 million project will be built on the site of the former golf course and is designed to give campers more space and privacy than the existing facilities.
The new campground will include resort-style amenities such as a pool, splash pad, and pickleball court.
According to an article published by OBA Community Website on October 3, the campground will be developed in two phases.
The first phase will open with 100 campsites, while the second phase will add another 100 sites. Each site will offer wider spacing, ranging between 60 and 100 feet, compared to the 30-foot average in most traditional campgrounds.
Matthew Capps, director of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ State Parks Division, said the project would be transformative for visitors.
He explained that the new Canal Road entrance, located near the Beach Express bridge overpass, is expected to provide more direct access for campers while easing congestion at current entry points.
The location will also give guests immediate access to the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. The trail system has been recognized nationally and was recently awarded Alabama’s top tourist attraction by the Governor’s Conference on Tourism.
Amenities will extend beyond the campsites. A new activities center will feature 24-hour restrooms, laundry facilities, and event space for recreational use or private gatherings.
Campers will also find outdoor features paying tribute to the site’s past use. A putting green will honor the old golf course, while a pool, splash pad, and pickleball courts will provide new recreation options for families.
Matt Young, the State Parks’ Southern Operations Supervisor, said the expansion is designed to meet a pressing demand, noting that the park’s existing campground operates at more than 90% occupancy for nearly the entire year.