Gulf State Park

Gulf State Park, in Gulf Shores, Alabama, has one of the largest campgrounds among Gulf Coast state parks and includes several freshwater lakes, including Lake Shelby, tucked behind its dune system. Its Beach Pavilion and Nature Center were built using sustainable design intended to achieve net-zero energy use. The original park lodge was destroyed by hurricane damage over the years and replaced with a new lodge that opened in 2018. An extensive network of paved and natural trails, known as the Backcountry Trail system, connects the park's beach, lakes, and maritime forest.