Monday, December 15, 2025

Beach Camping in Alabama vs. Florida: Gulf State Park & Topsail Hill Access Tips

Fall is an awesome time to visit the beach.  And right now is the the time to start planning for your next fall adventure!

Beach Camping in Alabama vs. Florida: Which Park Has the Best Beach Access?

When the temps dip and we’re bundled up dreaming of salty air and sunshine, it’s the perfect time to start planning a fall beach camping trip for next year. If you’ve tried to book beach camping along the Gulf Coast before, you already know the best spots fill up fast.

Two of our favorites — Gulf State Park in Alabama and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in the Florida Panhandle — are always at the top of that list. We've camped at both, and honestly, we love each one for different reasons.

Both offer gorgeous beaches, great campsites, and plenty of biking trails. But if beach access is part of your decision, there are a few key differences worth knowing before you hit “reserve.”

Beach access at Gulf State Park is easy.  You can drive, take the shuttle or bike to get there.

Beach Access at Gulf State Park (Alabama)

Gulf State Park sits along Alabama’s coastline near Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. While the campground isn’t directly on the sand, access to the beach is still incredibly easy.

With your campground pass, you can park for free at any of the public beach access points. That means flexibility — and when you’re hauling coolers, umbrellas, tents, and beach bags, that perk feels pretty priceless.

We typically drive to the beach because it's easier with all the gear. It may sound like a hassle, but it’s surprisingly convenient, and everything is close to the campground.

Prefer not to drive? There’s also a campground shuttle that runs to beach access locations.

One of our favorite things about Gulf State Park is the bike trails.
The trails are mostly flat and easy for most any bike rider!

If you love biking, Gulf State Park is a dream with miles of paved, scenic trails connecting everything inside the park and beyond.

  • ✔ Free beach parking included with campsite pass
  • ✔ Easy for families and full beach-day setups
  • ✔ Shuttle available
  • ✔ Plenty of biking access
  • ✔ Average cost: ~$67/night
I love the natural setting of the beaches at Topsail Hill.  The boardwalk to the beach is lovely, and there are beach chairs for rent if you don't take your own!

Beach Access at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park (Florida Panhandle)

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is stunning — from the grounds to the water. The beach access here works differently, though.

The beach is only accessible by tram, bike, or foot.

The tram has a regular schedule that makes it easy to get to the beach if you don't want to walk or bike there!

The tram runs from inside the campground and will carry guests (plus wagons, umbrellas, coolers, and all the beach essentials) down to the beach entrance. For families with young kids, the tram is often the best option.

If biking is more your style, the route to the beach is about a mile from the closest drop-off point. We’ve seen everything from compact beach bags to full bike trailers loaded down with chairs and coolers.

We typically opt for the tram — it keeps things simple and stress-free.

  • ✔ Beautiful, peaceful beach with emerald water
  • ✔ Tram available for transporting gear
  • ✔ Bikes & walking allowed (no driving to the beach)
  • ✔ Pool onsite
  • ✔ Average cost: ~$47/night
The sites at Topsail Hill are beautiful and shaded.

So Which Park Has Better Beach Access?

It really comes down to how you picture your beach days.

If you want multiple beach options, flexibility, and the ability to drive right up with a full beach setup, Gulf State Park wins.

If you want peaceful, stunning beach days and don’t mind biking or hopping on the tram, Topsail Hill delivers unforgettable Florida Gulf beauty.

For us, both work — and we happily return to each for different reasons. Topsail wins for pure beach beauty. Gulf State Park wins for amenities, trails, and options.

If budget matters, Topsail offers more for less at about $20 per night cheaper.

Every beach day is a good day!
We try to soak in as much beach time as possible.  Our last day was a winner!

Why Fall Beach Camping Is the Best

Fall is one of our favorite times of year to camp at the beach. The crowds thin out, the temperatures cool down, and the Gulf water is still warm enough for swimming. Whether you choose Alabama or Florida, you’ll enjoy beautiful beaches, great campsites, and plenty of outdoor activities — all for a fraction of what beachfront rentals cost.

Just keep in mind: neither campground has direct beach access from your RV door. You’ll walk, bike, shuttle, or drive — but the beaches are absolutely worth the effort.

If you are looking for something new in 2026, plan a fall beach trip!

Final Thoughts

If you’re dreaming of sandy toes and planning next year’s RV trips, now is the time to look at reservations for Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Gulf State Park. These campgrounds book quickly for good reason: beautiful beaches, great amenities, and affordable nightly rates.

Whether you choose one or both, you really can’t go wrong — and fall beach camping just might become your new tradition.

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