The Happiness Function

If you’re looking for beach camping along the Gulf of Mexico, Dauphin Island Campground is located close to the Gulf and has white-sand beaches.

Tucked away in the coastal forest steps from the beaches, this article details what you need to know to camp here, along with our honest review.

We planned a 2,000-mile road trip from Oklahoma to Alabama with our Aliner camper. While researching places to camp along the Gulf of Mexico, we discovered the Dauphin Island Campground. I was excited when I called six weeks in advance, and they had space for us. I was even more happy to learn that the campground and beaches in the area were dog-friendly.

Camping on Dauphin Island

If you have an RV or small camper, camping on the coast is one of the best parts of RV life. Dauphin Island, Alabama, is known as the sunset capital of Alabama and truly is a gem of the South.

Located south of Mobile, off the coast, the island is home to beautiful beaches. It’s known for having fewer crowds than other popular Gulf Coast destinations such as Gulf Shores, Alabama, or Pensacola, Florida.

Dauphin Island Campground Details

• Reservations: Call months in advance; camping on the Gulf is prime real estate.
• Campsites: Designated campsites
• Water/Electric Hookup: Available
• Sewer: Available
• Restrooms: Nice facility, very clean with running water, showers, and flushing toilets
• Laundry Room: Yes, bring coins
• WiFi: Yes, but not strong
• Campfires allowed: Yes
• Time Restriction for Stay: Call the campground for updates
• Pets: Yes, dog friendly
• Boat Friendly: Yes, one per campsite allowed

How To Make Reservations

Call the Dauphin Island Campground (link to their website) at (251) 861-2742 to make a reservation and to hear the most updated rates.

The campground is gated. The gatehouse (which is where the small camp store is located) is open Sunday – Thursday from 7:30 am to 7 pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, it is open from 7:30 am to 8 pm.

How To Get Here

The campground is located on the east side of the island. The island is relatively small, so once you head towards the east end, you’ll see the campground sign.

It is impossible to miss since you’ll see all the RVs along the road across from the Mobile Bay Ferry.

Is There Cell Phone Reception?

Yes, there is cell phone reception. You can get decent coverage depending on where you are standing and your service provider.

Best Time of Year for Camping

Hurricane season along the Gulf of Mexico is June through November. Be mindful of the weather when booking accommodations during this time of year.

We visited the island in May, and the weather was perfect. The temperatures were in the high-70s to mid-80s, and there was lots of sunshine.

Many people like to winter along the Gulf of Mexico due to its warmer climate. December through May are excellent times of the year to visit.

Dauphin Island Campground Review

What We Loved:

The campground was great. Since we have a smaller camper, the Aliner Ranger 12, the camp hostess put us where they used to host tent campers. So, we had a large area of the campground to ourselves.

The campsite was under a beautiful tall coastal forest and shaded nicely.

The bathhouse was clean and well cared for.

Our favorite part about staying here was the easy access to the coastal trails. From the campground, the trails lead directly to the beach.

Some trails lead through the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, and there is also a paved sidewalk along the main street. We walked everywhere. It was wonderful.

We were also right next to the Mobile Bay Ferry. So, we took the ferry with our camper to Fort Morgan and continued our road trip east to Gulf Shores and Pensacola.

Things To Consider:

If you have a larger RV, you will likely be closer to your neighbor.

There are no cement slabs, mostly dirt or gravel sites, to park RVs and campers.

If the area receives a lot of rain, the campground will have standing water.

Don’t forget the bug spray!

What To Bring

Pack all your camping creature comforts and beach gear. You’ll be within walking distance of the nearest beach, the East End Beach.

There are more beach access points to drive to along the island. Bring a bike or beach cruiser. Everyone has their bikes.

Final Thoughts

The campground makes for a lovely place to stay with your RV or camper. There is also so much to explore in the vicinity and within walking distance of the campground.

We can’t wait to go back. Have a wonderful trip.

Ashlee & Pablo

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