With school starting back for our kids next week and the preparation being nearly complete, we decided to take another family adventure. Unsure if there would be an open camp spot, we headed out to Gulf State Park Campground with our cars loaded with camping gear, bikes, and kayak.
Upon arriving, we were grateful to get a waterfront camping spot on Middle Lake. There is no swimming in this lake (unless you are into alligator wrestling). It’s just a great place to put in the kayak. Middle Lake connects to Shelby Lake where there is lake swimming and just a short distance away is the Gulf of Mexico.
That evening we jumped in the car and made the quick trip to the Gulf. We all had fun playing in the small waves as well as taking photos until after the beautiful sunset.
After weathering some pretty nasty thunderstorms early in the morning (Tropical Storm Claudette), the sky cleared and we took our bikes to Gulf Oak Ridge bike trail. The bike trails made a beautifully wooded ride and because they are paved and less than 3 miles long, biking here is something the whole family can enjoy. On the trails, we encountered big oaks, swamps, and other happy riders. The kids were hoping to see alligators. Thankfully, however, they stayed undercover.
We could not have stayed at a better location for our “Back to School” family outing. We were completely pleased with Gulf State Park campground from the clean facilities and hot showers to the trail ride. There was something everyone of us could enjoy. Looking for something more? Come visit this Gulf Coast get-a-way next year when the pool and tennis courts are finished. We definitely will!
Great site – we’re friends on Twitter – and I’ve been looking to do more outdoors – I look forward to visiting this website and I’ll keep you up to date on my adventures.
Shawn, this is the first time I have visited your site. Sorry I have been overlooking it. VERY NICE! I’m looking forward to talking with you about that article!
chris
Nice account of your camping trip. Great pictures.
Thanks…