Sunsets at the beach never disappoint. We loved our time at Orange Beach.

Fall Camping Review: Living Our Best Beach Life

This fall, we packed up our Grand Design RV and took off for a beachside adventure, hitting three incredible destinations: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, Hideaway RV Resort in Navarre, and Gulf State Park in Orange Beach, AL. Each location had its own unique charm, making it an unforgettable fall camping experience filled with sunshine, biking, and quiet moments by the water. Here’s a quick review of each stop on our trip!

Even with shorter days, the nights are still warm and balmy. I love to decorate for each season while camping!

Topsail Hill is a fantastic state park that has great amenities and is conveniently located on 30A!

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, Florida

Topsail is a nature lover’s dream. The lush greenery is absolutely breathtaking, making it easy to forget that you’re just steps away from the beach. This park offers so much: a beautiful pool to cool off, well-maintained biking trails, and even a tram service to take you directly to the beach if you don’t feel like pedaling. We loved the flexibility – whether you want to ride to the beach or catch the tram, it’s all super easy. Topsail’s beauty and amenities make it perfect for both active explorers and those seeking some downtime.

The campsites at Topsail are spacious and beautifully landscaped!

One of the added bonuses at Topsail is the proximity to lots of popular places along 30A. You are 10 miles from Seaside. Plus you are close to Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach. This area has lots of great communities with fun shops and restaurants. Plus, if you like to bike, you could bike to Seaside and more.

Grayton Beach is also another state park that is located in this area. It has fewer campsites, but it is also worth checking out. It is much closer to Seaside and very nice also.

I enjoy picking up fresh Seafood at Goatfeathers and cooking at our RV. They will also steam shrimp, and they have selection of dips and deserts. This has been a favorite of ours for over 20 years!

We have stayed at the Hideaway RV Resort 3 times now and love it every single time!

Hideaway RV Resort, Navarre, Florida

For a more peaceful vibe, we headed to Hideaway RV Resort on the sound side of the Gulf. This campground felt like our own little slice of paradise. It’s quiet, tucked away, and private, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind. We made time to visit Opal Beach, one of our favorite hidden gems. It’s laid back, uncrowded, and gives off the kind of easygoing beach vibes that are hard to beat. If you’re looking for a quiet escape, Hideaway RV Resort delivers.

The Hideaway is a pet friendly beach!

We have stayed on sites 45 and 46. Both of these sites are right on the water and spacious. We enjoyed both of these. However, this last time, we were on site 26. It is a back in site that probably my favorite. The site itself felt huge. It is so nicely shaded and perfect for enjoying time outdoors with gorgeous views of the trees and water.

Site 26 was spacious and had gorgeous views!

Coffee underneath the trees with a view of the water was spectacular!

Opal Beach is part of the National Park System. It is a wonderful spot to spend the day!

The bike trails at Gulf State Park were a personal favorite!

Gulf State Park, Orange Beach, Alabama

Gulf State Park was the final stop on our journey, and it didn’t disappoint! This park offers miles of scenic biking trails—seriously, they’re some of the best we’ve ever explored. The park is so well-organized, with activities for visitors of all ages, including nature programs, educational events, and even beachcombing sessions. We took full advantage of the beach access and spent a few afternoons lounging in the sun. Gulf State Park also features a heated pool, which was a great bonus for fall evenings. And for those who need to stay connected, the park provides wifi throughout, making it easy to work (or stream a movie) right from your RV.

We would ride bikes after work each day!

Orange Beach has lots of great spots for a local meal.

If you are looking for a burger or tacos in an outdoor atmosphere, The Gulf is a fun spot. I like it with the exception of all of the lines. You have to get in line to order your meal. If you want a drink, then you have to get in another line. If you are not in a hurry and don't mind crowds, you will love it!
Doc's Seafood is my personal favorite! I like the original location on Canal Road.
For more upscale dining and seafood or a yummy brunch, check out CoastAL. It is located on the water and has great views.

These are not the only spots to go, but these are ones that I like. Finally, I would say, drive down to the Flora Bama, play some Bingo on a Saturday and grab a Bushwacker. Its a thing! Their Facebook page stays up to date with events and bands. We attended a Halloween event while we were there.

We loved making a sea turtle in the sand on our last day!

Trip Highlights and Final Thoughts

This trip reminded us just how much we love beach camping, especially in the fall. The weather was perfect—warm enough for the beach without the summer heat, and the crowds were minimal. Each destination brought something unique to the table: lush scenery and easy beach access at Topsail, the peaceful seclusion of Hideaway, and the top-notch amenities and biking trails at Gulf State Park.

Fall at the beach is the best time of year to visit!

If you’re planning a fall camping trip and craving some time by the water, these destinations should be at the top of your list. Whether you want to bike, relax by the pool, or enjoy the quiet beauty of the Gulf, each of these parks offers an experience you’ll love.

It was a successful trip that we cannot wait to do all over again next year!

If you are looking for some of my favorite gear for beach camping, check out my Amazon Store Front!

So, grab your sunscreen, hop in your RV, and live your best beach life this fall! 🌊 🚲 🏖

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