Government officials, civic leaders and State Parks personnel gathered Monday, April 15, 2024, for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting to officially open the new Lakeside Cabins at Gulf State Park.
The event marked the end of a major renovation project after Hurricane Sally severely damaged the cabins in September 2020. At a cost of $8.8 million, the project replaced 17 damaged structures with 20 modern lakeside cabins.
All 20 cabins have direct access to Lake Shelby and are equipped with modern furniture, kitchen appliances, laundry rooms, screened patios and will accommodate up to eight overnight guests.
“This is a special day because we’re finally open for business again at the Lakeside Cabins,” said Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship. “We’re committed to creating a first-class guest experience at every state park, and these gorgeous cabins definitely deliver on that promise. It’s rewarding to see these cabins looking better than ever.”
The new Lakeside Cabins increase Gulf State Park’s lakeside lodging inventory to a total of 30 cabins. Also of note, two of the new cabins are fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reservations can be made online at https://thecabinsatgsp.com/the-cabins/lakeside-cabins/ or by calling (251) 923-3900.
Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft said he expects the new cabins to quickly become a popular destination for visitors.
“Gulf State Park is one of our area’s top attractions, and these projects show the deep commitment that the Alabama State Parks system has to Alabama’s Gulf Coast,” Craft said. “It’s wonderful to have such fantastic partners who make our area better by improving and expanding offerings for those visiting from near and far.”
In addition, officials noted the recent re-opening of the park’s Romar Beach Access, a project which featured construction of a permanent restroom facility and beach boardwalk with outdoor showers, as well as expansion and paving of the parking area and the addition of electric vehicle charging capabilities. At a cost of $700,000 and funded by state bonds, the project significantly expanded beach access for Gulf State Park guests and area residents.
“We’ve already heard from so many Orange Beach residents who are thankful for the re-opening of Romar Beach Access and all of the new amenities there,” Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon said.
Blankenship noted how both projects benefit local residents and visitors to Gulf State Park.
“The Romar Beach Access is highly used by local residents and the new cabins will bring in visitors from inside and outside of Alabama. These visitors will pump a lot of money into the Baldwin County and state economy. It is just another example of how we are using the beauty and splendor of the outdoors that God has so richly blessed us with to bring people to Alabama,” Blankenship said.
About Gulf State Park
Gulf State Park features approximately 6,500 acres, including 2.5 miles of sandy beaches on the Gulf of Mexico and 28 miles of paved trails or boardwalks. The trails are part of the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system, which was named the nation’s best recreational trail by USA Today in 2023. Overnight accommodations include The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton hotel, as well as the Lakeside Cabins and Eagle Cottages. Visitors enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, biking, fishing, swimming and birdwatching. The park’s 496-site improved campground is one of the largest on the Gulf Coast. Learn more at https://www.alapark.com/parks/gulf-state-park.
About Alabama’s State Parks System
The Alabama State Parks is a division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and maintains 21 state parks encompassing more than 50,000 acres of land and water in Alabama. The parks range from Gulf Coast beaches to Appalachian Mountains and provide opportunities and facilities from basic day-use activities to resort convention lodging, restaurants and golfing areas. These parks rely on visitor fees and the support of other partners like local communities to fund the majority of their operations. Learn more at www.alapark.com. Partners Pay the Way.
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