ALMetro360 June 19

pier and soaking in all of the wildlife encounters. Visits to nearby beaches, Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge and historic Fort Morgan are musts when overnighting here. N EARBY S TATE P ARKS THAT OFFER RV SETUPS Just north of the River Region area you’ll find Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, a Birmingham suburb. With much to offer, this state park is known for relaxing stays with lake activities, golf, fishing, hiking and biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of eateries both casual and upscale, lots of art and museums, shopping and more! A family- friendly campground with Law Enforcement Rangers and security personnel, this park is an excellent choice for long weekends and extended stays as there is water, electricity and sewer available along with seven bathhouses and laundry facilities. Gulf State Park is insanely popular with RV travelers as it grants close proximity to the pristine Alabama beaches known for sugar-white sand with juxtaposing turquoise waters and more amenities than imaginable. The park offers almost 500 full hookup sites with paved pads and most will accommodate a pullout. There are air-conditioned bathhouses, laundry facilities, recreation (think horseshoes, volleyball, tennis and pickle ball), a swimming pool and a splash pad. Visit the Nature Center where you can learn about local wildlife, take a hike, go fishing or relax on the beach. On-site restaurants at the all-new Lodge at Gulf State Park make this an even more appealing vacation spot. 50 AL/ Metro 360 www.almetro360.com Fishing Pier at Gulf State Park. Photo courtesy of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism.