Before driving 14 hours to get to Dauphin Island, we had reviewed the campground's website and pictures, so we had high hopes of the seclusion and beauty shown on the Internet ( a quick note: there are NO pictures of your typical site...now we know why... Upon arrival, we noticed there were campers and boats parked in the grass at the chain-linked fence entrance. When we went inside to check in, we were told at least 3 times that there were no refunds. We found our site (#20) and were shocked to see how packed the place was. The campers next to us could not fully extend their awning because we were so close. We didn't unhitch, but decided to walk down to the beach. The first stop was the bath house. My husand went inside and said it was terrible. He said it looked like they had done nothing to maintain the place in years. The boardwalk was long and not someplace I'd want to walk after dark. We did see one empty site right at the beginning of the boardwalk. Because it was a shorter walk to the beach and not as crowded, we walked back to the office to see if they could move us. The elderly assistant manager said the site was already reserved, but she could show a few others to us. As we drove through the campground in her golfcart, we had to stop on several occasions to allow drunks and very small unsupervised children to get out of the road. The other site offered was closer to the beach but backed up to the chainlinked fence. We told her we'd stay where we were. On the way back to site #20, the asst. manager again stopped several times to talk with other campers who were obviously VERY intoxicated. (Don't get me wrong; we enjoy drinking wine and beer, but these people were staggering) My husband and I got back to our site and contacted friends to let them know how terrible the place was. They got online and found a vacancy at Topsail State Park in Florida. After they booked it for us, we heated up some soup for dinner (my husband was leary of grilling out after dark) we went to bed. Shortly before 7:30, we were up the next morning and went to check out. Since it was made clear to me that there were no refunds, I didn't even ask for my money back even though we'd paid for 3 nights. The only good thing about the island was leaving it. We took the ferry across the bay to get us to Florida. If you are use to tightly packed camping, drunk campers, and unsupervised children, you might enjoy this place. We're use to state parks that have regulations, maintain the grounds, and enforce policies. I was very embarrassed to come home to let everyone know that so much driving time on our 5 day trip was wasted on getting to such an awful place.

We just got back from Dauphin Island Campground. We had a wonderful time there...our tent camp spot was at first going to be a middle spot that would have had quite a bit of morning/afternoon sun...however, the staff allowed us to change locations and we were in a quite shady spot...the spots are quite close together but we didn't find this too uncomfortable. The campground is dog friendly and campers cleaned up after their pets.

The bathroom/showers were quite adequate...they are older and could use an update, however, there was plenty of hot water and they were cleaned daily with bleach. There is also a laundry area...again the washers and dryers are older...however...this is camping and they do their jobs quite well.

The path to the beach was just beautiful...pines and palms leading to a boardwalk...several benches were along the way if you wanted to stop...there were quite a few cigarette butts...shame that people who smoke still think it is okay to just throw the ends of their cigarettes down for others to deal with...especially in such a gorgeous area...this was really our own disappointment.

The beach was BEAUTIFUL...so natural and relaxing...sugar white sand and not commercialized at all...and very dog friendly...there aren't any lifeguards on duty, however, the water at this area was quite calm and shallow so it made swimming and enjoying the water and beach very safe. There were times that we were the only ones there and it was like our own private beach getaway.

My family and I (including our dog) stayed in Dauphin Island Campground over spring break this year. Overall, we loved the location, and the campground. Initially upon arrival, however, we were placed in a back into spot that was very tight between two long term campers. (literally, one camper had a wooden deck built off their camper) When our neighbors were sitting outside in lawn chairs or on their deck, they were less than 2 feet away from our camper, and unless the curtains were drawn, were peeping inside.
The site had a lovely live oak, which was constantly littering our pad and chairs etc with leaves and flowers. Although they do supply electricity, sewer, water and a concrete pad, there is no bbq nor is there a fire ring. You are able to build a fire on the site, but they do not supply a ring.

The campground had a great playground, which the kids loved, and played with other children happily daily. Our site was close enough to the playground that the children could play while we prepared our meals, or loaded/unloaded the camper.

The restrooms were always pretty clean (now we are talking public restrooms here folks-graffiti on the doors, and old tile), and there was always ample hot water. There was no soap at the sinks for handwashing, but the showers had a double door which provided good privacy for changing etc. (more than I can say for other campgrounds) Also located in the restroom/showers were the laundry facilities.

There was also ample boat parking, and a great fish cleaning station near the trash, along with a fenced off leash pet area. This campground is very dog friendly, and almost everyone had a well socialized dog. The campground also provided "mutt mits" to clean up after your dog, which everyone did- I did not notice a stray poo anywhere, on the grass, walks or on the beach.

The path through the woods to the beach was beautiful, as was the beach. White sand, (no tar balls noted, or dead animals etc. from the oil spill) The dogs were welcome on the beach, and could run free if no one was around.

The estuarium was directly across the street, and was lots of fun for the kids (aged 9, and 3) where they learned about the ecosystem, and got hands on experience with live horseshoe crabs, hermit crabs, and snails, and they also got hands on with dead/preserved specimens. The estuarium is not Sea World. It is about the size of an exhibit at the zoo.

Fort Gaines is next door, and there is a wonderful bike path which runs down the length of Bienville.

The ferry takes you across the bay to Gulf Shores, and will even take campers/rv's.

BTW, go to Cosmos in Orange Beach, great food and drink, and your dog is welcome to dine with you on the outdoor deck, and shop in the wine shop.

We just returned from a 5 night stay at this campground. This was our second visit so we knew what to expect. The campsites are very flat, easy to maneuver into, and each has a concrete patio, a very nice feature. We had a full hook up site with 30 and 50 amp power available. The location is just about perfect. The campground is at the east end of the island, sandwiched between historic Fort Gaines and the Audubon Bird Sanctuary nature trail, and across the street from the Sea Lab Estuarium, so there are plenty of recreational opportunities. There is also a wonderful paved bike path that runs all the way to the business district of the island, about 2.5 miles away, a nice easy ride, even for a sedentary person like me. The beach is very secluded, beautiful white powdery gulf sand, and we never saw more than a handful of people there. The staff was courteous enough, as were most of the fellow campers. One of the long term campers, a very friendly older gentleman came over and offered his assistance as I backed into our site.
Now for the negatives:
The sites are a bit small, offer very little shade, and no privacy. As stated in an earlier review, the majority of sites are occupied by long term renters and many of them, while not actually rude, made me feel less than welcomed and definitely regarded me as an outsider. Although the camp has posted quiet hours from 10pm - 7am, one of our neighbors (a long term renter) hosted a fishing party one morning which began around 5:30 with lots of loud talking, laughing and slamming of doors for almost an hour. I got to see the sunrise that day, because it was impossible to sleep. The largest negative to this park, though, is the bath house. It is very old and in desperate need of replacement. it is cleaned twice daily and I never found the toilet section to need attention, but the showers have exposed plumbing which cannot be adequately cleaned and the tile had so much mineral buildup (or soap scum) that it always looked gross.

I must say that all of these negatives are typical of an older property, and did not dampen our eagerness to return. The weather this time of year is absolutely perfect, with Highs near 80 and lows near 60. You couldn't ask for a more relaxing place to unwind and recharge. I'm already looking forward to our next visit.