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Where Inspiration
Comes Naturally

The Learning Campus at Gulf State Park

This newly built facility provides an opportunity for learning through immersive programming and hands-on experiences to connect with the natural and cultural heritage of the park. We hope to inspire visitors to live well and in harmony with the world around them.

The sustainably designed and operated facilities include indoor and outdoor classrooms, a laboratory, meeting space, overnight accommodations, and dining. Instead of struggling to coordinate camping accommodations for groups of students, book the brand new Bunkhouse and sleeping cabins for comfort and security.

The Learning Campus offers an educational basecamp for visiting school groups, post-secondary students, teachers, researchers, scout troops, adult learners, and other nature enthusiasts.

The Learning Campus is ideal for a variety of educational groups, including:

  • Youth and Adult Camps
  • Coastal and Environmental Camps
  • Home and After School Program
  • Youth and Student Travel Programs
  • Family, Religious, and Team Building Retreats
  • Youth and Student Tours

Learn more about the vast diversity of innovative and sustainable learning facilities to host your next educational gathering.

collage of nature images
a collage of Learning Campus images
Where Inspiration
Comes Naturally

The Learning Campus at Gulf State Park

This newly built facility provides an opportunity for learning through immersive programming and hands-on experiences to connect with the natural and cultural heritage of the park. We hope to inspire visitors to live well and in harmony with the world around them.

The sustainably designed and operated facilities include indoor and outdoor classrooms, a laboratory, meeting space, overnight accommodations, and dining. Instead of struggling to coordinate camping accommodations for groups of students, book the brand new Bunkhouse and sleeping cabins for comfort and security.

The Learning Campus offers an educational basecamp for visiting school groups, post-secondary students, teachers, researchers, scout troops, adult learners, and other nature enthusiasts.

The Learning Campus is ideal for a variety of educational groups, including:

Learn more about the vast diversity of innovative and sustainable learning facilities to host your next educational gathering.

Where Inspiration
Comes Naturally

The Learning Campus at Gulf State Park

This newly built facility provides an opportunity for learning through immersive programming and hands-on experiences to connect with the natural and cultural heritage of the park.

The sustainably designed and operated facilities include indoor and outdoor classrooms, a laboratory, meeting space, overnight accommodations, and dining.

A collage of Learning Campus images

The Learning Campus offers an educational basecamp for visiting school groups, post-secondary students, teachers, researchers, scout troops, adult learners, and other nature enthusiasts.

The Learning Campus is ideal for a variety of educational groups, including:

  • Youth and Adult Camps
  • Coastal and Environmental Camps
  • Home and After School Program
  • Youth and Student Travel Programs
  • Family, Religious, and Team Building Retreats
  • Youth and Student Tours

Learn more about the vast diversity of innovative and sustainable learning facilities to host your next educational gathering.

collage of Learning Campus images

Gulf State Park Learning Campus Facilities

The new Learning Campus serves as a benchmark for immersive environmentally learning, and the accommodations make it the perfect facility to host group events within the Gulf State Park. With so much to explore, the Learning Campus provides sleeping, meeting, dining, and educational accommodations to support and serve groups of environmentally conscious travelers.

The Bunkhouse at Gulf State Park

The Bunkhouse

The brand new Bunkhouse on the Learning Campus features two sleeping cabins capable of housing up to 64 people.

Learn More
Meeting room at the Learning Campus

Meeting Rooms & Boardwalk Amenities

The Learning Campus offers six unique meeting rooms of varying sizes, with the flexibility of welcoming up to 200 people. Each facility stands independently from one another but connects seamlessly on the boardwalk. Easily coordinate multiple lectures, learning activities, or events for your students for an immersive learning experience. 

The boardwalk features a built-in amphitheater for classroom events or gathering spaces to coordinate outdoor activities. In addition, there are meeting spaces available for smaller gatherings of up to 24 people.

Learn More
Bunkhouse at the Learning Campus

Loblolly Classroom & Laboratory

The Learning Campus also has an adjoining laboratory and classroom for educators to teach immersive science lectures. The air-conditioned facility allows up to 18 students to utilize technical equipment, such as chemical fume hoods, science tables, and more so, educators can craft impactful lessons and take learning to a higher level.

The laboratory is perfect for accommodating a variety of STEAM classes, including coastal research, marine biology, and environmental learning. Best of all, you can incorporate the biodiversity of the Gulf State Park into your lessons for truly integrated learning. 

Learn More
interior of Woodside Restaurantresidential kitchen and dining area

Dining

Woodside Restaurant, located steps away from the Learning Campus, provides a friendly and casual dining experience. Your group can enjoy an air-conditioned dining room, screened porch, or dine beneath the pines at one of the picnic tables on the deck. If you want to stay on campus or hit the trails to explore the park or beach, picnic meals can be arranged to go.

The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Dogs are allowed in our pet-friendly outdoor seating. Food, beer, and wine are available for visitors to enjoy. View the Woodside Restaurant menu to see the variety of delicious cuisine the facility has to offer. and wine are available for visitors to enjoy.

There is also a residential kitchen and dining area, so groups may prepare snacks or meals within their living quarters.

Exterior of the Learning Campus at Gulf State Park

Virtual Tour

Lodging
             - The Bunkhouse
             - The Roost
             - The Rookery
Classrooms
             - Conservation Hall
             - Loblolly Classroom & Lab
             - Longleaf Porch
             - Sweetbay Porch
             - Triple C Meeting Room
Dining
             - Woodside Restaurant

Experience Tour

Gulf State Park Learning Campus Facilities

The new Learning Campus serves as a benchmark for immersive environmentally learning, and the accommodations make it the perfect facility to host large group events within the Gulf State Park.

bunkhouse icon
The Bunkhouse
bunkhouse icon
The Bunkhouse
The Bunkhouse at Gulf State Park

The Bunkhouse

The brand new Bunkhouse on the Learning Campus features two sleeping cabins capable of housing up to 64 people.

Learn More
meeting rooms and amenities icon
Meeting Rooms & Amenities
meeting room icon
Meeting Rooms & Amenities
Conservation Hall at Gulf State Park

Meeting Room & Boardwalk Amenities

The Learning Campus offers six unique meeting rooms of varying sizes, with the flexibility of welcoming up to 200 people. Easily coordinate multiple lectures, learning activities, or events for your students for an immersive learning experience.

The boardwalk features a built-in amphitheater for classroom events or gathering spaces to coordinate outdoor activities. In addition, there is a large meeting space available for smaller gatherings of up to 24 people.

Learn More
Loblolly classroom icon
Loblolly Classroom & Lab
Loblolly classroom icon
Loblolly Classroom & Lab
Loblolly Laboratory

Loblolly Classroom & Laboratory

The Learning Center also has an adjoining laboratory and classroom for educators to teach immersive science lectures.

Through engaging and practical lectures, we hope to create an environment that not only educates students but helps to integrate environmentally conscious philosophies into the youth to help contribute to sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyles.

Learn More
dining icon
Dining
dining icon
Dining
interior of Woodside Restaurantresidential kitchen and dining

Dining

Woodside Restaurant, located steps away from the Learning Campus, provides a friendly and casual dining experience. Your group can enjoy an air-conditioned dining room, screened porch, or dine beneath the pines at one of the picnic tables on the deck.

The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Dogs are allowed in our pet-friendly outdoor seating. View the Woodside Restaurant menu to see the variety of delicious cuisine the facility has to offer. and wine are available for visitors to enjoy.

There is also a residential kitchen and dining area, so groups may prepare snacks or meals within their living quarters.

virtual tour icon
Virtual Tour
virtual tour icon
Virtual Tour
Exterior of the Learning Campus at Gulf State Park

Virtual Tour

- Lodging
             - Bunkhouses
                          - The Roost
                          - The Rookery
- Classrooms
             - Conservation Hall
             - Loblolly Classroom & Lab
             - Longleaf Porch
             - Sweetbay Porch
             - Triple C Meeting Room
- Dining
             - Woodside Restaurant

Experience Tour

Book the Learning Campus for Your Next Group Event

Incorporate the abundant outdoor ecosystems into your lecture to inspire and engage with your students. One of our pivotal goals for the learning center is to allow educators the opportunity to develop impactful educational experiences that motivate an emerging generation of students to build a passionate connection with our planet.

Through engaging and practical lectures, we hope to create an environment that not only educates students but helps them integrate environmentally conscious philosophies to help contribute to sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyles.

To reserve the Learning Campus for your group, contact Vicki Keyser at info@learningcampusgsp.com or call her directly at (251) 923-3101.

Book the Learning Campus for Your Next Group Event

Integrate the abundant outdoor ecosystems into your lecture to inspire and engage with your students.

Through engaging and practical lectures, we hope to create an environment that not only educates students but helps them integrate environmentally conscious philosophies to help contribute to sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyles.

To reserve the Learning Campus for your group, contact Vicki Keyser at info@learningcampusgsp.com or call her directly at (251) 923-3101.

About Gulf State Park

Gulf State Park is a marvelous and one-of-a-kind ecotourist destination. Encompassing nine different ecosystems within 6,150 acres of breathtaking landscape.

The property is located on the Gulf of Mexico in the city of Gulf Shores in Baldwin County, Alabama. The state park is only a short drive from Birmingham, Alabama, and attracts visitors from across the United States and Internationally to explore a wide array of activities on the diverse landscape.

The Gulf State Park is located on the Gulf of Mexico. Established in 1939, the park is one of the most popular attractions in the state. It has won the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame for winning its Certificate of Excellence five years in a row along with the Alabama Tourism Department 2018 Attraction of the Year.

What makes the state park so unique? The park features nine different ecosystems, including dunes, three freshwater lakes, marshes, streams, forests, and a two-mile-long white sand beach on the Gulf of Mexico.

The abundant diversity offers visitors unlimited options of adventures to explore, such as fishing, kayaking, or paddle boarding on Lake Shelby, Middle Lake, or Little Lake. Lake Shelby is 900-acres of freshwater and perfect for recreational splendor. Visitors can purchase a fishing license or reserve one of the many pavilions for relaxing or outdoor educational experiences. Enjoy a picnic near the lake or explore over 28 miles of trails throughout the park.

Visitors can journey across the lush landscapes of the park on one of the ten easy hiking and biking trails, including the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail System, a collection of remote trails to discover hidden gems within the park. Trails range from 0.9 to 12.2 miles long and allow students to learn about the Gulf State Park ecosystems and see the wildlife up close.

You can even try new activities like geocaching to learn about the park’s natural resources and history. For group exploration, the best way to experience the park is to reserve the new Learning Campus facility for an educational journey you won’t find anywhere else.

About Gulf State Park

Gulf State Park is a marvelous and one-of-a-kind ecotourist destination. Encompassing nine different ecosystems within 6,150 acres of breathtaking landscape.

The Gulf State Park is located on the Gulf of Mexico. Established in 1939, the park is one of the most popular attractions in the state. It has won the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame for winning its Certificate of Excellence five years in a row along with the Alabama Tourism Department 2018 Attraction of the Year.

The abundant diversity offers visitors unlimited options of adventures to explore, such as fishing, kayaking, or paddle boarding on Lake Shelby, Middle Lake, or Little Lake.

Visitors can journey across the lush landscapes of the park on one of the ten easy hiking and biking trails, including the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail System, a collection of remote trails to discover hidden gems within the park.

The Learning Campus for Group Gatherings

The Learning Campus is ideal for a variety of group gatherings from educational retreats to adventure treks and team-building, learn more about some of the most popular types of groups that can use the campus.

kids in front of a campfire

Youth Tours & Travel Programs

Schedule a program at the Learning Campus for your elementary, middle, or high school class. We can host student groups of all sizes eager to learn about the diverse Gulf Coast landscape.

Coordinate lesson plans in one of the indoor classrooms, auditorium, or laboratory to inspire your students and facilitate outdoor learning adventures throughout the park. There are a variety of trails that connect the park accessible on foot, bike, or other non-motor vehicles. Gulf State Park is ideal for science and environmental education, and students can learn about the variety of ecosystems in person. 

Our staff can help you organize your trip for a safe and productive educational experience like no other. Students can also explore the Interpretive Center, Nature Center, and Fishing Pier for a comprehensive learning experience in the Gulf State Park. Our staff has advanced knowledge of environmental, ecological, and sustainable education, and we would be more than happy to help guide lesson plans.

two volunteers working by the Gulf State Park pier

Internships, Volunteers, & Service Projects

For students and volunteers looking to further their knowledge of sustainability and coastal conservation, we offer a variety of service projects and hands-on training.

teacher and students at coastal camp

Environmental & Coastal Camps

Sustainable and responsible education is at the heart of the Learning Campus mission. We invite coastal and environmental groups to visit the park and camp at our facilities. The Gulf State Park opened in 1939, and it serves as an ideal location for coastal and ecological education.

The Park features a diverse collection of ecosystems, including: 

  • Evergreen Forests
  • Pine Savannas
  • Maritime Forest
  • Dune Ridges
  • Fresh and Salt Marshes
  • Coastal Swale
  • Beaches
  • Lakes

Incorporating local and environmental education resources and activities, day and overnight camps are offered with the ability to customize the experience. Participants learn about the history, formation, and changes that occur in each dynamic ecosystem. Learn about the landscape and wildlife of Gulf State Park and stay on-campus for a truly immersive experience.

group of people embracing overlooking a mountain

Team Building & Retreats

Do you have a special family reunion approaching? Want to get out of the city and build a stronger team in the heart of mother nature? Luckily, the Learning Campus is the ideal location for both family gatherings and corporate retreats.

Unique modern Bunkhouse accommodations provide flexible housing arrangements while you enjoy Gulf State Park. Utilize the communal gathering spaces to relax or coordinate plans and organize activities throughout the park.

There is a wide range of recreational and educational activities to explore throughout the park, including kayaking, hiking, biking, paddle boarding, and fishing. For corporate team building events, host speaker sessions in Conservation Hall or various porches and classroom spaces.

Contact us to reserve the Learning Campus for your next event and feel free to ask us for help to coordinate activities to make the most out of your retreat.

field and research lab

Field & Research Lab

The new campus was built to accommodate scientific research and education in the Gulf State Park. We offer a variety of educational facilities and hands-on laboratory to host visiting classes and provide expanded resources for optimum learning.

The Learning Campus features a laboratory and classroom for educators to utilize for a variety of class offerings. Students can use technical equipment, such as chemical fume hoods and other scientific resources, so educators can develop fascinating lesson plans.

Best of all, the park itself provides unparalleled educational opportunities for scientific education. Students can not only learn about the nine unique ecosystems in Gulf State Park, but educators can also incorporate the various attractions for an immersive lecture.

Study the various woodland and marine wildlife that inhabit the park and learn about the science behind the formation of the great ecosystems within the park. Students and educators will also be able to visit the Interpretive Center, Beach Pavilion, Butterfly Garden, Nature Center, and Fishing Pier to further develop their knowledge of the fascinating wildlife within the Gulf Coast region.

scouts playing tug-of-war

Scouts Camp

There is no better place to host a scout camping event than the Learning Campus at Gulf State Park. Easily coordinate sleeping accommodations in the Bunkhouse and organize an endless variety of educational and fun events within the park all while earning merit badges.
 
Visit the pristine beaches, Fishing Pier, marshes, Boulder Park, or many other activities. The Learning Campus makes it easy to host a camping event responsibly. Best of all, the youth will be able to safely stay within the park without having to worry about camping in tents.
 
Contact us to start organizing a scout camping event, and we can help you come up with a full schedule of fun activities!

youth tour and travel programs icon
Youth Tours & Travel Programs
youth tour and travel programs icon
Youth Tours & Travel Programs
kids in front of a campfire

Youth Tours & Travel Programs

Schedule a weekend event at the Learning Campus for your elementary, middle, or high school class. We can host small to large groups of students eager to learn about the diverse Gulf Shore landscape.

Gulf State Park is ideal for science and environmental education, and students can learn about the variety of ecosystems in person.

Our staff can help you organize your trip for a safe and productive educational experience like no other. Students can also explore the Interpretive Center, Research, Education, and Nature Centers for a comprehensive learning experience in the park.


internships and volunteers icon
Internships & Volunteers
internships and volunteers icon
Internships & Volunteers
two volunteers working by the Gulf State Park pier

Internships & Volunteers

For students and volunteers looking to further their knowledge of sustainability and coastal conservation, we offer a variety of service projects and hands-on training.


environmental and coastal camps icon
Environmental & Coastal Camps
environmental and coastal camps icon
Environmental & Coastal Camps
teacher and students at coastal camp

Environmental & Coastal Camps

The Gulf State Park opened in 1939, and it serves as an ideal location for coastal and ecological education.

The Park features a diverse collection of ecosystems, including: 

  • Evergreen Forests
  • Pine Savannas
  • Maritime Forest
  • Dune Ridges
  • Fresh and Salt Marshes
  • Coastal Swale
  • Beaches
  • Lakes

We offer educational programs to help visitors learn about the history, formation, and changes that occur in each dynamic ecosystem.


team building and retreats icon
Team Building & Retreats
team building and retreats icon
Team Building & Retreats
group of people embracing overlooking a mountain

Team Building & Retreats

The Learning Campus is the ideal location for both family gatherings and corporate retreats. 

There are plenty of housing arrangements available in the Bunkhouse to provide a place to stay while you attend Gulf State Park. Utilize the communal meeting spaces to coordinate plans and organize activities throughout the park.

There is also a residential kitchen and dining area, so groups may prepare snacks or meals within their living quarters.

For corporate team building events, host speaker sessions in Conservation Hall or various porches and classroom spaces.

Contact us to reserve the Learning Campus for your next event and feel free to ask us for help to coordinate activities to make the most out of your retreat.


field and research lab icon
Field & Research Lab
field and research lab icon
Field & Research Lab
Loblolly laboratory

Field & Research Lab

The Learning Center on campus features a laboratory and classroom for educators to utilize for a variety of classes. Students can use technical equipment, such as chemical fume hoods and other scientific resources, so that educators can develop fascinating lesson plans.

Study the various marine and woodland wildlife that inhabit the park and learn about the science behind the formation of the great ecosystems within the park. Students and educators will also be able to visit the Beach Pavilion, Butterfly Garden, Nature Center, and Education Pier to further develop their knowledge of the fascinating wildlife within the Gulf Shore.


scouts camp icon
Scouts Camp
scouts camp icon
Scouts Camp
scouts playing tug-of-war

Scouts Camp

There is no better place to host a boy or girl scout camping event than the Learning Campus at Gulf State Park. Easily coordinate sleeping accommodations in the Bunkhouse and organize an endless variety of educational and fun events within the park.

Contact us to start organizing a scout camping event, and we can help you come up with a full schedule of fun activities!

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