Hurricane Sally striking the Alabama Gulf Coast four years ago this September may seem like a long time ago, but there are places still rebuilding. A ceremonial ribbon-cutting was held on Monday, April 15, to mark the opening of Gulf State Park’s new Lakeside Cabins — 20 modern lakeside lodging areas including furniture, kitchen appliances, laundry rooms and screened patios.

Due to the destruction caused by Hurricane Sally, 17 structures on site were significantly damaged back in 2020. This newly-completed renovation project has replaced those dwindling buildings with 20 cabins all featuring direct access to Lake Shelby and the ability to host eight overnight guests. This now increases lakeside lodging inventory at Gulf State Park to a total of 30 cabins, two of the new cabins being fully compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations.

Other options for accommodations at the park are The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton hotel and the Eagle Cottages, which grant visitors easy access to outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, swimming and more.

“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,” Gulf Shores Mayor Robert 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.”

This follows the recent reopening of the park’s Romar Beach Access after adding a beach boardwalk, permanent restrooms and outdoor showers. In this $700,000 effort (funded by state bonds) to improve beach access for both Gulf State Park guests and local residents, the parking area was also expanded and paved, additionally providing a space with electric vehicle charging capabilities.

“We’ve already heard from so many Orange Beach residents who are thankful for the reopening of Romar Beach Access and all of the new amenities there,” Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon said.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is responsible for 21 state parks covering over 50,000 acres of land and water, ranging from the Gulf Coast to the Appalachian Mountains. ADCNR Commissioner Chris Blankenship said the state is committed to giving first-class guest experiences at all state parks, touching on how both of these projects help accomplish that goal.

“The Romar Beach Access is highly used by local residents, and the new cabins will bring in visitors from inside and outside of Alabama,” Blankenship said. “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.”