How to Make the Most of Your RV Trip to the Annual National Shrimp Festival in Alabama

If you’re an RV camper or traveler and love seafood, the Annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama, is a must-visit event. This festival has been taking place for over 50 years and is one of the largest outdoor festivals in the state. It’s a celebration of Alabama’s seafood industry, and of course, the show’s star is shrimp!

In this article, we’ll give you tips on how to make the most of your RV trip to the Annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Attending the Annual National Shrimp Festival

If you’re planning to attend the Annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama, as an RV camper or traveler, it’s important to start planning early. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

Popular RV Parks in the Gulf Shores Area

Several RV parks in the Gulf Shores area cater to RV travelers and campers. These parks offer a range of amenities, from full hookups to Wi-Fi and cable TV. Some of the most popular RV parks in the area include Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores RV Resort, and Island Retreat RV Park. These parks are in close proximity to the festival, making it easy to get to and from the event.

If you regularly visit the Alabama Gulf Coast, utilizing an RV storage facility could be a very convenient option. Positioning your RV close to your destination makes planning your trip easier and removes the wear and tear on your motorhome from long road trips. The Best RV storage facilities in South Alabama, like Titan Storage, offer a safe and secure location for your RV to rest between your vacations.

The Importance of Booking Early

RV parks in the Gulf Shores area tend to fill up quickly during the festival. That’s why it’s important to book your spot early, especially if you’re planning to attend on the weekend. Most RV parks start taking reservations months in advance, so be sure to check their websites and book as soon as possible to ensure that you have a spot.

Proximity to the Festival

When booking your RV spot, consider the park’s proximity to the festival. Some parks offer shuttle services to and from the festival, making it even easier to attend. You’ll also want to consider the traffic in the area during the festival, as it can get quite congested. By choosing an RV park close to the festival, you can avoid some of the traffic and make the most of your time at the event.

Navigating the Festival

Attending the Annual National Shrimp Festival can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. It is a four-day event that typically takes place in October.  The festival is held from 10 am to 10 pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and from 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday. Be sure to check the festival’s website for the most up-to-date information on hours and schedule changes.

When you arrive at the festival, be sure to grab a map and schedule of events. This will help you plan your day and ensure that you don’t miss any of the must-see attractions. The festival has several stages where live music and other performances occur throughout the day. There are also cooking demonstrations, a sandcastle-building contest, and a children’s activity center. Knowing what’s happening and where will help you make the most of your time at the festival.

The Annual National Shrimp Festival features several stages where live music and other performances take place. These stages are spread out throughout the festival, so be sure to check the map and schedule of events to find out when and where your favorite performers will be playing. The festival typically features a mix of local and regional artists and some national acts.

One of the highlights of the festival is the cooking demonstrations. Local chefs and seafood experts showcase their skills and share their favorite shrimp recipes. These demonstrations take place at various times throughout the festival, so be sure to check the schedule to find out when and where they’re happening.

If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to check out the Children’s Activity Center. This area has face painting, sand art, and other fun activities for kids of all ages. There’s also a carnival area with rides and games that will keep the little ones entertained for hours.

Enjoying the Food

One of the main attractions of the Annual National Shrimp Festival is the food. As the name suggests, shrimp is the star of the show at the festival.

You’ll find shrimp prepared in all sorts of ways, from traditional fried shrimp to shrimp gumbo, shrimp kebabs, and more. Some of the must-try shrimp dishes include shrimp kebabs, shrimp and grits, and shrimp po’boys. You can also find a variety of other shrimp dishes, such as boiled shrimp, shrimp creole, and shrimp étouffée.

If shrimp isn’t your thing, don’t worry; there are plenty of other seafood options, such as crab cakes, oysters, and crawfish. You can also find non-seafood options such as barbecue, hot dogs, and hamburgers.  If you’re not a seafood lover or just need a break from all the seafood, there are also plenty of non-seafood options available at the festival. You can find classic festival fares such as corn dogs, funnel cakes, and fried Oreos.

Don’t forget to save room for dessert! The festival has plenty of sweet treats to enjoy, including funnel cakes, ice cream, and fried Oreos. Traditional Southern desserts such as banana pudding and pecan pie can also be found.

While many vendors accept credit cards, having cash on hand is always a good idea, especially if you plan on buying small items from vendors who may not accept cards. The festival can get crowded, so having cash on hand can help you move more quickly through the food lines and make transactions smoother.

Whether you’re a seafood lover or not, there’s something for everyone to try. Don’t forget to bring cash and come hungry!

Exploring the Surrounding Area

While the Annual National Shrimp Festival is a great event on its own, there are plenty of other attractions to explore in the Gulf Shores area. Gulf Shores is known for its beautiful beaches, with soft white sand and crystal-clear waters. Take a break from the festival and enjoy a relaxing stroll along the beach or a dip in the Gulf of Mexico.

Gulf State Park

Gulf State Park is a 6,150-acre park that offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and camping. The park has over 28 miles of trails, a fishing pier and a golf course.

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, also known as “The Little Zoo That Could,” is a family-friendly attraction that’s home to over 300 animals. The zoo offers a variety of animal encounters, including kangaroo and lemur encounters, and is a great way to spend an afternoon with the family.

Fort Morgan Historic Site

The Fort Morgan Historic Site is a historic military fort that played a significant role in the Civil War. The fort offers guided tours and educational exhibits, giving visitors a glimpse into the past.

Fishing Charters and Experiencing Alabama’s Seafood Industry

If you’re a seafood lover, don’t miss the opportunity to go on a fishing trip while in Gulf Shores. Many local companies offer half-day and full-day fishing charters that take you out to the Gulf of Mexico to catch a variety of fish, including shrimp. It’s a great way to get out on the water and experience Alabama’s seafood industry firsthand.

Take an RV Trip to the Annual National Shrimp Festival

The Annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama, is a fantastic event for RV travelers and campers. There’s something for everyone, from the delicious food to the live music and activities.

With a little bit of planning, you can have an unforgettable RV trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama, and enjoy everything this area has to offer. So pack your bags, grab your RV, and head on down to the Annual National Shrimp Festival for a weekend of fun, food, and festivities!

Want to learn more about the area with tips on the best places to visit from a true local? Check out this Insider’s Guide For Vacationing on The Alabama Gulf Coast Beaches!