DAUPHIN ISLAND,ALABAMA, USA -- Just a short drive from Mobile you'll find miles of snow-white sandy beaches and all the recreational activities that go along with them. You'll also find shops, restaurants, golf, hotels, motels, and campgrounds for RV and tent campers in this small island community.

Take time to wander, there are more than just beaches on Dauphin Island. Its fascinating history dates back to the 15th century and includes occupation by the French, Spanish and British. Civil War buffs will want to explore historic Fort Gaines, site of the famous Battle of Mobile Bay. The fort houses the actual cannons used in the Civil War conflict. On weekends, knowledgeable costumed guides make history come alive and learning fun. Living History special events take place here year round, so check the schedule for when you plan to visit.

You can explore the four key ecosystems of coastal Alabama (the Delta, Mobile Bay, the Barrier Islands and Mobile Bay) at The Dauphin Island Sea Lab and Estuarium. The center houses aquariums and fascinating nature exhibits inside its 10,000 square foot facility.

Bird watchers from all over the country regularly flock here (sorry, couldn't resist the pun), and with good reason, Alabama's Dauphin Island is cited as one of the ten most globally important sites for bird migration. The Audubon bird sanctuary covers 160 acres of woodlands and boasts miles of walking trails that give access to swamp, pine forests, live oak and magnolia clearings and, of course, the gulf beach. Migrating butterflies also find the island a convenient place to stop.

CAMPGROUNDS
Tree-lined paths lead from your RV or tent site to snow-white beaches and the lush woods of the Audubon Bird Sanctuary. Free boat launches/fishing pier and Historic Fort Gaines are within a short walk. Fishing here is so abundant that Dauphin Island hosts ten fishing rodeos each year. Nearby are charter boats, fishing boats and an 850 ft. fishing pier, where rods can be rented.

Campground Amenities Include:

• 150 Sites with power and water
• 70 sites with sewer
• Bathhouse with hot showers, washers/dryers
• Campground store
• Group pavilion with large brick barbecue grill
• Free boat launches-- you're in the Gulf of Mexico in 5 minutes!
• Walking trails into the Audubon Bird Sanctuary (watch for birds, alligators, fish, turtles)
• Boardwalk to secluded beach on Gulf
• Bicycle rental, playground, badminton, volleyball, shuffleboard and horseshoe

Practicalities

The Dauphin Island Campground is located at 109 Bienville Blvd. ; Dauphin Island, Alabama 36528 For reservations or additional information, call 251/861-2742 or email campground@dauphinisland.org.

For a free copy of the Dauphin Island Guide, call toll free 877-532-8744 or 251-861-5524 or get more information about the area by visiting www.dauphinisland.org.

Visit the Estuarium website at http://estuarium.disl.org.

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Cheri Sicard, in addition to being the editor of FabulousTravel.com and its sister site, Fabulous Foods.com is the author of The Great American Handbook: What You Can Do For Your Country Today and Every Day (2002, Berkley Books) and co-author of US Citizenship for Dummies (2003, Wiley).To learn more about Cheri, click here.