For educational groups, faith-based retreats, or corporate gatherings, the Bunkhouse on the Learning Campus provides comfortable sleeping quarters for guests. The Bunkhouse common building features comfortable sitting areas indoors as well as a screened-in porch. Groups can organize, relax, and plan their Gulf State Park activities at ease.
Additionally, the Bunkhouse has two sleeping cabins capable of housing up to 64 people. Each sleeping cabin is comprised of 32 beds (16 bunk beds), in addition to four individual bathrooms and four individual showers.
There is also a residential kitchen and dining area, so groups may prepare snacks or meals within their living quarters. The Bunkhouse provides convenient amenities, so visiting groups can meet, sleep, and eat comfortably while still staying on the park grounds.
Conservation Hall is a marvel of modern construction. Expansive glass walls surround the hall for open visibility of the mature forest setting. The property is LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and engineered for energy efficiency and minimal environmental impact.
The stunning glass walls within Conservation Hall invite nature to join the meeting. This vast is space framed with beautiful natural wood slat-walls and polished wooden beams finishing the inclined ceiling. An installed overhead projector and 10’x10’ screen, and 4 mounted speakers support your audio & visual presentations for up to 200 people. There is also an open foyer, hydration station, and restrooms to accommodate large groups.
The hall is perfect for your next educational programs and group events!
This meeting space is ideal for gatherings for up to 24 people. The windows allow for natural light, and a connected office/snack prep area provides for an efficient workspace. Restrooms are included to create an all-encompassing space for the meeting attendees.
A screened porch with vaulted ceilings, large accent lights, fans, and (8) commercial picnic tables made from recycled material creates a rustic feel for this indoor meeting space accommodating up to 48 adults. A single solid wall provides a backdrop for presentations.
This four-sided screened porch offers the most natural setting with large accent lights, fans, and five commercial picnic tables made from recycled material accommodating up to 30 adults.
An air-conditioned classroom seating up to 18 allows students to interact with the educator as well as hands-on, immersive learning in the adjoining laboratory. The lab includes technical equipment such as a chemical fume hood, an emergency shower, and eyewash stations, as well as stainless sink and science tables. Connected to the lab is a porch with outdoor sinks and in-floor drain. This unique space takes learning to a higher level.
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.
Lodging
– The Bunkhouse
– The Roost
– The Rookery
Classrooms
– Conservation Hall
– Loblolly Classroom & Lab
– Longleaf Porch
– Sweetbay Porch
– Triple C Meeting Room
Dining
– Woodside Restaurant
Schedule a program at the Learning Campus for your elementary, middle, high school or collegiate 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 Educators have developed environmental, ecological, and sustainable education programs aligned with Alabama state standards and are happy to assist in creating your onsite itinerary.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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!