Cabins or Eagle Cottages? 5 Considerations to Help You Choose
Planning a getaway to Gulf State Park, but stuck between booking a Cabin or Eagle Cottage? We understand. Both The Cabins at Gulf State Park and Eagle Cottages offer incredibly unique escapes nestled in nature, but they each deliver distinctly different experiences.
Whether you’re craving peaceful seclusion or a more elevated lakeside experience, understanding the key differences will help you choose the perfect accommodation. Let’s break down the five essential considerations that’ll guide your decision between booking a Cabin at Gulf State Park or Eagle Cottage.
In this Article
Understanding the Key Differences: Cabins vs. Cottages
The Cabins at Gulf State Park
The Cabins offer a simpler, nature-forward stay for guests who want to unplug and immerse themselves in Gulf State Park’s natural beauty. With 24 fully furnished cabins, both lakeside and woodside, you’ll find everything you need for a comfortable stay and a relaxing escape.
Cabin Key Features:
- Woodside Cabins tucked among longleaf pines
- Lakeside Cabins with peaceful views of Lake Shelby
- Fully equipped kitchen and living areas
- King beds to bunk bed options
- Pet-friendly options available
Video from @gulfcoastjourneys on Instagram
Eagle Cottages at Gulf State Park
Cottage Key Features:
- Waterfront property on Lake Shelby
- Complimentary daily breakfast
- Daily housekeeping service
- Strong commitment to sustainable tourism practices
Video from @bentley365 on Instagram
Cabins VS Eagle Cottages Comparison Table The Cabins Eagle Cottages
| The Cabins | Eagle Cottages | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Woodside or Lakeside | Lakeside |
| Bedrooms | Studios to Two-Bedroom with a Bunk Nook | Three Queen Bedrooms | Amenities | Kitchen, living area, fire pits | Complimentary breakfast, housekeeping, kitchen, living area |
| Best Suited For | Families, DIY vacationers, adventure seekers, pet-owners | Couples, friend groups, eco-conscious travelers, pet-owners |
| Privacy | Moderate to High | Moderate to High |
Matching Your Travel Style to the Right Stay
Best Options for Family Getaways
The Cabins: A great change of pace for families who love outdoor adventures and don’t mind cooking a few meals themselves. The full kitchen, multiple bedroom options with bunks, and direct trail access make it easy to explore on your own schedule.
Eagle Cottages: Better suited for families looking to be among nature without losing all the amenities. Complimentary breakfast at Woodside Restaurant, daily housekeeping, and free bike share mean less planning and more adventure time together.
Couples Seeking Privacy
The Cabins: The Woodside Cabins deliver serious seclusion among longleaf pines. Perfect for couples who want to disconnect and explore the 28 miles of nature trails at their own pace.
Eagle Cottages: With sunset views, cozy accommodations, and the unique charm of a eco-focused property, these cottages offer lakeside privacy with elevated comfort.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Both properties welcome your furry friends! The Cabins and Eagle Cottages provide flexibility with access to hiking trails. Either way, there are plenty of options for your pup to join in on the Gulf State Park adventure.
What's Included: Amenities and Services
The Cabins at Gulf State Park Amenities
The Cabins provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay while keeping things simple and laidback. You’ll handle your own meals and housekeeping, giving you complete flexibility during your visit.
Included with Cabins:
- Studio to 2-Bedroom units
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Living area with comfortable seating
- Laundry room (Lakeside Cabins)
- 2.5 miles from the beach
- Fire pits
- Free Parking at The Beach Pavilion
“We could not have had a better, more satisfying experience. The cabins are top notch. They are clean, well-stocked, well located, and the view of Lake Shelby out the window is unbelievable. The wildlife is abundant on the lake, and the sunrises are better than anything you see on The Gulf (our opinion). We highly recommend.”
— Shirley Churchill via Google Reviews
The Eagle Cottages Amenities
Our Eagle Cottages take care of the details, so you can focus on exploring Gulf State Park the way you want to. From daily breakfast to housekeeping, these cottages offer a more elevated lakeside experience.
Included with Cottages:
- 3-Bedroom, 3-Bathroom
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Living areas and porches with comfortable seating
- Complimentary daily breakfast
- Daily housekeeping
- Free bike share program
- 2.5 miles from the beach
- Firewood
- Free Parking at The Beach Pavilion
“The place was super nice and clean! We spent a lot of time on the screened-in porch and enjoyed the lake view. The sunrises were spectacular. The staff were very friendly…The park itself is clean and offers a lot to do. We are already planning our next trip back.”
— Farrah Keener via Google Reviews
Planning Your Stay: What to Pack and Expect
What to Pack for The Cabins
Since The Cabins operate on a self-service model, you may consider packing a few of these essentials to ensure an even more comfortable stay. Essentials to Bring:- Toiletries and personal care items
- Groceries and cooking supplies
- Outdoor gear (hiking shoes, fishing equipment, bikes)
- Pet supplies if bringing your furry friend
What to Pack for Eagle Cottages
Eagle Cottages provide more amenities, so you can pack lighter and focus on your adventure or retreat. Essentials to Bring:- Outdoor gear (hiking shoes, comfortable clothing for biking)
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Camera for capturing Gulf State Park’s beauty
- Pet supplies if traveling with pets
- Any special groceries (breakfast is provided, but you may want snacks)
Dining Options: From Breakfast to Dinner
Both The Cabins and Eagle Cottages come with equipped kitchens, giving you the flexibility to cook your own meals. But, if you’re no chef, the good news is there are plenty of nearby places to grab a bite for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Nearby Restaurants:
- Breakfast: Eagle Cottages includes daily breakfast at Woodside Restaurant. Less than a mile away, it serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner for Cabins guests as well.
- Lunch & Dinner: Woodside Restaurant offers casual dining with locally sourced ingredients and pet-friendly outdoor seating. Or you may want to venture over to The Lodge at Gulf State Park and visit The Dragonfly Pool Bar & Grill (seasonal) for great bites at a casual setting overlooking the Gulf.
- Elevated Dining: A short drive away are the on-site restaurants at The Lodge—Perch at Gulf State Park for upscale steaks and seafood and Foodcraft at Gulf State Park for family-friendly coastal favorites.
Pro Tip: All properties put you close to Gulf Shores’ dining scene while giving you the option to cook in when you prefer a quiet night.
Whether you choose The Cabins at Gulf State Park or Eagle Cottages, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable Alabama Gulf Coast experience. Both properties put you steps from Lake Shelby, 28 miles of scenic trails, and just 2.5 miles from pristine Gulf beaches.
Ready to book your Gulf State Park getaway? Explore The Cabins and Eagle Cottages websites and lock in your next adventurous escape!
Are cabins or cottages better for winter getaways?
Both work well for winter! The Cabins offer cozy fire pits and secluded forest settings, while Eagle Cottages provide heated comfort with daily housekeeping. Winter temps average 49°F lows and 76°F highs—perfect for hiking without the summer crowds.
Are cabins at Gulf State Park pet-friendly?
What's better for couples: The Cabins or Eagle Cottages?
What amenities are included with Cabins vs. Cottages?
How long should you stay in a cabin to make it worthwhile?
A minimum 2-3 night stay lets you fully experience Gulf State Park’s trails, Lake Shelby, and nearby Gulf beaches without feeling rushed.