Fort Morgan State Historic Site
Gulf Shores, AL
A massive star-shaped masonry fort at the tip of the Fort Morgan peninsula, facing Fort Gaines across the bay entrance. The car ferry from Dauphin Island lands next door.
Fort Morgan State Historic Site is a historic fortress at the tip of the Fort Morgan peninsula near Gulf Shores, Alabama, at the entrance to Mobile Bay (reached via AL-180). The fort is a five-sided structure with five bastions, designed in 1817 and built between 1819 and 1834.
Fort Bowyer from the War of 1812 is considered its predecessor; the site was later also used in the Spanish-American War and both world wars. Confederate troops took the fort in 1861 during the Civil War. After the Battle of Mobile Bay on August 5, 1864, a two-week siege followed, and the garrison surrendered on August 23, 1864.
Today the Alabama Historical Commission runs the site, a National Historic Landmark, with guided tours and living-history programs. You can see a museum with documents and photographs, cannons, historic batteries and the Mobile Point Lighthouse; there is also beach access and a public boat ramp. Please check opening hours, admission and access in advance.
- Nearest town
- Gulf Shores, AL
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 30.2280, -88.0228
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in May, September and December–February. Hot in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Dauphin Island CampgroundCampsite4 mi from Fort Morgan State Historic Site · 151 pitchesTentsCaravansWaste disposalWi-Fi
- The Plantations At Fish RiverMotorhome stopover18 mi from Fort Morgan State Historic SiteMotorhomes
- Camellia RV ParkMotorhome stopover18 mi from Fort Morgan State Historic SiteMotorhomes
- Coastal Paradise RV ResortMotorhome stopover21 mi from Fort Morgan State Historic SiteMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Anchors Aweigh RV ResortMotorhome stopover22 mi from Fort Morgan State Historic SiteMotorhomes
- Gulf State Park CampgroundCampsite23 mi from Fort Morgan State Historic Site · 507 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterDogs allowedWi-Fi
All campsites in Alabama · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Fort Morgan State Historic Site?
Fort Morgan State Historic Site is in Gulf Shores, AL, at GPS 30.2280, -88.0228. It is about 6 mi from Dauphin Island.
Can you camp near Fort Morgan State Historic Site?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Dauphin Island Campground, about 4 mi away; within 25 mi there are 45 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Fort Morgan State Historic Site?
Fort Morgan State Historic Site is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Mobile Bay and Alabama’s Gulf Shores.
What is there to see near Fort Morgan State Historic Site?
Places worth a stop nearby: Fort Gaines (3 mi), Bellingrath Gardens and Home (16 mi), Fairhope Municipal Pier (22 mi) and Gulf State Park (23 mi).
When is the best time to visit Fort Morgan State Historic Site?
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in May, September and December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)