The U.S. State of Alabama enjoys a pleasant year-round climate, owing to the proximity of the Gulf of Mexico. Nonetheless, it had a tempestuous history from involvement in the Civil War, and striving for social justice thereafter. We struck a great deal on an Alabama campervan holiday in the deep south of the USA; with a motorhome rental from Atlanta, Georgia near the border. Then we planned an interesting week exploring Alabama all the way from the northeast to the southwest corner where it has a toe-hold on the ocean.

Alabama Campervan Holiday

Alabama, A World All Of Its Own

Few American states have experienced civil conflict on a scale Alabama has, and twice at that. Some 120,000 young men went off to war enthusiastically, many of whom did not return home. A century later, there were violent protests among the descendants of the slaves that first war freed.

We came across civil war re-enactments, and enticing monuments as we followed roads alongside rivers that witnessed pitched battles and determined protest marches. These gave us a sense of gratitude that wise minds had prevailed and found truces, if not complete solutions for widely differing political opinions in Alabama.

A Paradise of Peace and Seabirds on the Gulf

After three days traveling, we arrived in the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail region spanning Baldwin and Mobile counties. There are more than 50 birding sites there, comprising hiking loops off networks of quiet roads. It was wonderful being able to leave our camper van rental securely parked, and return hours later to what became our home for a relaxing week.

We saw flocks of pelicans diving into the Gulf for breakfast, and giant herons flying into the sunset over Mobile Bay on the evening of the same day. We stayed at the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge for two nights near Fort Morgan. Here we found 7,000 hectares of secure breeding space for sea turtles and migratory birds.

A Ferry Ride to Dauphin Island

We took a ferry ride to Dauphin Island in Mobile Bay, arguably America’s best viewing place for migratory birds. Fort Morgan at the mouth was another highlight of our holiday. The site saw action in the battle for independence, and the civil war that followed. It is in a signature five star formation that made it almost impregnable in its day.

Then we returned via a different route to the camper van rental depot in Atlanta, Georgia across the border. Would we do it again? You bet we would, for the pleasure of stopping by in lovely places, without the need to book into a single, unfamiliar hotel.