Our Delightful Escape: A Week at Lake Osprey RV Resort

Last Updated on March 20, 2025

As my husband Peter and I, along with our golden retriever Bella, rolled into Lake Osprey RV Resort, we were immediately captivated by the beautiful surroundings. After spending months planning our retirement road trip, we were eager to spend a week at this highly-praised resort in Elberta, Alabama.

Resort Overview

Upon arrival, we were greeted by friendly staff who made the check-in process seamless. A staff member even escorted us to our site, which was a thoughtful touch that set the tone for our stay.

Lake Osprey RV Resort is a luxurious retreat nestled around several spring-fed lakes within a nature preserve. With 188 extra-large RV sites, it caters to discerning RV owners and boasts the largest lots in the Gulf Coast region. The resort's lush landscaping and serene atmosphere create a perfect setting for relaxation.

Our premium lakeside site was impressively spacious, featuring a 16' x 75' concrete pad that easily accommodated our 40-foot motorhome. The lighted pedestal made setting up easy, even though we arrived later than planned.

Resort Information

Address: 12054 Gateway Drive, Elberta, AL 36530
Website: Lake Osprey RV Resort

Amenities and Activities

One of the first things we noticed was Lake Osprey's commitment to providing a country club-like experience for its guests. The centerpiece of the resort is the stunning zero-entry heated infinity pool. After a long day on the road, it was refreshing to take a dip and unwind by the poolside.

The resort offers an array of amenities designed to cater to various interests:

Clubhouse with social activities
Fitness center
Three pickleball courts
Free Wi-Fi and cable
Laundry facilities
Pet-friendly environment (with some breed restrictions)

We particularly enjoyed participating in social activities organized by the resort. On our second day, we attended a potluck dinner at the clubhouse, where we met several other retired couples and exchanged travel stories. It was a wonderful opportunity to make new friends and gather local insights.

Peter, an avid golfer, was thrilled to discover that Soldiers Creek Golf Club was right next door. He spent a couple of mornings there while I took Bella for long walks around the resort's scenic trails.

Location and Nearby Attractions

Lake Osprey RV Resort is ideally located for those wanting to explore the Alabama Gulf Coast. We appreciated its balance of being close enough to attractions while still providing a peaceful retreat.

Some nearby points of interest include:

Sugar-white sandy beaches (less than 30 minutes away)
Great restaurants and shopping areas
Mobile, Alabama (approximately 30 minutes away)

During our stay, we took a day trip to the beaches, which were absolutely breathtaking. The pristine white sand and clear waters reminded us why this area is so popular among tourists and snowbirds alike.

Pros and Cons

Based on our experience and reviews from other guests, here are the main pros and cons of Lake Osprey RV Resort:

Pros:

Exceptionally large, well-maintained RV sites
Beautiful landscaping and lakeside views
High-quality amenities, including an infinity pool and fitness center
Friendly and helpful staff
Quiet and secure environment
Close proximity to beaches and attractions
Pet-friendly policies

Cons:

Higher price point compared to some other RV parks in the area
Limited bathroom facilities for the size of the resort
Some guests have reported issues with site assignments for larger rigs
Nighttime lighting in some areas could be improved

We found support for these points in various guest reviews. One reviewer on TripAdvisor praised the resort's cleanliness and security: "Quiet, clean and secure. Warm welcoming… Very well maintained." We wholeheartedly agree; the attention to detail was evident throughout our stay.

Another guest on RV LIFE Campgrounds highlighted the spaciousness of the sites: "Very large sites with plenty of room… The amenities are outstanding with a beautiful pool." We found this true as well; the extra space allowed us to set up our outdoor living area comfortably.

However, not all experiences have been perfect. One reviewer on Good Sam reported an issue with site assignment: "We checked in… The next day we received a call that… a Super C was camping in a premium spot." While we didn't experience this personally, it's worth noting that communication regarding rig sizes could be improved.

Another minor concern echoed by guests was the limited bathroom facilities: "The 'bath house' was a single shower… While it was exceptionally clean… we were surprised that it was so small given the size of the site." For those relying heavily on campground facilities, this could be a drawback.

Personal Experiences and Observations

Throughout our week-long stay, Peter and I were consistently impressed with Lake Osprey RV Resort. The peaceful atmosphere allowed us to truly relax and enjoy our time away from home. We particularly appreciated their pet-friendly policy; it made bringing Bella along easy.

One evening, we decided to host a small gathering at our site for some friends we'd made during the potluck dinner. The spacious lot easily accommodated everyone, allowing us to enjoy an evening of conversation under the stars – moments like these truly make RV travel special.

We also took advantage of nearby attractions during our stay. One day, we drove to Mobile and explored the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park – an educational experience that added depth to our trip.

The fitness center became part of our daily routine; Peter would start his mornings with workouts while I joined water aerobics classes in the pool. It felt great to maintain our health routines even while on vacation.

Bella loved exploring designated pet areas and walking trails around the lakes. We often encountered other guests walking their dogs as well; these encounters led to friendly conversations and playdates for Bella.

Value for Money

While Lake Osprey RV Resort is priced higher than some other parks in the area, Peter and I felt that quality justified the cost. Monthly rates start at $1,350 (plus electric), which may seem steep initially but becomes clear when considering luxurious amenities, spacious lots, and prime location.

For retirees like us who value comfort, security, and luxury in RV travel, Lake Osprey strikes an excellent balance. They also offer discounts for longer stays – appealing for those planning extended visits along the Gulf Coast.

Final Thoughts

As our week at Lake Osprey RV Resort came to an end, Peter and I found ourselves already planning our next visit. The combination of luxurious amenities, spacious sites, and a welcoming community made for an unforgettable stay. While there's always room for improvement in any resort, we felt that pros far outweighed cons during our visit.

Whether you're a full-time RVer or just looking for relaxation on the Gulf Coast, Lake Osprey RV Resort is worth considering. Its commitment to providing high-quality experiences is evident in every aspect of their service.

As we hitched up our motorhome and prepared for departure, we felt a twinge of sadness leaving behind what had become more than just a stopover; it felt like home away from home. We left with fond memories, new friendships, and promises of returning soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of RVs are allowed at Lake Osprey RV Resort?
Lake Osprey caters primarily to Class A motorcoaches (15 years or newer) as well as Fifth Wheels and Class C RVs (10 years or newer).
Is Lake Osprey RV Resort pet-friendly?
Yes! The resort allows up to two pets per site but has some breed restrictions.
What are check-in/check-out times?
Specific times weren't provided; it's best to contact the resort directly for details.
Does Lake Osprey offer long-term stays?
Yes! Monthly rates start at $1,350 (plus electric), with three-month rates starting at $2,970 (plus electric).
Are laundry facilities available?
Yes! The resort provides free laundry facilities for guests’ convenience.
Is Wi-Fi available?
Yes! Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the resort.
What is the cancellation policy?
Specific cancellation policies weren't detailed; it's recommended to inquire when making reservations.
Are there age restrictions for staying?
While not explicitly stated in search results, many luxury resorts cater primarily to adults; confirming directly with Lake Osprey is advisable.
What amenities are available for children?
The search results didn't mention specific children's amenities; however, it seems more geared towards adult guests.
Is the pool heated? When is it open?
Yes! The resort features a heated infinity pool; check with staff upon arrival or when reserving for specific hours.