The park's facilities, including cabins and a casino, were built in the 1930s by members of the
Civilian Conservation Corps working under the auspices of the
Federal government. The park opened in 1939 after ownership of the property was transferred to the state. After weathering multiple hurricanes, the park was devastated by
Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Major projects undertaken in the wake of the storm saw the construction of a Gulf of Mexico fishing
pier that provides 2,448 feet of fishing space, a 5,000-square-foot swimming pool and splash pad, an interactive nature center, a beach pavilion, and renovation of the campground. The park's concessionaire-operated
zip-line course was closed in 2016. The park's 18-hole golf course was closed permanently in 2018. The fishing pier suffered major damage from
Hurricane Sally in 2020; the pier was reopened in August 2024. ;Lodge In 2014, the state announced plans to spend $85 million to further renovate the park. The plans included a $56 million lodge and meeting space to replace the lodge destroyed by Hurricane Ivan. The plans were criticized on grounds that money for the project would come from
Deepwater Horizon recovery funds which, critics say, should be used for continued cleanup and improvement of the coastal areas. In October 2014, a lawsuit was filed by the Gulf Restoration Network to block use of the funds for the construction of the lodge. State officials said critics misunderstand the plans. The new facility, called The Lodge at Gulf State Park, opened in 2018. == Awards ==