Cabin camping near Addison, Alabama offers options ranging from waterfront locations to forested settings. Addison sits at around 700 feet elevation in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains with access to Smith Lake, a 21,000-acre reservoir known for clear waters. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F, with winter lows often dropping into the 30s, affecting cabin availability and comfort considerations.
What to do
Explore glowing dismalites: Dismals Canyon Cabins features rare bioluminescent creatures visible on night tours. One visitor noted: "We were fortunate enough to enjoy a private tour on a Friday night and were treated to a mesmerizing display of glow worms, which call this canyon home."
Lake recreation: Smith Lake Park provides direct lake access with multiple recreational options. "There is a beach area and a boat launch. They have pavilions with grills and electrical outlets," explains one camper who appreciated the variety of facilities.
Hiking nearby trails: Bama Campground puts guests close to Bankhead National Forest trails. A visitor shared: "The campground has hiking trails on the property if you don't have time to visit Bankhead NF. I'd recommend checking this campground out."
Wildlife observation: Togetherness Works RV Park offers wooded trails with wildlife viewing opportunities. One guest mentioned: "Our dog was happy and made friends w/ the resident deer. Don't hesitate on this place."
What campers like
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Joe Wheeler State Park Campground maintains high cleanliness standards. A camper noted: "Very clean, well kept campground. Bath houses kept very clean. Small general store at check in with necessities."
Natural setting: Hidden Cove Thousand Trails offers a peaceful environment. A visitor commented: "Great little campground with awesome access to the lake. Great for Starlink and good AT&T reception."
Privacy between sites: Bama Campground provides well-spaced sites. "The campground was laid out well with spacious gravel sites and full hookups. Sites 2-4 had good views of the pond/field, sites 10-15 backed up to the tree line to provide a little shade," observed one camper.
On-site amenities: Decatur/Wheeler Lake KOA Holiday includes numerous recreational options. A guest shared: "This is a huge, beautiful campground with spots that back right up to the water's edge. There are plenty of amenities for the kids, and we had a blast."
What you should know
Cell service considerations: Cell coverage varies significantly at cabin sites around Addison. A Hidden Cove Thousand Trails guest mentioned: "We love this park but it is about 45 minutes from a town with a good grocery store or restaurants."
Advance planning required: Cabin availability at Bama Campground can be limited, especially during peak seasons. A visitor advised: "This is a great little campground tucked away on the edge of Bankhead National Forest. The location of the campground makes it an excellent location to enjoy the numerous waterfall hikes in the area."
Site selection matters: Togetherness Works RV Park offers specific cabin locations with varying features. One camper explained: "The back in sites have a nice deck beside your parking spot. There are also a few pull thrus for longer rigs or those who do not want to unhook."
Weather considerations: Summer visitors should prepare for heat and humidity. At Hidden Cove, a camper warned: "Very hot, humid and rainy time of year! Would be back in the fall perhaps."
Tips for camping with families
Plan for swimming activities: Smith Lake Park offers beach areas for family swimming. A visitor shared: "Great location by the water. They have a small store which is nice as well and there is a gas station up the road."
Pack bug protection: Insects can be problematic, especially at waterfront cabin sites. A Decatur/Wheeler Lake KOA Holiday visitor advised: "Definitely pack lots of bug repellent if you stay on the water."
Multiple play areas: Some campgrounds offer dedicated children's spaces. A Hidden Cove visitor mentioned: "We stayed close to the park, mini golf, and horse shoes since we have a child. The clubhouse was very nice and had a lot for kids to do as well."
Bring water toys: Lakeside cabin locations support water recreation. A Decatur/Wheeler Lake KOA visitor explained: "We fished feet from our camper off of the bank. They have a tie-down for animals, fire pit (with grill), all the hook ups for the rv/campers."
Tips from RVers
Pack leveling equipment: Some cabin sites may require additional leveling. At Togetherness Works RV Park, a visitor noted: "Jr Beasely always carries extra lumber in his gator for leveling assistance. At 85 he is very spry and energetic."
Consider seasonal timing: Fall and spring offer more comfortable temperatures for cabin camping. A Hidden Cove Thousand Trails camper advised: "We were here during winter, so there wasn't a lot going on. This is a nice campground that is adding a lot of new sites."
Check road access: Some cabin locations have restricted or challenging access roads. About Togetherness Works RV Park, a camper mentioned: "Just the basic services (worked well), but the setting is well worth the five mile drive off the interstate. And a short journey up a narrow gravel drive."
Verify hookup types: Cabin sites with utility hookups vary in amperage. A Hidden Cove visitor observed: "The older sites seem to be mostly 30 amp, FHU. They do have some 50 amp, and it looks like all the new sites are 50 amp."
