Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Addison, AL

Thousand Trails Hidden Cove welcomes canine companions at its spacious campsites overlooking Smith Lake near Addison. The campground provides full hookup RV sites, pet-friendly cabins, and tent camping areas where dogs can stay with their owners. All sites feature fire rings and picnic tables, with gravel pads that are mostly level and well-maintained. Leashed pets must be supervised at all times throughout the property, including when walking along the lakefront. The campground is notably clean and quiet, making it ideal for pets sensitive to noise. Corinth Recreation Area offers additional pet-friendly camping options with 52 well-maintained sites near Double Springs, approximately 15 miles from Addison. Both campgrounds enforce standard pet policies including proper waste disposal and keeping dogs on leashes no longer than six feet.

Bankhead National Forest surrounds most camping areas near Addison, providing extensive trail systems where leashed dogs can join their owners for hikes through diverse terrain and to numerous waterfalls. Thompson Creek Trail allows pets on its routes with several primitive camping spots available for free dispersed camping with dogs. When camping with pets, visitors should note the limited cell service throughout the region, particularly at Hidden Cove where reception is spotty or non-existent depending on carrier. The remote location means veterinary services are not immediately available, so bringing pet first aid supplies is advisable. During summer months, early morning or evening walks are recommended to avoid hot surfaces that can burn paw pads. The Natural Bridge Park area, about 30 minutes from Addison, permits leashed dogs on its trails but not inside buildings or gift shops.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Addison, Alabama (83)

    1. Corinth Recreation Area

    26 Reviews
    Houston, AL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (205) 300-1513

    $18 - $50 / night

    "**Corinth Recreation Area– USFS ** Corinth Recreation area is located near the town of Double Springs, Alabama."

    "Well designed campground in the hills of Northern Alabama. Sites are well spaced. Well maintained. The lake is pretty. Each site has fire pit and table."

    2. Clear Creek Recreation Area

    26 Reviews
    Arley, AL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (205) 300-1463

    $32 - $75 / night

    "While many reviews say the lakeside sites are first come, first serve, under the new management they are all booked in advance online."

    "The perimeter lake lots in the Hoot Owl Loop all had steps or path access from the site to the shore. This would be especially nice in the summer."

    3. Thousand Trails Hidden Cove

    13 Reviews
    Arley, AL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "No fenced in dog park but plenty of space to have one. Right on the lake but unaware of any kind of rentals available nearby— closest rentals are 40 mins away on the opposite side of the lake."

    "Spot are very bigs and a good distance between them. Full hookup sites. Amenitied are very cleans, kids play grounds. Park for walking, biking, use your boat and kayak, boat ramp access."

    4. Smith Lake Park

    12 Reviews
    Bremen, AL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 739-2916

    "Staying on tent site #55 power/ close to water spout. Bathhouse really close by nice shady lot."

    "I really enjoy Smith lake campground it has a lot of great sites. There are plenty of shades sites for summer camping."

    5. Houston Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Houston, AL
    8 miles
    Website

    "During my time in Alabama, I kept hearing wonderful things about Sipsey Wilderness, and its many waterfalls, rocky landscapes, and great hikes."

    "Close to waterways. The campground is medium sized, dense forests surround the campsites. The amenities are pretty standard."

    6. Boondock Dispersed Camping Alabama

    4 Reviews
    Bankhead National Forest, AL
    12 miles

    "Great spot, close to stores and a lot of trails and such. Nice level clear spot, able to accommodate an overland or few tents setup. Close to the main road."

    "A previous camper had left behind some kindling, which was cool. Ended up having a little cell reception with T Mobile."

    7. Thompson Creek Trail Campsites

    10 Reviews
    Bankhead National Forest, AL
    19 miles
    Website

    "This is my favorite place in Alabama. Best hiking in Alabama, possibly the southeast."

    "Campground Review: Sipsey is one of the real jewels of Alabama for backpacking and you really feel like you are in another world while wandering though these woods."

    8. Cullman Campground

    6 Reviews
    Cullman, AL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 734-5853

    "Quiet park, pet friendly with areas to walk you pet with grass and trees."

    "Great place to stay for the night or longer. 2 miles off I-65 exit 310. Close to restaurants and shopping."

    9. Hidden Cove Thousand Trails

    2 Reviews
    Arley, AL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (205) 221-7042

    "Great little campground with awesome access to the lake. Great for Starlink and good AT&T reception."

    10. Bama Campground & RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Bankhead National Forest, AL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (844) 922-6746

    $45 - $79 / night

    "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."

    "Stayed here on an overnight while driving through the state. Great site tucked in the woods, very private area. Huge field with little light pollution to stargaze. Very friendly host. Would Recommend."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 83 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Addison, AL

322 Reviews of 83 Addison Campgrounds


  • Cathy A.
    Mar. 3, 2024

    Point Mallard City Campground

    Only a small area is for short term , no wifi

    No wifi per office with no known date of repair. Relatively quiet, lots of vehicle traffic and golf carts. Office staff is very helpful and friendly. Majority of park is longterm. Dog friendly, no dog park at location. Close to shopping but far enough away for quiet.

  • Jennifer H.
    Mar. 19, 2025

    Bama Campground & RV Park

    Great campground to hike Bankhead National Forest

    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. 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 all other sites had full sun. The camp host was super friendly and helpful. They have a general store, laundry, bathhouse, and small dog park. The campground has hiking trails on the property if you don’t have time to visit Bankhead NF. If you’re in the area or wanting to spend time in Bankhead NF I’d recommend checking this campground out.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2019

    Redstone Arsenal RV Park & Campground

    Parking lot

    This is your typical military PCS campground for people in transit. No shade! Cement pads to park on. A laundry room, pavilion and showerhouse. There is a dog park and you are off the beaten path. Which makes it a little difficult to find the first time. But when you do your like “Duh! It was right here.” So useful for an overnight if you have a military/retired ID.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 30, 2025

    Thousand Trails Hidden Cove

    Very nice, quiet campground

    Great campground & people! Only reason for 4 instead of 5 stars is the lack of things to do. No fenced in dog park but plenty of space to have one. Right on the lake but unaware of any kind of rentals available nearby— closest rentals are 40 mins away on the opposite side of the lake. Nearest Walmart is Cullman which is 45 mins away. Wouldn’t recommend staying here if you prefer to be closer to the city but perfect if you want to be in the middle of the woods and have no reason to leave. Very hot, humid and rainy time of year! Would be back in the fall perhaps.

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 31, 2022

    Redstone Arsenal RV Park & Campground

    Nice Military FAMCAMP

    The campground(CG) was easy to find for our mid-October stay. We exited off on 14A to gate 9 where we went through the gate and then did a u-turn to take us back down past the golf course to the CG. We had no problem doing the u-turn with our 40' fifth wheel. We followed the signage to the CG and then into pull-through site 21 with FHUs. There was no formal check-in, but our name and stay dates were on the site post. The pads here are huge and the utilities including 50 AMP worked well. We got 3 bars on Verizon and 2 bars on T-Mobile along with a large selection of OTA channels. We could have used satellite as there are no trees near the RV sites. They have a nice fenced dog park plus a shower and laundry facility with 4 machines each costing$1. The WiFi worked well for a CG this size. Use Gate 8 near the commissary and BX versus 9. Gate 8 gives you an easier drive to the campground. Overall we enjoyed our overnight stay.

  • Carol A.
    Jun. 15, 2018

    Cullman Campground

    Close to I-65. Easily accessible, pull throughs for most sites.

    This is a friendly, clean, campground. Staff is helpful, guide you to site and help you park. Sites provide easy access with ample space for RV and vehicle or trailer. Quiet park, pet friendly with areas to walk you pet with grass and trees.

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 7, 2023

    Quail Creek RV Resort

    Well Run Campground

    We received an email with arrival information, which stated to pick up our site and park information at the shower and laundry facility as you entered the RV Park portion of the golf resort. The information provided a campground(CG) map and our site number. We proceeded to pull through site 25 with FHUs. The site was plenty long enough to situate and disconnect for our two-night stay. Some pull-through reviews stated spacious, and I guess if you rate pad length, that could be accurate, but the sites are close together. The water pressure was excellent, and we really liked the new cedar picnic table. We noticed WiFi transponders throughout the CG. This CG has the most WiFi transponders we’ve ever seen, counting five per row of 20 campsites. The CG WiFi was pretty good, but we put up our Starlink with no problem getting a northern shot. There would not have been a problem with a southern sky shot as well. Soon after we set up, the very nice CG host/manager came by to ensure we didn’t have any issues or questions, which we did not. We got 3 bars on Verizon. The CG is fairly large, with full-time or seasonal leases. They do not have a dog park, but there are plenty of areas to walk your dog. They have dedicated spots for short-term campers. The motel and golf course facilities are adjacent and are located further back on the property. It was nice that there was a separate road to the resort area as the locals drive rapidly to and from the golf course. We played a round of golf and were surprised that the course is not very well maintained, but it does get a lot of play. The CG and the golf course are actually separate entities even though they are co-located. Drove the 15 minutes into Hartselle and were pleasantly surprised by amenities such as the Walmart and especially a very nice, well-stocked Krogers. We enjoyed our stay at this very nice CG.

    Tip: Go left at the stop sign on Mt. Zion Rd from Nat Key Rd when departing the CG! When we departed, heading back towards the interstate, you come to a stop sign. Our RV GPS and Waze wanted us to turn right on Mt. Zion Rd instead of going left as we did when we arrived. We took the right turn, and about the time the trailer swung, we saw the drop-off into the ditch, and the driver’s side wheels went into it, knocking off a snap pad. We stopped at the old country store parking lot at the next turn and checked for damage. Thank goodness we only lost a snap pad.

  • Beth R.
    Apr. 9, 2022

    Palomino RV Resort

    Good overnight stay.

    Pros: Easy in & out overnight stay. Full 50 amp hookup. Clean site. Pet park, tennis & basketball courts, playground & 2 lakes.

  • Holly S.
    Sep. 29, 2021

    Brookside Greenway Park

    Brookside

    Wonderful, quiet and shaded camping areas and also has a awesome clean creek to swim and canoe in.. pet friendly


Guide to Addison

Smith Lake forms the central feature of the camping landscape near Addison, Alabama, with elevations ranging between 500-800 feet throughout the surrounding Bankhead National Forest. Winter temperatures average 30-50°F while summer months regularly reach 85-95°F with high humidity. Most dispersed camping sites in this region require high-clearance vehicles due to unmaintained forest service roads that become difficult to navigate after rainfall.

What to do

Hiking trails and waterfalls: Thompson Creek Trail offers multiple primitive campsites within hiking distance of several waterfalls. "The entire Sipsey Wilderness is gorgeous, but if you want a trail with lots of great spots to camp, this trail is fantastic. Don't expect bathrooms or drinking water to be nearby, but if you're looking to really get away from it all and do some primitive camping, this is a great place to go," according to Trinity W. at Thompson Creek Trail Campsites.

Mountain biking: Clear Creek Recreation Area maintains both hiking and paved bike trails through the forest. "The site is really well kept with hot showers and toilets along with individual well spaced campgrounds. The sites are very private and what is great is that they each have their own picnic benches and areas to hang things," notes Asher K. about the Houston Recreation Area.

Stargazing opportunities: The remote nature of many campsites provides exceptional night sky viewing. "The stars were incredible after the moon went down a bit. Lots of bird sounds especially in the morning," reports Rae W. about the Boondock Dispersed Camping area, which offers free camping with minimal light pollution.

What campers like

Spacious sites: Most campgrounds in the area provide ample room between sites. "The sites had plenty of space, level, and easy to back into. There is a nice overlook and plenty of hiking trails," mentions Mike M. about Corinth Recreation Area, which offers electric hookups and water access.

Water access: Smith Lake's clear water provides recreation opportunities at multiple campgrounds. "The lots were beautifully wooded and spacing between each site was adequate, but you can definitely see from one site to the next. The perimeter lake lots in the Hoot Owl Loop all had steps or path access from the site to the shore," notes M&P M. about Clear Creek Recreation Area.

Private campsites: Many campgrounds feature wooded sites that offer privacy. "We loved this place, a little off the heating path but well worth it. You must check out the nature bridge nearby as well as the Houston jail. Sites were large and bathrooms were very clean," states Nathan W. about camping at Hidden Cove RV Resort.

What you should know

Cell service limitations: Most camping areas have unreliable cellular coverage. "Cell service is spotty so either have a mobile data setup or buy the local connection for your stay," advises Nathan W. about Hidden Cove RV Resort, while Mara S. adds "I had no reception with Verizon but my AT&T hotspot had good reception."

Distance from supplies: The remote location means limited access to groceries and other necessities. "This campground is right on a lake, but a bit away from anything else. If you have any sort of boat, kayak, paddle board, bring it! There is hiking about an hour away at the Bankhead National Forest," notes Mara S.

Weather considerations: Summer months bring high humidity and insects. "Very hot, humid and rainy time of year! Would be back in the fall perhaps," comments Nick & Allyssa S. about Thousand Trails Hidden Cove, suggesting that fall offers more comfortable camping conditions.

Tips for camping with families

Swimming options: Smith Lake provides designated swimming areas at several campgrounds. "Swimming area has shaded picnic areas but is down a steep hill a good way from your car. Also small pebbles in swim area are very painful. It's a nice place but definitely not so friendly on your feet," cautions Kelly S. about Corinth Recreation Area.

Playground facilities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. "Was ok for a quick weekend trip. We booked this campground due to all they had to offer. We stayed close to the park, mini golf, and horse shoes since we have a child. The wood on the playground needs to be replaced," notes Kara S. about Hidden Cove RV Resort.

Trail difficulty: Consider trail ratings when hiking with children. "The hike in is not difficult. You do have to cross a stream, which was not as difficult for my 6'2 husband as it was for me at 5'2. The water was clear. The waterfall was beautiful and we found a quiet spot up the creek to camp," shares Miranda C. about Thompson Creek Trail Campsites.

Tips for RVers

Access roads: Many campgrounds require navigating narrow roads. "GPS took us in a very rural way with lots of twisty roads. One there we found an open spot on our own since it was a holiday the office was closed. Full hook ups and a fairly level grass pad," reports Wendy T. about Smith Lake Park.

Site leveling: Prepare for varied site conditions across campgrounds. "Very expensive, crowded and noisy but what do you expect. Spaces are a little closer and tighter than other campgrounds," notes Anna M. about Corinth Recreation Area, while Thomas H. states "Loved this park! It was our first trip in our new Travel Trailer and it couldn't have gone better. We stayed at Yellow Hammer site #9 easy pull through with plenty of room."

Pet friendly amenities: Many campgrounds welcome pets with designated areas. "This is a great little campground tucked away on the edge of Bankhead National Forest. The campground was laid out well with spacious gravel sites and full hookups. They have a general store, laundry, bathhouse, and small dog park," reports Jennifer H. about Bama Campground & RV Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Addison, AL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Addison, AL is Corinth Recreation Area with a 4.2-star rating from 26 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Addison, AL?

TheDyrt.com has all 83 dog-friendly camping locations near Addison, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.