Oak Mountain State Park and surrounding campgrounds provide diverse camping options near Alabaster, Alabama. Located in the southern Appalachian foothills with elevations between 600-1,000 feet, this area offers year-round camping with average summer temperatures of 90°F and winter lows around 35°F. The terrain features pine and hardwood forests intersected by several creeks and small lakes, creating varied habitats for wildlife.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Oak Mountain State Park offers extensive mountain biking opportunities with trails for various skill levels. "This place has everything, mtn bike, gravel bike, trail running, road running, road biking, golf, equestrian, sailing and fishing. It has wifi throughout and almost everywhere in the park has cell reception," notes Soren B. from Oak Mountain State Park Campground.
Historical exploration: Visit the restored ironworks and historical buildings at Brierfield. "This quiet campground has great staff. Clean restrooms. Easy in and out," says David S. about Brierfield Ironworks Historical Park. The park features several restored structures from Alabama's industrial past.
Fishing and water activities: Multiple parks offer fishing opportunities in stocked ponds and lakes. According to Scott C., Oak Mountain is a "big state park with lots to do... Big lakes for fishing, swimming or canoeing." Many campsites are positioned near water features, providing easy access for anglers.
What campers like
Recently updated facilities: Many campgrounds have undergone recent renovations. "They put a massive amount of money into updating this place. This is the #1 best state park campground I have ever been at," shares Soren B. about Oak Mountain State Park. These improvements include modernized bathhouses and upgraded campsites.
Trade days and events: Monthly markets at Tannehill attract visitors and vendors. "We're craft vendors at Tannehill Trade Days March-November and we've started camping out there every month. My grandkids absolutely love it. They ride their bikes, play in the creek, and eat great ice cream from the creamery!" says Paige M. of Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park Campground.
Creek-side camping: Sites along creeks provide peaceful natural soundscapes. Randi P. describes Tannehill: "We stayed in site 122 in Campground 1, right on the creek. The sites are all gravel with picnic tables. Ours was pretty spacious, and since it wasn't full, we had empty sites in front of and behind us, which made it feel even more open."
What you should know
First-come, first-served options: Some campgrounds don't take reservations. "First come first serve reservations. There were many open spots when we arrived. We paid $25 that included electric hookup, bath house with showers, water on site, and a dump station," explains Nicole K. about Chilton County Minooka Park.
Site conditions vary: Gravel and concrete conditions differ between campgrounds. "The pads are very uneven and there are just not many amenities. Very close to sports fields though," notes Chris S. about Hoover Met Complex RV Park, while another reviewer called it "just a big parking lot but had full hookup and clean."
