The Alpine, Alabama area offers diverse camping experiences surrounded by the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Campsites in this region typically sit at elevations between 800-1,200 feet, providing moderate temperatures even in summer months. Fall camping is particularly popular when hardwood forests display vibrant color changes and nighttime temperatures drop into the 50s.
What to do
Rock climbing opportunities: At Cherokee Rock Village, climbers find numerous routes suitable for various skill levels. "There's so many climbing routes that I love. There's near by water falls and cliff jumping called High Falls. I love going to the drive-in movie theatre near by only $15 per vehicle to watch 2 movies!" notes camper Jess C.
Hiking trails: The Walls of Jericho - Clark Cemetery Backcountry Campsite offers challenging terrain for serious hikers. "The trail is full of swithbacks. There are tree markers on the trail to mark the turns but at times they are easy to lose. There are also some random trees marked that are not on the trail. So watch out for that," advises Aaron S.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds feature lake access for fishing. One camper at Lake Guntersville State Park Campground reports: "We had a great time. Very clean place and great fishing!"
What campers like
Privacy between sites: While equestrian campgrounds near Alpine, Alabama are limited, nearby campgrounds offer varying levels of seclusion. "I picked a site away from the bluff near the boulders. Nice and quiet. Of course it's primitive but there is a bathhouse and water within a short walk," shares Dan C. about Cherokee Rock Village.
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms. At Coleman Lake Rec Area, visitors find "Very nice bath house with shower and flushing toilets. Has a Beach area and playground in the day use area," according to Lisa W.
Affordable pricing: Several campgrounds offer reasonable rates. One reviewer noted about Coleman Lake: "You can't beat the price," while another mentioned Lake Guntersville's value with "full hookup sites" despite limited shade.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have limited or no connectivity. "This is an incredibly family forward campground... The only negative is that there is absolutely no cell service at all. The nearest reliable service is literally 6 miles down the road. This can certainly be seen as a positive," explains Evan S. about Coleman Lake.
Weather considerations: The area experiences typical southern weather patterns with hot, humid summers and mild winters. During severe weather, campgrounds with fewer trees offer less protection. As one camper noted: "A few years ago a tornado took out a lot of the big pines so it's a bit hot with very little shade."
Alternative equestrian options: While dedicated horse campgrounds near Alpine are scarce, traveling slightly farther provides options. Davis Pond Campsite has "multiple trails (for hiking, ATVs, and horses) closer to the entrance to the WMA (and far from the camp)," according to William S.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Some campgrounds organize special events for children. "I camped there on Halloween with my grandkids. My Frankie's dressed in costume for me but the camp host saw them and made a point of inviting them for campground trick or treating. Almost every camp site gave candy and the kid turn out was impressive," shares Evan S. about Coleman Lake.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas. Lake Guntersville State Park includes "basketball and tennis courts, playground, shady dog park, splash pad," according to a recent visitor.
Accessibility considerations: Some campgrounds require significant hiking to reach. At Walls of Jericho, one camper advises: "the campsite is not immediately at the parking lot so you will have to hike/carry your belongings almost an hour before getting to the site. Be cautious of weather because the trail can get fairly muddy if it has rained in the area in recent days."
Tips from RVers
Site selection tips: Due to limited equestrian facilities with RV hookups near Alpine, RVers should focus on standard sites. At Mountain Cove Resort, campers note: "This campground is side by side hook ups. Not a tree one in the site area. Beautiful view of the mountain."
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult approach roads. One Coleman Lake visitor warns: "Make sure you use Highway 78 to enter. Google Maps will send you on a 11.5 mile mountain trail (Dugger Mountain Road) that is a dirt 2 track over the mountain...an interesting trip with a camper."
Hookup availability: Check campground amenities before arrival. Lake Guntersville visitors reported: "We went to the state park for the weekend. Stayed in the A area which we were told had sewer (it does not but it's very close to the dump station)."
