Camping options near Alpine, Alabama range from small family-run facilities to larger parks situated throughout DeKalb and Cherokee counties. Situated in the state's northeastern region at elevations up to 1,800 feet, this mountainous terrain presents unique challenges for RV navigation due to narrow access roads. Late fall brings vibrant foliage that attracts significant tourism, affecting campground availability from October through early November.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: 20+ minutes from most RV parks. Little River RV Park & Campground serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby waterfalls. "It's beautiful and features many waterfalls and hiking!" according to camper Shea M., who found the location ideal for Little River Canyon visits.
Kayaking on local waterways: Equipment rentals available. Cedar Creek RV & Outdoor Center offers kayak rentals directly from their facility. "Kayaking is one of the main activities. Kayak rentals and sales," notes Robert C. The creek-side location provides easy water access for paddlers of all experience levels.
Historical site visits: Short drives from camping areas. Nearby attractions include local museums and historical landmarks. While staying at Wills Creek RV Park, one camper mentioned the area is "close to the Alabama (band) museum" among other attractions, making it a good starting point for historical tourism.
What campers like
Creek access: Cool water during warm months. The waterways near campgrounds offer relief during summer heat. A visitor to Cedar Creek RV & Outdoor Center shared, "This place is so quiet and peaceful. We fully enjoyed be able to relax by the creek and watch the water flow by."
Mountain views: Visible from select sites. The natural elevation changes provide scenic perspectives across the region. A guest at Little River RV Park & Campground appreciated that "the campground is hilly, which makes it even more appealing for me as I wanted to camp in the mountains amongst nature."
Privacy options: Available at some locations. Campsites with more seclusion can be found despite the generally compact nature of area RV parks. According to one camper, some parks offer "backcountry sites" that provide more separation than standard locations.
What you should know
Unlevel sites: Common throughout the region. Many campgrounds feature gravel pads that may require leveling equipment. A camper at Battlefield Campground & RV Park noted that "the campground roads are paved but in need of maintenance; the road is eroded in a lot of places," reflecting general terrain challenges.
Internet availability: Variable by location. WiFi quality differs significantly between campgrounds. At 1776 RV And Campground, a visitor reported "very poor signal but WI FI works great all over the park," contrasting with other locations where connectivity problems affect remote work capabilities.
Seasonal crowds: Fall color season fills parks. During autumn leaf-viewing periods, campgrounds reach capacity quickly. One visitor experienced this firsthand, noting "We were there for the start of the fall colors changing and the views were awesome!" demonstrating the seasonal appeal that creates reservation competition.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Limited at smaller parks. While some facilities offer play equipment, quality varies. One visitor to Hawkins Pointe RV Park noted the park has "no amenities but they do have a fenced dog park," suggesting families should research recreation options before booking.
Stream safety: Supervision required near water. Many campsites are positioned near creeks or rivers. A Cedar Creek visitor mentioned the campground is bounded by "a nice gurgling stream" with "multiple picnic tables," but parents should note water proximity when selecting sites.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity at some parks. Road noise affects certain campgrounds more than others. According to a camper, "Interstate noise is annoying" at some locations, while more remote parks offer quieter environments for families seeking peaceful settings.
Tips from RVers
Technical assistance: Available at select parks. Some RV parks in the Alpine area offer maintenance support. A visitor to Wills Creek RV Park highlighted that "the office staff and the on-sight tech were particularly helpful," noting the value of having on-site technical assistance for unexpected issues.
Site selection strategy: Research layouts before arrival. RV sites vary significantly in size, layout and privacy. One camper recommended requesting sites away from main roads, noting "the turn at the end of the new sights was a bit sharp if you have a long rig" at one location.
Utility hookup positioning: Check before booking. Some parks have unusual utility connections that complicate setup. A camper observed that at one park "the neighbors' utilities actually were under our awning when extended," suggesting RVers should inquire about hookup locations when reserving.