Camping spots near Hoover, Alabama include a mixture of urban-adjacent RV accommodations and nature-focused state parks within a 40-mile radius. The region averages 56 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush forested environments around water features and valleys. Fall camping season (September-November) brings temperatures between 55-80°F with lower humidity compared to summer months.
What to do
Explore historical structures: Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park features preserved 19th-century buildings including an old mill and blacksmith shop. "We didn't get to explore much as we stayed 1 night passing through... We paid $25 that included electric hookup, bath house with showers, water on site, and a dump station," notes Nicole K. who visited in April 2025.
Participate in Trade Days: Monthly vendor events at Tannehill create a market atmosphere with hundreds of crafters. A camper who regularly attends mentions, "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!"
Visit wildlife exhibits: Oak Mountain includes educational wildlife facilities. "You'll never run out of things to do between the endless hiking trails, the museum of wildlife, and the wildlife rescue center. There's an archery station within the park and a petting farm," reports Cat, who considers the park a family tradition.
What campers like
Spacious backcountry sites: Oak Mountain's backcountry camping areas provide seclusion while remaining accessible. The campground layout allows for easy navigation with multiple conveniences nearby. Cat notes, "The campground is easily navigated with multiple bathhouses per campground so you'll always have one nearby."
Recently renovated facilities: Oak Mountain State Park has undergone significant improvements. "They put a massive amount of money into updating this place. This is the #1 best state park campground I have ever been at. Some of the non-5star reviews are people before the updates," explains Soren B., who gave the park five stars after camping there.
Creekside camping: Several campgrounds offer sites adjacent to water features. At Tannehill, Randi P. reports, "We stayed in site 122 in Campground 1, right on the creek. The sites are all gravel with picnic tables... The creek is peaceful and adds great ambiance, but there's no designated access area for wading or swimming."
What you should know
First-come, first-served policies: Tannehill doesn't take advance reservations. "We arrived late on a Thursday night and appreciated that the ranger is on-site 24/7, since the campground doesn't take reservations. The process is easy—you just pull in, find a site, and register/pay the next morning," explains a camper who stayed in July 2025.
Varied campground layouts: Birmingham South RV Park offers different site types. "No concrete pads but nice small sites," notes Chris S., while another camper cautions, "Sites are level and partially shaded. Rules loosely enforced as there were trucks parked on grass which was noted as a very prominent rule on reservation and check in."
Urban options available: Hoover Met Complex RV Park provides convenient city access. Morgan H. describes it as having "Great staff. Excellent wifi. Easy pull through, paved lot. Close access to anything you need." Another camper adds, "Super easy to get in and out. Easy hooks ups and good WiFi available. Playground and rock climbing area a plus."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. At Hoover Met Complex, Chris G. mentions the "playground and rock climbing area" as a plus feature, while Tannehill offers multiple recreation options including "a nice playground for the kids," according to Suzanne Z.
Creek play opportunities: Brookside Greenway Park offers water recreation in a small-town setting. Holly S. describes it as having "wonderful, quiet and shaded camping areas and also has an awesome clean creek to swim and canoe in... pet friendly."
Multiple activities at one location: Families can stay entertained without leaving the campground. At Tannehill, families appreciate the variety: "The park is full of historical buildings like an old mill, furnace, blacksmith shop, and restored cabins. There's a Sunday church service at 9AM, playgrounds, picnic pavilions, a general store, a miniature train ride, and even an ice cream shop."
Tips from RVers
Urban convenience options: Birmingham South RV Park works well for overnight stays. "This was a pit stop for us and it worked just great for that. We had a 50amp pull through site. It was very level and we didn't even unhook from the truck! We stayed one night, easy to find, close to the interstate, clean," explains Beth H.
Concrete pad availability: Rolling Hills offers level gravel sites despite the terrain. David S. reports, "We had a pull through spot so we didn't have to disconnect our tow dolly. Gravel site was fairly level despite being in a hilly area. There's quite a bit of space between most of the sites (particularly the back in sites)."
Consider site selection carefully: Some RV parks have significant differences between sites. At Birmingham South, space is limited at some sites. A reviewer observed, "The sites are very small and your neighbors sewer hookups happen to be about 3 feet from your site's picnic table. It's just gross."
