Best Campgrounds near Athens, AL

Camping near Athens, Alabama, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

• Hiking: Explore the numerous trails available at Monte Sano State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "There are lots of trails to hike," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
• Fishing: At Lake Guntersville State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing right from the shore. A camper shared, "We stayed three nights in primitive camping and it was fantastic. Our site was right on the water."
• Zip-lining: For a thrill, check out the zip-lining at Lake Guntersville State Park. One family noted, "After taking our granddaughter to Screaming Eagle Zip-line Adventures, we visited the Campground… and it’s amazing!"

What campers like

• Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the bathhouses at Henry Horton State Park Campground. A visitor remarked, "The bathhouse was clean and general store was great to have onsite."
• Scenic views: Many enjoy the beautiful landscapes at Clear Creek Recreation Area. One camper said, "Camp grounds are very scenic," highlighting the area's natural beauty.
• Family-friendly activities: Campgrounds like David Crockett State Park Campground offer various activities for families. A reviewer mentioned, "The campground was very neat… Staff was very friendly, just like fellow campers."

What you should know

• Limited cell service: Some campgrounds, like Corinth Recreation Area, have poor cell reception. A camper noted, "Not much cell service," so plan accordingly if you need to stay connected.
• Reservations recommended: Popular spots like Honeycomb Campground can fill up quickly. One visitor advised, "You better stick with the national parks or the army corps on recreation.gov."
• Weather considerations: Be prepared for sudden weather changes, especially at Meriwether Lewis Campground. A camper mentioned, "Numerous thunderstorms, unfortunately," so check the forecast before heading out.

Tips for camping with families

• Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites, like Lake Guntersville State Park Campground. A family shared, "Our site was right on the water and far away from any other campers."
• Plan activities: Make sure to have a list of family-friendly activities. One camper at Henry Horton State Park Campground enjoyed the "pool area with concessions."
• Pack snacks: Keep everyone happy with snacks on hand. A visitor at Clear Creek Recreation Area mentioned, "The staff was extremely helpful with locating a spot to my specifications."

Tips from RVers

• Check site dimensions: Before booking, ensure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Joe Wheeler State Park noted, "The pads were huge," which is great for larger rigs.
• Be aware of amenities: Some campgrounds, like Honeycomb Campground, have limited bathroom facilities. One camper said, "Only one working bathroom/shower house… could be an issue when the campground is crowded."
• Bring a portable dump station: If you're staying at a site without a dump station, consider bringing a portable one. A visitor at Corinth Recreation Area mentioned, "There are dump stations but they are far from the campsites."

Camping around Athens, Alabama, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. Enjoy the great outdoors!