Escape into nature and disconnect from daily life with glamping near Bear Creek. The Dyrt lets you enjoy a unique, rustic Bear Creek experience while glamping. You're sure to find glamping for your Alabama camping excursion.
There are several options when it comes to staying overnight. The park offers 62 RV campsites, primitive campsite area, 6 cabins, 1 cottage, and a group camp facility. The campground is wooded and follows the edge of Haynes Lake. Cabins are located in a wooded area on rocky bluffs above Bear Creek.
Reservations are encouraged.
$26 / night
The Corinth Recreation Area is a state-of-the art campground located on the on the shores of the upper part of Lewis Smith Lake in Winston County. Initially built in the 1960s and renovated in 1998 it offers facilities for individual and group camping, picnicking, swimming, and boat launching. Check-out time for Corinth is no later than 12:00pm the day of departure. Check-in time is no earlier than 2:00pm. This 2 hour window allows our staff adequate time to clean and maintain each site. Two camping loops contain 52 campsites, with electrical, water, and sewer hookups. There are four bathhouses, with warm showers, serving the camping areas. A boat ramp is provided for campers. An entrance station with an electronic gate is available to control access to the campground. Corinth also offers eight rustic tent camping sites with nearby community hydrants and a bathhouse. No garbage bins are in the campground; users are required to pack out trash and deposit it in the dumpsters by the dump station._ADA accessible sites are available. The day use portion of the recreation area focuses on the swimming beach, served by a bathhouse with an outdoor beach shower. Twenty-nine family picnic sites are available nearby, and paved access paths connect all. Near the beach is a 100-person group picnic pavilion, with a flush toilet that serves both it and a portion of the picnic sites. A 1.25-mile hiking path is located along the shoreline of the lake. A year-round boat launch is available, with an SST vault toilet; and it has boat/trailer parking. A separate boat launch is available to the campground. Welcome to the Corinth Recreation Area... Use the Recreation.gov Mobile App. Visitors on-the-go can use the Recreation.gov mobile app to reserve and pay for upcoming stays, reducing the need for on-site transactions and cash handling. Download the Recreation.gov app through the Apple App Store or on Google Play. Functionality of the iPhone app available here... Functionality of the Android app available here...
Day-use visitors and campers have access to a boat ramp and swim beach. The lake provides excellent fishing for Kentucky Spotted Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass. Hikers can access the 1.3-mile Bobwhite Trail. Interpretive programs are hosted during the summer.
The 180,000+ acre Bankhead National Forest is in northwestern Alabama, and its prominent feature is the Sipsey Wilderness . Known as "The Land of a Thousand Waterfalls," the Sipsey is__at the juncture of three separate geologic areas: the Appalachian Plateau, the Cumberland Plateau and the Coastal Plain. The vegetation from these three unique environments blend into a remarkable diversity of species, with overlapping ranges creating many unusual plant associations. The Sipsey is a 12,726 acre area of swift streams, waterfalls, sandstone cliffs, undisturbed gorges, majestic hardwood forests, wildflowers, birds, animals and is home to Alabama's largest tree, a tulip poplar with a 21-foot circumference at its base. Lewis-Smith Lake (or Smith Lake) is located in the counties of Cullman, Walker and Winston. The 300-foot high dam, completed in 1961 by Alabama Power Company, impounds the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River to form the lake. Smith Lake has a surface area of 21,200 acres, 500 miles of shoreline, a watershed area of 944 square miles, a retention time of 435 days, and a maximum depth of 264 feet. What's Happening in Your Alabama National Forest Video
Four nearby attractions within Bankhead National Forest are: The Little Natural Bridge__is the longest rock arch east of the Rockies. It was formed 200 million years ago when the sea washed the sandstone away leaving iron ore veins holding the bridge. In this area thrive 27 varieties of Ferns and a number of Canadian Hemlocks traced to the Ice Age. Satellite Map of Natural Bridge Park The 19th-century Pine Torch Church is one of the oldest churches in Alabama and one of only four surviving log churches. The church is located in the Bankhead Forest in Lawrence County at the intersection of Country Roads 70 and 73 Several online sources say it was built in the 1890s but a sign at the site claims in was built in the 1840s. According to legend, Pine Torch got its name from the pine knots that were set ablaze to light the building after dark. It is made of hand-hewn logs. The original floor, made of hand-hewn poplar planks, was stolen piece-by-piece and was replaced in 1940, according to a historic marker at the site. The original roof was made of hand-split wooden shingles. It was later replaced with tin. Behind the church is a cemetery whose grounds are covered with sand to make maintenance easier. A newer and larger wooden church was built at the back of the property. It is still in use. Satellite Map of the Pine Torch Church The Houston Civil War Jail - Houston, Alabama served as the first county seat for Winston County. The area known today as Winston County was originally established in 1850 as Hancock County, named after John Hancock, signer of the Declaration of Independence. In 1858 the county was renamed Winston after the first native-born governor of Alabama, John Anthony Winston. Old Houston, located a few miles away from present day Houston, was the first county seat. Citizens voted to move the county seat to present day Houston in the late 1850's and a log jail was constructed at that time. The jail burned during the Civil War and was rebuilt in 1868. The Houston jail was built of hand-hewn logs filled with nails to prevent prisoners from "sawing their way to freedom". The jail held prisoners and provided a site for court. In 1884 the county seat was moved from Houston to present day Double Springs. Houston Historical Society Discover the Incredible Variety of Habitats and Birds in the Bankhead National Forest. Birding on the Bankhead
$50 / night
The Clear Creek Recreation Area has become one of Alabama's most popular recreation areas and has many repeat visitors. The Bankhead National Forests largest recreation area, Clear Creek is in Winston County about 13 miles north of Jasper, ALlabama and was constructed on the shore of Lewis Smith Lake giving direct recreational access to the lake via the day use boat launch, to boating, water skiing, personal watercraft use, as well as fishing for largemouth bass, striped bass, and crappie. With many modern conveniences, it offers facilities for individual and group camping, picnicking, swimming, boat launching, hiking, and biking. Check-out time for Clear Creek is no later than 12:00pm the day of departure. Check-in time is no earlier than 2:00pm. This 2 hour window allows our staff adequate time to clean and maintain each site. The campground itself has four paved loops with paved parking spurs, and offers 102 RV campsites, including 32 double sites; 11 of these are pull-through sites. Each campsite has water and electrical hookups, a fire ring, picnic table, and lantern posts. All campsites have 50-amp and 30-amp electrical service. There is a trailer dump station located within the recreation area. Each of the four loops has a bathhouse with flush toilets and showers. All sites are level and spacious; Single campsites accommodate up to six people and two vehicles; double sites up to twelve people and four vehicles. No garbage dumpsters are in the campground; users are required to pack out trash and deposit it in the dumpsters by the dump station. An entrance station with an electronic gate is available to control access to the campground. Two group camping areas, available by reservation only, accommodate up to 25 tent campers each and share a bathhouse with flushing toilets and showers. The day use portion of the recreation area focuses on the swimming beach, served by a bathhouse with flushing toilets and showers. Next to the beach is a 50-person group picnic pavilion, with a flush toilet. On the other side of the beach lies a picnic area with 53 family units, all connected by newly paved paths. On the point, adjacent to the lake, are two more 50-person picnic pavilions, served by a nearby flush toilet. A 1.5-mile paved bicycle trail connects the campground to the day use area. Also, there is the 2.5-mile recently paved Raven Cliffs hiking trail in the day use area. Use of the picnic pavilions is by reservation only; users also pay the day use fee as they park in the facility. A year-round boat launch is available with an SST vault toilet and boat/trailer parking. Welcome to the Clear Creek Recreation Area... Use the Recreation.gov Mobile App. Visitors on-the-go can use the Recreation.gov mobile app to reserve and pay for upcoming stays, reducing the need for on-site transactions and cash handling. Download the Recreation.gov app through the Apple App Store or on Google Play. Functionality of the iPhone app available here... Functionality of the Android app available here...
The campground has a basketball and volleyball court, and horseshoe pit. Interpretive programs are hosted during the summer. Day-use visitors and campers have access to a boat ramp and swim beach. The lake provides excellent fishing for Kentucky Spotted Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass. There are two trails in the area; the 2.5-mile Raven Interpretive Trail and a 1.5-mile bicycle trail.
The 180,000+ acre Bankhead National Forest is in northwestern Alabama, and its prominent feature is the Sipsey Wilderness . Known as "The Land of a Thousand Waterfalls," the Sipsey is at the juncture of three separate geologic areas: the Appalachian Plateau, the Cumberland Plateau and the Coastal Plain. The vegetation from these three unique environments blend into a remarkable diversity of species, with overlapping ranges creating many unusual plant associations. The Sipsey is a 12,726 acre area of swift streams, waterfalls, sandstone cliffs, undisturbed gorges, majestic hardwood forests, wildflowers, birds, animals and is home to Alabama's largest tree, a tulip poplar with a 21-foot circumference at its base. Lewis-Smith Lake (or Smith Lake) is located in the counties of Cullman, Walker and Winston. The 300-foot high dam, completed in 1961 by Alabama Power Company, impounds the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River to form the lake. Smith Lake has a surface area of 21,200 acres, 500 miles of shoreline, a watershed area of 944 square miles, a retention time of 435 days, and a maximum depth of 264 feet. What's Happening in Your Alabama National Forest Video
Four nearby attractions within Bankhead National Forest are: The Little Natural Bridge is the longest rock arch east of the Rockies. It was formed 200 million years ago when the sea washed the sandstone away leaving iron ore veins holding the bridge. In this area thrive 27 varieties of Ferns and a number of Canadian Hemlocks traced to the Ice Age. Satellite Map of Natural Bridge Park The 19th-century Pine Torch Church is one of the oldest churches in Alabama and one of only four surviving log churches. The church is located in the Bankhead Forest in Lawrence County at the intersection of Country Roads 70 and 73 Several online sources say it was built in the 1890s but a sign at the site claims in was built in the 1840s. According to legend, Pine Torch got its name from the pine knots that were set ablaze to light the building after dark. It is made of hand-hewn logs. The original floor, made of hand-hewn poplar planks, was stolen piece-by-piece and was replaced in 1940, according to a historic marker at the site. The original roof was made of hand-split wooden shingles. It was later replaced with tin. Behind the church is a cemetery whose grounds are covered with sand to make maintenance easier. A newer and larger wooden church was built at the back of the property. It is still in use. Satellite Map of the Pine Torch Church The Houston Civil War Jail - Houston, Alabama served as the first county seat for Winston County. The area known today as Winston County was originally established in 1850 as Hancock County, named after John Hancock, signer of the Declaration of Independence. In 1858 the county was renamed Winston after the first native-born governor of Alabama, John Anthony Winston. Old Houston, located a few miles away from present day Houston, was the first county seat. Citizens voted to move the county seat to present day Houston in the late 1850's and a log jail was constructed at that time. The jail burned during the Civil War and was rebuilt in 1868. The Houston jail was built of hand-hewn logs filled with nails to prevent prisoners from "sawing their way to freedom". The jail held prisoners and provided a site for court. In 1884 the county seat was moved from Houston to present day Double Springs. Houston Historical Society Discover the Incredible Variety of Habitats and Birds in the Bankhead National Forest. Birding on the Bankhead
$30 / night
Cabins Dismals Canyon offers two romantic cabins; "Bringing Up The Moon" and "Bringing Down The Sun" located at the north end of the conservatory. This location ensures maximum privacy. Constructed inside and out of Western Red Cedar, with vaulted ceilings, stone fireplaces and hardwood floors. wine basket The details of hospitality are unsurpassed - comfy throws, Tiffany lamps, books, and magazines, and welcoming refreshments. Everything is furnished from rocking chairs to freshly ironed sheets. A complimentary wine basket (wine, cheese, & grapes) awaits your arrival (for guests that stay 2 or more nights). Primitive Campsites Scattered off the main path and given a wide berth from one another, Dismals Canyon primitive campsites offer the ultimate outdoor experience. The number of campsites is limited by design in order to maintain the splendor of the pristine wilderness. They offer privacy and convenience to the canyon.
The Piney Grove Campground is on Bay Springs Lake, along the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway in northeastern Mississippi. It's ideal for families and groups of friends looking for lots of water recreation.
Boat, fish, swim, hike, bike or just sit back and relax on the nine-mile lake. Bay Springs Lake is dotted with recreation areas for a true sampling of the outdoors.
The Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway extends 234 miles from the Tennessee River to the junction of the Tombigbee River in Alabama. The man-made waterway connects the nation's midsection of commercial water transportation with the Gulf of Mexico. The Tenn-Tom Waterway is the largest earth moving project in the history of the world! The Tenn-Tom Waterway has 180,000 acres of public land waiting for you to explore.
Piney Grove Beach is just a short walk or bike ride from the campground. We also have several other recreational areas around the lake including the very popular, Old Bridge Beach.
$22 - $34 / night
The Florence Park and Recreation Department offers rentals ranging from outdoor shelters for family gatherings to camp sites to indoor facilities to entire game fields. If you event is big enough, consider renting our coliseum for the evening or an entire weekend! The coliseum is the perfect size for your event. Not too big and not too small. Perfect for concerts, sporting events, boat and RV shows, gun shows and even wedding receptions.
With two beautiful campgrounds next to the Tennessee River, you're sure to enjoy your stay. The campgrounds provide RV and tent camping with electrical and water connections, sewer hookups, waste stations, bathhouse and laundry facilities. McFarland Park has 60 campsites. Campgrounds are currently open year round. Our policy is first come first serve. There is no limit on the number of stays, only a limit on the maximum length of each stay (21 days). During the months of September through April there is no limit on the length of stay. For more information call (256) 760-6416 or (256) 740-8817.
Brush Creek Park is a 50-acre park located on Lauderdale County Road 14 near Waterloo along the Tennessee River. The park features a boat launch, picnic pavilions and individual picnic tables. The campground has no fee and offers limited-stay, primitive camping with no electrical hook-ups. There are public restroom facilities with cold showers and a waste disposal station. There is a maximum 30-day stay allowed.
For information on either campground, please call (256) 760-5878. Sites are managed by the Lauderdale County Solid Waste office.
Sipsey Creek farm is at the foot of the Bankhead National Forest. We offer tent Glamping as we'll as primitive sites and Van Parking
$25 - $125 / night
Ranger
Stayed here for two nights. This place has everything we expect in a state park. Good roads, good day use area, great bathrooms, good spacing between campsites, beautiful views and camp store.
Showers were very hot and the bathrooms were very clean!
The best part was the price. I showed up without a reservation and got two nights with water and electric service for real cheap compared to everywhere else we camped for the last 7 months.
Guide
First impressions pulling in I was thinking it was going to be awesome but while setting up we noticed thrash all over. The wife picked up a full bag of garbage while I was setting up. It was around 7pm we noticed that this camping area is a special spot for tweakers and some sketchy people. They did keep to themselves which worked out. I’d say this location isn’t that bad if you’re a believer in the 2nd and watching out constantly. The camper next to us decided to run the loudest generator from 8pm on. Going to the restroom early am noticed a guy up and watching from a distance. Also someone in the stall having a weird intense conversation with himself and was in there for over a hour. Park does have the possibility of being a great campground with some improvements and someone keeping out the tweakers.
LegendWe camped over the weekend in the old part of the campground. All sites have a firepit and a picnic bench. The sites are not very leveled and some were kinda flooded after heavy rain. It was just a bit run down. The bathhouse was old but clean and had good water pressure. The sites on the other side of the lake were absolutely beautiful and definitely newer. A lot of things in the campground were closed like the pool, lodge, and nature center. It seems they were under construction. The park has several trails to hike on. We did the one starting on the swinging bridge. They was good water access from a creek along the way, which was perfect for the dogs to cool off. We also visited Tupelo, which is about 50 min away. It was very interesting to see, where Elvis was from. I'm not sure if I would camp here again. Maybe in the late fall or winter time, when it's not so hot and humid.
Scout
Excellent place for an overnight rest on trip out West. Clean, spacious rv sites, and great views of lake.
GuideWe had one of the primitive tent sites. It was great and hardly anyone else was at the park. Too cold for the water when we went. Bathrooms could have been nicer but better than nothing.
ScoutNo wifi per office with no known date of repair. Relatively quiet, lots of vehicle traffic and golf carts. Office staff is very helpful and friendly. Majority of park is longterm. Dog friendly, no dog park at location. Close to shopping but far enough away for quiet.
RangerThe natural beauty in that area is amazing however the camp ground in firefly loop leaves little to be desired and the camp host/hostess are extremely rude. Electric sites are advertised that they accommodate 2 tents however they do not. There is very little area to set up and the gravel is like concrete. There is grass and they don’t tell you a head of time but you can’t set up on the grass unless you are in the tent camping area. It’s is overpriced and poorly staffed.
GuidePark has huge potential! The refurbished sites are level and nicely laid out with water a sewer. The older sites not so much. Plenty of hiking trails, disc golf, fishing and kayaking available.
Legend
Located in Northwest Alabama, not far from the Sipsey Wilderness, Dismals Canyon offers an unparalleled camping experience that stands out in the state. While it may lean toward the higher end in terms of cost, the memories you create during a special weekend getaway here are absolutely worth it. During our most recent visit, we chose to stay in one of the cozy cabins, but the campgrounds also present an excellent lodging option. These cabins feature a generously sized kitchen, a warm and inviting living room complete with a fireplace, and two comfortable bedrooms. Outside, there are ample spaces perfect for relaxation and al fresco dining. The campgrounds are situated just across the street from the rest of the park and require a short stroll to reach. They offer a variety of camping choices, each with its unique appeal. For more detailed information about these options, you can refer to their website. A standout experience during our stay was embarking on the night hike the first evening we arrived. This adventure allowed us to explore the canyon in the darkness before immersing ourselves in its beauty during daylight hours. We were fortunate enough to enjoy a private tour on a Friday night and were treated to a mesmerizing display of glow worms, which call this canyon home. While the trails within Dismals Canyon may not be particularly lengthy, you'll find yourself utterly captivated by the allure of the surroundings. Be sure to allocate a full day to fully explore and lose yourself in the canyon's enchantment. In summary, Dismals Canyon delivers a camping experience like no other in Northwest Alabama, close to the Sipsey Wilderness. Whether you opt for the cozy cabins or the campgrounds, you'll be treated to a remarkable getaway. Don't pass up the opportunity to embark on a night hike to witness the canyon's beauty illuminated by the glow worms. With its captivating charm, Dismals Canyon guarantees cherished memories.
TravelerI really liked staying here. Lots of space in the forest and a few spots right at the water. Almost no one here in July 2023. Free!
GuideReally enjoyed the views. Some of the old spots are tight, but still doable with a smaller rig. We stayed at site 4 (old side) as it was our first time staying there. The site was great as it was looking over the lake and not a far walk to the bathhouse and tank dump if you need them. No sewer hook ups at old sites, but do have them at the new ones. When we left, we went to the new side and it’s a lot nicer with sewer hookups.. even had handicap spots.
LegendJust started in campground May 5. Has paved roads in it 18 padded spots with water hookups. Bathroom’s with hot water and shower’s. Has designated dispersed tent spot. Boat ramp. Has another spot for camping with no water dispersed. Everything looked we’ll kept and stocked. Overall great area. Lots of shade close to lake with wildlife too
ScoutFamily friendly with 2 playgrounds. Dog friendly. Walking and biking trails. Laundry facilities on site and open 24 hours. Camp store on site and open everyday until 5pm.
GuideFull hook ups, much privacy, state park setting with lake & large lots. Some new sites too.
Legend
Park is located on the Tennessee River in Florence Alabama. No length of stay restrictions in off season. Reasonable site density with tables and paved pads. Bathrooms are horrible, so bring your own
Guide
I didn’t have a reservation prior to arriving, but the staff was extremely helpful with locating a spot to my specifications (close to bathroom, full shade). There’s a great paved trail for biking or walking. I use Verizon and had no problem getting cell service.
ScoutWe love this campsite, nestled away in the backwoods relatively easy to get to. We go here all the time, the rangers are always nice and constantly watching/riding around making sure there is no one causing trouble. New campsites with full hookups are coming soon but even the older ones are nice, just no sewer. And most of the older sites are on the water
GuideOur site had great access to the lake but not on the busiest part of the lake. We tried out the paved bike trail which was very nice. We also like the other trails near the campground. All the facilities are very nice.
GuideWe went with friends and don't remember which site this was, but yellowhammer was a great loop. Great trails for kids and we took the canoes out for lots of fun! This campground was well maintained with very nice bath houses!
GuideThis was our first trip to Clear Creek and we were blown away. We stayed on Fox Loop and it had great water views and shade! Staff was very nice and kept things clean and family friendly! Can't wait to stay again.
GuideThe hiking trails are beautiful and well marked. Campsites are very spacious and most offer a great view of the lake. My biggest complaints are the bathhouses being in need of updating/maintenance, the fire rings are just rocks placed in a circle (hard for kids to see when the terrain is rough everywhere), and the number of people speeding through the state park makes it dangerous to walk from the campground to the hiking areas. On the plus side, they are remodeling about half the sites and they look amazing.
GuideWell designed campground in the hills of Northern Alabama. Sites are well spaced. Well maintained. The lake is pretty. Each site has fire pit and table. The price was a little high even with the senior pass. Not much cell service.
Traveler
Loved this campground. Very nice views. Bathrooms could be a little better and they do not provide soap to wash your hands. So be sure to take some. Overall, great experience!
LegendI’m so glad I’ve finally checked this campsite off the list! It is a beautiful CCC camp that was built in the 1930s. It has primitive site, hookups, cabins and wall tents. There are lots of activities to do as well. It was sad to see some of the buildings in disrepair and I wish the bathrooms could get an upgrade. Be sure to check out the swinging bridge! There’s also disk golf!
LegendWe followed the campground(CG) instructions versus our RV GPS as it wanted to take us down a country road no RV should go on. There was signage where to turn to get to this COE CG as you got close. As this was a Friday and based on our experience going to state parks/COEs at the end of the season when the weather is really nice, we went in early so we could get ahead of the weekend crowd. We were glad we did as after an easy check in at the gate, we proceeded to our loop to site 21 with 50/30 AMP and water. The loops here are a little tight and there are lots of trees so coming in late on a popular weekend could be challenging with trucks, cars, and boats parked about. Site 21 was a bit of a challenge backing our 39' 5th wheel into. There were lots of trees and a little bridge with big drop offs on either side of the road, but we got in without mishap after a few tries. As the afternoon progressed, the locals plus rookie RVers all swarmed in around the same time. We grabbed a beverage and watched the show. This was our first time staying at Piney Grove, but we had come to the area the last three years to get our 5th wheel serviced. The CG was completely full for the weekend. There are quite a few back-ins that would have been much easier. We suggest reading reviews on various websites to find which sites will better fit your rig. The pad lengths on the reservations website seemed to be accurate. In our opinion, the only pull through that would fit a 40’ 5th wheel was site 73. The rest of the pull throughs were the half moon shaped type with too sharp of internal turn and/or trees to deal with. A lot of the sites have some lake view. Sites here are closer together than other COEs we have stayed in. Cell service was spotty with both Verizon and AT&T having two bars. We could text but not receive phone calls(though we did see a few people talking on their phones) and often the internet wouldn’t connect or was too slow to be useful. There are internet hotspots in the CG but we could not get our phones to recognize and/or connect. You get a handful of OTA channels but no major networks. We had to chuckle when several campers here tried and tried to get their satellite dishes to connect. Unless you are maybe near the main road or boat ramp area, doubtful you would get a signal as there are too many trees. There’s a gas station with a few convenience items as you turn toward the campground on County Rd 3501. Boonville is 20 or so minutes away with all the major amenities to include a Walmart. Tishomingo is closer going the opposite direction, but only has a Dollar General, small grocery store, and gas stations. We would stay here again, but definitely in a different site.
ScoutThis is a wonderful place to stay. The camp host and office personnel are very friendly. The campground is busy, but quiet.
GuideHalf of the campground is closed for winter which makes it excellent for biking. The part that's closed is all the way out on the peninsula so I would ride out there at night and watch the sunset all by myself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Bear Creek, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Bear Creek, AL is Tishomingo State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 47 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Bear Creek, AL?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 glamping camping locations near Bear Creek, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
