Join the fun near Bessemer. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Bessemer is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Bessemer, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
From its humble beginning as a 940-acre park atop Double Oak Mountain established by the Alabama State Lands Act of 1927, Oak Mountain State Park has grown to 9,940 acres making it Alabama’s largest state park. With the largest land-area, one of the widest varieties of outdoor activities of any state park, and its proximity to Birmingham, Oak Mountain is a perfect stop while traveling to and from the state’s largest city. Topping it all off is the park’s stunning physical landscape, which alone makes for an unforgettable experience.
Oak Mountain State Park has once again been awarded the coveted "Certificate of Excellence" from Tripadvisor!
Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park is located in McCalla, Alabama, about 30 miles southwest of Birmingham. The park itself is unique due to the fact that it features the historic Tannehill Ironworks, which, at the height of its use, supplied iron for the Confederate ordnance.
The park offers three different campgrounds that include a total of 195 campsites. All campsites have access to water and electricity, and if you have a trailer or RV you're planning on bringing with you, don't worry! The campgrounds can accommodate trailers both large and small. There's also a primitive campground that features 100 individual tent campsites. The cost of a campsite with full water and electricity hookups is $30 per night, while the primitive campsites are $20 per night. Please note, however, that the fee covers a family of up to four people. If you need to add any additional people, the fee is $3 per extra person. Sites are first come first serve and are often completely filled during Halloween, as trick-or-treating has now become a local tradition at the park. Visitors describe the experience as truly unique, and enjoy the creative (and scary) decorations placed by campers.
Visitors of Tannehill Ironworks Park can enjoy various activities, such as hiking, biking, fishing, train rides, and exploring the local attractions. Among these attractions are the Tannehill Furnaces, a historical landmark, the Pioneer farm, the Alabama Iron and Steel Museum, and the Crafts Cabins. In the Crafts Cabins, local artisans produce pottery, artwork and quilts, to name a few things. This typically takes place on the weekends during the months of March through November.
Overall, visitors describe their visit to the park as peaceful and relaxing. The three campgrounds have access to an old country store that supplies campers with essentials such as emergency supplies, firewood and food items. There's also a natural limestone spring located near the campsites. Train rides and playgrounds offer a lot for old and young visitors alike. It's easy to see why Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park is a favorite of both locals and travel enthusiasts, and why some can't “just” stay for the weekend.
$20 - $30 / night
Just 18 miles south of Downtown Birmingham, AL. Birmingham South RV Park is just minutes from local restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and outdoor adventure!
Our full hookup RV sites can accommodate everything from pop-up campers to large motorhomes.
From nightly Value Sites, to easy access Pull-Throughs, to Extended Stay spots- we’ve got something for everyone.
No RV? No problem. We have Cabin Rental units too!
$35 - $59 / night
Deerlick Creek Campground is located on Holt Lake on the Black Warrior-Tombigbee Waterway northeast of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The facility is in a beautiful forest along the shoreline, providing campers and day-use visitors with access to water sports, boating, fishing, swimming, hiking and biking.
Campers can explore the lakeshore using the campground's hiking trails as well as a paved bicycle trail. The waterway is popular for fishing for bass, crappie, bream, catfish and more.
Holt Lake was created by the damming of the Black Warrior River. The campground is situated amidst a mixed pine and hardwood forest, which displays colorful foliage along the riverbanks each fall. Deer, squirrel, wild turkey, migratory birds and blue birds, all live in the Holt Lake area. The Black Warrior-Tombigbee Waterway consists of six lakes with a total length of 457 miles and 39,800 surface acres of water. Temperatures range from the 80s to 90s from April through September, and annual rainfall averages about 60 inches.
For facility specific information, please call (205) 388-1111.
Deerlick Creek is 17 miles from the University of Alabama where you can find sporting events, museums, and other attractions. Deerlick Creek is also located 13 miles from Ol' Colony Golf Course home to the University of Alabama golf teams as well as a disc golf course.
$20 - $30 / night
Burchfield Branch Park is located near Holt Lake on the Black Warrior-Tombigbee Waterway northeast of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. With many amenities, access to the water and opportunities to view wildlife, Burchfield Branch provides a convenient camping spot for families, boaters, swimmers, picnickers and sightseers.
Fishing is the most popular activity on the waterway. Whether fishing by boat or along the shore of the park, anglers can find bass, crappie, bream, catfish and more. Families can enjoy biking and swimming along the lakeshore, watching for birds and animals or taking advantage of the facility's two playgrounds.
Holt Lake was created by the damming of the Black Warrior River. The campground is situated along the forested shores of the river and displays scenic fall foliage each year. Deer, squirrel, wild turkey, migratory birds and blue birds live around the Holt Lake area. Black Warrior-Tombigbee Waterway consists of six lakes with a total length of 457 miles and 39,800 surface acres of water. Temperatures range from the 80s to 90s from April through September, and annual rainfall averages about 60 inches.
$20 - $40 / night
$17 - $30 / 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
$24 - $75 / night
Traveler
We just spent some time at several of Alabama’s state parks. This is by far the best state park that we went to. I can’t wait to go back!
Guide
This was our second time staying here. The sites have full hookups. The lake is right in front of the RV. The people that work here are very very nice. It’s a small campground, but I would stay here again.
GuideThey 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 or people that really should just be at a KOA resort.
This place has everything, mtn bike, gravel bike, trail running, road running, road biking, golf, equestrian, sailing and fishing.
It has wifi throughout and almost everywhere in the park has cell reception.
Scout
Don't be fooled by the name. This is not paradise, nor is it a resort. This is a trailer park for permanent residents.
TravelerI grew up near oak mountain and it’s always been a decent campground for the price. After we purchased our first camper this summer we decided to go give it a shot at Oak Mountain before we went further out. We were unaware that they had completely revamped the entire place. The bathhouses were awesome and clean as were the laundry rooms. They had plenty of supplies in the store if you forgot something. We will be returning during the fall. Sites are pretty spacious and well maintained.
Traveler
We are local (30ish miles) but love to just escape here when we have 3 or 4 days and don't want to travel long distance. Perfect spot to be closer to the river in the summer and in the woods in the fall. Catoma loop sites are full hookup with concrete pads including both back in and pull through options. Antioch Loop does not have sewer hookup and these sites are gravel lots but offer some amazing water views.
GuideHaving visited 3 times now, twice before the renovations and now once after, I can confidently say I love this park! I have previously primitive camped here and now camper at a full hookup RV site. Tent sites range from "water in vicinity," "water at site," and "water and 20 amp power at site." Rv sites are water and electric or full hook up. I think all RV sites are now 50/30/20 but I'm not certain. There is a dump station near the exit of the campground. Sites are mostly level/slight grade but found that not all drain very well when it rains, including our site a17.
The park has so many different activities including -Hiking -Bmx trails -Swimmimg -Archery range And more I can't even remember.
Flip side watersports operates at 2 locations and paid activities include -wake boarding -Aqua Park And rentals of -Kayaks -stand up paddle boards -paddle boats And -Canoes.
There are things to do year round and the weather was great for mid July.
Traveler
*Cabin 3 Stars- Older cabin that had some maintenance and repair issues, generally clean however several minor details needed some cleaning attention, would also benefit from a fresh coat of paint throughout, could use a pressure wash outside *Campground 3 Stars- very peaceful and quiet, nice lake overlook areas, minimal shade, gravel roads *Amenities 3 stars- many amenities yet minimally maintained and showing age and wear *Staff 5 stars- Very friendly, helpful, and responsive
Scout
Easy to find off of main hwy. Grassy area with lots of trees and shade. Campfires are permitted but, you meed to bring your own wood. Campground host are helpful with questions about the area. Close to boat launches, fuel and restaurants. Talladega Super Speedway close by. Enjoyable stay at this campground.
GuideThis state park has it all. A place to swim, numerous hiking trails, playgrounds, etc. The newly remodeled campground is spectacular. The pads are super level (at least in A16. Small tent spots sprinkled in. Saw security and police several times just passing through to check on folks. Love that. We will be back many more times for sure.
Traveler
Large area overlooking the river that gives you a slight breeze for 85 degrees in mid June. There are a few other sites in the woods, but no breeze and mosquitoes. Actually has a concrete overlook view area above the river
Guide
We love this park but it is about 45 minutes from a town with a good grocery store or restaurants.
ScoutFun spot. Very easy to get to. Nice big site felt very private only had 2 or 3 cars come by but everything was very low key.
Scout
This is a motocross, zip line and paint ball camp. The people that checked us in were great. Charge was $5 per person. So $11.00 for us. The sites are grassy. We are the only ones here so we pulled up to the bath house. They will be out to turn on the hot water in a bit. Quiet. Relaxing after a day of seeing the sites. I have 2 bars on my Verizon.
LegendIf you have a boat and are a fisherman you will love this park. We had a spot right on the water. Views were beautiful. Brought our kayaks but didn’t use them as it was a bit chilly and windy. Would definitely. Return. Only downside - lots of poison ivy!! And the bathrooms were rundown and dingy.
Legend
Stopped for an overnight on our way home to Atlanta from a trip out west. Not much of a park. Most sites are long term or semi permanent. Only 6 available for regular RV. Water, 30/50 amp electric & sewer There is a small laundry room The office wasn’t open but we had reservations and had received an email about our site and directions. WiFi was poor. It is right off of I-20 so there was lots of road noise all night. There was a very bright vapor light above our site that lit up the whole area. There is a small dog walking area.
Guide
 this is a great campsite. You might need four-wheel-drive to get up to the ruins, but maybe not. Mary the caretaker of the area could easily tell you and is a great communicator and very helpful. I highly recommend this area. 
Guide
We just needed a stop with hookups for the night. But this place exceeded expectations. 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). Our site was right up against another pull through on our patio side though. No big deal, if we were coming to stay for a while we would get a back in spot. We did not check out the bathrooms or laundry facilities, but there are several of them.
Guide
Its not impossible, just slow going. Roads to get here are narrow, hilly, and twisty, but in good condition. If you have a rig longer than 30ft and want room to breathe, get a pull-through site. The campground doesn’t do the best job at marking how to get to each site and some site number posts are knocked over, like Site #16, which makes it a little tricky to navigate. Water pressure is on the low side compared to other campgrounds. But the site views and peace & quiet are worth it.
GuideVery spacious sites in Catoma loop. Stayed in site 65 with great access to bathroom/shower house and volleyball net. Beautiful park with some fantastic lakefront sites. Clean, well kept, very affordable rates, and very friendly staff. Some online information suggests the gates close at night. The guard confirmed you are never locked in and can leave at any hour.
Legend
This is a nice campground just off I-65 in Alabama. Convenient for trips to the Gulf Coast, New Orleans, or farther west. Previous review said only 18 sites, but there are 28 now. Clean showers and laundry. Sites are paved with grass between. Not much shade. We were there in late February so it was ok. Would be hot in summer. Free shuttle to the casino. Just $37 per night but with $5 gaming credits you could come out ahead if you feel lucky. Probably the smallest for area I’ve ever seen at a campground! Nice and restful, sat out in the evening listening to the mockingbirds.’
Scout
We had a great time visiting Payne Lake this weekend! We stayed at a primitive campsite with a beautiful view of the lake.
My biggest advice is to bring. your. own. firewood. As far as we could tell, there was nowhere at the campground to purchase bundles of firewood, and even the local grocery stores/gas stations weren't stocked with any either. We spent quite a bit of time using a hatchet to cut up down trees to fuel our firepit.
The campground is organized well and we were able to have our pick of campsites (mainly due to the fact that it was 30 degrees the whole weekend). The primitive campsites all had picnic tables and fire pits. Our group also uses hammocks and there were plenty of trees near enough together for hammock hanging.
When we got to the campground, the check in area is quite simple. There is a box with envelopes/forms to fill out that ask for your payment (in cash!), car information, and site number. Once you fill out your information, you simply drive and park at your campsite. As far as we could tell, each site had ample room for parking 2 cars within 15 feet or so. We paid $6 a night for the site, as well as an extra $3 fee/day because of a third car.
The area is quiet and peaceful, and the lake is a beautiful spot to catch the sunrise. On the East Side of the lake, we got a large amount of late afternoon sun, but minimal sunshine until later in the morning. The West Side saw a lot of sun early in the morning.
We got the chance to meet the Camp Host, who was very gracious and also introduced us to his dog, Reecie. He even offered to take our trash out for us!
We took a walk around the entire campground, and it is clear that the West Side of the lake sees more visitors and is generally kept up with more. The blue hiking trail on the East side required quite a bit of bushwhacking and didn't seem to have much upkeep at all. On our hike, we ended up walking the roads of the campsite and seeing the whole grounds.
Legend
Great little campground for a two day too though looked like people for staying there for much longer.
ScoutIt was beautiful, quiet, and the lake was perfect. Would definitely go back!
Scout
Quiet campground with 3 dog parks level lots. Numerous sewer as well as non sewer lots. Economy camping option in the economy storage area. Numbers posted for assistance as well as campground office in with the self storage office.
Traveler
I’ve been going here since I was a kid and it’s one of my favorite places in the world. 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. The campground is easily navigated with multiple bathhouses per campground so you’ll always have one nearby.
Scout
The campground is very nice and woodsy. The campsites have water and electric hookups. They have nice paddocks for your horses. The multiple trails are so beautiful . I have been here many times.
Camping near Bessemer, Alabama, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a place with plenty of activities, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
Camping around Bessemer, Alabama, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Bessemer, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Bessemer, AL offers a wide range of camping options, with 73 campgrounds and RV parks near Bessemer, AL and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Bessemer, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bessemer, AL is Oak Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 94 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bessemer, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Bessemer, AL.
What parks are near Bessemer, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Bessemer, AL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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