Birmingham is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Discover great camping spots near Birmingham, reviewed by campers like you.
"Update for most recent visit: This is by far the best place to camp near Birmingham and has many different options."
"It's the largest state park in Alabama."
"This is about the only place in the Birmingham area to stay in an R.V. It is essentially a large parking lot with RV pull through spaces. We use it when we go to Birmingham to visit the family."
"Next to huge sports complex (convenient for sporting events).
4. Next to huge water park/splash pad - was a ton of fun for the kids.
Bad
1. WIFI is meh. "
$35 - $65 / night
"They put us in a pull though site which was awesome for being easy to make quiet exit. Never I’m hooked the truck."
"Easy access to highway, very spacious and new bathrooms and showers. Very much enjoyed our stay."
$20 - $30 / night
"Situated on a beautiful mountain side just minute from university of alabama. Camp beside a churning creek and listen to nature."
"The park is in a great part of Alabama and is located close to a lot of the best hiking in the state. Additionally, the park is set up on an old ironworks plant where many people lived and worked."
"Wonderful, quiet and shaded camping areas and also has a awesome clean creek to swim and canoe in.. pet friendly"
"Grassy area behind some ball fields in a small town. They have hookups but I just parked in the grass. I also understand there are bathrooms and showers but I didn't use them. Wifi works."
$17 - $30 / night
"Somewhere in the vicinity, there was a faucet for washing dishes, etc., but it was surrounded by a giant mud puddle."
"The sites were bordered by woods and hills which gave the kids lots to explore.
The pool was closed when we were there in April, but I believe they said it was closed indefinitely."
$6 - $18 / night
"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."
LegendUpdate for most recent visit: This is by far the best place to camp near Birmingham and has many different options. I was just there this past weekend and it was so beautiful to see all the fall colors starting to show. My wife and I hiked up to the King’s Chair lookout on this visit and it was such an amazing sight. I would definitely recommend this time of year to visit the park. Make sure to check out my videos that show off some of the great features of the trails. The campground here has several different types of sites including walk in (tent only), RV, and even horse camping. Just make sure to check in advance if they have space since it can fill up in the busy season.
LegendThis is a really nice RV park that provides close access to the racetrack. It is wonderfully taken care of and has recently been renovated. They have a playground and several covered areas for picnics and group gatherings. A key bonus to this site is the pool which is very necessary when camping in Alabama in the summer. Overall, I would definitely suggest checking this campground out as an option if you are headed to a race and coming for the weekend.
ScoutQuiet 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.
LegendLiterally right off the interstate at Tuscaloosa. Much lower noise level than I expected. Definitely a parking lot, without trees. We are in site 9, pretty level gravel site, electric and water hookup only. 2 dump stations are available, 2 dog parks. 30 dollars a night. Mostly long term parking. No firepits or picnic tables. Check in by phone, no office.
LegendThis state campground in the Birmingham AL metro area is a quick getaway for city and suburban dwellers. We were looking for continued warm fall weather on a slow trip north; this met the warmth and fall criteria in late October. The proximity to the city made it a good choice for exploring Birmingham.
Campground as Hotel
We left in the morning and came back in the evening. Using the campground strictly for accommodations worked out well; it wasn't a place where we would have wanted to hang around the campground all day. The large RVs crammed on sites that weren't very large gave us a closed in feeling. We pulled down the shade in our teardrop to avoid the light pollution from the campers who leave ground lights and other decorative lights on all night. (Do they leave their outdoor holiday lights on all night at home?)
Tent Only Sites
The tent only sites are the best feature of this park. You can pitch your tent among the trees away from the RVs packed together in the rest of the park.
There's no power or water at these sites.
These sites are listed as tent only, but the park office attendant told us there were a few where we could fit our vehicle and teardrop. We declined because we thought we'd be too close to the road although we later saw several that would have been fine
Site 42B is the BEST SITE IN THE PARK! You walk down to the site from the parking area, and then there's a great view of the water. I took a photo looking back at the site from the beach area.
Other Sites
All sites not designated tent only have electricity and water. There are some sites with sewer hookup as well as 50 amp power. See site map photo.
Loop A's sites are more spread out than sites in Loop B.
Loop B: B33 was ok. I recommend sticking to the outside of this loop because there are two roads down the center where you'll have sites on both sides, across the road and behind you. Inside the loop seemed crowded because there were large RVs.
Restrooms
Several restrooms are spread throughout the park. They each have a couple toilets and a shower along with hot and cold water in the sinks. Restrooms are clean and a checklist indicates they're inspected 2 or 3 times per day. Everything works fine, but they could use an update inside. If the usage at the end of October is any indication of overall usage, this park is heavily used. It's close to Birmingham which has over a million people, one-fourth of Alabama's population. The state of Alabama should step up and do some renovation.
Site Taxes are HIGH
Be prepared for a significant jump to the cost when taxes are applied. Our campsite fee was a reasonable $22.65/night which included a 15% senior discount. Regular price is $26.65. Taxes and a $4.50 one-time fee were added for a grand total of $85.62 for 3 nights. If you're counting, that's 20+% in taxes.
Things To Do In The Park: boating, fishing, swimming, hiking. You can purchase a detailed hiking map for $1. If you aren't from the area and want to take in some Birmingham history, there are options.
Red Mountain Park has hiking trails along with old iron ore mines. There's an adventure park with zip lining, climbing, etc.
The base of Vulcan, Alabama's entry in the 1904 World's Fair, is the best place to see Birmingham. The museum next to the statue was well done; it provides a history of this steel city.
The park across from the 16th Street Baptist Church (site of the bombing on 9/15/1963 that killed 4 young girls) is a window into the sad part of Birmingham's history. There's also a civil rights museum nearby.
The craft breweries (Good People and Avondale) were good. And great barbecue at Saw. Pizza was good at Post Office Pies but they need to put more basil on a pizza advertised as a white basil pizza, not 5 little scraps.
ScoutFun, friendly but quiet campground! Perfect for an overnight stop to your destination. Very easy to get to the park.
They are in the process of putting in many very beautiful upgrades and will be a place you will want to stay for a week/ month for even for the entire winter!! So guarantee the $28.50 price while you can, you wont regret it!!!
Grandstand RV Park loves animals so be sure to bring all your fur babies. Double dog park open all hours and free treats available too!
LegendThis is a really great option super close to the racetrack. The facilities are really nice and the staff takes great care of the space. They even have a dog run to let your pets run around. I don't know if it would be my first choice if I were tent camping but with an RV it is a wonderful place to stay.
ScoutOak mountain state park has been a favorite of mine since I was a child. There's so much to do; and its always growing. It's the largest state park in Alabama. Theres lakes, waterfalls, nature trails, basket ball court, volley ball, a petting zoo, horses back riding, water sports, dirt bikes trails, BMX course, archery, cabins, primitive camping and rv's , a beach, a wildlife rescue center and so much more. If you're in the area do yourself a favor and check it out.
ScoutThis is a friendly, clean, campground. Staff is helpful, guide you to site and help you park. Sites provide easy access with ample space for RV and vehicle or trailer. Quiet park, pet friendly with areas to walk you pet with grass and trees.
Discovering pet-friendly camping options near Birmingham, Alabama, allows you to enjoy the great outdoors without leaving your furry friends behind. Here are some excellent campgrounds that welcome pets and offer a variety of amenities and activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Birmingham, AL is Oak Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 94 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 63 dog-friendly camping locations near Birmingham, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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