Located approximately 35 miles south of Tuscaloosa, Centreville, Alabama offers forest-based glamping experiences in a region known for its wooded terrain and nearby water features. The area sits within central Alabama's transition zone between the Appalachian foothills and coastal plain, creating diverse camping opportunities with elevations around 300-400 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach the 90s with high humidity, while spring and fall provide milder conditions for glamping enthusiasts.
What to do
Hiking trails with wildlife viewing: Oak Mountain State Park features well-marked trails where visitors can spot local wildlife. One camper noted, "Oak Mountain is a big state park with lots to do (golf, biking, archery, lots of trails that are very well marked, petting zoo, very neat trail with rescued owls, turkeys and red hawks, and more)."
Water activities on multiple lakes: Visitors to Oak Mountain State Park Campground can enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating. "Big lakes for fishing, swimming or canoeing," reports a camper, while another mentioned that "Our site on the lake was beautiful and had ducks came right up to our site."
Trail running and cycling options: The area offers various difficulty levels for outdoor exercise. "This place has everything, mtn bike, gravel bike, trail running, road running, road biking, golf, equestrian, sailing and fishing," explains one visitor about their glamping experience at Oak Mountain.
Basketball and recreation areas: Deerlick Creek provides sports facilities beyond hiking. A camper with children shared, "We had a blast. The beach was closed when we went but we still enjoyed all the trails and basketball goal!"
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Campers consistently mention the generous spacing between sites. At Deerlick Creek, one visitor observed, "Nice level concrete pads with awesome shade. Bath house stayed clean. Nice 1/2 mile asphalt bike/walking trail. Hiking trail with hills and valleys skirting the lake."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many glamping sites near Centreville allow for close wildlife encounters. "We watched deer almost tamely walking around the campground," noted one visitor to Deerlick Creek.
Upgraded facilities: Recent renovations have improved the glamping experience in the area. A camper at Oak Mountain State Park Campground reported, "They put a massive amount of money into updating this place. This is the #1 best state park campground I have ever been at."
Clean, well-maintained grounds: The upkeep of facilities receives consistent praise. "So clean. Shower house and bathrooms clean and big. Gorgeous views. Lots of things to do in the park," wrote one visitor about their glamping stay.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Sites fill quickly during football season and holidays. "Huge park...very nicely landscaped and neatly mowed. Quiet. Regularly saw ranger driving through campground," reported one visitor detailing their pre-planning experience at Oak Mountain.
Variable campsite access: Some sites require specific navigation. At Kountry Air RV Park, campers are advised about specific routes: "When we made reservations, we were told to only take exit 179 off I-65 and follow the GPS directions, as any other way will take you on narrow roads, including gravel roads."
Cell service and connectivity: Connection quality varies by location. One Oak Mountain visitor confirmed, "It has wifi throughout and almost everywhere in the park has cell reception," which can be important for those needing to stay connected during their glamping trip near Centreville.
Limited facilities at some locations: Not all sites offer full amenities. "This is a review for the backpacking shelter located along the Pinhoti trail in Weogufka State Forest. This is the closest camping site to the Southern Terminus of the trail and is a great overnight option," notes a reviewer about more rustic options.
Tips for camping with families
Backcountry alternatives for privacy: Families seeking quieter glamping experiences have options beyond standard sites. A visitor to Weogufka State Forest Flagg Mtn shared, "Simple and enjoyable. Caretaker and author Sunny Eberhart (Nimblewill Nomad) is wonderful to talk to. Access to southern terminus of the Pinhoti Trail."
Beach and swimming options: Water access provides entertainment for children. "A quick stop, convenient and easy. We were able to get into the primitive section without any reservations which is always wonderful. Sites are beautiful and the lake near our site was a nice place for a dip," reported a family at Oak Mountain.
Kid-friendly trail options: Several locations offer manageable hiking for young explorers. One Deerlick Creek visitor noted, "On a whim we booked a site and stayed overnight! We had a blast. The beach was closed when we went but we still enjoyed all the trails and basketball goal!"
Tent-only sites for authentic experiences: Some families prefer traditional camping over full-service glamping. "Although I have camped at this park many times this was my first night at one of the backcountry sites and it was a HUGE improvement. I already love this park because of the many trails and wide range of terrain along with the lake where you can swim or boat."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: RV campers should carefully evaluate site options. At Rolling Hills RV Park, a visitor advised, "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."
Filter maintenance in rural locations: Water quality issues require preparation. One experienced camper at Kountry Air mentioned, "I had what I thought a very low water pressure @ my site. Don took the time to unhook my water & show me my filter had collected so much sediment from previous spot...needed to be changed ASAP."
Overnight transit options: For those just passing through, simpler accommodations work well. A reviewer at Bama RV Station noted, "Literally right off the interstate at Tuscaloosa. Much lower noise level than I expected. Definitely a parking lot, without trees... 2 dump stations are available, 2 dog parks."
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