Chelsea is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Chelsea campgrounds just for you. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Chelsea. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
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
Seek adventure and solitude on the highest point in Alabama at Cheaha State Park. At 2,407 feet above sea level, Cheaha State Park, located on top of Cheaha Mountain, offers breathtaking views and adventurous recreational activities and is great for camping near Birmingham. This 2,799-acre mountaintop retreat is known for spectacular sunsets and beautiful waterfalls. The park offers overnight guests and day visitors an array of activities as well as opportunities for rest. Facilities include a restaurant, hotel, cabins, chalets, camping with options that range from improved to primitive, and pavilions. In addition to lodge rooms, cabins, and A-frame chalets, we offer improved camping in the park, semi-primitive camping near the highest point, and primitive camping near Cheaha Lake. There is also primitive camping along mountainside trails, offering campers numerous options for getting close to nature. Groups may want to consider reserving Cheaha's historic CCC Bald Rock Lodge, which has 12 bedrooms/baths with a beautiful grand hall, for retreats, family reunions, meetings and more!
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.
$25 / night
Welcome overnight backpackers. Please observe these rules for your safety and to help preserve the natural beauty of Oak Mountain State Park.
Overnight backpackers are entitled to camp at a designated backcountry campsite only. Backpackers are not entitled to use the improved campground facilities.
$6 - $18 / night
$17 - $30 / night
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
Seek adventure and solitude on the highest point in Alabama at Cheaha State Park. At 2,407 feet above sea level, Cheaha State Park, located on top of Cheaha Mountain, offers breathtaking views and adventurous recreational activities and is great for camping near Birmingham. This 2,799-acre mountaintop retreat is known for spectacular sunsets and beautiful waterfalls. The park offers overnight guests and day visitors an array of activities as well as opportunities for rest. Facilities include a restaurant, hotel, cabins, chalets, camping with options that range from improved to primitive, and pavilions. In addition to lodge rooms, cabins, and A-frame chalets, we offer improved camping in the park, semi-primitive camping near the highest point, and primitive camping near Cheaha Lake. There is also primitive camping along mountainside trails, offering campers numerous options for getting close to nature. Groups may want to consider reserving Cheaha's historic CCC Bald Rock Lodge, which has 12 bedrooms/baths with a beautiful grand hall, for retreats, family reunions, meetings and more!
Guide
They 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.
Traveler
Just up the Chinnabee silent trail from the turnip seed campground heading towards the pinhoti sits this awesome campsite. A nice open area in a pine thicket, this large site has 2 fire rings and is big enough for even large groups to spread out. It’s also right next to a creek for an easy water source and about 50 yards down a side trail so it’s nice and private. A few people walked down to see the site but nobody disturbed me. I will definitely camp hear again.
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.
Traveler
So so so worth going, I didn’t leave to go anywhere, the hikes was awesome to see. The camp site I stayed was beautiful woke got to see the sun set. I rode my motorcycle there so for anyone who ride there motorcycle just be aware there some uneven site for your motorcycle to park. Unless you’re tall and you don’t have problem handling your bike. I’m 5,0 so it was learning curve me to see if I could handle my motorcycle up hill and down hill for campsites
ScoutA gorgeous serene park with great staff, spacious spots, beautiful views and tons of hiking!
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.
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.
Traveler
This has a good road and decent open spots to set-up. Overlanders (w/rtt) will be the most happy. Open areas have tall grass a but, but some have enough pine trees the pine needles make for better ground camping. Small camper trailers could probably make it too. Just be mindful of turn around spots.
I arrived late so harder to find spots. Mid-week so no one else here.
-Lacked good signage on the last turn. -No facilities (as expected) -Open to sky (took awesome star pics here)
Guide
Came with a group of friends from town to relax and disconnect. Services are great some cabins and tents having ACs, but primitive camping allowed as well. Great showers and bathhouse with filtered drinking water option that I used daily. Several hiking trails, but also roads to allow those who prefer to ride. They do offer ice, drink and snack delivery service with QR codes in each area. Definitely a place that I plan to revisit, but would refer friends to come as well for a weekend getaway.
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
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
Had a great time camping this weekend at Greensport campground .This was our first time camping my wife and I and our 9 year old grand daughter. The staff were very helpful, lots of planned activities for the kids. Scenery was great , lots of amenities. Will definitely be be back soon.
Traveler
Pack some water and head out. Great hikes with water falls. Pit toilet, no water, critter proof trash cans. First come first serve. Cash box available to pay. We had cell service. Used 10' trailer/ camper. No hookups or running water.
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.
ScoutBeautiful, and everyone was so welcoming
Traveler
We started our hike in from Chinnabee silent trail parking and headed up toward chinnabee lake. We found this spot nearby the big swimming hole "devils den" about 1/2 a mile from the chinnabee lake parking area. We stayed at campsite 9. For 2 nights in April and it was amazing. Little to no bugs, plenty of trees for shade and hammock camping. And a good fire ring built from large river rocks. Plenty of wood around for a fire though it was mostly pine that burnt extremely well but left resin on all our cookware. This site was comfortable for our group of 4 but we felt like we were almost at max capacity at this site. I give this spot 2 👍🏻👍🏻
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.
Scout
Hawksrvpark.godaddysites.com is their web page. The place is quiet and peaceful right next to lay lake in Alabama. They have spacious sights water electric on-site trash. Pick up on-site sewage Hook up available on all of their sites free firing. The places just awesome. The people are awesome.
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.’
Camping near Chelsea, Alabama, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed adventure, there are several campgrounds in the area that cater to different tastes.
Camping around Chelsea, AL, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just be sure to check out the specific campgrounds and their amenities before you go!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Chelsea, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Chelsea, AL offers a wide range of camping options, with 112 campgrounds and RV parks near Chelsea, AL and 19 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Chelsea, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Chelsea, AL is Oak Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 92 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Chelsea, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 free dispersed camping spots near Chelsea, AL.
What parks are near Chelsea, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near Chelsea, AL that allow camping, notably Talladega National Forest and National Forests in Alabama.
