Oak Mountain State Park sits approximately 10 miles from Chelsea, Alabama, within the southern reaches of the Appalachian Mountains. The park encompasses 9,940 acres at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,260 feet above sea level. Seasonal weather variations create distinct camping experiences, with summer temperatures averaging in the upper 80s°F and winter temperatures typically in the 30-50°F range.
What to do
Hiking and trail exploration: Oak Mountain State Park offers extensive trail networks for hikers of all skill levels. "I love this place," says Krista H. about Rolling Hills RV Park, which provides a convenient base for exploring nearby trails. At Upper Improved Campground — Cheaha State Park, visitors can access more challenging terrain: "High Falls was my personal favorite. Also hiked Bold Rock and Pulpit Rock," notes George's F.
Water recreation: Multiple parks offer lake access for swimming, fishing, and boating. "We stayed right on the river in the perfect spot," shares Meredith M. about her experience at Deerlick Creek. The creek provides opportunities for wading and fishing, while larger lakes support more extensive water activities.
Wildlife viewing: Observe local wildlife throughout the region's parks. "We watched deer almost tamely walking around the campground," says Don K. about Deerlick Creek. The area supports diverse ecosystems where visitors frequently spot various bird species, small mammals, and occasionally larger wildlife.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently mention site spacing as a positive feature. "Very clean and friendly! Most of the camp is for dirt bike riding but the park was almost empty at the end of the night," shares Joseph K. about The Ridge Outdoor Resort, which offers yurt camping near Chelsea, Alabama along with traditional sites.
Clean facilities: Reviewers frequently praise bathroom cleanliness. "Clean bath houses & campground. Good place for my dogs to swim as well," notes Jules S. about Deerlick Creek. Similarly, at Bohamia, "Great showers and bathhouse with filtered drinking water option that I used daily," reports Michael C.
Level camping pads: Many campgrounds feature well-maintained, level sites. "Gravel site was fairly level despite being in a hilly area," notes David S. about Rolling Hills RV Park. At Deerlick Creek, Eric H. mentions "Nice level concrete pads with awesome shade."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "We reserved 363 days prior to arriving," mentions one Napunani at Oak Mountain State Park, highlighting the need for early planning.
Facilities vary significantly: Campground amenities range from primitive to full-service. "This campground was unique as each site was set into the hills. We had lots of privacy and peaceful quite," notes Suzanne Z. about Deerlick Creek. Meanwhile, Bohamia offers "Services are great some cabins and tents having ACs, but primitive camping allowed as well."
Seasonal considerations: Water access points may close seasonally. "The beach was closed when we went but we still enjoyed all the trails and basketball goal!" shares Meredith M. about Deerlick Creek. Summer months typically offer full services, while some facilities reduce operations during winter.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Several parks offer dedicated children's areas. "There was a 5.5 mile roundtrip hike that starts near the beach area and ends at the falls. On a hot summer day you can take a dip to cool off before you hike back out," mentions Asher K. about Oak Mountain State Park.
Safety considerations: When camping with children, select sites away from water hazards if supervision is limited. "The lake is really enormous so you can be out on the water all day," cautions Asher K. about Clear Creek Cove RV Resort, emphasizing the need for water safety.
Educational opportunities: Many parks offer learning experiences for children. "Don't miss the TREE TOP NATURE TRAIL!" advises Napunani about Cheaha State Park, which features interpretive displays about local wildlife and ecosystems.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for RVs: Choose appropriate sites based on your vehicle size. "Our site on the lake was beautiful and had ducks came right up to our site," shares maureen L. about Oak Mountain State Park, noting the importance of selecting waterfront sites when available.
Limited maneuvering space: Some parks have tight entrance areas. "Limited and very tight rig parking at campground gate check-in," warns Napunani about Cheaha State Park, suggesting arrival during daylight hours for easier navigation.
Hookup availability: Research utility connections before booking. "We are in site 9, pretty level gravel site, electric and water hookup only. 2 dump stations are available," notes Cat R. about Bama RV Station, highlighting the need to verify specific hookup requirements match your needs.
