Camping in Cordova, Alabama offers recreational opportunities amid the Warrior Basin's rolling terrain and central hardwood forests. The area maintains average summer temperatures around 90°F with significant humidity, while winter temperatures typically range between 30-50°F. Most campsites in the region sit at elevations between 500-800 feet, providing varied landscape features for different camping experiences.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Clear Creek Recreation Area features multiple trail options including a dedicated hiking trail and paved bike trail. "Camped at Clear Creek in Bankhead Forest Aug 11-13, 2017 and it was great!!! The sites are great!!! Lots of space between sites. There is a fun hiking trail and also a paved bike trail," reports one visitor.
Lake activities: Deerlick Creek offers boat launch access for water recreation. According to a camper, "Boat ramp with easy access to the lake. Convenient access to Tuscaloosa for supplies, eating or just a change of scenery."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The Ridge Outdoor Resort provides elevated views for wildlife spotting along with specialized activities. One visitor noted, "There are dirt bike trails, a zip line, an air soft course, a pond, and stunning views of the valley below."
What campers like
Private site spacing: Corinth Recreation Area receives praise for its well-designed site layout. "This was by far one of the most quite COE campground we have been to... peace and quite was the theme of the weekend. The camp was full but you would have thought the opposite based on how quite is was," according to a recent visitor.
Waterfront access: Many campers appreciate Clear Creek's waterfront sites. A reviewer shared, "The lots were beautifully wooded and spacing between each site was adequate... The perimeter lake lots in the Hoot Owl Loop all had steps or path access from the site to the shore. This would be especially nice in the summer."
Bathroom facilities: Oak Mountain State Park Campground maintains updated facilities. "Shower house and bathrooms clean and big. Gorgeous views. Lots of things to do in the park," reported one camper who appreciated the amenities.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Many campgrounds near Cordova operate seasonally. Clear Creek Recreation Area runs from March to October, while Corinth Recreation Area maintains a similar season from "March 15 to October 30."
Bathhouse limitations: During peak periods, bathroom availability may be restricted. One camper at Corinth noted, "We made the mistake of booking the FlyerFly loop, the bathhouse was closed due to COVID. The camp host was very nice and helped us move to Yellowhammer where the bathhouse was open."
Reservation requirements: The Ridge Outdoor Resort offers glamping in Cordova, Alabama with specific reservation policies. A visitor explained, "We found this spot on the Dyrt a few days ago! Put together a last minute camping trip with some other college students. Very cheap, clean and friendly!"
Tips for camping with families
Swimming areas: Clear Creek provides designated swim spaces for children. "White sand around swimming area. Pavilion is rentable for gatherings," states one visitor, though they caution it's "usually crowded."
Basketball and volleyball facilities: Deerlick Creek offers recreational areas for active children. "They had two play areas with balls and other toys for the kids. It was very clean and friendly," notes a family camper.
Child-friendly glamping options: Glamping accommodations near Cordova provide comfortable options for families new to outdoor recreation. Sipsey Creek Farm maintains three glamping sites with drinking water and shower facilities, while Oak Mountain State Park offers yurt accommodations. "Clean and staff were friendly. Our site on the lake was beautiful and had ducks came right up to our site," reports a family who enjoyed the setting.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through availability: Corinth Recreation Area offers accessible sites for newer RVers. "Loved this park! It was our first trip in our new Travel Trailer and it couldn't have gone better. We stayed at Yellow Hammer site #9 easy pull through with plenty of room," shared one RV camper.
Concrete pad quality: Deerlick Creek features solid parking surfaces. "Nice level concrete pads with awesome shade. Bath house stayed clean. Nice 1/2 mile asphalt bike/walking trail," according to an RVer who appreciated the stable foundation.
Limited overnight options: For quick stays, alternative facilities exist. Bama RV Station provides basic amenities for short stops with "electric and water hookup only. 2 dump stations are available, 2 dog parks. 30 dollars a night... No firepits or picnic tables. Check in by phone, no office."
