Smith Lake serves as the centerpiece for most camping options near Cordova, Alabama. The area sits between 500-700 feet in elevation with typical forest terrain and moderate hills. RV camping near Cordova offers travelers relatively easy access to outdoor activities year-round due to Alabama's mild winters, though summer humidity can be considerable from June through September.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Visitors at Bama Campground & RV Park can explore multiple trails on the property or venture to Bankhead National Forest. "This is a great little campground tucked away on the edge of Bankhead National Forest. The location of the campground makes it an excellent location to enjoy the numerous waterfall hikes in the area," notes Jennifer H.
Lake activities: Thousand Trails Hidden Cove provides direct access to Smith Lake. "Big campground. Great guess service. Staff friendly. Spot are very bigs and a good distance between them. Full hookup sites. Amenitied are very cleans, kids play grounds. Park for walking, biking, use your boat and kayak, boat ramp access," reports Milagros B.
Visit Natural Bridge: The natural bridge formation near Togetherness Works RV Park makes for an interesting day trip. "We loved this place, a little off the heating path but well worth it. You must check out the nature bridge nearby as well as the Houston jail," recommends Nathan W.
What campers like
Affordable options: Most campgrounds in the area offer competitive pricing. "Just a big parking lot but had full hookup and clean," explains Maureen L. about the Hoover Met Complex RV Park, which serves as a budget-friendly base for exploring the greater Birmingham area.
Privacy between sites: Newer sections at various campgrounds feature improved spacing. "The sites were large and bathrooms were very clean. Cell service is spotty so either have a mobile data setup or by the local connection for your stay," says Nathan W. about Hidden Cove.
Clean facilities: Togetherness Works RV Park maintains excellent bathhouse conditions according to multiple reviews. "Nice clean laundry and baths. Nice location on Smith lake. Sites were roomy," states Ronald R. The park owner built many facilities using lumber milled from trees on the property.
What you should know
Cell coverage limitations: Internet connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. "I had no reception with Verizon but my AT&T hotspot had good reception," reports Mara S. about her stay at Hidden Cove. Many remote workers need to plan accordingly.
Limited waterfront availability: Prime lakefront sites fill quickly. "Sadly every spot you might be able to see the lake from was already taken by what seems to be someone living there full time," notes Larry T. about Hidden Cove.
Road conditions: Some parks have challenging access roads. "Be careful driving here the road is very narrow and no shoulders. We met a school bus on the road and ended up having to go into the pit next to the road to avoid the bus that was in our lane," warns Alisa P. about Quail Creek RV Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. "The campground has hiking trails on the property if you don't have time to visit Bankhead NF. If you're in the area or wanting to spend time in Bankhead NF I'd recommend checking this campground out," explains Jennifer H. about Bama Campground.
Swimming options: Palomino RV Resort features water recreation areas suitable for families. "We stop for an overnight stay. The park was very clean and the employees were super nice. There was a swimming pond, a fishing pond, basketball & tennis court, fire pit, picnic tables," describes Crystal H.
Kid-friendly facilities: Indoor options for rainy days exist at some parks. "The clubhouse was very nice and had a lot for kids to do as well," mentions Kara S. This provides alternatives when outdoor activities aren't possible.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Many sites require adjustments for proper leveling. "The pads are very uneven and there are just not many amenities. Very close to sports fields though," notes Chris S. about Hoover Met Complex RV Park.
Site selection strategy: Appalachian Foothills RV Park offers various site options with different advantages. "This is a well laid out park for the back in sites, we stayed in the back in a new area under construction so it wasn't as nice but we knew that coming in. The host was fantastic in giving me all that information before we arrived," explains Russ G.
Navigation challenges: Some parks have tricky exit routes that require caution. "When we departed, heading back towards the interstate, you come to a stop sign. Our RV GPS and Waze wanted us to turn right on Mt. Zion Rd instead of going left as we did when we arrived. We took the right turn, and about the time the trailer swung, we saw the drop-off into the ditch," warns MickandKarla W. about departing from Quail Creek RV Resort.
