Best Campgrounds near Decatur, AL

You'll find several good camping spots within a short drive of Decatur, Alabama. Many campers head to Monte Sano State Park, which has tent sites with hiking trails and good views of the valley. Joe Wheeler State Park sits right on the Tennessee River, making it convenient for people who want to fish or take their boats out. If you need RV hookups, T's Outback RV Park has large sites with full connections. The weather here matters when planning your trip - summers get really hot and sticky, while fall and spring have much better temperatures for camping. Winter camping works too since it rarely gets too cold. Pay attention to the rules about campfires, especially during dry periods when restrictions might be in place. Keep your food secured since raccoons and other wildlife are common around the campgrounds. The Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is worth visiting while you're in the area - lots of birds and walking paths. Decatur itself is close enough that you can easily run into town for ice, groceries, or anything you forgot to pack. Most campgrounds in this area stay open year-round, but some facilities might close during winter months. The camping around Decatur works well for both quick weekend trips and longer stays. Remember to clean up your campsite thoroughly when you leave.

Best Camping Sites Near Decatur, Alabama (108)

    1. Point Mallard City Campground

    12 Reviews
    Decatur, AL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 341-4826

    "Very friendly staff, clean bath houses and next to a fun water park. Located in Decatur, AL, you are close to grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants and more!"

    "Walking distance to water park. Sites are very nice, although a little close to each other."

    2. Decatur / Wheeler Lake KOA Holiday

    12 Reviews
    Trinity, AL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 280-4390

    "This is a huge, beautiful campground with spots that back right up to the water's edge. There are plenty of amenities for the kids, and we had a blast."

    "We enjoy being close to conveniences, but far enough away to unplug and unwind."

    3. Monte Sano State Park Campground

    76 Reviews
    Brownsboro, AL
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 534-6589

    $14 - $30 / night

    "This site backs up to a draw and each evening just before dust we could watch the deer walk up through. 

    The bathhouse is centrally located, newer, and cleaned daily."

    "On top of Monte Sano in the woods and a world away from the town -- although it's close by. So many trails to run or walk and a playground for the kiddos. This has primitive camping as well as W/E/S."

    4. Jay Landings Marina & RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Decatur, AL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 350-4722

    "Jays landing has many amenities, full hookups, pool, boat docks, fishing dock and a nice area to gather near the River. Staff was very friendly and works with us on last minute reservations."

    "The pool was also a beautiful plus and it was a perfect temperature for a nice relaxing after driving dip! Again, very clean and well maintained."

    5. Cowford Campground

    1 Review
    Orrville, AL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 434-0174

    $24 - $142 / night

    "Right off the TN River, boat access, fishing, swimming and a couple of trails to walk. Small cafe down the road. My husband stayed here for a few months before we sold our house and moved."

    6. Joe Wheeler State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Rogersville, AL
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 247-1184

    $17 - $256 / night

    "ONE OF THE BEST STATE PARKS IN ALABAMA GREAT TRAILS LARGE RV SITES GREAT STAFF AND GREAT EVENTS PLENTY OF WILDLIFE RUNNING AROUND"

    "This is a great spot located in Northern Alabama just east of Florence on the Tennessee River."

    7. T's Outback RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Rogersville, AL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 431-4761

    $45 - $550 / night

    8. Northgate RV Travel Park

    6 Reviews
    Athens, AL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 232-8800

    $50 / night

    "The Roosters were crowing on their adjacent farmstead and we were at peace in the countryside.  Road noise was minimal, surprisingly, and no jake brakes were heard. "

    "The only “complaints” were no fire pits for fires and is a little noisy from the highway traffic. Otherwise great pull thru full hookup RV park for the price."

    9. Brushy Lake Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Addison, AL
    25 miles
    Website

    "Campground Review:

    Located right outside of the core part of Sipsey wilderness (William Bankhead) this campground is a great place for people who want to be around other tent campers and want something"

    "Close to Sipsey Wilderness and several waterfalls. Clean and quiet. Short paved walking trail, fishing pier, restrooms/showers."

    10. Quail Creek RV Resort

    2 Reviews
    Falkville, AL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 784-5033

    $36 - $40 / night

    "The site was plenty long enough to situate and disconnect for our two-night stay."

    "Close to 65."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 108 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Decatur, AL

476 Reviews of 108 Decatur Campgrounds


  • Rae W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Boondock Dispersed Camping Alabama

    Simple & Peaceful

    Nice little spot out in the forest. Spotted the gravel road and went down a little to the first opening. Pretty decent sized clearing. You can hear cars on the road, but it didn’t bother us. Pretty warm, humid, and buggy this time of year, but cooled off through the night.

    The stars were incredible after the moon went down a bit. Lots of bird sounds especially in the morning. A previous camper had left behind some kindling, which was cool. Ended up having a little cell reception with T Mobile.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Lake Guntersville State Park Campground

    Great place for kids

    We went to Guntersville State Park campground for our first camping trip and really enjoyed it. We went on Labor Day weekend so it was pretty full. Even though nearly every campsite was booked, there was plenty of room for kids to roam, ride bikes, and play. I was really surprised how quiet it was despite the number of people there. No noise issues (other than my own kids). We spent alot of time at the playground and also a morning on the beach area. We’ll definitely be back one day.

  • Bobbie S.
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Jay Landings Marina & RV Park

    Beautiful Sunsets

    Absolutely beautiful place to stay with all the needed amenities plus extra! I felt very safe here every day while my husband was at work. They have a shower house, laundry room, several common areas to sit, docs, boat ramp, salt water pool & basketball hoop. But for the noise, this would be a five star place to stay. There is a scrap metal recycling plant beside the campground, a train not too far away (whistle blows at night 😫) and across the river is a nuclear power plant and a refinery. The grounds are very well kept with lovey landscaping, paved roads and level sites with crushed rock and grass. Jessica at the front desk was pleasant and easy to work with. I would absolutely stay here again.

  • Michael C.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Joe Wheeler State Park Campground

    beautiful RV/Tent sites

    Stayed in A25 RV/Tent spot and had a beautiful view of the lake. Great little hiking trails near by. We ended up in this spot because the dispersed camping area had tornado destruction from years ago. So it was a bit pricey for just tent camping ($46)

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Northgate RV Travel Park

    Nice place to JUST stay in your RV

    Nice level gravel pull through sites. Full hook ups. Great water pressure. WiFi signal was very good ! Arrived on a Sunday afternoon and only one other RV was here. As explained in the description no bathhouse, pool or anything so just basic RVing. The only “complaints” were no fire pits for fires and is a little noisy from the highway traffic. Otherwise great pull thru full hookup RV park for the price.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 30, 2025

    Thousand Trails Hidden Cove

    Very nice, quiet campground

    Great campground & people! Only reason for 4 instead of 5 stars is the lack of things to do. No fenced in dog park but plenty of space to have one. Right on the lake but unaware of any kind of rentals available nearby— closest rentals are 40 mins away on the opposite side of the lake. Nearest Walmart is Cullman which is 45 mins away. Wouldn’t recommend staying here if you prefer to be closer to the city but perfect if you want to be in the middle of the woods and have no reason to leave. Very hot, humid and rainy time of year! Would be back in the fall perhaps.

  • Nick E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 23, 2025

    Hidden Cove Thousand Trails

    Clean, Quiet, and Spacious

    Great little campground with awesome access to the lake. Great for Starlink and good AT&T reception.

  • Greg S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2025

    Monte Sano State Park Campground

    4.9 stars

    Pretty spectacular all around. Sites are spaced well, wooded, and many have direct access to the trails. The trails! So many! We saw 4 waterfalls, including one inside a cave. A mountain bikers or hikers paradise here. It is in a beautiful area with nice homes and mountain views. The camp store is great and the two gates with code are a nice touch. There are cool little wooden play obstacles for the kids in the campground and a huge playground 1/2 mile away inside the park. The Japanese garden is very cool also. Wonderful overlooks to take in the surrounding area. Just a short drive down the mountain to great shops and restaurants. Just what a state park should be. Loved our site along the trail and ridge.

  • Dave  K.
    May. 10, 2025

    Palomino RV Resort

    Palomino

    Nice concrete pads, park is ran very well by the city...clean and organized campground


Guide to Decatur

Camping near Decatur, Alabama, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Fishing and Water Activities: Many campgrounds, like Joe Wheeler State Park, provide great fishing spots and access to lakes. One camper mentioned, “Great anytime of year. Fishing, golf, restaurant and many other activities.”
  • Hiking: Trails are available at places like Brushy Lake Recreation Area. A visitor noted, “There is also an easy paved trail to the lake with a pier.”
  • Playgrounds and Family Fun: Point Mallard City Campground features playgrounds for kids. One review said, “Family friendly with 2 playgrounds. Dog friendly. Walking and biking trails.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained sites. A review for Decatur / Wheeler Lake KOA Holiday stated, “Workers were wonderful and place all together is clean and well maintained.”
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One camper at Redstone Arsenal RV Park said, “They were very helpful, knowledgeable and professional, with a great attitude.”
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy roomy sites, especially at Beyonder Getaway at Wheeler Lake. A review noted, “This is a huge, beautiful campground with spots that back right up to the water's edge.”

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like T's Outback RV Park, have fewer amenities. A visitor mentioned, “It’s a beautiful little park, with all the amenities.”
  • Cell Service: Not all campgrounds have reliable cell service. One camper at Brushy Lake Recreation Area noted, “No Verizon service there but if you drive up the road past the visitor center, you can get a few bars.”
  • Reservations: Some sites are not reservable, like at Brushy Lake Recreation Area. A camper shared, “Considering the price and availability for $5 a day I would definitely recommend.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Pack Bug Spray: If you're near the water, be ready for bugs. One family at Beyonder Getaway at Wheeler Lake advised, “Definitely pack lots of bug repellent if you stay on the water.”
  • Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. A review for Point Mallard City Campground mentioned, “Walking and biking trails. Laundry facilities on site and open 24 hours.”
  • Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites to give kids room to play. A camper at Joe Wheeler State Park said, “The pads were huge.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Hookups: Make sure the campground has the right hookups for your RV. A review for Decatur / Wheeler Lake KOA Holiday noted, “Electric/water hookup only.”
  • Look for Big Rig Friendly Sites: If you have a larger RV, check for campgrounds that accommodate big rigs. Joe Wheeler State Park is noted for being “big rig friendly.”
  • Be Prepared for Limited WiFi: Many campgrounds may not have WiFi. A camper at Point Mallard City Campground mentioned, “No wifi per office with no known date of repair.”

Camping around Decatur, Alabama, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking a peaceful spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there tent camping options near Decatur, Alabama?

Yes, several excellent tent camping options exist near Decatur. Monte Sano State Park Campground offers 21 primitive tent sites in a wooded setting with plenty of shade. The park features numerous trails for hiking and is located near Huntsville, providing a natural escape that feels worlds away from urban areas. For more adventurous campers, the Sipsey Wilderness offers numerous backcountry sites along its trail system, ideal for spring and fall visits when temperatures are moderate and mosquitoes are less active. These wilderness sites provide an authentic tent camping experience in one of Alabama's most scenic natural areas.

What are the best campgrounds in Decatur, AL?

Point Mallard City Campground is a top choice in Decatur, consistently busy due to its excellent amenities. The campground features clean bath houses and friendly staff, plus it's adjacent to a water park for added entertainment. Its convenient location provides easy access to grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants. Another excellent option near Decatur is Decatur / Wheeler Lake KOA Holiday, which offers full hookups for RVs and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and lake access. Both campgrounds provide visitors with a great base to explore northern Alabama.

Is Point Mallard a good campground for camping in Decatur?

Yes, Point Mallard City Campground is an excellent camping option in Decatur. The campground stays consistently busy for good reason - it offers clean facilities, including well-maintained bath houses, and the staff is known for being friendly and helpful. One of its biggest attractions is the adjacent water park, providing entertainment for families and visitors of all ages. The location is especially convenient, situated close to essential services including grocery stores, gas stations, and various dining options. For those looking to explore beyond Decatur, Lake Guntersville State Park is another worthwhile option within driving distance, offering additional recreational activities like zip lining.