Point Mallard City Campground in Decatur offers water-oriented camping on the banks of the Tennessee River within a 750-acre municipal park. Sites are angled for easier access despite the tight spacing between camping areas. The campground maintains a 14-day maximum stay policy during peak seasons and operates year-round with varying rates depending on hookup requirements and seasonal demand.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: Monte Sano State Park, located 30 minutes from Decatur, features miles of moderate to challenging terrain for all skill levels. "The hiking is moderate to extreme up and down some interesting rock formations. The mountain bikers and bikers seem to enjoy themselves too, flying down the closed roadway or the steep roadways and challenging themselves on the rocky terrain," notes Shelly S., who has visited multiple times.
Water recreation: Lake Guntersville State Park Campground offers boating, fishing, and swimming in Alabama's largest lake. While trees are limited due to past tornado damage, the waterfront access remains exceptional. "Great place if you like to fish. Super crowded on the weekends," mentions Scott M., highlighting the park's popularity among anglers.
Canyon exploration: Dismals Canyon provides a unique geological experience with rare bioluminescent "dismalites" visible during guided night tours. "When we got everything set up and got all the lights out, we noticed the glowing dismalites along the Canyon wall behind our tent!! It was super cool. We also had a creek flowing with crawdads, minnows, and bull frogs," shares Rebekah C. about her primitive campsite experience.
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: Clear Creek Recreation Area on Smith Lake features well-spaced, shaded campsites with direct water access from many locations. "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," reports M&P M. after their stay.
Family-friendly amenities: Corinth Recreation Area offers thoughtfully designed camping spaces with easy access for beginners. "Loved this park! It was our first trip in our new Travel Trailer and it couldn't have gone better... Each site fully equipped with fire ring, picnic table, and lantern poles," shares Thomas H., who especially recommends the Yellow Hammer loop.
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Sharon Johnston Park provides full hookup options in a 200-acre county park with additional recreation amenities. "We loved Sharon Johnson. Really good camp for littles and good spot for first time campers. Camp host was awesome," notes RON M., highlighting its accessibility for camping families with small children.
What you should know
Site spacing considerations: Many campgrounds near Decatur have limited privacy between sites. At Point Mallard City Campground, "This place is tight. Not in the Urban Dictionary meaning of tight, but in the actual meaning of tight. It's hard to tell if there are more trees or RVs on the property," explains Katie D., noting the compact arrangement of the camping areas.
Seasonal facility limitations: During off-peak times, some campgrounds restrict bathroom access. At Clear Creek, one camper mentioned: "There was a notice that stated only one of the restroom facilities for the entire campground was available so tent families beware and plan your site accordingly."
Reservation requirements: Most glamping options close to Decatur, Alabama require advance planning, especially for waterfront locations. "Book in advance, water sites are hard to come by in the summer!" advises a Honeycomb Campground visitor, where glamping cabins and premium waterfront sites fill quickly during peak seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Honeycomb Campground features a swimming beach and recreational facilities specifically designed for children. "Loved our site, beach area and the staff was very helpful," notes Derenda M., highlighting the family-friendly atmosphere that makes glamping near Decatur, Alabama appealing for those with young children.
Swimming options: Many campgrounds offer designated swimming areas for safer water recreation. Sharon Johnston Park provides a swimming pool in summer months, creating a controlled environment for younger swimmers compared to open lake swimming options at other locations.
Nature exploration: TGL Adventures offers a more intimate glamping experience with just 8 sites alongside river access. "We ended up fishing til daylight because the river was physically only 10 steps from our tents. The campsite had just enough light to be able to see go get to the restroom and showers," reports Heather B., describing the immersive outdoor experience.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: For RV glamping close to Decatur, Alabama, look for sites with appropriate hookups and accessibility. "We were in site 19 which was in the way back, unfortunately near a 'pond' so a few mosquitoes were about. Otherwise pretty spacious sites," notes a camper at Monte Sano State Park, emphasizing the importance of location within a campground.
Hookup limitations: McFarland Park Campground offers water and electric hookups but no sewer connections at individual sites. "This campground is in my hometown of Florence, AL. It is right on the Tennessee River and it is a very large park/campground," explains Trinity W., noting the campground's convenient location despite limited hookups.
Arrival timing: Setting up after dark can be challenging at primitive glamping locations. At Dismals Canyon, one camper advises: "We got there pretty late (after dark) for setting up camp, and I do not recommend doing that. It's about a quarter of a mile walk to the campsite."
