Best Campgrounds near Double Springs, AL
Campgrounds near Double Springs, Alabama concentrate around Smith Lake within Bankhead National Forest, featuring a mix of established and dispersed camping areas. Corinth Recreation Area provides full-hookup RV sites with paved pads, while primitive camping options exist at Thompson Creek Trail Campsites and Boondock Dispersed Camping. Several campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, including Brushy Lake Recreation Area and Houston Recreation Area, with select locations like Thousand Trails Hidden Cove also offering cabin rentals. Sites range from commercially operated facilities with electrical hookups to free dispersed locations on public land.
Most developed campgrounds in the Bankhead National Forest area operate seasonally, typically from March through October when weather conditions are favorable. "Plenty of biking and hiking opportunities. Just a short drive to Natural Bridge park, restaurants, groceries and more," notes one visitor about Corinth Recreation Area. Roads to established sites are generally well-maintained with gravel or paved surfaces suitable for passenger vehicles, while dispersed camping areas may require high-clearance vehicles. Cell service varies throughout the region, with limited coverage in more remote areas. Campgrounds with hookups often require reservations through recreation.gov or private reservation systems, especially during summer weekends and holidays when lakefront sites fill quickly.
Water access represents a significant draw for campers visiting the Double Springs area. Smith Lake provides swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities at several campgrounds including Corinth Recreation Area, which features a dedicated beach area and boat launch. A camper described it as having "a nice lake where a lot of people were boating as well." Hiking trails throughout Bankhead National Forest connect many camping areas to natural features including waterfalls, with several reviewers mentioning proximity to trails as a major benefit. Privacy between campsites varies significantly between locations, with some offering spacious, separated areas while others have more concentrated layouts. Night skies in more remote areas provide excellent stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution, with one visitor noting the campground has "no light pollution" and is "quiet."
