Camping options near Double Springs, Alabama extend beyond glamping into diverse traditional settings. Located in the Bankhead National Forest region at approximately 700-800 feet elevation, this area features a mix of forested and lake environments with summer temperatures averaging 85-95°F. Winter camping remains viable with temperatures typically ranging from 30-50°F, though facilities may operate seasonally.
What to do
Hiking trails in Bankhead Forest: The campgrounds near Double Springs provide access to numerous hiking options. At Clear Creek Recreation Area, campers can explore both standard hiking trails and paved biking paths. "There is a fun hiking trail and also a paved bike trail. Will definitely camp there again!!!" notes reviewer Leesha J. For more challenging hikes, Corinth Recreation Area serves as a gateway to Sipsey Wilderness trails. "This is a great campground which puts you near all the magic of the Sipsey Wilderness Area in the Bankhead National Forest," writes Kristi C., who recommends bringing a downloadable trail map due to limited cell service.
Water recreation on Smith Lake: Smith Lake offers swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities across multiple access points. Clear Creek Recreation Area features a dedicated swimming area with white sand. "White sand around swimming area. Pavilion is rentable for gatherings," describes Kelly S. The swimming areas at Corinth provide alternatives, though some campers note limitations: "Swimming area has shaded picnic areas but is down a steep hill a good way from your car. Also small pebbles in swim area are very painful," cautions Kelly S.
Night tours to view bioluminescence: Dismals Canyon offers unique night tours to see glowing organisms. "We were fortunate enough to enjoy a private tour on a Friday night and were treated to a mesmerizing display of glow worms, which call this canyon home," shares Asher K. This distinctive experience sometimes appears naturally at other sites too, as one camper at Sleeping Waters campsite discovered: "After we got everything set up and got all the lights out, we noticed the glowing dismalites along the Canyon wall behind our tent!!" (Rebekah C.)
What campers like
Spacious, well-separated sites: Many campers praise the generous spacing between sites in the Double Springs area campgrounds. At Clear Creek, Leesha J. notes, "The sites are great!!! Lots of space between sites." Similarly, at Corinth Recreation Area, campers find good site design: "The sites were close enough to see your neighbors but far enough away to not hear them!" (Rebekah C.) This spacing contributes to the peaceful atmosphere that many visitors seek when glamping near Double Springs, Alabama.
Clean facilities and well-maintained grounds: Campground upkeep receives consistent positive feedback. At Point Mallard Campground, Teresa notes, "This is a wonderful place to stay. The camp host and office personnel are very friendly. The campground is busy, but quiet." Corinth Recreation Area earns similar praise: "This campground is ran by good people. The restrooms and grounds are kept very clean. They ride around to keep watch so no worries about anything," reports Christina L.
Waterfront access: Lake access directly from campsites represents a major draw for the region. M&P M. describe Clear Creek: "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." This direct water access distinguishes many glamping sites near Double Springs from standard campgrounds elsewhere.
What you should know
Seasonal operation and facility limitations: Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally. According to the camp information, Clear Creek Recreation Area runs from March to October, while Corinth is open from March 15 to October 30. During COVID, some campgrounds reduced services: "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," advises M&P M. at Clear Creek Recreation Area.
Variable site conditions: The quality of sites varies considerably, even within the same campground. At Dismals Canyon, Glynne E. reports: "Totally recommend seeing the canyon, but the campsites are in rough shape. Totally eroded with no level spot for a tent. Not an enjoyable camping experience for a really cool place." At Corinth, site selection matters: "Electric sites are advertised that they accommodate 2 tents however they do not. There is very little area to set up and the gravel is like concrete," notes one visitor.
Fee structures and additional costs: Beyond standard camping fees, several locations charge extra for various services. Dismals Canyon has a particularly complex fee system: "Sites are anywhere from $27/night to $48/night. But then they also charge you a $5 cleaning fee (for a campsite????) and a 'one time admission fee' of $30 (good for up to 4 people, additional people = additional money)," explains Sarah C. Some campgrounds also charge for day visitors or extra vehicles.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water features: Families with children particularly appreciate the swimming areas. Thomas H. recommends Corinth Recreation Area: "We spent a lot of time walking with our kids on the trails and riding scooters around the campsite roads. Nature trails were extremely well kept with great views on the water." At McFarland Park Campground, Trinity W. points out multiple advantages for families: "It is a very large park/campground. There is a marina, RV and tent campsites, a playground near the campground, and on the other side of the marina is another playground."
Space for group activities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated spaces for family gatherings. Nikki W. highlights Clear Creek's group camping options: "Really enjoyed the group camp site. Very spacious with a huge fire pit. Easy walking distance to bathhouse. Great hiking as well." These areas provide room for multiple families to camp together while maintaining reasonable proximity to facilities.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids often enjoy spotting wildlife at the campgrounds. At Clear Creek, Katrina G. notes, "You can find a site to satisfy almost anyone... If you prefer seclusion, try the upper grounds. You will see deer in the morning and are likely to have a visitor, raccoons, during the night." The natural areas surrounding glamping sites near Double Springs offer numerous opportunities to observe local wildlife.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: For RV campers, choosing the right site matters significantly. At Point Mallard Campground, Timothy T. advises: "The spaces were a little bit tight & close but they were angled nicely. We had to maneuver the trailer around the trees but not complaining about the shade." Similarly, at Corinth Recreation Area, Thomas H. recommends: "We stayed at Yellow Hammer site #9 easy pull through with plenty of room. Not only did all the sites have amazing scenery but the roads were well maintained."
Cellular connectivity considerations: Cell service varies significantly across campgrounds. Thomas H. reports from Corinth Recreation Area: "Full hookups and AT&T cellphone coverage good enough for working from Trailer. Verizon cellphone coverage didn't work here." Before planning to work remotely while glamping near Double Springs, Alabama, campers should verify service availability at their specific campground.
Campground navigation challenges: Some RVers report difficulty moving through certain campgrounds. Katie D. describes Point Mallard: "This place is tight. Not in the Urban Dictionary meaning of tight, but in the actual meaning of tight. The roads to the site was hard to navigate due to the amount of vehicles parked along the roads. However, the sites were great angles and easy to maneuver into and out of."
