Oak Mountain State Park sits at the southern edge of the Appalachian Mountains with elevations ranging from 600 to 1,260 feet above sea level. The area around Spring Garden, Alabama features diverse forest ecosystems with mixed hardwood and pine trees that change dramatically with the seasons. Camping options range from primitive backcountry sites to full-service RV hookups, with most campgrounds open year-round despite seasonal temperature variations.
What to do
Mountain biking on dedicated trails: Oak Mountain State Park offers extensive mountain biking routes for all skill levels. "Beautiful park with lots to do! Oak Mountain is a big state park with lots to do (golf, biking, archery, lots of trails that are very well marked, petting zoo, very neat trail with rescued owls, turkeys and red hawks, and more)," notes Scott C. in his Oak Mountain State Park Campground review.
Explore underground caves: Rickwood Caverns State Park features unique limestone formations and underground pools. "The tour of the caverns was well worth the trip," writes Matthew D. about his experience at Rickwood Caverns. The cave tours operate four times daily from January through November.
Creek swimming and canoeing: Several campgrounds offer creek access for cooling off during hot months. "Wonderful, quiet and shaded camping areas and also has a awesome clean creek to swim and canoe in," says Holly S. about Brookside Greenway Park, making it a good option for pet-friendly camping near Spring Garden.
Historical exploration: "The museum there is very interesting and educational," writes Leesha J. about Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park Campground, which preserves 19th-century iron-making facilities and offers living history demonstrations on weekends.
What campers like
Renovated campground facilities: "They put a massive amount of money into updating this place. This is the #1 best state park campground I have ever been at," shares Soren B. about Oak Mountain State Park Campground. The recent improvements include updated bathhouses and modernized camping areas.
Spacious sites with creek access: Many campers appreciate sites that back up to water features. "We stayed in site 122 in Campground 1, right on the creek. The sites are all gravel with picnic tables (a little worn—we brought our own table setup)," reports Randi P. about Tannehill Ironworks. Sites near creeks tend to book faster during summer months.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The Ridge Outdoor Resort offers unique views and wildlife encounters. "There are dirt bike trails, a zip line, an air soft course, a pond, and stunning views of the valley below," says Megan M., who visits The Ridge Outdoor Resort yearly.
Backcountry solitude: For those seeking more seclusion than standard campgrounds provide, Oak Mountain offers backcountry options. "The site we stayed at was only a short walk, maybe 15 min from the road but it felt like a totally different world. We had a huge area to set up our tents and there was a small stream that we could pump water from," shares Asher K.
What you should know
Campground reservations policies vary: Some parks require advance booking while others operate first-come, first-served. "First come first serve reservations. There were many open spots when we arrived. We paid $25 that included electric hookup, bath house with showers, water on site, and a dump station," explains Nicole K. about camping at Tannehill.
Seasonal activities affect crowds: Trade Days at Tannehill bring large crowds monthly. "We're craft vendors at Tannehill Trade Days March-November and we've started camping out there every month. My grandkids absolutely love it. The ride their bikes, play in the creek, and eat great ice cream from the creamery!" writes Paige M.
Cell service and connectivity: Many campgrounds now offer decent connectivity. "It has wifi throughout and almost everywhere in the park has cell reception," notes Soren B. about Oak Mountain State Park, which is important for those needing to stay connected during their pet-friendly camping trip near Spring Garden.
Campsite amenities vary significantly: Birmingham South RV Park offers full hookups but smaller sites. "This was a very secure campground with a lot of amenities. No concrete pads but nice small sites," reports Chris S. about Birmingham South RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water features: Look for campgrounds with swimming opportunities during hot months. "The pool is big but wasn't open when we were there. It has a cave on site with a guided tour," shares Macy P. about Rickwood Caverns State Park, which offers a unique swimming experience in summer with their cave-fed pool.
Playground access: Hoover Met Complex RV Park provides family amenities despite its parking lot setting. "Super easy to get in and out. Easy hooks ups and good WiFi available. Playground and rock climbing area a plus," writes chris G., highlighting features that make urban camping more appealing for families with children.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer nature centers and wildlife viewing. "I've been going here since I was a kid and it's one of my favorite places in the world. You'll never run out of things to do between the endless hiking trails, the museum of wildlife, and the wildlife rescue center," shares Cat about Backcountry Site — Oak Mountain State Park.
Camp near water: Sites adjacent to streams provide natural entertainment for children. "A great State Park. I stayed one night in the Equestrian campground. They are all pull thru with as remodeled bathhouse. It was extremely clean," says Melinda S. about Oak Mountain's specialized camping areas.
Tips from RVers
Easy access pull-through sites: Several campgrounds cater specifically to large rigs. "Very easy to find and super easy to park. Very clean and easy hookups. All lots are pull through and asphalt," notes Millibeth R. about Hoover Met Complex RV Park.
Leveling considerations: Some campgrounds require additional preparation. "The pads are very uneven and there are just not many amenities. Very close to sports fields though," cautions Chris S. about Hoover RV Park, suggesting that RVers bring leveling blocks.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer full-service sites. "We paid $25 that included electric hookup, bath house with showers, water on site, and a dump station. I believe you can pay another $5 for sewage on site," explains Nicole K. about Tannehill's tiered pricing for hookups.
Urban convenience vs. natural setting: RVers can choose between urban settings with nearby amenities or more scenic options. "Great staff. Excellent wifi. Easy pull through, paved lot. Close access to anything you need," says Morgan H., highlighting the convenience factors that make Hoover Met Complex popular with RVers seeking pet-friendly camping near Spring Garden.
