Grant, Alabama sits at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains with elevations ranging from 600 to 1,200 feet. The area experiences mild winters with occasional snow and hot, humid summers where temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. Most campgrounds along Lake Guntersville feature gravel pads rather than concrete, which can become muddy during the frequent rainfall from March through May.
What to do
Hiking trails with elevation gains: Monte Sano State Park Campground has trails for all skill levels. One camper notes, "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." The park has multiple trail loops accessible directly from the campground.
Cave exploration: Cathedral Caverns State Park Campground offers daily cave tours with a significant temperature difference from outside. A visitor mentioned, "There are daily cave tours; we have been in many caves and this one is very nice." Another adds, "Legend says there's a ledge in the cave and if you toss a coin and land it right on the ledge you get your wish."
Boating access: At Goose Pond Colony Resort Campground, boaters have direct water access. "The location makes it easy to access the TN River for boating, which is great," writes one reviewer. The campground includes multiple boat ramps and docks for easy lake access.
What campers like
Storm recovery success: Lake Guntersville State Park has rebounded after severe weather damage. One camper observed, "A few years ago a tornado took out a lot of the big pines so it's a bit hot with very little shade. But it's still the best place to camp around Guntersville!" Another noted, "We like a bit more trees, which they had until a tornado came through in 2011 or 12."
Private backcountry options: Buck's Pocket State Park Campground offers secluded camping away from crowds. A camper mentions, "The last mile of road before reaching the campground is rather steep and a little sporty, with 2 hairpin curves leading down into the valley." Another states, "The park is operated by the state and is very clean and staffed by friendly people to help."
Swimming facilities: Honeycomb Campground provides lake access with designated swimming areas. "Our site was spacious and right on the lake. The beach was very nice and the staff was beyond helpful," writes one visitor. Another adds, "My kids did love the beach front entrance that was built for lake access and swimming."
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies dramatically between dog friendly campgrounds near Grant. At Cathedral Caverns, a camper warns, "WARNING: Very spotty cellphone service, which is actually nice if you want to enjoy the outdoors!" Similarly, Buck's Pocket has "absolutely no cell service or tv stations available due to the geographic makeup of the park."
Weather impacts: Seasonal storms can affect camping conditions. A visitor to Goose Pond Colony noted, "Stayed over Memorial Day weekend so the campground was pretty full." Another cautioned, "The mosquitoes here are horrendous! As soon as we walked out of our camper they dive-bombed us!"
Overcrowding issues: Little Mountain Marina Resort gets congested during peak seasons. A visitor observed, "Sites are tight. Not much space. But everything is right on the lake which is nice." Another mentioned, "I don't like how far away some of the campsites are from the playground and pools."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Look for sites near recreation areas. At Mountain Lakes Resort, "Our little family absolutely loves this place. So much for us to do, indoor/outdoor pool, putt-putt, game room, etc.... Plus!!! They have chocolate gravy on the menu for breakfast!"
Bath facility quality: Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground has excellent facilities for families. A camper reports, "The showers are individual rooms with locking door which is really nice for security, but they are limited in number." Another notes that the West Rim loop is "perfect for campers who want the convenience of a bathhouse with running water."
Child-friendly trails: Multiple dog friendly campgrounds offer easy walking paths. At Cloudland Canyon, "Sites 4-9 are well spaced from each other and great for tent campers and families who want their kids to have room to play." Buck's Pocket has "a few hiking trails that range in levels of difficulty."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Monte Sano State Park, RVers recommend specific locations. "Sites are mostly level even for my 43' rig," shares one camper. Another notes, "Clean sites, mostly level even for my 43' rig. Beautiful hiking and biking trails."
Hookup limitations: Watch for varying electrical systems. At Honeycomb Campground, "They are limited on full hook ups, but the bath house is nice and clean." A different camper mentioned, "The only downside is that they do not have sewer hookups."
Reservation systems: Some campgrounds don't allow advance site selection. At Goose Pond Colony Resort, "Be advised that they don't take reservations!!! I have no idea how, or why they do business this way, but that's how it is. So you show up and hope for the best!"
