Camping options near Harvest, Alabama range from secluded forest sites to waterfront locations along Wheeler Lake. Most sites sit at elevations between 550-650 feet above sea level, providing moderate temperatures for extended camping seasons. The region experiences a humid subtropical climate with approximately 54 inches of rainfall annually, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping periods.
What to do
Hiking trails with varying difficulty: Monte Sano State Park offers extensive trail networks for hikers and mountain bikers. "Very beautiful campground and lots of places to hike. The only drawback for me was no fishing but we still had a great time hiking and looking around!" notes a visitor to Monte Sano State Park Campground.
Fossil hunting along creek beds: Red Coach Resort provides access to ancient geological discoveries. One camper mentioned, "Did I mention fossils? All over the place some of the oldest creatures to crawl the earth are there for you to find! I'm not kidding we saw trilobites everywhere along the creek," at Red Coach Resort.
Water activities on Wheeler Lake: Kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming are popular at lakefront campgrounds. "We fished feet from our camper off of the bank. They have a tie-down for animals, fire pit (with grill), all the hook ups for the rv/campers," shared a camper at Decatur/Wheeler Lake KOA.
What campers like
Easy access to urban amenities: Despite natural settings, most campgrounds are minutes from shopping and services. "This campground is perfect for a weekend getaway. Being right by water and soaking in the tranquility of this campground is the recharge anyone needs heading back to the real world. We enjoy being close to conveniences, but far enough away to unplug and unwind," noted a camper at Decatur/Wheeler Lake KOA Holiday.
Private wooded sites: Many campgrounds offer secluded spots with natural buffers. At Monte Sano State Park, one camper stated, "The campground is well kept, sites spacious and they have trees in between for some privacy. There are several that are double spots if your going w/friends and family."
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards remain high across most campgrounds. "Clean restrooms, hot showers. Great hiking and mountain biking. Nice playground for children, much nicer than many private campgrounds," mentioned a visitor to Monte Sano State Park.
What you should know
Seasonal capacity fluctuations: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "Definitely worth checking out! Monte Sano SP has so much to do you could easily spend an extended time there and not be bored, unless you want to be," notes a regular visitor.
Limited cell coverage in some areas: Connectivity varies between campgrounds. At Red Coach Resort, a camper mentioned, "We did have poor coverage for our mobile data but the phones and texting always worked."
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds have narrow entrance points. At Northgate RV Travel Park, a visitor warned, "Like other reviewers stated, there's a deep ditch on either side of the driveway when you pull in, so keep an eye on how your rig tracks."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with playgrounds: Several locations offer dedicated children's areas. "They have a nice fenced dog park plus a shower and laundry facility with 4 machines each costing $1," noted a visitor to Redstone Arsenal RV Park & Campground.
Consider parks with water features: Children enjoy cooling off during summer months. A camper at TGL Adventures shared, "There were even steps to take down to the river where we were able to get in and splash around."
Check for educational opportunities: Some parks offer nature programs. At TGL Adventures, a parent mentioned, "I have recently decided on ditching the camper and getting back to old days so I can teach my 13 yr old son there is more to life than internet, video games, ect. This place was amazing."
Tips from RVers
Gate access for late arrivals: Confirm entry procedures if arriving after office hours. "We had no problem doing the u-turn with our 40' fifth wheel. We followed the signage to the CG and then into pull-through site 21 with FHUs. There was no formal check-in, but our name and stay dates were on the site post," explained an RVer at Redstone Arsenal.
Site leveling requirements: Gravel sites may need adjustment. "The pad was plenty long enough for our 40' fifth wheel and F450 plus fairly level," noted a visitor to Northgate RV Travel Park.
Payment methods vary: Some parks have limited payment options. A camper at Northgate RV Travel Park mentioned, "Check in was pleasant and quick. They take cash or check."
