Camping near Hayden, Alabama, offers a mix of beautiful nature and unique experiences. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned camper, there are plenty of options to explore.
What to do
- Explore the Caverns: Check out the Rickwood Caverns State Park Campground for a guided tour of the caverns. One visitor said, “We toured the caverns on Saturday and enjoyed the tour. Tours are discounted for campers.”
- Enjoy Water Activities: At Smith Lake Park, you can fish, swim, or rent canoes. A reviewer mentioned, “There are tons of things to do here, especially if you like to fish!”
- Relax at the Campground: The Thousand Trails Hidden Cove is a peaceful spot with a lovely lake view. One camper noted, “Very peaceful and quiet, nice lake overlook areas.”
What campers like
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate cleanliness. One reviewer at Cullman Campground said, “The showers are really clean. We stayed the week of Thanksgiving, so it was decorated really cute.”
- Friendly Staff: Many visitors mention the helpful staff. A camper at Hidden Cove RV Resort said, “The management and office personnel were very friendly.”
- Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the tranquility of the sites. A review from Rickwood Caverns mentioned, “Because the campground is so small, it was very quiet at night.”
What you should know
- Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have small sites. A visitor at Rickwood Caverns complained, “These are the tiniest campsites I've ever seen in a State Park, worse than an RV park even.”
- Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. One camper at Hidden Cove RV Resort noted, “Many amenities yet minimally maintained and showing age and wear.”
- Traffic Noise: Some campgrounds are near highways. A reviewer at Rickwood Caverns mentioned, “The park is kind of near a highway and I could hear cars in the evening and at night.”
Tips for camping with families
- Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly spots like Smith Lake Park, which has playgrounds and activities. One parent said, “Lots of playgrounds for the kids and some very nice camping spots!”
- Plan for Clean Facilities: Families appreciate clean bathrooms. A camper at Cullman Campground said, “4 shower rooms open during business hours.”
- Bring Outdoor Games: Make sure to pack games for the kids. A visitor at Hidden Cove RV Resort mentioned, “They had some really neat buddy camp sites.”
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Levels: RVers should look for level sites. One camper at Hidden Cove RV Resort noted, “The pull-through spots were great and level.”
- Be Prepared for Limited Cell Service: Some areas have poor reception. A reviewer at Thousand Trails Hidden Cove mentioned, “Verizon signal is very sketchy, and non-existent depending on where you are in the campground.”
- Utilize Amenities: Take advantage of amenities like laundry facilities. A camper at Cullman Campground said, “They have recently added a lot of new slots.”
Camping around Hayden, Alabama, has its quirks, but with the right preparation, it can be a great experience for everyone!