Several well-maintained campgrounds surround Hayden, Alabama, a rural community in Blount County at approximately 550 feet elevation. The region features a mix of forested hills and river valleys with numerous lakes created by damming the Tennessee River and its tributaries. Most campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, though water activities are most popular from May through September when temperatures average 75-90°F.
What to do
Hiking on established trails: Oak Mountain State Park Campground provides extensive hiking opportunities for all skill levels. According to Asher K., "While in the park this visit we also took a hike to Pevine falls which I would highly suggest. There is a 5.5 mile roundtrip hike that starts near the beach area and ends at the falls. On a hot summer day you can take a dip to cool off before you hike back out."
Water recreation on Smith Lake: Clear Creek Recreation Area offers direct access to Smith Lake with multiple points for swimming and boating. Tanya A. notes, "Large spacious sites, quite, and clean. You can find a site to satisfy almost anyone. Lots of sites on the water. 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."
Mountain biking for all levels: Oak Mountain State Park Campground recently underwent major renovations and now offers extensive biking trails. Soren B. explains, "They put a massive amount of money into updating this place. This place has everything, mtn bike, gravel bike, trail running, road running, road biking, golf, equestrian, sailing and fishing. It has wifi throughout and almost everywhere in the park has cell reception."
Fishing in numerous locations: Corinth Recreation Area provides excellent fishing opportunities with boat access. Mike M. shared, "The site had plenty of space, level, and easy to back into. There is a nice overlook and plenty of hiking trails. We were on the yellow loop."
What campers like
Recently renovated facilities: Oak Mountain State Park's updates have dramatically improved the camping experience. Melinda S. explains, "A great State Park. I stayed one night in the Equestrian campground. They are all pull thru with a remodeled bathhouse. It was extremely clean. Then moved over to Section B of the main camp ground. Remodeled spaces with adequate space for a newbie to back her travel trailer in with no problems. What an Ego booster!"
Lake access directly from campsites: Honeycomb Campground provides numerous waterfront sites. M&P M. reports, "This campsite had beautiful waterfront lots. My kids did love the beach front entrance that was built for lake access and swimming. The camp store was well supplied. The staff was also great!"
Peaceful atmosphere despite popularity: Clear Creek Recreation Area manages to maintain a quiet environment even when full. Rebekah C. shared, "We stayed here for Memorial Day weekend and I don't believe there were any empty sites! It was packed. The sites were close enough to see your neighbors but far enough away to not hear them! At least ours was that way."
Spacious campsite layouts: Corinth Recreation Area features well-designed campsites. Thomas H. describes, "Loved this park! It was our first trip in our new Travel Trailer and it couldn't have gone better. 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."
What you should know
Bath house availability can vary: Several campgrounds have limited bathroom facilities during certain seasons. At Corinth Recreation Area, Genie C. notes, "We made the mistake of booking the Firefly loop, the bathhouse was closed due to COVID. The camp host was very nice and helped us move to Yellowhammer where the bathhouse was open. So if you are looking for a spot near an open bathhouse, Yellowhammer is where it is at."
Weather impact on campsites: Lake Guntersville State Park lost many shade trees to tornadoes. Greg H. explains, "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!"
Seasonal crowds: Summer weekends can be extremely busy, particularly at waterfront sites. Kristi C. advises about Corinth, "This is a great campground which puts you near all the magic of the Sipsey Wilderness Area in the Bankhead National Forest. If you go hiking, make sure you have AllTrails with a downloadable trail map before you leave the campsite, because there is not great cell service on most trails."
Long-term residents at some campgrounds: Several campgrounds near Hayden have permanent or semi-permanent residents. At Point Mallard City Campground, Katie D. observed, "It appears that many of the RVs there are long-term, permanent residents; wood porches, lots of yard items, etc. The roads to the site was hard to navigate due to the amount of vehicles parked along the roads."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access for kids: Lake Guntersville State Park Campground offers swimming areas and a splash pad. L&A C. reports, "There are several types of sites, monthly, cabins and tent camping. There are boat slips (local rentals) and a Pavilion on the water, basketball and tennis courts, playground, shady dog park, splash pad, and clean bathhouses."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Oak Mountain has educational animal exhibits suitable for children. Scott C. shares, "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)."
Multiple pool options: River Rocks Landing features three swimming pools for different ages. Elizabeth P. explains, "We camp here often. It is one of our favorites! It's conveniently located in Gadsden right on the Coosa River! The place is absolutely beautiful. They have 3 pools and a splash pad!"
Group camping facilities: Clear Creek Recreation Area offers specific areas for family gatherings. Nikki W. notes, "Really enjoyed the group camp site. Very spacious with a huge fire pit. Easy walking distance to bathhouse. Great hiking as well."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup limitations: Some campgrounds near Hayden offer limited full hookup sites. At Honeycomb Campground, Farmer Family observes, "They are limited on full hook ups, but the bath house is nice and clean. The showers are individual rooms with locking door which is really nice for security, but they are limited in number."
Ease of site access: The Cove RV Resort and Campground provides convenient highway access for travelers. Meghan T. shares, "This place is conveniently right off the interstate, but still tucked away enough that it's quiet. Booking was extremely easy on the website. It was $35 total (including all taxes) for full hookups, water, & sewer. Each site includes a picnic table."
Campsite angles and backing considerations: Point Mallard has well-designed sites despite tight spacing. Timothy T. explains, "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. Everyone had to wait while we backed in & unhitched because of the narrow roads but we had a wonderful few nights there."
