Oak Mountain State Park offers multiple camping options within 20 miles of Hoover, Alabama. Located in the southern Appalachian foothills at elevations ranging from 600-1,300 feet, the region experiences mild winters and warm summers with average July temperatures reaching 90°F. During spring and fall camping seasons, overnight temperatures can drop to the 40s even when daytime highs reach the 70s.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Oak Mountain State Park features extensive mountain biking opportunities with terrain for all skill levels. "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," notes Soren B. about Oak Mountain State Park Campground.
Historical exploration: Visit restored iron furnaces and historical buildings at Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park. "The park is full of historical buildings like an old mill, furnace, blacksmith shop, and restored cabins. There's a Sunday church service at 9AM, playgrounds, picnic pavilions, a general store, a miniature train ride, and even an ice cream shop," according to Randi P. at Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park Campground.
Water activities: Multiple lakes in the region offer swimming, fishing and boating options. "Gorgeous views. Lots of things to do in the park," reports maureen L. about Oak Mountain, while another camper mentions, "Our site on the lake was beautiful and had ducks came right up to our site."
What campers like
Convenient access: Birmingham South RV Park provides easy highway access for travelers passing through. "This was a very secure campground with a lot of amenities. No concrete pads but nice small sites," writes Chris S. about Birmingham South RV Park.
Recreational facilities: Many campgrounds feature sports complexes, playgrounds and developed activity areas. "Super easy to get in and out. Easy hooks ups and good WiFi available. Playground and rock climbing area a plus," says chris G. about Hoover Met Complex RV Park, which is located at a sports complex.
Shaded sites: Despite Alabama's heat, many campgrounds offer good tree cover. At Rolling Hills RV Park, "There's quite a bit of space between most of the sites (particularly the back in sites)," notes David S., while another camper at Brookside Greenway Park appreciates that it's "Shady. Good for a night to stop."
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: Some parks require advance booking while others operate first-come, first-served. At Tannehill, "We arrived late on a Thursday night and appreciated that the ranger is on-site 24/7, since the campground doesn't take reservations. The process is easy—you just pull in, find a site, and register/pay the next morning."
Peak season crowds: Popular parks fill quickly during summer and holidays. "It seems we went during a semi busy time. They have lots of spots and most are in the shade," reports Suzanne Z. about Tannehill, while T-Mobile service at the park is "decent—we were able to use our hotspot to stream TV at night."
Site variations: Quality and features differ significantly between sites and campgrounds. At Backcountry Site — Oak Mountain State Park, more secluded experiences are available. As one camper describes, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Creek access for hot days: Several pet friendly camping areas near Hoover, Alabama offer stream access for cooling off. At Tannehill, "The creek is peaceful and adds great ambiance... lots of kids were playing in the water right near their sites."
Educational opportunities: Historical parks provide learning experiences. "We spent some time at several of Alabama's state parks. This is by far the best state park that we went to. I can't wait to go back!" says Erin L. about Oak Mountain State Park.
All-season facilities: Family-friendly amenities operate year-round at many locations. "Wonderful, quiet and shaded camping areas and also has a awesome clean creek to swim and canoe in.. pet friendly," notes Holly S. about Brookside Greenway Park.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through availability: Several campgrounds offer convenient sites for larger rigs. "This was a pit stop for us and it worked just great for that. We had a 50amp pull through site. It was very level and we didn't even unhook from the truck!" explains Beth H. about Birmingham South RV Park.
Utility placement: Check hookup locations before setting up. "Our gravel pad was not wide enough to be a) level and b) slide/awning out at the same time. The electric hook-up was at the opposite end of the pad from the water and sewer hook-ups," reports RichMichelle M. about Cherokee Campground.
Urban convenience: RV parks near Hoover provide easy access to services. "Great staff. Excellent wifi. Easy pull through, paved lot. Close access to anything you need," states Morgan H. about Hoover Met Complex RV Park, which offers pet friendly camping near Hoover with urban convenience.
