Cabins near Hollins, Alabama offer lodging options in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains at elevations ranging from 500 to 2,400 feet. Lake Martin provides 44,000 acres of water recreation opportunities with 750 miles of wooded shoreline. Winter temperatures average 35-55°F while summer months typically reach 85-95°F with high humidity.
What to do
Hiking on marked trails: Oak Mountain State Park has trails for various skill levels, including several mountain biking routes. According to one visitor, "Hiking in the area is amazing! The campground is nice... a lot pull through spots. No wifi or cell service; but we loved being disconnected."
Water activities on Lake Martin: Wind Creek State Park Campground features swimming beaches, boat rentals and fishing spots. "This is a great family campground with a boat launch on lake Martin. Good swimming, adequate shade," notes one camper.
Historical exploration: Visit iron furnace ruins at Brierfield Ironworks Historical Park to learn about Alabama's industrial past. A visitor mentioned, "Lots of neat buildings" though noted there's "Not much information on what you are looking at or should look for."
Adventure courses: Try the zipline and tree line adventure course at Wind Creek State Park. As one camper describes, "They have a zip line and tree line adventure course, mini-golf, a beach area for swimming, and plenty of fishing spots."
What campers like
Lake Martin access: Wind Creek State Park Campground provides waterfront sites with shoreline views. "We were the only trailer in loop D. It was quiet and very enjoyable! Being right on the lake and having the ducks swim up really thrilled our dogs," reported one winter visitor.
Spacious campsites: Many camping areas feature large sites with room for equipment and activities. One camper at Wind Creek noted, "We stayed at site 100 it was an excellent site right on the water next to us was like a private beach."
Seasonal variation: Different experiences based on time of year with fewer crowds in winter. A camper shared, "This campground is a better place for the summer not much to do in the winter. It's a place for swimming, fishing, and boat riding."
Clean facilities: Brierfield Ironworks Historical Park maintains their grounds well. "Very clean well kept campground lady at campground store very nice," noted a recent visitor.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin rentals require advance booking with fees varying by location. Wind Creek charges a reservation fee plus daily rates that depend on site type.
Cabin amenities vary widely: Some offer basic shelter while others provide full kitchens. At Covenant Woodlands, cabins include "every kitchen supply, shampoos, comfy beds, wood for the fire pit, coffee and plenty of amusements provided."
Wi-Fi and cell service: Connectivity varies significantly between parks. At Oak Mountain State Park, "It has wifi throughout and almost everywhere in the park has cell reception," while at other locations service may be limited.
Winter access: Most parks remain open year-round with reduced amenities during winter. A Wind Creek visitor reported, "We were the only trailer in loop D. It was quiet and very enjoyable!"
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Oak Mountain State Park offers diverse recreational opportunities for children. "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)."
Playgrounds availability: Several campgrounds have dedicated play areas. Wind Creek provides "playgrounds throughout the campground" as mentioned by visitors.
Swimming options: Most parks with lake access have designated swimming areas. According to a Wind Creek visitor, there are "Beach's on the lake" making it ideal for families with children.
Long-stay potential: Some campgrounds are suitable for extended stays. One camper noted, "I spent 2 months there and loved everyday. We hated to leave."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose waterfront sites when possible for best experiences. At Talladega Pit Stop Campground, one visitor stated, "This is by far one of the nicest sites so close to the track. Definitely worth making this a priority for race day if they have availability."
Hookup variations: Sites offer different levels of services from basic to full hookups. A Wind Creek camper explained, "If you look at the map you'll see that some sites are full hook-up and some are not. We stayed in C section with full hook-ups."
Check-in timing: Arrival times are strictly enforced at most parks. Wind Creek specifically notes "Check in is at 4 pm and check out is at 2 pm."
Off-season benefits: Winter camping provides more privacy and quiet surroundings. As one camper at Wind Creek observed during winter months, "We were the only trailer in loop D. It was quiet and very enjoyable!"