Grant, Alabama offers several camping spots along Lake Guntersville at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,100 feet. The area experiences mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures and hot, humid summers typically reaching 90°F. Most campsites in the region feature gravel pads with varying degrees of shade coverage, and many campgrounds remain open year-round for both tent and RV campers.
What to do
Waterfall hikes: At Cathedral Caverns State Park Campground, campers can explore trails with remarkable natural features. "The cave tour is a great job not only telling us about the beauty and history of the cave, but helped us to imagine one of the caves first explorers and its benefactor Mr, Gurly," notes Jeremy H. The park offers discounted cave tours for overnight campers.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Guntersville provides excellent fishing conditions year-round. At Lake Guntersville State Park Campground, Collin D. reports, "We had a great time. Very clean place and great fishing!" Many sites allow shore fishing directly from campgrounds along the lake's 69,000+ acres.
Off-road adventures: Buck's Pocket State Park has dedicated off-road vehicle (ORV) trails that attract weekend enthusiasts. The park also features hiking trails with significant elevation changes, including a trail that "ascends 800 feet in elevation from the pocket floor to the summit," according to Tony C., offering physical challenges for experienced hikers.
What campers like
Lake access: Visitors enjoy the direct water access at Honeycomb Campground. "Our site was spacious and right on the lake. The beach was very nice and the staff was beyond helpful," shares Derenda M. The campground offers boat rentals and a swimming beach for days when temperatures climb into the 90s.
Privacy between sites: Monte Sano State Park provides well-spaced campsites with natural screening. "Sites are spacious and they have trees in between for some privacy. There are several that are double spots if your going w/friends and family," notes Shelly S. The park's elevation at over 1,000 feet often provides cooler temperatures than surrounding areas.
Cell signal variations: Some campers appreciate the disconnect from technology. At Cathedral Caverns State Park Campground, Britton E. points out, "WARNING: Very spotty cellphone service, which is actually nice if you want to enjoy the outdoors!" This differs from other area campgrounds that offer WiFi service.
What you should know
Seasonal water conditions: Water levels in creeks and waterfalls vary significantly by season. At Buck's Pocket State Park, Lauren B. found that "the creek in the campground is bone dry" during their visit, though they still "had a blast on the trails and the dry creek."
Tree coverage: Historic weather events have impacted shade at certain campgrounds. At Lake Guntersville State Park, Greg H. notes, "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!"
Reservation requirements: Goose Pond Colony Resort Campground operates differently than other area facilities. "They don't take reservations!!! I have no idea how, or why they do business this way, but that's how it is. So you show up and hope for the best," explains Lori H. This can be challenging during peak seasons when sites fill quickly.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Honeycomb Campground offers multiple water activities suitable for different ages. "This campground is located on Lake Guntersville. There are plenty of sites with trees for shade and hammocking... Kayak, canoe, and boat rentals," reports Malissa R., making it ideal for families who enjoy water sports.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. At Goose Pond Colony Resort Campground, Morgan notes, "The kids have loved the playground and fishing. Everyone has been so friendly and we would be weekend visitors if we weren't 8 hours away."
Activity variety: Mountain Lakes Resort offers multiple recreation options beyond the lake. "My kids love the pools and the indoor pool is awesome during colder months," says Holly, highlighting the benefit of having alternatives when weather doesn't cooperate for outdoor activities.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Not all sites provide naturally level surfaces. At Buck's Pocket State Park Campground, Ray & Terri F. observed, "The pull-through sites are older asphalt and suffer from not being very level, but the new concrete pad back-ins all looked quite level."
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging approach roads. Buck's Pocket State Park has "rather steep and a little sporty" access with "2 hairpin curves leading down into the valley. The turn into the campground is a little tight too," according to Ray & Terri F.
Full hookup availability: Limited sewer hookups exist at certain campgrounds. At Honeycomb Campground, Jaime W. notes, "The only downside is that they do not have sewer hookups," while Farmer Family adds, "They are limited on full hook ups, but the bath house is nice and clean."
