Clear Creek Recreation Area on Smith Lake offers designated glamping sites within 30 miles of Jasper, Alabama. Located in Bankhead National Forest, the area features white sand beaches and wooded campsites at elevations ranging from 500-800 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach the mid-90s with high humidity, while spring and fall provide more moderate camping conditions in the 70s.
What to do
Hiking trails: Clear Creek Recreation Area provides both paved and unpaved trails for different skill levels. "There is a fun hiking trail and also a paved bike trail," notes Leesha J., who camped there in August and found the experience "great!!!"
Wildlife viewing: Morning deer sightings are common at many campgrounds in the area. As Katrina G. describes Clear Creek: "You will see deer in the morning and are likely to have a visitor, raccoons, during the night."
Basketball and volleyball: Some recreation areas include sports facilities. At Clear Creek, "There was a basketball and volleyball area in a nice green space area near the boat launch," according to one visitor who found the campground beautifully maintained.
Mountain biking: The trail systems throughout Bankhead Forest provide opportunities for cyclists of all levels. Trails range from beginner-friendly paved paths to more technical forest routes with moderate elevation changes.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Deerlick Creek earns praise for its well-designed layout. "This campground was unique as each site was set into the hills. We had lots of privacy and peaceful quiet," says Suzanne Z., who appreciated the clean facilities.
Water access: Many campsites offer direct water access. "The lots were beautifully wooded and spacing between each site was adequate... The perimeter lake lots in the Hoot Owl Loop all had steps or path access from the site to the shore," reports a visitor to Clear Creek.
Clean facilities: Maintenance is consistently mentioned in reviews. "The comfort stations were clean. It takes four or five presses on the water activator in the shower before the warm water starts flowing, but there is plenty of water pressure," writes Jeff C. about his experience at Clear Creek.
Helpful staff: Campground personnel receive positive mentions. Christina L. says about Corinth Recreation Area: "This campground is ran by good people. The restrooms and grounds are kept very clean. They ride around to keep watch so no worries about anything."
What you should know
Seasonal bath house closures: During off-peak seasons, some facilities may be limited. "They are only keeping open one bathroom at a time, so you have to pick and choose your site when you don't have a built in bathroom," advises D.W. L. about Clear Creek.
Campsite reservations: Popular weekends fill quickly, especially for lakefront sites. "This is a highly used camping area on Smith lake. In peak times can be hard to get a spot," warns Joe C. about Clear Creek Recreation Area.
Cell service variations: Coverage can be spotty depending on provider. At Dismals Canyon, reception is limited in the canyon itself, while Clear Creek reports: "AT&T cell service was pretty good."
Gate access after hours: Some campgrounds have security gates with codes. A visitor to Dismals Canyon noted: "The gate to get into the Canyon after hours for the bath house was difficult to operate. I'd pinch the code in and it wouldn't open. It would take several tries."
Tips for camping with families
Seek secluded glamping options: For families wanting privacy while glamping near Jasper, look for more remote sites. "We stayed in early August for 2 nights in the Sleeping Waters campground. The site is absolutely gorgeous! Very secluded and very roomy!" wrote a visitor to Dismals Canyon.
Plan for swim areas: The Ridge Outdoor Resort offers additional recreation options for families. "There are dirt bike trails, a zip line, an air soft course, a pond, and stunning views of the valley below," explains Megan M., who visits yearly with her group.
Consider tent placement: At Dismals Canyon, campsite terrain can be challenging. One camper advised: "We found ourselves waking up multiple times just to scoot ourselves back up in our tent," noting that some sites have "zero level ground."
Check playground availability: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. Suzanne Z. mentioned that Deerlick Creek had "two play areas with balls and other toys for the kids."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Bama RV Station offers convenient overnight stops near the interstate. "We are in site 9, pretty level gravel site, electric and water hookup only. 2 dump stations are available, 2 dog parks," reports Cat R., who found the noise level lower than expected.
Pull-through accessibility: For easier parking, select appropriate sites. Thomas H. found Oak Mountain State Park Campground well-designed: "It has wifi throughout and almost everywhere in the park has cell reception."
Hookup variations: Not all sites offer full connections. At Bama RV Station, a visitor noted it offers "Numerous sewer as well as non sewer lots. Economy camping option in the economy storage area."
Loop selection for RVs: Different campground sections may have varying amenities. At Corinth Recreation Area, a camper recommended: "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."
