Oak Mountain State Park offers rustic and deluxe cabin options within a 9,940-acre park just 20 minutes from Mccalla, Alabama. The park sits at an elevation of approximately 600 feet above sea level in the southern Appalachian foothills, providing a moderate climate with warm summers and mild winters. Seasonal variations affect cabin availability, with summer months typically requiring reservations 2-3 months in advance.
What to do
Hiking and trail exploration: Oak Mountain State Park features extensive hiking trails with backcountry camping options. A reviewer notes, "The campsite was only a few strides from my car and there was a water spigot 5 steps away. I went on a very busy weekend but typically there is less action. Also, I love that you can choose what type of camping you want- RV, car camping, or even backcountry!"
Wildlife viewing: Oak Mountain State Park Campground offers unique wildlife encounters throughout its expansive grounds. "Don't miss the TREE TOP NATURE TRAIL!" recommends one visitor, while another mentions, "One of the best state park campgrounds I have ever been at. This place has everything, mountain bike, gravel bike, trail running, road running, road biking, golf, equestrian, sailing and fishing."
Lake activities: Smith Lake near Thousand Trails Hidden Cove provides extensive water recreation options. A camper shares, "This RV park is right on a lake, but a bit away from anything else. If you have any sort of boat, kayak, paddle board, bring it!" Another mentions, "We were here during winter, so there wasn't a lot going on. This is a nice campground that is adding a lot of new sites. You are right on the lake with a good view."
What campers like
Clean, updated facilities: Recent renovations at Oak Mountain have dramatically improved visitor experiences. One camper observed, "They put a massive amount of money into updating this place. This is the #1 best state park campground I have ever been at. Some of the non-5star reviews are people before the updates."
Diverse recreation options: Beyond standard cabin amenities, The Ridge Outdoor Resort offers unusual activity combinations. "There are dirt bike trails, a zip line, an air soft course, a pond, and stunning views of the valley below," notes a regular visitor. Another reviewer adds, "This is a motocross, zip line and paint ball camp. The people that checked us in were great."
Equestrian accommodations: Faye Whittemore Farms provides specialized facilities for those traveling with horses while still offering standard cabin amenities. "The campground is very nice and woodsy. The campsites have water and electric hookups. They have nice paddocks for your horses. The multiple trails are so beautiful," shares one equestrian camper.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Cabin camping near Mccalla shows significant seasonal variations in occupancy and reservation requirements. "We were here during winter, so there wasn't a lot going on," reports one visitor, while summer visitors frequently mention the need for advance planning.
Varied bathroom conditions: Bathroom quality varies dramatically between campgrounds. Brierfield Ironworks Historical Park reviews mention both "Clean restrooms" and contrasting observations like "Bathhouse in disrepair and outdated. Also quite a walk from many campsites."
Limited cell service: Connectivity is unreliable at many cabin sites. "I had no reception with Verizon but my AT&T hotspot had good reception," notes one camper, while another mentions, "Wifi weak cel signal weak."
Grocery access limitations: Most cabin locations require planning for supplies. The nearest Walmart to several cabin sites is 45 minutes away in Cullman, making meal planning essential.
Tips for camping with families
Playground considerations: When booking camping cabins with children, check recent playground reviews. One camper at Hidden Cove noted, "The wood on the playground needs to be replaced and the grass really needed cut. There were no horse shoes to play and no golf stuff."
Educational opportunities: Weogufka State Forest Flagg Mtn offers historic structures ideal for family exploration. "Simple and enjoyable. Caretaker and author Sunny Eberhart is wonderful to talk to. Access to southern terminus of the Pinhoti Trail. CCC tower and cabins from 1930's."
Kid-friendly nature experiences: Multiple cabin areas offer wildlife viewing suited for children. "Don't miss the wildlife rescue center with owls, turkeys and red hawks," recommends a visitor, while others mention the "petting zoo" as a highlight for families with young children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: For RVers seeking camping cabins as an alternative, proximity to amenities matters. "We stayed close to the park, mini golf, and horse shoes since we have a child," explains one reviewer, highlighting the importance of campsite location for families.
Hookup variations: Even within single campgrounds, electrical service varies significantly. One camper at Hidden Cove explains, "A and B sections are the original sections. C section is brand new with 50 amps hookup. All the big rigs there."
Level site challenges: Finding level parking at some cabin locations challenges larger vehicles. A visitor observed, "Not many even close to level spots. It is sad because it is on such a lovely lake."
