Joe Wheeler State Park Campground offers riverside and woodland camping options near the Tennessee River. Located in Rogersville, Alabama, this 2,550-acre park features recently renovated camping areas with improved site spacing following tornado restoration. The campground operates year-round with a mix of waterfront and forested sites.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Joe Wheeler State Park Campground, the Tennessee River provides excellent fishing. "Had a nice hiking trail by Wheeler Lake. It was cool camping in February 2017 and we cooked over the fire and enjoyed the nice weather," notes Leesha J.
Water activities: Decatur / Wheeler Lake KOA Holiday offers multiple water recreation options. As reviewer Mallory H. explains, "They have a rope course, water activities/rentals, cabins, rv/camper/tent sites waterside, and more. We fished feet from our camper off of the bank."
Trail exploration: The TVA Nature Trail system provides educational hiking with river access points. "This trail is rich in history, and there are a lot of plaques telling about certain natural and man made features along the trails," writes Trinity W., adding that "There are also small plaques around some of the plants telling what they are and a little about them."
What campers like
Waterfront views: Campers consistently praise the water views at McFarland Park Campground. As Quinton H. describes, "Its a beautiful setting along the Tennessee River (Pickwick Lake). Boat launches, picnic pavilions, frisbee golf, fishing pier and a beach in the same park. Wonderful place to watch sunsets and Sun Rises on the River."
Spacious sites: The newer section of Joe Wheeler State Park offers improved site spacing. Michael C. notes, "Stayed in A25 RV/Tent spot and had a beautiful view of the lake. Great little hiking trails near by," though he cautions about pricing, adding "it was a bit pricey for just tent camping ($46)."
Clean facilities: David Crockett State Park receives high marks for maintenance. "The campground and park was immaculate! Sites were level and easy to back in. Bathrooms and showers were wonderful," according to Steve G., who visited in late June.
What you should know
Pet policies: Dog friendly campgrounds near Midway typically require leashes and proper waste management. While most parks welcome pets, restrictions apply in certain areas. At T's Outback RV Park, campers note the well-maintained grounds are pet-friendly but relatively basic. "Very nice campground. The owner is so helpful. It was tight but the owner helped us get backed in at 6:30 pm on a Sunday," reports Matthew M.
WiFi limitations: Internet connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. At Joe Wheeler State Park, camper Kathy C. reports, "It is said that their is WiFi, and it does appear as an option, but it only shows 'unable to connect to Joe Wheeler'."
Seasonal crowds: McFarland Park can become extremely busy during events. Trinity W. cautions, "This park is where our city holds its annual 4th of July celebration, so if you camp there during 4th of July expect literally hundreds and hundreds of people."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Decatur Wheeler Lake KOA Holiday offers numerous family activities. Elizabeth H. reports, "This is a huge, beautiful campground with spots that back right up to the water's edge. There are plenty of amenities for the kids, and we had a blast. Definitely pack lots of bug repellent if you stay on the water."
Educational opportunities: David Crockett State Park provides wildlife education programs. "We had a great outdoor class to learn about snakes, hiked the trails, and enjoyed the falls," notes Steve G.
Playground access: Several pet-friendly campgrounds near Midway include play areas. "There is a playground near the campground, and on the other side of the marina is another playground," writes Trinity W. about McFarland Park, adding "It's a great place to take small kids for a weekend campout."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Heritage Acres RV Park, premium sites offer significantly better experiences. Bonnie C. explains, "We stayed in a premium site which was level with a concrete pad, a cute little bistro table and a picnic table. The gravel was nicely manicured the concrete pad was pristine and the area surrounding the camp was beautiful."
Leveling considerations: David Crockett State Park offers concrete pads that simplify setup. Nancy B. shared, "We really liked that the pads were concrete and level....took a lot of pressure off of the leveling process."
Hookup availability: Different campgrounds offer varying levels of service connections. Joe Wheeler State Park features a range of hookup options, with Kirk S. noting, "LARGE RV SITES GREAT STAFF AND GREAT EVENTS PLENTY OF WILDLIFE RUNNING AROUND."
