Looking for the best pet-friendly campgrounds near National Forests in Alabama? Finding pet-friendly campgrounds in Alabama is easier than ever. Search nearby campgrounds that allow pets or find top-rated spots from other campers.
The Corinth Recreation Area is a state-of-the art campground located on the on the shores of the upper part of Lewis Smith Lake in Winston County. Initially built in the 1960s and renovated in 1998 it offers facilities for individual and group camping, picnicking, swimming, and boat launching. Check-out time for Corinth is no later than 12:00pm the day of departure. Check-in time is no earlier than 2:00pm. This 2 hour window allows our staff adequate time to clean and maintain each site. Two camping loops contain 52 campsites, with electrical, water, and sewer hookups. There are four bathhouses, with warm showers, serving the camping areas. A boat ramp is provided for campers. An entrance station with an electronic gate is available to control access to the campground. Corinth also offers eight rustic tent camping sites with nearby community hydrants and a bathhouse. No garbage bins are in the campground; users are required to pack out trash and deposit it in the dumpsters by the dump station._ADA accessible sites are available. The day use portion of the recreation area focuses on the swimming beach, served by a bathhouse with an outdoor beach shower. Twenty-nine family picnic sites are available nearby, and paved access paths connect all. Near the beach is a 100-person group picnic pavilion, with a flush toilet that serves both it and a portion of the picnic sites. A 1.25-mile hiking path is located along the shoreline of the lake. A year-round boat launch is available, with an SST vault toilet; and it has boat/trailer parking. A separate boat launch is available to the campground. Welcome to the Corinth Recreation Area... Use the Recreation.gov Mobile App. Visitors on-the-go can use the Recreation.gov mobile app to reserve and pay for upcoming stays, reducing the need for on-site transactions and cash handling. Download the Recreation.gov app through the Apple App Store or on Google Play. Functionality of the iPhone app available here... Functionality of the Android app available here...
Day-use visitors and campers have access to a boat ramp and swim beach. The lake provides excellent fishing for Kentucky Spotted Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass. Hikers can access the 1.3-mile Bobwhite Trail. Interpretive programs are hosted during the summer.
The 180,000+ acre Bankhead National Forest is in northwestern Alabama, and its prominent feature is the Sipsey Wilderness . Known as "The Land of a Thousand Waterfalls," the Sipsey is__at the juncture of three separate geologic areas: the Appalachian Plateau, the Cumberland Plateau and the Coastal Plain. The vegetation from these three unique environments blend into a remarkable diversity of species, with overlapping ranges creating many unusual plant associations. The Sipsey is a 12,726 acre area of swift streams, waterfalls, sandstone cliffs, undisturbed gorges, majestic hardwood forests, wildflowers, birds, animals and is home to Alabama's largest tree, a tulip poplar with a 21-foot circumference at its base. Lewis-Smith Lake (or Smith Lake) is located in the counties of Cullman, Walker and Winston. The 300-foot high dam, completed in 1961 by Alabama Power Company, impounds the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River to form the lake. Smith Lake has a surface area of 21,200 acres, 500 miles of shoreline, a watershed area of 944 square miles, a retention time of 435 days, and a maximum depth of 264 feet. What's Happening in Your Alabama National Forest Video
Four nearby attractions within Bankhead National Forest are: The Little Natural Bridge__is the longest rock arch east of the Rockies. It was formed 200 million years ago when the sea washed the sandstone away leaving iron ore veins holding the bridge. In this area thrive 27 varieties of Ferns and a number of Canadian Hemlocks traced to the Ice Age. Satellite Map of Natural Bridge Park The 19th-century Pine Torch Church is one of the oldest churches in Alabama and one of only four surviving log churches. The church is located in the Bankhead Forest in Lawrence County at the intersection of Country Roads 70 and 73 Several online sources say it was built in the 1890s but a sign at the site claims in was built in the 1840s. According to legend, Pine Torch got its name from the pine knots that were set ablaze to light the building after dark. It is made of hand-hewn logs. The original floor, made of hand-hewn poplar planks, was stolen piece-by-piece and was replaced in 1940, according to a historic marker at the site. The original roof was made of hand-split wooden shingles. It was later replaced with tin. Behind the church is a cemetery whose grounds are covered with sand to make maintenance easier. A newer and larger wooden church was built at the back of the property. It is still in use. Satellite Map of the Pine Torch Church The Houston Civil War Jail - Houston, Alabama served as the first county seat for Winston County. The area known today as Winston County was originally established in 1850 as Hancock County, named after John Hancock, signer of the Declaration of Independence. In 1858 the county was renamed Winston after the first native-born governor of Alabama, John Anthony Winston. Old Houston, located a few miles away from present day Houston, was the first county seat. Citizens voted to move the county seat to present day Houston in the late 1850's and a log jail was constructed at that time. The jail burned during the Civil War and was rebuilt in 1868. The Houston jail was built of hand-hewn logs filled with nails to prevent prisoners from "sawing their way to freedom". The jail held prisoners and provided a site for court. In 1884 the county seat was moved from Houston to present day Double Springs. Houston Historical Society Discover the Incredible Variety of Habitats and Birds in the Bankhead National Forest. Birding on the Bankhead
$50 / night
The Clear Creek Recreation Area has become one of Alabama's most popular recreation areas and has many repeat visitors. The Bankhead National Forests largest recreation area, Clear Creek is in Winston County about 13 miles north of Jasper, ALlabama and was constructed on the shore of Lewis Smith Lake giving direct recreational access to the lake via the day use boat launch, to boating, water skiing, personal watercraft use, as well as fishing for largemouth bass, striped bass, and crappie. With many modern conveniences, it offers facilities for individual and group camping, picnicking, swimming, boat launching, hiking, and biking. Check-out time for Clear Creek is no later than 12:00pm the day of departure. Check-in time is no earlier than 2:00pm. This 2 hour window allows our staff adequate time to clean and maintain each site. The campground itself has four paved loops with paved parking spurs, and offers 102 RV campsites, including 32 double sites; 11 of these are pull-through sites. Each campsite has water and electrical hookups, a fire ring, picnic table, and lantern posts. All campsites have 50-amp and 30-amp electrical service. There is a trailer dump station located within the recreation area. Each of the four loops has a bathhouse with flush toilets and showers. All sites are level and spacious; Single campsites accommodate up to six people and two vehicles; double sites up to twelve people and four vehicles. No garbage dumpsters are in the campground; users are required to pack out trash and deposit it in the dumpsters by the dump station. An entrance station with an electronic gate is available to control access to the campground. Two group camping areas, available by reservation only, accommodate up to 25 tent campers each and share a bathhouse with flushing toilets and showers. The day use portion of the recreation area focuses on the swimming beach, served by a bathhouse with flushing toilets and showers. Next to the beach is a 50-person group picnic pavilion, with a flush toilet. On the other side of the beach lies a picnic area with 53 family units, all connected by newly paved paths. On the point, adjacent to the lake, are two more 50-person picnic pavilions, served by a nearby flush toilet. A 1.5-mile paved bicycle trail connects the campground to the day use area. Also, there is the 2.5-mile recently paved Raven Cliffs hiking trail in the day use area. Use of the picnic pavilions is by reservation only; users also pay the day use fee as they park in the facility. A year-round boat launch is available with an SST vault toilet and boat/trailer parking. Welcome to the Clear Creek Recreation Area... Use the Recreation.gov Mobile App. Visitors on-the-go can use the Recreation.gov mobile app to reserve and pay for upcoming stays, reducing the need for on-site transactions and cash handling. Download the Recreation.gov app through the Apple App Store or on Google Play. Functionality of the iPhone app available here... Functionality of the Android app available here...
The campground has a basketball and volleyball court, and horseshoe pit. Interpretive programs are hosted during the summer. Day-use visitors and campers have access to a boat ramp and swim beach. The lake provides excellent fishing for Kentucky Spotted Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass. There are two trails in the area; the 2.5-mile Raven Interpretive Trail and a 1.5-mile bicycle trail.
The 180,000+ acre Bankhead National Forest is in northwestern Alabama, and its prominent feature is the Sipsey Wilderness . Known as "The Land of a Thousand Waterfalls," the Sipsey is at the juncture of three separate geologic areas: the Appalachian Plateau, the Cumberland Plateau and the Coastal Plain. The vegetation from these three unique environments blend into a remarkable diversity of species, with overlapping ranges creating many unusual plant associations. The Sipsey is a 12,726 acre area of swift streams, waterfalls, sandstone cliffs, undisturbed gorges, majestic hardwood forests, wildflowers, birds, animals and is home to Alabama's largest tree, a tulip poplar with a 21-foot circumference at its base. Lewis-Smith Lake (or Smith Lake) is located in the counties of Cullman, Walker and Winston. The 300-foot high dam, completed in 1961 by Alabama Power Company, impounds the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River to form the lake. Smith Lake has a surface area of 21,200 acres, 500 miles of shoreline, a watershed area of 944 square miles, a retention time of 435 days, and a maximum depth of 264 feet. What's Happening in Your Alabama National Forest Video
Four nearby attractions within Bankhead National Forest are: The Little Natural Bridge is the longest rock arch east of the Rockies. It was formed 200 million years ago when the sea washed the sandstone away leaving iron ore veins holding the bridge. In this area thrive 27 varieties of Ferns and a number of Canadian Hemlocks traced to the Ice Age. Satellite Map of Natural Bridge Park The 19th-century Pine Torch Church is one of the oldest churches in Alabama and one of only four surviving log churches. The church is located in the Bankhead Forest in Lawrence County at the intersection of Country Roads 70 and 73 Several online sources say it was built in the 1890s but a sign at the site claims in was built in the 1840s. According to legend, Pine Torch got its name from the pine knots that were set ablaze to light the building after dark. It is made of hand-hewn logs. The original floor, made of hand-hewn poplar planks, was stolen piece-by-piece and was replaced in 1940, according to a historic marker at the site. The original roof was made of hand-split wooden shingles. It was later replaced with tin. Behind the church is a cemetery whose grounds are covered with sand to make maintenance easier. A newer and larger wooden church was built at the back of the property. It is still in use. Satellite Map of the Pine Torch Church The Houston Civil War Jail - Houston, Alabama served as the first county seat for Winston County. The area known today as Winston County was originally established in 1850 as Hancock County, named after John Hancock, signer of the Declaration of Independence. In 1858 the county was renamed Winston after the first native-born governor of Alabama, John Anthony Winston. Old Houston, located a few miles away from present day Houston, was the first county seat. Citizens voted to move the county seat to present day Houston in the late 1850's and a log jail was constructed at that time. The jail burned during the Civil War and was rebuilt in 1868. The Houston jail was built of hand-hewn logs filled with nails to prevent prisoners from "sawing their way to freedom". The jail held prisoners and provided a site for court. In 1884 the county seat was moved from Houston to present day Double Springs. Houston Historical Society Discover the Incredible Variety of Habitats and Birds in the Bankhead National Forest. Birding on the Bankhead
$30 / night
Hidden Cove RV Resort is a wonderful, family-friendly, lakefront getaway with first class amenities. Bring your RV, or stay in one of Hidden Cove RV Resort 's affordable rentals. Relax by our inviting pool or bring your boat. Smith Lake is world-famous for its fishing and perfect for water sports too. At our Thousand Trails North Alabama RV campground , you can take in the gorgeous lake view right from the campground. There are plenty of places to explore along Hidden Cove RV Resort's shoreline, as well as local attractions in the area around this North Alabama RV campground. Don't miss weekend shopping at the Cullman Flea Market or natural attractions like the Ave Maria Grotto, Clarkson Covered Bridge, Crooked Creek Civil War Museum, Natural Bridge, waterfall hikes in nearby Bankhead National Forest, and so much more. Come discover this delightful "hidden" treasure in Sweet Home Alabama. North Alabama RV campground on the shores of pristine Lewis Smith Lake Whether you're planning a retreat for the whole family, a group of friends or a getaway for two, there's no shortage of unique activities to explore at Hidden Cove RV & Camping Resort. Plan activities upon arrival or visit this page before your departure to plan ahead. Looking for more? Our friendly staff can fill you in on all of the great ways to make your stay a memorable experience.
Trail 206 snakes through a variety of terrain and passes by two of the Wilderness' better natural attractions – the rock formations known as Eye of the Needle and Ship Rock. Wildflowers adorn the creek-side portions of the trail during the spring. The low-lying sections along Thompson Creek and adjoining Whiteoak Hollow are popular camping areas.
$17 - $30 / night
THIS FACILITY IS NOT RESERVABLE.
Cullman Campground is a hidden gem in Cullman, Alabama. You'll feel at home in our RV & tiny cabin community as soon as you arrive — close to the interstate but far enough away to be quiet and peaceful.
Scout
This city campground has many beautiful lakeside campsites along Bear Creek. Sites are first-come, first-served. We camped here in mid-October and had no problems getting a site. The campground staff were friendly and helpful.
The site is gravel with large wooden beams surrounding it. We had to put a couple boards under the passenger side tires to level our rig; the site was pretty level from front to rear. Easy setup.
The campground was quiet during the evenings. Fire rings are not provided, so bring your own fire pit if you'd like a campfire.
The park WiFi worked well for us - strong signal, roughly 40mbps download speeds. Using T-Mobile, we had strong 5G service.
Scout
This campground is nothing like the pictures or reviews. A complete dump top to bottom. Lots of problems from staff to grounds. And Staff is rude and do nothing but smoke and stand around.
Traveler
Everything is clean and new and the bathrooms are amazing. Beautiful pool and splash area for kids. Pool table inside the store and a cute macaw named paco is a fun surprise.
ScoutThis 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.
Scout
Stayed here on an overnight while driving through the state. Great site tucked in the woods, very private area. Huge field with little light pollution to stargaze. Very friendly host. Would Recommend.
Scout
*Cabin 3 Stars- Older cabin that had some maintenance and repair issues, generally clean however several minor details needed some cleaning attention, would also benefit from a fresh coat of paint throughout, could use a pressure wash outside *Campground 3 Stars- very peaceful and quiet, nice lake overlook areas, minimal shade, gravel roads *Amenities 3 stars- many amenities yet minimally maintained and showing age and wear *Staff 5 stars- Very friendly, helpful, and responsive
Traveler
We stayed here with 3 dogs and it could not have been better! The bathhouse was amazing and we practically had the park to ourselves! Dogs loved running around smelling all the smells!
Traveler
Large area overlooking the river that gives you a slight breeze for 85 degrees in mid June. There are a few other sites in the woods, but no breeze and mosquitoes. Actually has a concrete overlook view area above the river
Guide
We love this park but it is about 45 minutes from a town with a good grocery store or restaurants.
ScoutFun spot. Very easy to get to. Nice big site felt very private only had 2 or 3 cars come by but everything was very low key.
ScoutI only have great things to say. We truly enjoyed our stay, we were right on the water. Its quiet & there's plenty of room between sites so your not sitting on top of your neighbor's. There's horse back riding, paddle boards, jet skis, electric bicycles to rent & Kayaks. We can not wait to stay again. The ladies up front were super helpful & definitely keep the morale up with their bubbly personalities.
ScoutThis place is great if you like peace and quiet. Its in the middle of the country side near Bankhead Forest. The campground is nice.
ScoutHello Iam here to let everyone know that His number has changed and he hasn't been able to change it online yet. His new number is 205- 412-6773 if he doesn't answer leave him a voicemail or you can try to text him. Also if you see this please spread the word so he doesn't miss any business in the future. Thank you so much
ScoutVery friendly people, beautiful setting, very clean cabin, peaceful and so nice to watch the sunset and sunrise from the beautiful shoreline in the screen porch
Guide
Sites were level and clear. A little muddy but it had been raining. No utilities or restrooms but thats to be expected with a free site. Sites are spread out and pretty private. Overall a good free camp site.
Scout
Excellent place for an overnight rest on trip out West. Clean, spacious rv sites, and great views of lake.
Scout
Couldn't ask for more!
ScoutThis campground is perfect for a weekend getaway. Being right by water and soaking in the tranquility of this campground is the recharge anyone needs heading back to the real world. We enjoy being close to conveniences, but far enough away to unplug and unwind.
Scout
No wifi per office with no known date of repair. Relatively quiet, lots of vehicle traffic and golf carts. Office staff is very helpful and friendly. Majority of park is longterm. Dog friendly, no dog park at location. Close to shopping but far enough away for quiet.
Scout
Great anytime of year. Fishing, golf, restaurant and many other activities. Campground recently updated.
Legend
Jake from the Dyrt here! We're excited to have this campground on the Dyrt and ready for you to book, check them out and make sure to leave a review!
RangerThe natural beauty in that area is amazing however the camp ground in firefly loop leaves little to be desired and the camp host/hostess are extremely rude. Electric sites are advertised that they accommodate 2 tents however they do not. There is very little area to set up and the gravel is like concrete. There is grass and they don’t tell you a head of time but you can’t set up on the grass unless you are in the tent camping area. It’s is overpriced and poorly staffed.
Scout
We checked out this park again for full time workers they did have a couple sites that they overnight it did look clean
Scout
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 . I have been here many times.
Legend
Located in Northwest Alabama, not far from the Sipsey Wilderness, Dismals Canyon offers an unparalleled camping experience that stands out in the state. While it may lean toward the higher end in terms of cost, the memories you create during a special weekend getaway here are absolutely worth it. During our most recent visit, we chose to stay in one of the cozy cabins, but the campgrounds also present an excellent lodging option. These cabins feature a generously sized kitchen, a warm and inviting living room complete with a fireplace, and two comfortable bedrooms. Outside, there are ample spaces perfect for relaxation and al fresco dining. The campgrounds are situated just across the street from the rest of the park and require a short stroll to reach. They offer a variety of camping choices, each with its unique appeal. For more detailed information about these options, you can refer to their website. A standout experience during our stay was embarking on the night hike the first evening we arrived. This adventure allowed us to explore the canyon in the darkness before immersing ourselves in its beauty during daylight hours. We were fortunate enough to enjoy a private tour on a Friday night and were treated to a mesmerizing display of glow worms, which call this canyon home. While the trails within Dismals Canyon may not be particularly lengthy, you'll find yourself utterly captivated by the allure of the surroundings. Be sure to allocate a full day to fully explore and lose yourself in the canyon's enchantment. In summary, Dismals Canyon delivers a camping experience like no other in Northwest Alabama, close to the Sipsey Wilderness. Whether you opt for the cozy cabins or the campgrounds, you'll be treated to a remarkable getaway. Don't pass up the opportunity to embark on a night hike to witness the canyon's beauty illuminated by the glow worms. With its captivating charm, Dismals Canyon guarantees cherished memories.
ScoutAbout a handful of spots, all with ample room and privacy. Rough road there, but overall easy access and nice view.
Traveler
Brian is a super cool guy. We are going on our 3rd week here. We had a house fire fathers day and are permanently displaced. Instead of replacing all our crap, we invested in camping. We want to travel and see our amazing country. I figured if we camped primitive, we would know how we would test and can prepare for our adventure. Brian has been very helpful and has let us do just about anything we have needed to set up and be comfortable. He does have air BNB about a hundred yards away. He has only asked that we do not interrupt that. Keep it clean and not ridiculously noisy is all he has asked. The spot we chose is closer to road. There is some noise from traffic, but we are not phased. There isn't utility hook up, but he allowed us to get water when needed. We have our 2 pups with us. They are loving this! There is a dollar general and gas stations close if we need supplies. Thanks to Brian, we have really been able to have a great test run with our camping skills. I'm really glad we found this place. Whenever we roll back through this area, this will definitely be our go to if Brian is still the owner of this property. We have really been enjoying our stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near National Forests in Alabama?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near National Forests in Alabama is Corinth Recreation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 25 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near National Forests in Alabama?
TheDyrt.com has all 70 dog-friendly camping locations near National Forests in Alabama, with real photos and reviews from campers.
