Located in central Alabama's Black Belt region, Orrville offers glamping and camping options amid verdant forests and waterways. Summer temperatures often reach 90°F, while winter nights can drop to 30°F. Most campgrounds operate year-round, with spring and fall providing optimal 65-75°F conditions for outdoor activities.
What to do
Hiking trails: Monte Sano State Park Campground features extensive trail networks for all skill levels. "Very beautiful campground and lots of places to hike. The only drawback for me was no fishing but we still had a great time hiking and looking around!" explains one camper.
Water recreation: Lake Guntersville State Park Campground offers swimming, fishing and boating opportunities. "Super clean bathrooms, beautiful view of the lake," notes a visitor who appreciated the water access directly from their campsite.
Historical exploration: The region includes pioneer villages and historical sites. At Sharon Johnston Park, "there is a Pioneer Village they can explore and an open wedding pavilion for hours of pretending they are at a wedding," according to a recent camper.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Clear Creek Recreation Area provides well-separated camping spots. "The sites were close enough to see your neighbors but far enough away to not hear them! We stayed in site 17 on the Fox loop. It's right on the water and couldn't have been more perfect!"
Convenience to towns: McFarland Park Campground combines natural settings with urban accessibility. "Only a mile or two from some wonderful local restaurants and retail as well as being convenient to the Cities of Sheffield, Tuscumbia and Muscle Shoals, all of which are 5 miles or less."
Modern amenities: Glamping close to Orrville, Alabama includes upgraded facilities at many locations. At TGL Adventures, guests note the perfect balance of nature and comfort: "The campsite had just enough light to be able to see go get to the restroom and showers. There was a beautiful TeePee set up that was rented out as well."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most parks operate year-round, but facilities vary by season. "There are special events for Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day. Long term camping has been voted out and I believe the new time limit is 2 weeks," explains a visitor to Point Mallard City Campground.
Reservation requirements: Popular glamping sites near Orrville require advance booking, especially waterfront locations. At Honeycomb Campground, "During season and with the uptick of camping with COVID it's hard to book a site but well worth it if you can plan ahead or camp during the week."
Bathhouse access: Bathhouse availability varies significantly between parks. "There was a notice that stated only one of the restroom facilities for the entire campground was available so tent families beware and plan your site accordingly," notes a camper at Clear Creek Recreation Area.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated children's areas. At Sharon Johnston Park, "our kids run free -- there are 200 acres of open space and a lake so they have a great time... There's also a playground with different equipment for all ages."
Swimming options: David Crockett State Park Campground offers water recreation for families. "The clear creek to play in is gorgeous! The park had so much to offer. Lots of hiking trails, covered bridge, fishing lake w/boat & kayak rentals plus a beautiful waterfall that is great for sunsets!"
Educational programs: Ranger-led activities enhance glamping experiences near Orrville. "We had a great outdoor class to learn about snakes, hiked the trails, and enjoyed the falls. We look forward to going back to this gem again!" reports a family who visited David Crockett State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Monte Sano State Park Campground, RVers benefit from thoughtful site placement. "Clean restrooms, hot showers. Great hiking and mountain biking. Nice playground for children, much nicer than many private campgrounds."
Levelness considerations: Many sites require minimal leveling. At David Crockett, "We really liked that the pads were concrete and level... took a lot of pressure off of the leveling process. Campground is clean and very quiet at night."
Power reliability: Most glamping facilities near Orrville provide stable electricity. One RVer at Monte Sano State Park noted, "Great steady power and water. Clean sites, mostly level even for my 43' rig. Beautiful hiking and biking trails and close to Huntsville with plenty of shopping, dining, etc."
