Several RV parks near Shannon, Alabama serve as temporary lodging options for travelers exploring the region. Located in central Alabama at approximately 700 feet elevation, the area experiences humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot summers. Annual rainfall averages 56 inches, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to do
Water activities on Logan Martin Lake: Lakeside Landing RV Park & Marina provides direct access to the lake with on-site marina facilities. "Great fishing!!!" notes one visitor, while another mentions "Store and gas station on site" for convenience when planning water activities.
Explore Smith Lake: Thousand Trails Hidden Cove offers access to Smith Lake with waterfront sites. "You must check out the nature bridge nearby as well as the Houston jail. Sites were large and bathrooms were very clean," reports a camper who found interesting local attractions to complement water activities.
Family entertainment: The Hoover Met Complex RV Park provides access to nearby attractions including "a new brewery within walking distance of the campground" and recreational facilities where "you can use the facilities inside the stadium as well as the restroom at the playground."
What campers like
Practical layouts: Many campers appreciate the straightforward setup at Sunset RV in Cottondale. "Stayed for one night. Well maintained, level sites. Easy on and off the freeway. Very basic and clean," explains one traveler who valued the simplicity for overnight stays.
Seasonal flexibility: Most Shannon-area campgrounds operate year-round. "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," notes a winter visitor at Hidden Cove, highlighting the availability of camping options regardless of season.
Budget-friendly options: Wind Creek Atmore Casino RV Park offers competitive rates with added value. "Costs $37 a night, and includes free game play at the casino. Paved sites with 50Amp FHU," reports a camper who found the price reasonable for the amenities provided.
What you should know
Site preparation: Terrain varies between campgrounds, affecting leveling requirements. At Wind Creek, "While they are paved sites, we found that you do have to level out still by around 3 inches."
Extended stay demographics: Many campgrounds have a mix of travelers and permanent residents. At Safe Harbor RV Park, "Seems to be lots and lots of permanent residents there and just a few travelers coming and going," making it more residential than vacation-oriented.
Connectivity challenges: Cell service and internet access vary significantly. At Hidden Cove, "Wifi weak cel signal weak," while another camper reported "I had no reception with Verizon but my AT&T hotspot had good reception," suggesting multiple carrier options are helpful.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At Hoover Met Complex RV Park, "Playground and rock climbing area a plus," and another camper noted it "has a nice kids playground."
Swimming options: Birmingham South RV Park features pool facilities for families. "The pool was open and they had a nice play area for the kids," making it suitable for summer visits with children.
Educational opportunities: Incorporate local learning experiences into your trip. Near Hidden Cove, one camper recommends specific attractions: "You must check out the nature bridge nearby as well as the Houston jail," providing educational value alongside outdoor recreation.
Tips from RVers
Satellite placement: The lack of tree cover at some locations affects setup. At Sunset RV, one camper described it as "a no frills parking lot with full hookups. No trees, no playground, no pool," making it ideal for satellite reception but offering little shade.
Utility management: Full hookup reliability varies by park. At Safe Harbor, campers reported "no issues with the water/sewer/electric" despite limited amenities, while Sunset RV offers "Gravel spots with a concrete slab in front."
Emergency accommodations: During severe weather events, some parks offer special arrangements. At Hoover Met Complex RV Park, one visitor noted they were "opening up the campground to campers fleeing the storm without having to pay," demonstrating community support during hurricane evacuations.
