ashley R.
Guide
GuidePrairie Creek Campground
Truly a stunning campground! The waterfront site we stayed in was beautiful. Well kept park, easy to maneuver. Would love to come back.
Tent Camping near Stanton, AL
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State forests and public lands surrounding Stanton, Alabama offer several tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. Weogufka State Forest provides multiple tent-only sites, including backcountry options and walk-in tent sites along the Pinhoti Trail. Holt Lake near Cottondale, about 60 miles northwest of Stanton, features well-maintained tent campsites with lake views. Jones Bluff, operated by the Army Corps of Engineers, is located along the Alabama River and provides access to tent camping at nearby Prairie Creek Park Campgrounds.
Most tent campgrounds in the region offer basic amenities with varying levels of development. Weogufka State Forest Campsite 2 provides primitive tent camping with space for a couple of hammocks or a single tent, with parking relatively close to the site. Fire rings are common at established sites, though firewood availability varies by location. Toilet facilities range from well-maintained bathrooms at Holt Lake to more rustic options at backcountry sites. Campers should check seasonal conditions, as weather events can affect trail access and site availability, particularly after storms.
Tent-only sites throughout the region offer distinct advantages for campers seeking seclusion. According to reviews, the tent sites at Holt Lake are "very nice and groomed" with "wonderful views of the lake" and individual water pumps at each site. The backpacking shelter along the Pinhoti Trail in Weogufka State Forest accommodates about three people comfortably and features a picnic bench and large fire pit. One visitor noted the shelter is "well maintained and has a logbook" with "incredibly easy water access" as it sits alongside a creek. The hiking in Weogufka State Forest is described as "amazing" by campers who appreciate the established backcountry tent camping options. Four-wheel drive may be necessary to access some of the more remote tent sites.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Stanton (6)
1. Oak Mountain State Park Campground
"Although the first few tent sites on the B-side are located right off the road, they're set back far enough that they feel pretty secluded with plenty of trees to give a slight sense of privacy."
"Oak Mountain State Park is Alabama’s largest state park. Located just outside of Birmingham, it’s easy to escape to nature without being too far off the beaten path. This park is HUGE!"
2. Jones Bluff
"Also known as Bob Woodruff Park, located right on the Alabama River, there's access to swimming, hiking, fishing and of course boating."
3. Payne Lake Spillway
"Picnic tables at the sites have wasps. BRING WASP SPRAY! ATT had zero service."
"The Payne Lake spillway is a nice place to have a picnic and view the lake. There is a pavilion with four picnic tables underneath it and then there are isolated picnic tables around the area."
4. Weogufka State Forest Flagg Mtn
"This is a review for the backpacking shelter located along the Pinhoti trail in Weogufka State Forest."
"Access to southern terminus of the Pinhoti Trail. CCC tower and cabins from 1930’s."
5. Weogufka State Forest Campsite 2
6. Holt Lake
"The tent sites are very nice and groomed and have a wonderful view of the lake. They have individual water pumps at each site and room for several cars to pull up and park."
"The beach can be pretty crowded during the summer but it's a decent size and the bathrooms are nearby. Last time I went I found a needle in the sand, so keep an eye out."
Drive Time
- 56 min from Montgomery, AL
- 1 hr 5 min from Birmingham, AL
- 1 hr 21 min from Tuscaloosa, AL
- 1 hr 43 min from Auburn, AL
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Stanton, AL
30 Photos of 6 Stanton Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Stanton, AL
339 Reviews of 6 Stanton Campgrounds
- JJeremy H.Guide
Oak Mountain State Park Campground
Good Weekend Spot
Oak Mountain State Park is a great spot for a weekend tent camping trip. The campground is convenient, the park is beautiful, and there’s plenty to do during the day, especially if you enjoy hiking, biking, or just spending time outdoors. For a two- or three-night trip, I think it’s a really good option. That said, I’m not sure I would want to stay much longer than a weekend. The campground works well as a home base for exploring the park, but for an extended camping trip, I’d probably look for somewhere a little more scenic, secluded, or relaxing. Overall, I’d definitely come back for a weekend getaway. Oak Mountain has a lot to offer, and it’s an easy place to get outside without having to plan a major trip.
- LLaura H.
RangerOak Mountain State Park Campground
Awesome place!
Spacious sites. Well maintained facilities. The hiking is wonderful. Wish we would have stayed longer.
Hello K.
ScoutYellowHammer RV Campground
Significant Upgrade from a rest area
This immaculate campground/manufactured home seller is easy off I65 and easy back on. Has laundry, playground, dog park, showers, restrooms, tv lounge vending machines, wifi, AND FULLhookup. Enjoyed one night.
Would definitely stay again.
- TTroy S.Scout
Oak Mountain State Park Campground
Great campground
Very nice campsites, great facilities, WiFi strength excellent and plenty of things to do.
David W.GuideChilton County Minooka Park
Nice Campground (bathrooms need attention)
Stopped in late for an overnight on our way to Gulf Shores. Nice level concrete sites Seems secluded…for a non dispersed campground. The bathrooms however were terrible. One non -functional One over flowing and clogged One has a line as if you were at a rock concert with only porta johns.
Pretty sad for a $45 fee.
Hopefully they get that figured out and we can make it a regular stop when headed south
Nancy W.
LegendBirmingham South RV Park
Close to Interstate
Conveniently located right off of Interstate I-65 with lots of pull thrus for an overnight stay. We stayed for a few nights as we had friends in town and wanted to see some of the sites and eat at the great restaurants in town. The campground is about fifteen miles from downtown Birmingham. The park is on the older side but decent enough. Roads are paved and have some potholes to navigate. Campsites are gravel sites and some patios are paved (although very small) and others are grassy. Tiny dog park. There is a covered pavilion with picnic tables that has a sink and campers outdoor kitchen although it looks like it had not been used in a while. Heated swimming pool, game room, and playground. Our park features a newly renovated store and office, a fenced playground, a heated swimming pool, descent wifi. Overall, we like the convenience of this campground to the interstate. If you have time, check out Vulcan Park and the Sloss Furnace National Historic Landmark. Definitely go to the Alabama Peanut Company for the best and most tasty peanuts you’ve ever had.
- Nancy W.Legend
Gunter Hill
Always a favorite.
We stop here often and love how easy it is to get to from route 80 and not too far from I-65. There are two sections– Catoma Creek and Antioch Loop– both of which are very different. The Catoma Loop is full hook-up (50 and 30 amps) with a nice, level paved driveway and gravel patio. Sites in this loop have more space between campsites so you don’t feel like you are right on top of your neighbor. This loop is more open and less treed but there are a few shade trees. The waterfront sites are really nice with great views of the sunset. The only problem with this section is that it is more desirable and therefore more crowded. The Antioch Loop is the older more dilapidated section of the park. The roads are old concrete that are now full of potholes and loose gravel. The area is heavily treed so there is lots of shade but very little grass in between and around sites. Trees and shrubs have not been trimmed for a long time and overhang the roads and campsites. The sites are gravel with large gravel patios. Many of the sites are not level and have pretty bad slopes to them. Bathrooms are located towards the front of the section so pick your site accordingly if you want to be close to the restrooms. The bathhouse was extremely old and looked like it belonged in a state prison. The doors on the bathroom stalls where falling apart and I needed my shoulder to get out of the stall. This section is very unkept and old– definitely get a site in the Catoma Loop if you can. There is a boat launch, each loop has a playground, and group shelter. Dump stations are located in each loop. Garbage dumpsters are located near the entrance of the park so you either have to drive your garbage or take a fairly long walk. Check in is 4 and check out is 3 so make sure you don’t plan on coming very early as your site may be occupied until 3.
Bryan S.GuideGunter Hill
Absolutely gorgeous! Definitely staying again.
The park was beautiful and well maintained. The sites were big and the prices were low. The only downside was we couldn’t stay longer due to my wife’s allergies and it was too hot. We’ll visit it again during fall or spring when the temperatures allow us to in joy it more.
Guide to Stanton
Tent camping near Stanton, Alabama offers opportunities for backcountry solitude on the Pinhoti Trail and sites along various waterways in the region. The area sits within the Alabama piedmont, characterized by rolling hills with elevations between 600-1,100 feet and a humid subtropical climate with approximately 54 inches of annual rainfall. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F while winter nights can drop below freezing, affecting water availability at primitive sites.
What to do
Hike the Pinhoti Trail: The southern terminus of this long-distance trail begins near Weogufka State Forest Flagg Mtn, where campers can access a well-maintained backpacking shelter. As reviewer Asher K. notes, "The shelter sits alongside the creek" providing "incredibly easy water access" for hikers. Be prepared with maps as fallen trees sometimes obscure trail markers.
Explore CCC history: The Civilian Conservation Corps structures at Flagg Mountain provide historical interest for campers. According to Ro J., the area offers "access to southern terminus of the Pinhoti Trail. CCC tower and cabins from 1930's." The caretaker is often available to share information about the site's history.
Water recreation: Holt Lake offers multiple water activities near tent sites. "The lake is huge, great for towing, skiing, fishing and cruising," reports Missy W. The recreation area includes a small man-made beach for swimming, though it "can be pretty crowded during the summer."
What campers like
Privacy at primitive sites: The backcountry camping in Weogufka State Forest Campsite 2 provides seclusion with reasonable access. Asher K. describes it as "a small area for backcountry camping" where "you can park fairly close to the site and there is enough space for a couple of hammocks or a single tent."
Historical atmosphere: Campers appreciate the historical significance of certain camping areas. Marty E. recommends the Flagg Mountain area, noting it's "a great campsite" with ruins accessible by four-wheel-drive vehicles in some cases. The reviewer adds that "Mary the caretaker of the area could easily tell you and is a great communicator and very helpful."
Waterfront camping: The tent sites at Deerlick Creek campground near Holt Lake receive high praise for their setting. One camper mentions the sites are "very large and private" with room for multiple tents and vehicles, making them suitable for group camping excursions.
What you should know
Weather impacts: Recent storm activity can significantly affect trail conditions and site accessibility. After a hurricane, one camper reported "a ton of trees down" but noted "there was already maintenance in process to clear the area out." Always check trail conditions before backcountry camping trips.
Facility variations: Amenities vary widely between sites. At Payne Lake Spillway, Hannah C. notes the area has "a pavilion with four picnic tables underneath it and then there are isolated picnic tables around the area. They have fire pits and grills nearby for cooking. There are also bathrooms across from the pavilion." However, camping is not permitted in all areas of certain recreation sites.
Vehicle requirements: Some camping areas require four-wheel drive for access. When visiting Weogufka State Forest, consider vehicle capabilities as one reviewer mentioned potential need for four-wheel-drive "to get up to the ruins."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access for children: Holt Lake features a beach area ideal for families with children. The bathrooms are conveniently located nearby, though one reviewer cautions to "keep an eye out" for debris as they were uncertain "how often the beach is cleaned."
Group-friendly sites: For family gatherings, look for the larger tent pads. One camper at Deerlick Creek noted they "set up our site with 3 tents and brought 8 people along" without issues, indicating good accommodation for family groups.
Picnic facilities: Jones Bluff provides day-use areas for family activities. Sarah C. explains it's "a large parcel of land owned and operated by the Army Corps of Engineers. Also known as Bob Woodruff Park, located right on the Alabama River, there's access to swimming, hiking, fishing and of course boating."
Tips from RVers
Nearby alternatives: While Jones Bluff itself doesn't offer camping facilities, RVers can find options in the vicinity. According to a reviewer, "you can camp just down the road at either the Prairie Creek Park Campgrounds or back toward Montgomery a bit at Gunter Hill Park (also run by the Army Corps of Engineers)."
Day-use combined with camping: RVers often use recreation areas for day activities while camping nearby. For Payne Lake visitors, the spillway recreation area serves as a convenient picnic spot with "fire pits and grills nearby for cooking" while the "boat ramp for the lake is right down the road from the spillway parking area."
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is the most popular tent campsite near Stanton, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Stanton, AL is Oak Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 104 reviews.
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What is the best site to find tent camping near Stanton, AL?
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