Lake Guntersville State Park serves as a primary destination for outdoor enthusiasts near Brownsboro, Alabama. Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains at an elevation of approximately 600 feet, the area offers a blend of forest and lake environments. Winter temperatures typically range from 30-50°F, while summer can reach 85-95°F with high humidity, requiring campers to plan accordingly.
What to do
Fishing and water activities: At Lake Guntersville State Park Campground, the 69,000-acre reservoir provides excellent fishing opportunities. "We had a great time. Very clean place and great fishing!" reports Collin D. The park also offers water recreation beyond fishing: "Super clean bathrooms, beautiful view of the lake," notes Zoë.
Hiking trails: The Walls of Jericho - Clark Cemetery Backcountry Campsite features challenging terrain with significant elevation changes. "The trail is full of switchbacks. There are tree markers on the trail to mark the turns but at times they are easy to lose," warns Aaron S. Hikers should prepare for approximately 7 miles round-trip with substantial elevation gain on the return journey.
Swimming in natural settings: Natural swimming spots can be found at several locations. "In the summer the pool is open which is great for the hot days," mentions M&P M. about Sharon Johnston Park. For more natural settings, "When its hot out, there are places to go for a swim and wash/cool off," at Walls of Jericho, according to Asher K.
What campers like
Lake access: Water proximity ranks high among camper preferences. At Fairview Campground, "Most campsites are on the water with incredible views. The campsites are shady and nicely spaced," notes Tony D. Another camper, Clinton N., appreciates that there's "Water access at your campsite to swim or kayak."
Stargazing opportunities: Clear night skies create memorable experiences for campers. The lack of light pollution allows for excellent night sky viewing, especially at higher elevation sites. "The property features open spaces ideal for stargazing," with many campgrounds positioned to maximize sky views away from urban light sources.
Wildlife encounters: Many campsites offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. "The night we stayed there there ended up being a thunderstorm but we were able to have really good coverage under the canopy of trees that were at the site," reports Emily Grace M. about her experience at Walls of Jericho. Local birds, deer, and small mammals are common sightings throughout the region.
What you should know
Weather preparation: Summer storms can develop quickly. "We watched the moon rise over a hill directly in front of the campsite, and we even saw a brilliant shooting star blaze across the sky for what seems like an eternity," shares Jeremy H. about Ray of Hope Guest Ranch and Horse Motel. However, the area's weather can change rapidly, requiring proper rain gear and shelter planning.
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have limited or no cell service. "We did have poor coverage for our mobile data but the phones and texting always worked," notes Bruce G. from Red Coach Resort. At Walls of Jericho, they "found no cell phone service with Verizon at this site," according to Steve V., making offline navigation tools essential.
Campsite spacing: Site privacy varies significantly between campgrounds. Some reviewers note: "Most spots are very close together so you don't eat much privacy. Super crowded on the weekends," warns Scott M. about Lake Guntersville. Conversely, at Red Coach Resort, there are "large spaces in the woods only minutes from Huntsville. A quiet piece of heaven," according to Bruce G.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At Red Coach Resort, "They have a nice playground and a koi pond with a little deck to sit on," mentions Lizzy S. Sharon Johnston Park provides diverse recreational opportunities: "There's also a track, a baseball field, and soccer fields so I've seen many athletic events held there."
Swimming options: Family-friendly water access points make summer visits more enjoyable. "We enjoyed the campgrounds. The park is about 200 acres and the RV sites are located through gate one," notes M&P M. about Sharon Johnston Park, adding that "In the summer the pool is open which is great for the hot days."
Safety considerations: Parents should note potential hazards at certain sites. "There is a gun range across the street and down the road. You can hear people practicing when it's open but it's in the distance," notes M&P M. about Sharon Johnston Park. At Walls of Jericho, one camper warns, "The trail can get fairly muddy if it has rained in the area in recent days."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Not all campgrounds accommodate big rigs equally. At Lake Guntersville, "Most spots are very close together so you don't eat much privacy," according to Scott M. Fairview Campground offers better options: "Ease of access to the State Park including wide roads within the park," notes Tony D.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited at some campgrounds. "We went to the state park for the weekend. Stayed in the A area which we were told had sewer (it does not but it's very close to the dump station)," shares Alanna R. about Lake Guntersville State Park. For horse enthusiasts seeking campgrounds near Brownsboro, Alabama, hookup options may be especially limited at equestrian-focused facilities.
Road conditions: Access roads vary in quality. At Red Coach Resort, "they were still working on the roads and with the plans they have, it will be very easy to get around. We have a 44 ft DRV and with a little care were easily able to get around," explains Bruce G. This information is particularly relevant for those seeking horse-friendly camping facilities in the Brownsboro area.
