Best Campgrounds near Sumiton, AL

Campgrounds near Sumiton, Alabama provide a mix of state park facilities and RV-friendly locations within an hour's drive. Rickwood Caverns State Park Campground offers tent and RV camping options with limited sites but includes unique cave tours and seasonal swimming. Clear Creek Recreation Area provides waterfront access with tent, RV, and glamping accommodations. Several campgrounds feature full hookups for RVs, while others maintain more rustic, primitive tent camping areas set among wooded terrain. The camping landscape includes a blend of state-managed facilities and private campgrounds primarily concentrated along lake shores and forest areas.

Reservations are recommended at most established campgrounds in the region, particularly during summer months when facilities like pools and waterfront areas are fully operational. "We arrived at about 4pm, really nice staff checked me in, she said all the primitive sites were open so I could chose one," noted one visitor to Rickwood Caverns. Campsite sizes vary significantly across the region, with some locations offering spacious, wooded primitive sites while others have more compact RV spaces with little privacy between neighbors. Most campgrounds operate year-round, though amenities like swimming pools typically function only from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Cell service is generally reliable at established campgrounds, with more remote areas experiencing limited connectivity.

Campers consistently mention the diverse recreational opportunities available at area campgrounds. The swimming pool at Rickwood Caverns State Park, fed by cold cave water, receives positive attention during summer months. Visitors frequently comment on the clean facilities and well-maintained bathhouses at several locations. According to reviews from The Dyrt, the primitive camping areas often provide more privacy and natural surroundings than the more developed RV sections. Some campers note that sites at certain campgrounds like Rickwood Caverns are extremely close together with minimal buffers between neighbors, creating privacy concerns. Many locations feature fishing access, hiking trails, and proximity to water bodies, providing additional activities beyond basic camping. Sites with water and electric hookups are abundant throughout the region, though sewer connections are more limited at some of the state park properties.

Best Camping Sites Near Sumiton, Alabama (93)

    1. Rickwood Caverns State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Hayden, AL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (205) 647-9692

    $17 - $30 / night

    "Somewhere in the vicinity, there was a faucet for washing dishes, etc., but it was surrounded by a giant mud puddle."

    "The sites were bordered by woods and hills which gave the kids lots to explore.

    The pool was closed when we were there in April, but I believe they said it was closed indefinitely."

    2. Oak Mountain State Park Campground

    95 Reviews
    Hoover, AL
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (205) 620-2520

    "It is located only about 20-40 min outside downtown. Oak Mountain has several of options of things to do away from just camping and hiking (which of course are also great to do here)."

    "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!"

    3. Clear Creek Recreation Area

    25 Reviews
    Arley, AL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (205) 300-1463

    $32 - $75 / night

    "While many reviews say the lakeside sites are first come, first serve, under the new management they are all booked in advance online."

    "The perimeter lake lots in the Hoot Owl Loop all had steps or path access from the site to the shore. This would be especially nice in the summer."

    4. Brookside Greenway Park

    3 Reviews
    Birmingham, AL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (205) 209-2824

    "Grassy area behind some ball fields in a small town. They have hookups but I just parked in the grass. I also understand there are bathrooms and showers but I didn't use them. Wifi works."

    5. Thousand Trails Hidden Cove

    13 Reviews
    Arley, AL
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Spot are very bigs and a good distance between them. Full hookup sites. Amenitied are very cleans, kids play grounds. Park for walking, biking, use your boat and kayak, boat ramp access."

    "This RV park is right on a lake, but a bit away from anything else. If you have any sort of boat, kayak, paddle board, bring it! There is hiking about an hour away at the Bankhead National Forest."

    6. Faye Whittemore Farms Inc

    2 Reviews
    Jasper, AL
    14 miles
    +1 (205) 300-7141

    $10 - $30 / night

    "Lots to do and amazing trails. Helpful and friendly farmers. Clean washrooms and near campsite. No too far from town."

    "The multiple trails are so beautiful .  I have been here many times."

    7. Corinth Recreation Area

    26 Reviews
    Houston, AL
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (205) 300-1513

    $18 - $50 / night

    "**Corinth Recreation Area– USFS **

    Corinth Recreation area is located near the town of Double Springs, Alabama."

    "Well designed campground in the hills of Northern Alabama. Sites are well spaced. Well maintained. The lake is pretty. Each site has fire pit and table."

    8. Brookside Campground

    1 Review
    Birmingham, AL
    11 miles
    +1 (205) 674-5550

    $30 / night

    9. Smith Lake Park

    12 Reviews
    Bremen, AL
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 739-2916

    "Staying on tent site #55 power/ close to water spout. Bathhouse really close by nice shady lot."

    "I really enjoy Smith lake campground it has a lot of great sites. There are plenty of shades sites for summer camping."

    10. Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park Campground

    29 Reviews
    Green Pond, AL
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (205) 477-5711

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Situated on a beautiful mountain side just minute from university of alabama. Camp beside a churning creek and listen to nature."

    "The park is in a great part of Alabama and is located close to a lot of the best hiking in the state. Additionally, the park is set up on an old ironworks plant where many people lived and worked."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 93 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Sumiton, AL

442 Reviews of 93 Sumiton Campgrounds


  • Rae W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Boondock Dispersed Camping Alabama

    Simple & Peaceful

    Nice little spot out in the forest. Spotted the gravel road and went down a little to the first opening. Pretty decent sized clearing. You can hear cars on the road, but it didn’t bother us. Pretty warm, humid, and buggy this time of year, but cooled off through the night.

    The stars were incredible after the moon went down a bit. Lots of bird sounds especially in the morning. A previous camper had left behind some kindling, which was cool. Ended up having a little cell reception with T Mobile.

  • Randi P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park Campground

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 — Great mix of nature, history, and family fun

    We stayed at Tannehill Ironworks Campground for a long weekend and had a great experience. We arrived late on a Thursday night and appreciated that the ranger is on-site 24/7, since the campground doesn’t take reservations. The process is easy—you just pull in, find a site, and register/pay the next morning. It was a little hard to find a spot in the dark, but that was on us.

    There are three main campground areas. • Campgrounds 1 and 2 offer full hook-ups, with many outer sites backing up to a scenic creek. • Campground 3 has water and electric only.

    We stayed in site 122 in Campground 1, right on the creek. The sites are all gravel with picnic tables (a little worn—we brought our own table setup). Ours was pretty spacious, and since it wasn’t full, we had empty sites in front of and behind us, which made it feel even more open.

    The creek is peaceful and adds great ambiance, but there’s no designated access area for wading or swimming. That said, lots of kids were playing in the water right near their sites.

    T-Mobile service was decent—we were able to use our hotspot to stream TV at night. There’s no public Wi-Fi, but we didn’t miss it. We didn’t use the dump stations, but they looked clean and easy to access.

    Check-out time is 1:00 PM, and we didn’t see an official check-in time or posted quiet hours. The campground was fairly calm and relaxed, especially at night.

    The best part of Tannehill is everything there is to do. We brought bikes and explored miles of trails, all clearly marked by difficulty level. The park is also full of historical buildings like an old mill, furnace, blacksmith shop, and restored cabins (some are available to rent). There’s a Sunday church service at 9AM, playgrounds, picnic pavilions, a general store, a miniature train ride, and even an ice cream shop.

    If you visit during one of their Trade Days weekends, you’re in for a treat—it’s like a huge flea market with over 400 vendors, food stands, and all kinds of local treasures.

    Tannehill is a unique blend of history, nature, and activities for all ages. We’ll definitely be back and would recommend it to anyone looking for a laid-back getaway with lots to explore!

  • Melinda S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Oak Mountain State Park Campground

    Oak Mtn State Park Equestrian & section B campground

    A great State Park. I stayed one night in the Equestrian campground. They are all pull thru with as remodeled bathhouse. It was extremely clean. Then moved over to Section B of the main camp ground. Remodeled spaces with adequate space for a newbie to back her travel trailer in with no problems. “ What an Ego booster!” Remodeled bathhouses as well and kept clean even on a busy July 4th weekend. Gets morning sun but shade in the afternoon.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 30, 2025

    Thousand Trails Hidden Cove

    Very nice, quiet campground

    Great campground & people! Only reason for 4 instead of 5 stars is the lack of things to do. No fenced in dog park but plenty of space to have one. Right on the lake but unaware of any kind of rentals available nearby— closest rentals are 40 mins away on the opposite side of the lake. Nearest Walmart is Cullman which is 45 mins away. Wouldn’t recommend staying here if you prefer to be closer to the city but perfect if you want to be in the middle of the woods and have no reason to leave. Very hot, humid and rainy time of year! Would be back in the fall perhaps.

  • Nick E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 23, 2025

    Hidden Cove Thousand Trails

    Clean, Quiet, and Spacious

    Great little campground with awesome access to the lake. Great for Starlink and good AT&T reception.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Birmingham South RV Park

    Ants, Dogs and Smells

    To be fair, the check in and staff were nice. Sites are level and partially shaded. Rules loosely enforced as there were trucks parked on grass which was noted as a very prominent rule on reservation and check in. Ants attempted to infest anything we sat outside (not food related items were specifically targeted as it was a pair of diving boots and our leveling blocks). It was horrible. There’s little to no control over everyone’s dogs. The best you can get is that they are leashed, otherwise, lunging at people or other dogs and barking all throughout the day is completely permitted. The sites are very small and your neighbors sewer hookups happen to be about 3 feet from your site’s picnic table. It’s just gross.

  • Patrick P.
    Jun. 20, 2025

    Birmingham South RV Park

    Nice place ,

    Nice place , but the internet doesn’t work, bathrooms clean

  • Dave  K.
    May. 10, 2025

    Palomino RV Resort

    Palomino

    Nice concrete pads, park is ran very well by the city...clean and organized campground


Guide to Sumiton

Camping near Sumiton, Alabama features a mix of US Forest Service, Corps of Engineers, and county-managed facilities within a 45-minute drive. Most area campgrounds sit at elevations between 500-800 feet, providing moderate temperatures even during Alabama's humid summers. Water-based camping dominates the landscape with Lewis Smith Lake serving as the central feature for several popular camping destinations.

What to do

Hiking at Bankhead National Forest: Located near Clear Creek Recreation Area, the Bankhead National Forest offers extensive trail systems. "Great hiking and waterfalls on the most beautiful lake in the US," notes one Clear Creek camper. The area connects to several wilderness trails perfect for day hiking.

Cave exploration: The cave tour at Rickwood Caverns State Park Campground provides underground adventure with formed limestone features. "The tour of the caverns was well worth the trip," reports a visitor. Tours run four times daily from January through November, with campers receiving discounted admission.

Mountain biking: The trail system at Oak Mountain State Park includes dedicated mountain biking routes for various skill levels. Trails are clearly marked by difficulty, making it accessible for beginners and challenging for experienced riders.

Swimming in cave-fed water: During summer months, Rickwood Caverns offers a unique swimming experience. "Olympic size pool fed by cave water!! Kids loved this campground! Low and high dive, great gift shop and cave tours," shares a visitor. The pool typically operates from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

What campers like

Spacious waterfront sites: Corinth Recreation Area offers pull-through sites with lake views. "Each site fully equipped with fire ring, picnic table, and lantern poles. Wood available for purchase from host," mentions a camper. The Yellow Hammer loop receives particular praise for its accessibility and views.

Private primitive camping: Several campgrounds offer more secluded primitive options. "We were able to stay in the primitive camping 'loop' and had SO much space and woods to run in, hills to climb, and space to explore. It was absolutely perfect for kids," reports a Rickwood Caverns visitor about their primitive sites.

Historical attractions: Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park Campground combines camping with historical education. "The park is full of historical buildings like an old mill, furnace, blacksmith shop, and restored cabins," shares a visitor. The park hosts Trade Days weekends featuring over 400 vendors selling crafts and antiques.

Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathhouses despite high traffic. "Bathhouse is brand new and squeaky clean. You can see that almost no-one uses the campground shower," notes a visitor to Hidden Cove RV Resort.

What you should know

Reservation policies vary: Most Smith Lake campgrounds operate on different reservation systems. "We arrived at about 4pm... she said all the primitive sites were open so I could chose one," describes a visitor. Tannehill Ironworks doesn't take reservations—"you just pull in, find a site, and register/pay the next morning."

Site spacing concerns: At some campgrounds, RV sites offer minimal privacy. "Not only are these the world's tiniest campsites with no buffer between you and next site, they apparently have no limits as to how many people, vehicles, or tents are allowed on one site," cautions a Rickwood Caverns visitor.

Seasonal operation: Many facilities reduce services during winter months. "Pool was closed when we were there in April, but I believe they said it was closed indefinitely," mentions a camper regarding one facility's amenities.

Cell coverage limitations: Connectivity varies significantly across the region. "I had no reception with Verizon but my AT&T hotspot had good reception," reports a Hidden Cove visitor. Areas within Bankhead National Forest have particularly limited coverage.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature children's play areas. "There are a large picnic pavilion and two short hiking trails of about a mile each," notes a visitor to Rickwood Caverns. Oak Mountain State Park Campground offers "playgrounds, picnic pavilions, a general store, a miniature train ride, and even an ice cream shop."

Creek exploration: Many sites back up to small streams or creeks. "The creek is peaceful and adds great ambiance, but there's no designated access area for wading or swimming. That said, lots of kids were playing in the water right near their sites," mentions a Tannehill visitor.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several parks offer wildlife viewing. Oak Mountain includes "a very neat trail with rescued owls, turkeys and red hawks," according to visitors. Rickwood Caverns features bat viewing during cave tours.

Bring water shoes: Rocky shorelines can be difficult for children. "The beach area had a lot of rocks! Probably due to water level low had to go buy some water shoes, but then it was all good," advises a Smith Lake Park visitor.

Tips from RVers

Arrival timing: Smith Lake Park can fill quickly during peak season. "We arrived late on a Thursday night and appreciated that the ranger is on-site 24/7," mentions a visitor. Arriving mid-week offers better site selection at most area campgrounds.

Hookup options: Water and electric connections are standard, but sewer hookups vary. "We paid $25 that included electric hookup, bath house with showers, water on site, and a dump station. I believe you can pay another $5 for sewage on site," reports a Tannehill visitor.

Campground layouts: Some areas have clear distinctions between camping sections. "The pull thrus are not a true pull thru. Just a big gravel lot!!" notes a Smith Lake visitor. Look for campground maps online to select suitable sites.

Leveling challenges: Site conditions vary widely across the region. "Large campground. Great guest service. Staff friendly. Spots are very big and a good distance between them," reports a Hidden Cove visitor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Sumiton, AL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Sumiton, AL offers a wide range of camping options, with 93 campgrounds and RV parks near Sumiton, AL and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Sumiton, AL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Sumiton, AL is Rickwood Caverns State Park Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 17 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Sumiton, AL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Sumiton, AL.

What parks are near Sumiton, AL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Sumiton, AL that allow camping, notably National Forests in Alabama and Bankhead National Forest.