Best Campgrounds near Tuscaloosa, AL

Tuscaloosa has several camping options within an hour's drive, with Oak Mountain State Park Campground about 43 miles away. This park has clean shower houses, big bathrooms, and good views throughout the grounds. Many campers come here for the hiking trails, fishing spots, and horse trails that run through the park. Lake Lurleen State Park Campground sits much closer, just 13 miles from Tuscaloosa, and has become known for paddleboarding and family-friendly playgrounds. Watch out for snakes at Lake Lurleen, as several campers have reported seeing them around the grounds. Both parks have straightforward booking systems, though you'll want to reserve early during busy seasons. Spring and fall bring the most comfortable weather to camp in this part of Alabama. You'll find a mix of shady and open campsites at both parks, depending on what section you choose. Some areas have more space between sites than others, so checking the campground map helps. Oak Mountain works well for RVs with its electrical hookups and dump stations. Whether you're planning a quick weekend or longer trip, these Tuscaloosa-area campgrounds work for most camping styles.

Best Camping Sites Near Tuscaloosa, Alabama (53)

    1. Deerlick Creek

    26 Reviews
    Peterson, AL
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (205) 759-1591

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Nice 1/2 mile asphalt bike/walking trail. Hiking trail with hills and valleys skirting the lake. Boat ramp with easy access to the 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."

    2. Burchfield Branch Park

    11 Reviews
    Tuscaloosa, AL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (205) 497-9828

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Lots 4, 5, and 6 seem to be the better ones and if your camping with friends or family 7 and 8 would be a great choice, since they are very close to each other at the end."

    "Most of the campsites are tucked away beneath a canopy of trees with nice shade. The bath houses are always clean, as well as the entire campground. It is great for a relaxing weekend getaway."

    3. Lake Lurleen State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Coker, AL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (205) 339-1558

    "My only complaint about lake lurleen is the lack of cell service- but do you need that when camping!? Bathrooms are older, best well kept for public bathrooms."

    "We really enjoyed the beach area and the trails. Lots of mountain bikers throughout the weekend."

    4. Sunset RV

    6 Reviews
    Peterson, AL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (205) 553-9233

    $29 - $32 / night

    "Because it's across the highway. Close to everything in Tuscaloosa. No 5 stars because it sufficient for camping, not much more! Which is what we do!"

    5. Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Green Pond, AL
    23 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."

    6. Blue Creek Public Use Area

    5 Reviews
    Tuscaloosa, AL
    11 miles
    Website

    "Has boat ramp and camping areas are near pacer park roads. Local traffic is mostly folks going to boat ramp. Camping area is along bluff over looking the River."

    7. Holt Lake

    2 Reviews
    Peterson, AL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (205) 553-9373

    "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."

    8. Bama RV Station

    3 Reviews
    Peterson, AL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (205) 722-7005

    $30 - $35 / night

    9. Coaches Corner RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Moundville, AL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (334) 425-1846

    $45 - $675 / night

    "Great stop for overnight, or a long weekend in Tuscaloosa."

    10. Candy mountain rv resort

    3 Reviews
    Peterson, AL
    11 miles
    +1 (205) 553-5428

    $30 - $400 / night

    "The facilities were probably lovely back in the day but we still enjoyed walking around exploding the grounds."

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Showing results 1-10 of 53 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Tuscaloosa, AL

308 Reviews of 53 Tuscaloosa Campgrounds



Guide to Tuscaloosa

Camping near Tuscaloosa, Alabama, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and beautiful scenery. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are several campgrounds to check out.

What to do

  • Explore Nature Trails: Many campgrounds have trails for hiking and biking. For example, at Oak Mountain State Park Campground, one visitor mentioned, “The park has so many different activities including hiking and BMX trails.”
  • Water Activities: If you enjoy water sports, Clear Creek Recreation Area is a great spot. A camper shared, “Our site had great access to the lake but not on the busiest part of the lake.”
  • Wildlife Viewing: Campers at Corinth Recreation Area have spotted deer and other wildlife. One reviewer noted, “The campground is quiet and has no light pollution.”

What campers like

What you should know

  • Road Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A reviewer at Birmingham South RV Park pointed out, “It is located with the railroad on one side and the highway on the other.”
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For instance, at Deerlick Creek, one camper noted, “There are dump stations but they are far from the campsites.”
  • Primitive Camping: If you’re looking for a more rustic experience, Pickensville Campground offers primitive camping. One camper mentioned, “The campground can’t be seen from the main road.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids. At Oak Mountain State Park Campground, a reviewer said, “There are things to do year-round and the weather was great for mid-July.”
  • Plan for Bugs: Some areas can be buggy, especially near water. A camper at Clear Creek Recreation Area noted, “Bring the mosquito spray, you’ll need it!”
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Campgrounds often have open spaces for games. One camper at Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park Campground suggested, “There are trails to hike and water to play in.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Birmingham South RV Park mentioned, “The concrete at the campsite was so bad if you did not watch where you walked you could twist your ankle.”
  • Wi-Fi Availability: Some campgrounds have decent Wi-Fi. A visitor at Hidden Cove RV Resort said, “They do have Wi-Fi, free at the clubhouse and a couple other spots.”
  • Be Prepared for Road Noise: If you’re sensitive to noise, consider this before booking. A camper at Rickwood Caverns State Park Campground mentioned the nearby highway noise.

Camping around Tuscaloosa, Alabama, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking a peaceful spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Tuscaloosa, AL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Tuscaloosa, AL offers a wide range of camping options, with 53 campgrounds and RV parks near Tuscaloosa, AL and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Tuscaloosa, AL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Tuscaloosa, AL is Deerlick Creek with a 4.6-star rating from 26 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Tuscaloosa, AL.

What parks are near Tuscaloosa, AL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near Tuscaloosa, AL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.