Looking to get away and reconnect with nature? Glamping in Alabama is the perfect choice. Camping has always been a favorite form of travel for many, but Alabama glamping is a new and unique way to do it. Each glamping site offers quick access to one or more of Alabama's most popular destinations.
Gulf State Park has two miles of beaches, a spacious campground and a brand new Lodge and Conference Center to greet you. Yes, we have gorgeous white sand,surging surf, seagulls and a variety of activities, but there is more than sand and surf to sink your toes into. There is something for everyone inside Gulf State Park Campground. The beach pavilion provides picnic tables as an escape from the beach, the nature center is a great place for the kids to learn, the swimming pool provides refreshment for our guests and the Lake Shelby day use area offers kayaking and canoeing. For a change of pace while visiting check out the fishing and education pier, miles of biking on the Backcountry trail, beautiful flowers in the butterfly garden, and additional education at the learning campus, interpretive center in the near future.
From its humble beginning as a 940-acre park atop Double Oak Mountain established by the Alabama State Lands Act of 1927, Oak Mountain State Park has grown to 9,940 acres making it Alabama’s largest state park. With the largest land-area, one of the widest varieties of outdoor activities of any state park, and its proximity to Birmingham, Oak Mountain is a perfect stop while traveling to and from the state’s largest city. Topping it all off is the park’s stunning physical landscape, which alone makes for an unforgettable experience.
Oak Mountain State Park has once again been awarded the coveted "Certificate of Excellence" from Tripadvisor!
Seek adventure and solitude on the highest point in Alabama at Cheaha State Park. At 2,407 feet above sea level, Cheaha State Park, located on top of Cheaha Mountain, offers breathtaking views and adventurous recreational activities and is great for camping near Birmingham. This 2,799-acre mountaintop retreat is known for spectacular sunsets and beautiful waterfalls. The park offers overnight guests and day visitors an array of activities as well as opportunities for rest. Facilities include a restaurant, hotel, cabins, chalets, camping with options that range from improved to primitive, and pavilions. In addition to lodge rooms, cabins, and A-frame chalets, we offer improved camping in the park, semi-primitive camping near the highest point, and primitive camping near Cheaha Lake. There is also primitive camping along mountainside trails, offering campers numerous options for getting close to nature. Groups may want to consider reserving Cheaha's historic CCC Bald Rock Lodge, which has 12 bedrooms/baths with a beautiful grand hall, for retreats, family reunions, meetings and more!
Camping near Birmingham, South of Alexander City on Alabama Highway 128 you’ll find one of the largest state-owned campgrounds in the United States, Wind Creek State Park. However, that distinction is not the only thing that makes Wind Creek special. Wind Creek State Park is the public's access to Lake Martin. Wind Creek’s 1,445 scenic acres hug the shoreline of beautiful Lake Martin making the park an angler’s paradise. Crappie, bluegill and striped bass are just a few of the species the lake has to offer. Several fishing tournaments are scheduled at the park each year. If you're in the mood to test your nerves of steel, journey to the "Chimney Rock" area of Lake Martin. This is one of the hidden gems of the lake. After you test your nerves of steel, take a relaxing visit to Wind Creek State Park's North Picnic Area and enjoy some swimming and fishing on beautiful Lake Martin. After a full day at Wind Creek State Park and Lake Martin, take advantage of the park's only dairy creem, Creem @ The Creek for great food and beverages. The park’s 586 campsites are spread over 320 acres and offer ample opportunities to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. Campsites include 102-30 amp waterfront campsites, 18-30 amp sewer waterfront campsites, 211-30 amp sewer campsites, 216-30 amp base campsites. For guests who prefer to stay in a camping cabin, the park has seven camping cabins to choose from, camping cabin 2 is handicap accessible. Each air conditioned cabin has a kitchenette and a private bathroom. Guests will need to bring their own bed linens, towels, cooking and eating utensils. The 39 premium campsite amenities include; water, sewer, 50/30/20 amp electrical, water front access, and TV service. Three of the newly renovated sites are handicap accessible. Bathhouse and playground facilities are conveniently located throughout the park. Separate from the above campsites we have an area restricted to equestrian camping. These 20 campsites are first come first serve and all have 30 amp electrical and water service.
Lake Guntersville State Park offers Town Creek Primitive Campground which provides primitive campsites (boondock camping allowed 7 night maximum) on the water, bathhouses, boat rentals, ethanol-free gas (accessible by water), and the Town Creek Fishing Center.
Gunter Hill Campground offers a peaceful scene of trees and nature on the backwaters of the Alabama River. The fishing is excellent, providing challenges for the master angler as well as the occasional cane pole fisherman. Boating, hunting and hiking are popular activities.
The area's waterways offer excellent fishing for crappie, bass and catfish. A boat ramp is provided for easy river access. The Lowndes Wildlife Management area, located nearby, covers 12,500 acres and offers prime hunting for whitetail deer, wild turkeys and hogs, and a variety of small game and waterfowl. The campground provides a basketball court and playground, offering additional recreation opportunities for visitors.
The campground is situated on Catoma Creek in a forest of hickory and pine. The region offers a mild climate for year-round camping.
$26 - $32 / night
The Clear Creek Recreation Area has become one of Alabama's most popular recreation areas and has many repeat visitors. The Bankhead National Forests largest recreation area, Clear Creek is in Winston County about 13 miles north of Jasper, ALlabama and was constructed on the shore of Lewis Smith Lake giving direct recreational access to the lake via the day use boat launch, to boating, water skiing, personal watercraft use, as well as fishing for largemouth bass, striped bass, and crappie. With many modern conveniences, it offers facilities for individual and group camping, picnicking, swimming, boat launching, hiking, and biking. Check-out time for Clear Creek is no later than 12:00pm the day of departure. Check-in time is no earlier than 2:00pm. This 2 hour window allows our staff adequate time to clean and maintain each site. The campground itself has four paved loops with paved parking spurs, and offers 102 RV campsites, including 32 double sites; 11 of these are pull-through sites. Each campsite has water and electrical hookups, a fire ring, picnic table, and lantern posts. All campsites have 50-amp and 30-amp electrical service. There is a trailer dump station located within the recreation area. Each of the four loops has a bathhouse with flush toilets and showers. All sites are level and spacious; Single campsites accommodate up to six people and two vehicles; double sites up to twelve people and four vehicles. No garbage dumpsters are in the campground; users are required to pack out trash and deposit it in the dumpsters by the dump station. An entrance station with an electronic gate is available to control access to the campground. Two group camping areas, available by reservation only, accommodate up to 25 tent campers each and share a bathhouse with flushing toilets and showers. The day use portion of the recreation area focuses on the swimming beach, served by a bathhouse with flushing toilets and showers. Next to the beach is a 50-person group picnic pavilion, with a flush toilet. On the other side of the beach lies a picnic area with 53 family units, all connected by newly paved paths. On the point, adjacent to the lake, are two more 50-person picnic pavilions, served by a nearby flush toilet. A 1.5-mile paved bicycle trail connects the campground to the day use area. Also, there is the 2.5-mile recently paved Raven Cliffs hiking trail in the day use area. Use of the picnic pavilions is by reservation only; users also pay the day use fee as they park in the facility. A year-round boat launch is available with an SST vault toilet and boat/trailer parking. Welcome to the Clear Creek Recreation Area... Use the Recreation.gov Mobile App. Visitors on-the-go can use the Recreation.gov mobile app to reserve and pay for upcoming stays, reducing the need for on-site transactions and cash handling. Download the Recreation.gov app through the Apple App Store or on Google Play. Functionality of the iPhone app available here... Functionality of the Android app available here...
The campground has a basketball and volleyball court, and horseshoe pit. Interpretive programs are hosted during the summer. Day-use visitors and campers have access to a boat ramp and swim beach. The lake provides excellent fishing for Kentucky Spotted Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass. There are two trails in the area; the 2.5-mile Raven Interpretive Trail and a 1.5-mile bicycle trail.
The 180,000+ acre Bankhead National Forest is in northwestern Alabama, and its prominent feature is the Sipsey Wilderness . Known as "The Land of a Thousand Waterfalls," the Sipsey is at the juncture of three separate geologic areas: the Appalachian Plateau, the Cumberland Plateau and the Coastal Plain. The vegetation from these three unique environments blend into a remarkable diversity of species, with overlapping ranges creating many unusual plant associations. The Sipsey is a 12,726 acre area of swift streams, waterfalls, sandstone cliffs, undisturbed gorges, majestic hardwood forests, wildflowers, birds, animals and is home to Alabama's largest tree, a tulip poplar with a 21-foot circumference at its base. Lewis-Smith Lake (or Smith Lake) is located in the counties of Cullman, Walker and Winston. The 300-foot high dam, completed in 1961 by Alabama Power Company, impounds the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River to form the lake. Smith Lake has a surface area of 21,200 acres, 500 miles of shoreline, a watershed area of 944 square miles, a retention time of 435 days, and a maximum depth of 264 feet. What's Happening in Your Alabama National Forest Video
Four nearby attractions within Bankhead National Forest are: The Little Natural Bridge is the longest rock arch east of the Rockies. It was formed 200 million years ago when the sea washed the sandstone away leaving iron ore veins holding the bridge. In this area thrive 27 varieties of Ferns and a number of Canadian Hemlocks traced to the Ice Age. Satellite Map of Natural Bridge Park The 19th-century Pine Torch Church is one of the oldest churches in Alabama and one of only four surviving log churches. The church is located in the Bankhead Forest in Lawrence County at the intersection of Country Roads 70 and 73 Several online sources say it was built in the 1890s but a sign at the site claims in was built in the 1840s. According to legend, Pine Torch got its name from the pine knots that were set ablaze to light the building after dark. It is made of hand-hewn logs. The original floor, made of hand-hewn poplar planks, was stolen piece-by-piece and was replaced in 1940, according to a historic marker at the site. The original roof was made of hand-split wooden shingles. It was later replaced with tin. Behind the church is a cemetery whose grounds are covered with sand to make maintenance easier. A newer and larger wooden church was built at the back of the property. It is still in use. Satellite Map of the Pine Torch Church The Houston Civil War Jail - Houston, Alabama served as the first county seat for Winston County. The area known today as Winston County was originally established in 1850 as Hancock County, named after John Hancock, signer of the Declaration of Independence. In 1858 the county was renamed Winston after the first native-born governor of Alabama, John Anthony Winston. Old Houston, located a few miles away from present day Houston, was the first county seat. Citizens voted to move the county seat to present day Houston in the late 1850's and a log jail was constructed at that time. The jail burned during the Civil War and was rebuilt in 1868. The Houston jail was built of hand-hewn logs filled with nails to prevent prisoners from "sawing their way to freedom". The jail held prisoners and provided a site for court. In 1884 the county seat was moved from Houston to present day Double Springs. Houston Historical Society Discover the Incredible Variety of Habitats and Birds in the Bankhead National Forest. Birding on the Bankhead
$24 - $75 / night
Traveler
The retreat offers several amenities including showers, laundromat, and gas grills. There are even bouncy houses and playgrounds for the kids.
It's located on the river and they have a pet beach separate so even your dogs can enjoy the water.
The camp manager is nice and very helpful. They are definitely a great asset.
Full service hookups are currently limited as they work on an expansion, but they do have plenty of water/power hookups both off and on the river. There's also a cabin, glamping tents, and a tiny house. There are plenty of shaded spots.
There are a few long term residents who are friendly and welcoming.
I definitely recommend this campground for a fun, relaxing stay.
Scout
My kids and I absolutely loved it here. The staff was very friendly and helpful. We did tent “glamping” so we had electric, water and wifi nearby but still enjoyed our time away from concrete buildings. We had a fire pit, picnic table, and parking to ourselves. The pool came in clutch since it is very humid and hot over there. It was nice, CLEAN and refreshing. My kids are not too big so we had enough space to play backyard games not sure there is enough grassy area for older kids or adults. You can walk around and down to the pond and check out the surroundings for added entertainment. The bathrooms and showers were tidy and clean. I really did love it here and based on my experience here I will be looking at other KOA Journeys to visit. My experience is based on a tent site and I’m fairly new to camping. Hope this helps!
Legend
This campground is set up mostly for people who either want a long term space for their RV or to stay in a yurt for a couple of nights. The whole place is set up to have easy access to the water and it does this really well. There are multiple docks and plenty of spaces to tie up your boat. Additionally, the lake is really enormous so you can be out on the water all day. Don't expect a lot of privacy or space when staying here but it is perfect if you want a long term place to stay and access the water without having to pay the high prices for a house in the nearby area.
Traveler
Really liked this campground it is a nice ace to break the trip from Decatur Alabama to Gulfshores Alabama sites are nice and clean there is a camp store on site.
Guide
Cheaha State Park is a absolute must visit if you're living in Alabama or visiting. I finally had the opportunity to explore the highest point in Alabama and the beginning on the Pinhoti Trail, which connects Alabama to the Appalachin Trail. However, I am going to describe my hiking and camping experience on the Rock Garden Trail. The trail can be done at the bottom of the mountain or from the top. I started from the top and enjoyed some beautiful views. There were places were I could repel and places where I can set up my hammock and enjoy the beautiful Alabama sunset. This experience has been one of my best thus far since I have not hiked outside of the south eastern area of the country, it was hot during the day, but very cool during the night which allowed me to sleep spectacular. The hike was difficult in areas because there were parts that were straight incline going up the mountain. I would definitely go back.
Scout
Very quiet peaceful campground on the wooded shores of the Alabama River. Plenty of level sites. Bathroom and showers centrally located.
TravelerThis campground is located at the highest point in Alabama. You are surrounded by beauty with plenty of opportunities for hiking. The sites are not crowded and very quiet. You can sit and enjoy looking at the stars and listening to the sounds of nature.
Bugspray and a screen tent are a plus because Alabama grows an abundance of mosquitoes. Headlamps or flashlights are a necessity because the ground is not level and has many toe catchers. The area for the camper or tent is fairly level and has well placed water and electricity hookups.
The Mountain Laurel was in bloom and was breathtakingly beautiful. Well worth the trip. The store was well stocked
Legend
Park is located on the Tennessee River in Florence Alabama. No length of stay restrictions in off season. Reasonable site density with tables and paved pads. Bathrooms are horrible, so bring your own
GuideVery nice staff! Go a little bit extra. Showed us to our spot snd even dusted the services for clean connections! Place was meticulously maintained. Nice visit will be my stop when going through Alabama.
RangerI have hiked the back country here and lots of good sites with adequate water make it a good backpacking adventure for beginners. The lodge is good for a meal when you are done and some amazing north Alabama views
Guide
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. The price was a little high even with the senior pass. Not much cell service.
LegendThis area has so many hiking trails. Trails and waterfalls. This park is the highest point in Alabama. We went MLK weekend it was busy but by Monday we had the campground to ourselves for 4 days. Great trails and waterfalls. Trails are easy to difficult. Bathrooms and showers are separate which was kind of nice to have a whole single room for each shower. Camp store was well stocked. Nearest store was 30-45 min away. Park has a lodge, restaurant, cabins, and a motel. We stayed in upper campground but there is a lower campground closer to the small lake. Alabama is finally putting money back into the parks and remodeling and improving areas. Camp sites are open and some are rocky. The views at the park are amazing!!! This is one of my favorite places!!
Traveler
State park. Very pretty and lots of trees. Camp with all amenities (a bit pricey) or with no hook ups. Lots to do. Family oriented. Lots of trees and lots of waterfront lots on the shores of one of Alabamas most beautiful lakes.
Ranger**Corinth Recreation Area– USFS **
Corinth Recreation area is located near the town of Double Springs, Alabama. The area is operated and maintained by the United State Forest Service (USFS) and can be reserved through www.recreation.gov. There are 52 total sites here and most reserved on line, there are a few sites only available as walk ins. This area is very clean and really quiet at night, the campgrounds are near the lakes edge but not lakeside. The sites are very well maintained, paved and gravel with full services including sewer. There are two RV campgrounds, Firefly and Yellowhammer. We stayed at Yellowhammer as this had more shaded sites than Firefly. There’s also a few tent only sites between the two loops. The bathrooms were clean and the staff was pleasant during our visit, we stayed five days and found so much to see near by the campground. There is very nice boat ramp on the park for easy access to Smith Lake, the beach area is also a great asset. Clean with a well-marked swimming area with bathrooms near the beach area.
The Houston Jail (http://soloso.com/houston/) was a few miles away, this is the only surviving jail constructed from logs in 1818. It’s a historical landmark and worth the short drive to go and see.
Natural Bridge Park (https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/alabama/natural-bridge-al/) is located in Natural Bridge, Alabama is also nearby. This rock formation is the longest sandstone natural rock bridge east of the Rocky Mountains. It’s a good hike through well marked trails and there is a small gift shop that also sells refreshments.
Dismals Canyon (https://www.dismalscanyon.com/) is thirty miles from the campground near the town of Phil Campbell, Alabama. This natural formation will make you question if you are really in Alabama. The hike is a good way to spend the day in a shaded but humid natural wonder. You can also attend a night hike to see the dismalites that only reside in a few places in the world.
The Bankhead National Forest surrounds the entire area. The forest is huge and trying to visit the area waterfalls and trails without a plan is not recommended. Take the time to study the area maps and map the accessible roads before heading out. We actually stopped by the NSFS Office to ask for information, there was also a large map of the area there you can take a picture of that will help you with your planning.
We had a wonderful time here at Corinth, we especially liked the campground and the deer that would come out to graze every evening. This coupled with the fireflies really made this stay memorable, we’ll be back.
Scout
Enjoy taking the grandkids to Jellystone campground in Elberta, Alabama. Lots to do with their activities, wagon rides, group s'mores campfire, fishing, crafts, super clean restrooms, well supplied camp store if you forgot something, wifi, holiday weekends will usually include a inflatable water slide. Nice pull through sites also.
ScoutThe kids love hiking around Alabama’s highest peak! There is a lake at the base of the mountain that stays busy in summer but it’s not terribly crowded. The laundry facilities need to be updated - located just outside of the park and in a sort of scary one room shack...
Traveler
This is probably our all time favorite campground! Managed by Corp of Engineers, always beautiful and well kept. Great, friendly staff. Greta place to camp in the fall for Alabama football games, only about 15-16 miles from campus, yet very secluded. Really a great place to camp, whether with RV or tent camping!
Guide
Very nice spacious pull thru sites on asphalt pads. Swimming pool, bait and tackle store
Boat launch on the Chattahoochee river. This location is owned and operated by the Ft Benning MWR and is located just outside the gates of Ft. Benning on the Alabama side of the Chattahoochee River. 72 RV Sites w 15,30, 50A/S/CATV
Guide
We’ve stayed here several times. Nice flat sites in the pines and next to the Bay. Bathhouses are nice. Only problem is they are push button showers so it takes a couple pushes to get it hot. Shelter houses, boat ramp, tent sites, and a few cabins. Only 5 miles west to the USS Alabama Memorial Park. Well worth a visit!!
Traveler
Oak Mountain has plenty of activities for everyone including a demonstration farm, horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, swimming and fishing. The campground is conveniently located to the lake with it's own beach area. There is also a pier to fish or swim from. Our campsite had a major ant problem and the bathhouse was subpar. Still Oak Mountain is my favorite Alabama state park thus far
Legend
This is a nice state park in a small town in north Alabama. The lake is really pretty and the campground has a nice view of it. The facilities were really nice and there is a store and restaurant all within the park. It’s a bit of a drive to get to town so try to get the essentials before setting up camp. The campground is nice– a definite recommend!
GuideHighest point in Alabama...and a beautiful place. Great , well marked trails and maps available at the ranger station. Handicap access all over the park and awesome amenities. The restraunt has a breath-taking view, and a very romantic atmosphere. I have been visiting this park for 16 years! I plan to continue many more years and share this place with my son like my dad shared with me!
GuideCamped in the upper primitive site while mountain biking at nearby Coldwater Mountain. Good campsite with great views. Good separation between sites, but the are very close to the road. Only complaint, site (#124) was on a decent slope and spots flat enough for tents were almost in the road. However, great spot in Alabama to camp. Very convenient to the great mountain bike trails in Anniston (http://neaba.net/home.html).
LegendThis is a great campsite for anyone who wants to check out this amazing peak but doesn’t have an interest in backpacking. They have many options including cabins and villas as well as RV sites and tent only. There are also several trails that leave right from the campground and some easy walks to beautiful views. This is definitely one of the most beautiful places in Alabama and one of my favorite to visit.
Legend
Beautiful park along the gulf coast and one of the few beach options in Alabama. They have really nice RV and tent camping that has easy access to the gulf as well as tons of walking and biking trails. The campground also has an incredible nature center with so many amazing animals. If you are feeling up for a little adventure you can stay at the backcountry campground accessible via bikes or walking.
TravelerWhat can I say? Gulf State Park is the one by which all other parks in the region (NW Florida/Alabama) are to be compared. Everything you want: Hiking, BIKING, access to the beach, fishing, etc. Many sites have shade and a degree of seclusion. 28 or so paved bicycle trails, great Wifi, etc.
Only caveat: Good luck trying to book a site. Takes a pro, or a bot or something. It's rightfully popular.
ScoutNear Montgomery AL and the Hank Williams museum and the Alabama Shakespeare Theater. We also have the White House of the Confederacy. The campground itself is very nice. They only have one laundry area with just a couple of machines. They have 2 seperate playgrounds, and only 2 restroom areas. There are quite a few pull through sites. The sites are very large and paved. You just have to be aware of snakes and mosquitoes.
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