Places to Camp in Alabama

2,191 Reviews

With over 20 state parks, more inland waterways than any other state, and multiple Appalachian peaks, more and more outdoor lovers are turning to Alabama for adventure. While football is still king in this southern state, tourists enjoy the serenity of Alabama's white sand beaches and the thrill found within its carved canyons. So lace up the boots or grab a paddle – it is time to find camping in Alabama!

Alabama's shores have always been a hot spot for southern beach bums, but with the growing popularity of events like Hangout Festival, Gulf Shores is quickly becoming a bucket list destination for many. Fortunately, coastal camping is a reality in the Heart of Dixie.

Beach camping can be one of the most challenging experiences of your life, and simultaneously, the most peaceful. Find camping in Alabama along the sandy coastline of Gulf Shores and wake up to the sound of crashing waves. Warm waters and comfortable year-round temperatures make Gulf Shores a desirable stop for locals and visitors alike.

Looking to escape the crowds? Head north to camp primitively or grab a cabin close to Dismals Canyon. Not only will you find waterfalls and natural bridges at Dismals Canyon, but you can also find "dismalites," a rare fly that emits blue-green light in its larval form. Many explorers tour the canyon at night to catch a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse of this natural light show.

Water lovers might prefer exploring the state by winding through all 631 miles of The Alabama Scenic River Trail instead. As the longest water trail in any single state in the country, this waterway takes paddlers from northeastern Alabama into the Gulf, passing through the heart of the state in the process. With The Dyrt, you can be sure to find the best camping in Alabama along the way.

Best Camping Sites in Alabama (540)

1.
Gulf State Park Campground
94 Reviews
340 Photos
648 Saves
Orange Beach, Alabama
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.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
2.
Upper Improved Campground — Cheaha State Park
88 Reviews
489 Photos
508 Saves
Oxford, Alabama
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!
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
3.
Oak Mountain State Park Campground
88 Reviews
280 Photos
335 Saves
Hoover, Alabama
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!
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
4.
Monte Sano State Park Campground
73 Reviews
358 Photos
331 Saves
Brownsboro, Alabama
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$14 - $30 / night
5.
DeSoto State Park Campground
72 Reviews
361 Photos
402 Saves
Alpine, Alabama
Situated atop northeast Alabama’s Lookout Mountain, Desoto State Park is a 3,500-acre nature preserve and recreation destination that features vibrant forests, gushing waterfalls, and rugged mountain scenery. The park is located 8 miles northeast of Fort Payne, and approximately 75 miles east of Huntsville making it a great place camping near Atlanta. Dedicated in 1939, the park was named after Hernando de Soto, the renowned 16th century explorer. Prior to its dedication, most of the park’s roads, trails and facilities were constructed through the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a Depression-era works program that improved many of the country’s parks and forests, while providing jobs and skills to millions of struggling Americans. The park boasts many local legends, including one that suggests that the area may have been settled by Welsh explorers, centuries before Columbus’s arrival in the New World. Visitors are invited to learn more about DeSoto State Park by camping in the park.
The campground at DeSoto State Park features 94 full-hookup sites for tent and RV campers. Sites have either back-in or pull-through parking pads, and can accommodate large vehicles/trailers. Each site is equipped with picnic tables and cooking grills, and there are two comfort stations available with restrooms, showers and laundry facilities. A dump station is located onsite. The park also has a primitive tent campground that offers 16 sites with fire pits. Picnic tables, cooking grills, potable water, trash receptacles, and vault toilets are located in this campground’s central area. There are also two primitive backpacker camps with sleeping shelters and fire pits, but no water or trash service. In addition to camping, the park also offers a variety of chalets, cabins and motel rooms for those less interested in roughing it. Other amenities include picnic areas, an outdoor pool, tennis courts, and a playground. Campsite rates range from $15–$36/night, plus fees; other accommodation rates vary.
Visitors will find a variety of seasonal activities to enjoy at DeSoto State Park, from hiking and fishing to geocaching and zip-lining. Start your visit by checking out the CCC Museum and Benefield Interpretive Center to learn about the park’s history, flora and fauna. Drop into the country store and purchase a trail map for the park’s 30 miles of hiking and biking paths. Trails range in distance and difficulty, so there’s a path for everyone. There’s even a barrier-free boardwalk trail. Swimming, fishing and kayaking can be enjoyed on the West Fork Little River, which runs right through the park. The park also hosts guided hikes, campfire programs, and community events. Thrill-seekers can get a bird’s eye view over the park on the Aerial Adventure zipline course, which includes six ziplines and seven sky bridges, and golfers can tee off at the DeSoto Golf Course, just a few miles south of the park.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$38 / night
6.
Wind Creek State Park Campground
45 Reviews
94 Photos
217 Saves
Alexander City, Alabama
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.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
7.
Lake Guntersville State Park Campground
40 Reviews
76 Photos
194 Saves
Guntersville, Alabama
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.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
8.
Noccalula Falls Park & Campground
34 Reviews
71 Photos
148 Saves
Gadsden, Alabama
Noccalula Falls Park and Campground is the premiere destination for family fun and camping! Enjoy our great location, easy access, low prices, and great events all year long.
When checking in at Noccalula Falls Campground, you will be greeted by one of our friendly staff members who will assist you with all your camping needs. The campground is security gate controlled, which allows us to keep the area secure for our campers.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
9.
Chewacla State Park Campground
33 Reviews
110 Photos
129 Saves
Auburn, Alabama
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
10.
Cherokee Rock Village
30 Reviews
231 Photos
281 Saves
Leesburg, Alabama
Tent, RV and Primitive Camping
Daily Use Fee - $8 per vehicle for standard cars and trucks, $16 per vehicle for passenger vans, and $21 per vehicle for buses.
Camping Fee - $19 per vehicle for standard cars and trucks, $26 per vehicle for passenger vans, and $36 per vehicle for buses and RVs.
We are open 24/7 every day. A self-pay box is located at the front entrance to pay for admission after hours. We also have annual passes that are $45 for a year it makes camping half off.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
$0 - $35 / night

Popular Camping Styles in Alabama

Tents

RVs

Dispersed

Cabins

Pets Allowed

Yurts

Equestrian

Pet-friendly camping in Alabama

Gulf State Park Campground

94 Reviews

340 Photos

648 Saves

Orange Beach, Alabama

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.

Pets
Fires
Electric Hookups
Phone Service

Upper Improved Campground — Cheaha State Park

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!

Pets
Fires
Electric Hookups
Phone Service

Oak Mountain State Park Campground

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!

Pets
Fires
Electric Hookups
Phone Service

Monte Sano State Park Campground

Pets
Fires
Electric Hookups
Phone Service

$14 - $30 / night

DeSoto State Park Campground

Situated atop northeast Alabama’s Lookout Mountain, Desoto State Park is a 3,500-acre nature preserve and recreation destination that features vibrant forests, gushing waterfalls, and rugged mountain scenery. The park is located 8 miles northeast of Fort Payne, and approximately 75 miles east of Huntsville making it a great place camping near Atlanta. Dedicated in 1939, the park was named after Hernando de Soto, the renowned 16th century explorer. Prior to its dedication, most of the park’s roads, trails and facilities were constructed through the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a Depression-era works program that improved many of the country’s parks and forests, while providing jobs and skills to millions of struggling Americans. The park boasts many local legends, including one that suggests that the area may have been settled by Welsh explorers, centuries before Columbus’s arrival in the New World. Visitors are invited to learn more about DeSoto State Park by camping in the park.

The campground at DeSoto State Park features 94 full-hookup sites for tent and RV campers. Sites have either back-in or pull-through parking pads, and can accommodate large vehicles/trailers. Each site is equipped with picnic tables and cooking grills, and there are two comfort stations available with restrooms, showers and laundry facilities. A dump station is located onsite. The park also has a primitive tent campground that offers 16 sites with fire pits. Picnic tables, cooking grills, potable water, trash receptacles, and vault toilets are located in this campground’s central area. There are also two primitive backpacker camps with sleeping shelters and fire pits, but no water or trash service. In addition to camping, the park also offers a variety of chalets, cabins and motel rooms for those less interested in roughing it. Other amenities include picnic areas, an outdoor pool, tennis courts, and a playground. Campsite rates range from $15–$36/night, plus fees; other accommodation rates vary.

Visitors will find a variety of seasonal activities to enjoy at DeSoto State Park, from hiking and fishing to geocaching and zip-lining. Start your visit by checking out the CCC Museum and Benefield Interpretive Center to learn about the park’s history, flora and fauna. Drop into the country store and purchase a trail map for the park’s 30 miles of hiking and biking paths. Trails range in distance and difficulty, so there’s a path for everyone. There’s even a barrier-free boardwalk trail. Swimming, fishing and kayaking can be enjoyed on the West Fork Little River, which runs right through the park. The park also hosts guided hikes, campfire programs, and community events. Thrill-seekers can get a bird’s eye view over the park on the Aerial Adventure zipline course, which includes six ziplines and seven sky bridges, and golfers can tee off at the DeSoto Golf Course, just a few miles south of the park.

Pets
Fires
Electric Hookups
Phone Service

$38 / night

Wind Creek State Park Campground

45 Reviews

94 Photos

217 Saves

Alexander City, Alabama

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.

Pets
Fires
Electric Hookups
Phone Service

View All

Places to Camp in Alabama

Best Camping Sites in Alabama (540)

1.

Gulf State Park Campground

2.

Upper Improved Campground — Cheaha State Park

3.

Oak Mountain State Park Campground

4.

Monte Sano State Park Campground

5.

DeSoto State Park Campground

6.

Wind Creek State Park Campground

7.

Lake Guntersville State Park Campground

8.

Noccalula Falls Park & Campground

9.

Chewacla State Park Campground

10.

Cherokee Rock Village

Popular Camping Styles in Alabama

Tents

RVs

Dispersed

Cabins

Pets Allowed

Yurts

Equestrian

Pet-friendly camping in Alabama

Gulf State Park Campground

Upper Improved Campground — Cheaha State Park

Oak Mountain State Park Campground

Monte Sano State Park Campground

DeSoto State Park Campground

Wind Creek State Park Campground

Recent Reviews In Alabama

2191 Reviews of 540 Alabama Campgrounds