If you’re tent camping in the tent-only walk-in sites, site 60 is definitely the most private (farthest from the lot but still a short walk in on a paved path). Bathrooms are two single stall/shower combos, but never too crowded. Campground is good for paddling, especially for renting from the concessions (they have single and tandem kayaks, SUP, and canoes). It’s a drive and a separate entrance to get to the head springs area of the park, though there is a small roped off swim area by the boat ramp. We went before tubing opens (April 1 each year), so the Rainbow was less crowded and stunningly clear and emerald.
A nice state park very close to Huntsville. A range of trails, including some easy to moderate ones. Great views from both sides of the mountain. Campground is fine and is gated at all times, for extra security. A great home-base to balance nature time and jaunts into the city. Consider checking out Burrit on the Mountain, which is just down the road.
The highest point in Alabama, this park has some stunning views, especially from the Pulpit Rock trail (an easy—except for the first steep decline—and relatively short hike from the road). We stayed in the hotel, which was fine for the cost (but did lose electricity for several hours). The campground was quiet in mid-December, but the sites on the outer ring looked pleasant. Would definitely love to come tent camping here again in the fall or spring.
If you’re tent camping, sites B64 and B65 are a bit isolated in their own area and right on the water. Not much shade (though 65 next door does have a tree) so better for the cooler months, but you can fish or kayak right from your spot! Tent sites are on $14/night, and usually have good availability, so a great deal.
We spent a pleasant long weekend here in this 2-br cottage with a peaceful view of the river. Full kitchen, screened-in porch, and a fire ring outside. We t in a short nature walk along the river, but this cottage made an especially great jumping off point to catch the ferry in St. Mary’s for a day trip (with bikes) to Cumberland Island. It poured the whole day, so we felt especially grateful for the dry cabin and ability to cook food upon return. Would definitely return and would bring the kayaks to use in the park next time. Be sure to also check out the tabby sugar works ruins just down the road from the park!
Cabin 1 (one of the original CCC cabins) was perfect for a long Thanksgiving weekend. The cabin feels both rustic and has a modern kitchen, which is great for cooking a celebratory feast. It also has two interior wood-burning stoves, one in the living room and one in the bedroom, so perfect for those chilly nights. We saw some stunning sunsets from the rocking chairs on the side porch. The view over the ridge really makes it feel like you’re in the mountains. We did miss the peak of the fall leaves by a couple of weeks, but we had great hikes every day. Really relaxing trip.
The campground was just a bit tight for my preferences as a tent camper (especially as it was fully booked over a holiday—Thanksgiving—weekend), but we still had a great time. We rented a Jon boat, which let us see a lot of the park. Would definitely return.
Campground is good with lots of options including yurts. Cabins have a great view, but at least some of them have the hiking trail right behind them. But this is an amazing park! Terrific hiking that will really give you a challenge, with lots of stairs up and down, but with some amazing waterfalls that make it all worth it. I definitely want to come back and spend more time camping here in the future.
I really appreciated having the separate tent area, which always makes for a quieter camp. The sites are right on the water and have a nice breeze. There are a few trees spread about, but definitely not a lot of shade or privacy. But even a holiday weekend, the tent sites were not all full when I went. A bit of a trek to the restroom (but also made the tent site area quieter from the rest of the campground, which is quite large). Has a small swimming area, but was pretty overgrown and not that enticing while I was there. This makes a pretty good camping base to explore Providence Canyon and the even closer George T. Bagby State Park and Kolomoki Mounds. Also, exceptional sunsets from the tent sites as they face west!
We stayed with two small tents in T6, which had some shade but was also adjacent to an open field area, which would be great for kiddos who want room to spread out and play games. There was also an easier area to park in and enter the site from the back. Perfect hammock trees at this site. The park was also lovely. Highly recommend bringing your own bikes to get to both the beach and to explore the lake areas with a bit more biking. We didn’t get to hike as it was already pretty late in the year (quite hot). Hit the beach at sunset for lovely views and grazing deers. Would definitely tent camp here again!
The campground only has a little over 20 sites, keeping the whole place nice and on an intimate scale, especially if you are able to snag one of the lake-side campsites, which have nice lake breeze and beautiful views. The park is an important sacred site (I suggest visiting the mounds at sunrise), but also has great modern recreational opportunities, like kayaking, a small swimming beach and large picnic/pavilion areas, and a small fishing dock. I made my reservation quite last minute, and sites 19 and 20 are really close together (would be great if sharing with friends), but we still had a pleasant time. Be sure to check out the museum to gain a better understanding of this sacred, historical site!
Cabins have great views with a back porch over the bluffs (with a nice sunset vantage point). Bunk beds are fine (mattresses not that great) and plenty of space inside with extras that make them really convenient (fridge, microwave, good heating). There’s about a 6-mile loop trail overlooking the river that will provide a good workout. The recreation area down by the river is expansive enough for folks to spread out. Here in March it’s too chilly for swimming, but would likely be a nice escape in the summer. Would definitely return.