CAMPING IN ALABAMA: Discovering the Best Campsites and RV Parks

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Introduction to Sweet Home Alabama

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The “Heart of Dixie” often refers to Alabama. Tennessee borders it to the north, the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) and Florida to the south, Georgia to the east, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama is home to rolling foothills of the northern Smoky Mountains, central open plains, historical landmarks, and beautiful seas along the GOM to the south. 

The National Park Service administers some Alabama areas, including Horseshoe Bend National Military Park, Little River Canyon National Preserve, and more. Let’s enjoy its natural beauty and wonders more fully as we go along.

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Natural Features

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Alabama consists of 22 million acres of forest (62% of total land area). About 60% is a gentle plain with a general descent towards the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. The North Alabama region is primarily mountainous, with abundant streams, creeks streams, rivers, and lakes. 

Approximately 3.2% of the area is water, making it the 23rd in surface water. It has the second largest inland canal system in America. It is in the subtropical coniferous forest biome and currently ranks fifth for the most diverse flora. Alabama is among the top geographically biodiverse destinations in the nation.

Climate

It has an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C) and classifies as a humid subtropical (Cfa) under the Koppen Climate Classification. The northern part, especially the Appalachian Mountains in the northeast, is slightly more relaxed than Alabama’s southern part. It has scorching summers and mild winters with abundant precipitation throughout the year. Snowfall is less frequent in the southern part of Alabama and sometimes goes several years without any snowfall.

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Camping in Alabama: Planning your Vacation

Ideally, the first step in preparing for an adventure in learning and knowing where and when you are going. So before you camp out, we listed a few things you might want to consider to ensure an enjoyable and successful outdoor trip. Let’s start!

1. Choosing your camping destination. 

When choosing a campground, first determine what activities are available there and the climate—checking the events calendar of that specific place before your trip can give you ideas about what activities it can offer.

2. Checking the campground’s rules and regulations.

Knowing what’s allowed and what’s not can lessen headaches and unwanted problems that can occur during your vacation. Make sure to visit their website or contact them for other inquiries.

3. Get equipped and geared up for your vacation.

It can be a bit stressful at times, but forgetting and not remembering what to bring or not is much more grueling. Ensure that you have items on that list checked, packed, and ready to go.

4. Meal Planning.

It’s a good practice to plan every meal you’ll prepare during the campout. Remember to note the shelf life of the ingredients and the storage capacity of your refrigerator and cooler. You can check if there are food services and restaurants nearby as well.

5. Checking access and amenities.

Learn about the features and accessible amenities of your chosen destination. Doing this will let you know if you’ll need to bring any during your stay.

6. Reviewing safety and emergency concerns.

Staying outdoors can have unforeseen troubles that can compromise your safety, and having a step ahead is a great way to prevent or lessen the risk. 

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Choosing the Location: Visiting the Best and Most Popular State Parks, RV Parks, Backpacking or Primitive Sites in Alabama

There are many excellent campgrounds and outdoor sites if you want to go camping in Alabama. These sites can provide all the necessary features and amenities for a great outdoor adventure, even if it’s only a whole day’s stay. Imagine hiking through the dramatic colors of fall, relaxing in a mountain cabin, enjoying the calm lakes and beaches, exploring historical trails, or wanting to be magnetized by the spectacular sunset and starry skies. 

Are you staying in a trailer, tent, or cabin? If outdoor adventures and camping in Alabama are still not on your RV bucket list, now is the time to write it down and discover its wonders. Below are some of the destinations spanning from the north up to the southern part of Alabama. You can click the link provided if you want to visit their website. So, let’s get into it!

Alabama Northern Foothills, Canyons, and the Smoky Mountains

There are many RV parks, canyons, and nature preserves to visit in the northern part of Alabama. We listed the essential features, activities, campground reviews, and other information to help you have a better site comparison.

1. Bear Creek Lakes

1111 County Rd 88, Russellville, AL 35653

The Bear Creek Control Project comprises four lakes (Cedar Creek, Little Bear, Upper Bear, and Bear Creek) and surrounding woodlands near Russellville, Alabama. The 30-mile canoe float stream between Upper Bear and Big Bear Reservoirs is an excellent site for canoeists in Alabama. 

2. Buck’s Pocket State Park

393 County Rd 174, Groveoak, AL 35975

The Buck’s Pocket is located in three counties (DeKalb, Jackson, and Marshall) and is secluded in a natural pocket. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a peaceful & tranquil place in Alabama. Buck’s Pocket is known for the sweeping views of its rugged, seemingly untouched landscape provided from the heights of Point Rock. Along the 6.2 mile ORV trail, there are a few areas nearby to picnic and fish while enjoying the scenic view.

3. Cathedral Caverns State Park

637 Cave Road Woodville, AL 35769

The Cathedral Caverns features many stunning sites like a “caveman” perched atop a flowstone wall, a large stalagmite forest (27 feet tall and 3 inches wide), and a “frozen” cascade. The cave maintains 60 degrees temperature all year, making it an excellent vacation and field trip destination for schools, churches, or other groups. 

4. Corinth Recreation Area

2540 County Road 57, Double Springs, AL 35553

The Corinth Recreation Area is a sophisticated campground situated on the coasts of the upper part of Lewis Smith Lake in Winston County in Alabama. The area’s leading site is the swimming beach with outdoor showers. There is a 1.25-mile hiking path along the shoreline of the lake. 

5. DeSoto State Park

7104 Desoto Pkwy NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967

The DeSoto State Park is nestled atop the beautiful lookout mountain in scenic Northeast Alabama. Its beautiful attractions include the Little River Canyon Nature Preserve, the 104-foot DeSoto Falls, historic Fort Payne and Mentone, and the Walls of Jericho Forever Wild Tract.

6. Dismals Canyon National Park

7104 Desoto Pkwy NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967

The Dismals Canyon offers many natural wonders and is often associated with exotic sites in Alabama. If you are camping with kids, glowworms, known as “Dismalities,” is a fun phenomenon to see. Massive Canadian Hemlock trees surround the canyon.

7. Lake Guntersville Resort

1155 Lodge Dr., Guntersville, AL 35976

It lies along the banks of the Tennessee River. Lake Guntersville is a great choice if you are looking for a resort-style or outdoor adventure in natural woodlands. There are many recreational amenities like the 18-hole championship golf course, the Screaming Eagle Zipline, a beach complex, fishing, and 36 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and other daytime activities.

8. Monte Sano State Park

5105 Nolen Ave. Huntsville, AL 35801

Monte Sano means “Mountain of Health” in Spanish. It has an expansive mountaintop, exciting trails, rustic cabins, and other scenic views. Equipped with kitchens, fireplaces, outdoor grills, picnic tables, and porches, you are sure to have a unique outdoor experience.

9. Point Mallard

2600 Point Mallard Campground, Splash St, Decatur, AL 35601

This campground in northern Alabama features 217 shaded sites and six tent sites on 25 wooded acres. Their swimming pool is America’s first wave pool. It features an indoor ice skating rink, an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, and a driving range.

10. Rock Bridge Canyon Equestrian Park

331 Trail Head Road, Hodges, AL 35571

1942 Hwy 172, Hodges, Alabama 35571 (for GPS)

If you want to experience an exciting horse riding adventure in Alabama, this Rock Bridge Canyon is an option for you. They have 27 miles of different trails with the falls’ breathtaking view and the natural rock bridge (100 feet high and 82 feet long).

Central Open Plains, Mountain Ridges, Creeks, and Historical State Parks

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Come and visit the best open plains, mountain ridges, creeks, and historical sites in Central Alabama. We categorized them and listed the essential features, activities, campground reviews, and other information to help you have a better insight.

1. Cheaha State Park

19644 Hwy 281, Delta, AL 36258

If you seek out adventure and solitude, you might as well do it on the best and highest point in Alabama. It is located on top of the Cheaha Mountains and offers breathtaking views and activities. “Chaha” means “high place” in the Muskogee language.

2. Deerlick Creek

12421 Deerlick Rd Tuscaloosa, AL 35406

Deerlick Creek is on Holt Lake on the Black Warrior-Tombigbee Canal northeast of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. You can explore the best lakeshores during hiking trails, fish for bass, crappie, bream, catfish, and more.

3. Lake Lurleen State Park

13226 Lake Lurleen Road Coker, AL 35452

The famous 250-acre lake is the main attraction at Lake Lurleen grounds. It measures nearly 1 1/2 miles long, 1/2 wide, with a depth of 48 feet.

4. Oak Mountain State Park

200 Terrace Dr, Pelham, AL 35124

Oak Mountain consists of 9,940 acres, making it the largest state park in Alabama. They offer many of the best outdoor activities for campers and outdoor lovers.

5. Auburn RV Park

2670 South College Street, Auburn, AL 36832

It is the only privately owned RV park situated inside the city limits of Auburn, Alabama. Some of the best attractions you can check out include Auburn University, the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, the Auburn Sports Museum, and the Auburn Arena.

6. Montgomery South RV Park

731 Venable Rd Hope Hull, AL 36043

Sometimes all you need is a quiet place to stay away from the city. The Montgomery RV Park offers all the amenities that a camper would expect. Additionally, it is a quiet and secure place for a getaway.

7. Kountry Air RV Park

2133 Hwy 82 West Prattville, AL 36067

They offer significant level pull-thru sites with great WiFi & southern hospitality. They provide firewood and picnic tables at the site. However, they do not allow tents, pop-up canvas trailers, FEMA model trailers, or older units.

8. Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park

12632 Confederate Pkwy, McCalla, AL 35111

Campground guests often go to Tannehill Camp in Alabama during Halloween. Campers decorate their trailers for the occasion and do trick-or-treating as it has become a well-attended tradition.

9. Wind Creek State Park

4325 Alabama Highway 128 Alexander City, AL 35010

Southern Lakes, Creeks, Springs, and State Parks

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Southern Alabama offers amazing lakes, creeks, hidden springs, historical sites, and RV parks. We categorized them and listed the essential features, activities, campground reviews, and other information to help you have a better insight.

1. Bladon Springs State Park

3921 Bladon Rd Bladon Springs, AL 36919

The Bladon Springs provides a modern campsite, shelters, tables, and grills for group events like other RV parks. There are around four mineral springs on this 357-acre land in Choctaw County Southwest of Alabama.

2. Historic Blakeley State Park

34745 State Hwy 225 Spanish Fort, AL 36577

The Blakely traces its origins to 1974; within its grounds is the last major battle of the Civil War. The 3,800-acre Blakeley Historic Site is on the National Register of Historic Places in Alabama.

3. Blue Springs State Park

2595 AL-10 Clio, AL 36017

Blue Springs is situated by an underground spring. The Blue Springs’ pool is the main attraction in this 103-acre land in southeast Alabama.

4. Chewacla State Park

124 Shell Toomer Pkwy Auburn, AL 36830

It has a  scenic 696-acre area for relaxation and recreation. The Chewacla site is a short drive from the Auburn-Opelika area of Alabama. You can fish bass, bream, catfish, and crappie or take a dip off their seaside area. 

5. Chickasaw State Park

26955 U.S. Highway 43 Gallion, AL 36742

Chickasaw is situated on some of the highest terrains in west Tennessee, Alabama. It utilizes 1,280 acres for recreation (a total of 14,384 acres of timberland). The State Forestry Division and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency manage some parts of the area.

Gulf Shores, Beaches, RV Parks, and Resorts

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The southernmost part of Alabama features amazing seasides and sandy beaches with RV parks. We categorized them and listed the essential features, activities, campground reviews, and other information to help you have a better insight.

1. Bay Breeze RV Park on the Bay LCC

1901 Bay Breeze Pkwy Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542

The Bay Breeze offers many RV parks with beautiful natural seacoasts, fishing and boat dock, sun deck, accommodation rentals, and picnic areas. You can have a spectacular view of Mobile Bay from most sites of the resort.

2. Johnny’s Lakeside RV Park Resort

15810 State Hwy 59 N Foley, AL 36535

This RV park and resort is near the well-known white sand beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama. The resort is minutes away from other popular attractions like golf, sport fishing, diving, snorkeling, nature hiking, historical Alabama sites, and galleries. 

3. Fort Morgan RV Park

10397 2ND St. Gulf Shores, AL 36542

This RV park site is situated directly in Mobile Bay of Alabama, providing a quiet and relaxing place for campers. You watch the beautiful wildlife, including porpoise, blue herons, and seagulls.

4. Island Retreat RV Park

18201 State Highway180 W Gulf Shores, AL 36542

It’s a relaxing place with the enjoyment of pristine sugar sand beaches and emerald blue

seas of Alabama throughout the year. There are entertainment sites and shops near the retreat.

5. Meaher State Park

5200 Battleship Pkwy East Spanish Fort, AL 36527

Formed by the confluence of Tombigbee and Alabama Rivers, it features a 300-foot pier and 200-foot fishing area in Meaher.  You can find many shopping and dining options near the area.

6. Heritage Motorcoach Resort and Marina

28888 Canal Rd. Orange Beach, AL 36561

This Heritage Resort and Marina is among the best-hidden treasures of southeast Alabama. You can find it on Bayou St. John in Orange Beach. It has a different luxurious feel; you can expect a unique and exceptional staycation here.

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Packing List: Bringing the Essentials

Please take note that your list may vary depending on your chosen location, season, camping duration, and planned activities. 

Sleeping

After having fun doing all adventures during the day, it’s always great to have proper and comfortable sleeping gear for a good night’s sleep in RV parks. So, to make sure that you’ll wake up feeling awesome the next day, we recommend the following:

• Sleeping bag, mattress, or sofa bed
• Pillows
• Extra blankets
• Screen tent

Medical & First Aid Kits

• First-aid kit
• Bug sting ointment
• Aloe lotion
• Other vital medicines for allergies, headache, fever, and such

General Camping Gear and Tools

Please note that some campgrounds in Alabama may offer the items on the list. Our recommendations are for campers staying in Alabama RV parks and camping sites.

• Rucksack
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Propane-powered lantern, solar-powered lights, or awning lights (for outdoor lighting)
• Solar charger
• Extension cords
• Thermacell bug spray/ repellent
• Water filter
• GPS
• Cell signal booster
• Compass
• Binoculars
• Camp chairs and folding table (if not provided)
• Pocket knife, multi-tool, pliers, and wrenches
• Rope, cable ties, and duct tape
• Hammock, mat patio, or patio rug
• Heater (If you are sensitive to cold or during the winter season)

Bathroom

Showers and bathrooms are often available at campgrounds and RV parks. You’ll need essential things like toilet paper and other toiletries like towels, soap, shampoos, etc. Bringing a toilet treatment comes in handy as well. Don’t forget to bring your flip-flops, so you don’t have to walk around barefoot.

Cleaning

If you’re in an RV park, cleaning items are essential. Since the recreational vehicle is our mobile home, we want to make it clean as much as possible. Brooms and dustpans are probably the most needed. Don’t forget to bring trash bags, dish soap (for utensils), disinfectant wipes, rubber gloves, and multipurpose liquid cleaners. 

Kitchen and Cooking Items

It’s more enjoyable if you have your kitchen needs with you. Here’s our list:

• Coolers or refrigerator
• Cookware and skewers
• Utensils
• Cups, plates, and bowls
• Aluminum foil, zip lock bags, containers
• Coffee maker and pot
• Camp kitchen, portable stove, or portable grills
• Cooking oil  

Other Items to Consider when Camping in Alabama

Your choice of clothing should depend on the activity or season you prefer. We recommend you bring camping wear like long pants, t-shirts or sweatshirts, camper or hiking shorts and of course undies or thermal undies. If you plan on wet adventures, you need bathing suits or swimwear, towels, slippers, or sandals. Bringing a rain jacket or raincoat is handy whether you’re expecting rain or not. Having a clothes bag for your clean and dirty clothes is very convenient. 

Is there anything else? How about items for fun? Never miss the following:

• Camera and memory cards (Take photos of your experience and bring extra batteries and chargers.)
• Aquatic toys, football, and frisbees
• Glow sticks
• Play cards and board games
• Reading materials 
• Telescope for stargazing
• Bicycles (You’ll need a bike rack installed in your trailer.) 

Some of Alabama’s traditional and modern campgrounds and RV parks have fire pits at each site and offer free firewood. Primitive campsites often don’t offer these features. We suggest that you first check whether the area allows fire or campfires. You can bring your pit, fire starting kit, and liquid-proof matches will do if it does.

Some sites will not allow you to bring firewood. They sometimes give free firewoods to protect their forests from invasive diseases and insects. Always make sure that you follow their safety rules and regulations regarding campfires. Note that some may require a fire permit.

Camping Reminder: 

Please note that due to local guidelines regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, some information above may not be accurate or not up-to-date. Before traveling, make sure to ask and check each establishment or camping site about their guidelines and updates of amenities and services.