Best Campsites in Alabama
You have not enjoyed your trip to the American southeast without visiting Alabama. This beautiful state features mountains and forests, which provide a great destination for outdoor experiences such as camping. Whether a first-time camper or a veteran, the state boasts of various natural areas and state parks, which are ideal for campsites.
Choosing the perfect spot to pitch your tent is usually not easy, even when you factor in considerations like accessibility, cost, and nearby attractions. The trick is finding out where to get the best campsites in this mountainous state. We have highlighted 15 of the best campsites scattered across Alabama, guaranteed to make your camping trip a memorable one.
1. Joe Wheeler State park
This is one of the most coveted camping sites in Alabama. It is a serene and attractive camping ground located on the banks of Wheeler Lake between Florence and Huntsville. This resort -Style Park features 116 improved campsites as well as 30 primitive campsites that offer plenty of shade and adequate space for a lovely camping experience. Outdoor activities available at the state park include hiking, tennis and golfing. The campground also features three loops with incredible water sites each with its own space and hot showers. When visitors get tired, they can relax and unwind on the Lakeside restaurant, which offers sunrise breakfast and sunset dinners.
2. Wind Creek State Park
The Wind creek state park is located along the shores of Lake Martin. It is considered one of the biggest state-operated parks in the United States featuring 586 improved campsites as well as 156 waterfront sites. This park attracts thousands of outdoor enthusiasts every year mostly because of the big Lake, which offers outdoor activities such as swimming and fishing. Most of the 500 + campsites have to be reserved in advance. The park features an archery range, kayaks, paddleboats, hiking trails and the new Zipline Canopy tour for outdoor activities. After enjoying the outdoor activities, visit the Creem on the Creek for some ice cream, sandwich, and pizza to replenish your energy.
3. Cheaha State Park
Cheaha State Park is one of Alabama’s most desirable camping sites because it offers the perfect campground for exploring cascading waterfalls, miles of hiking trails and an incredible view of the Talladega Mountains. It has 72 improved sites in two of the campgrounds, 25- semi-improved sites located at the CC tower and myriad of primitive sites The Stone bathhouses housed in the park still feature the original design built in the 1930s, but has undergone various renovations and now include modern fixtures. During the summer, you can enjoy a cool relaxing swim at Cheaha Lake. Visitors to the park are also treated to the delight of watching the Talladega NASCAR race, which takes place during the weekends.
4. Deerlick Creek
The Deerlick Creek is located along the banks of Holt Lake in Tuscaloosa. It features 41 sites, six of which are primitive campgrounds located on a bluff that overlooks the lake. Within the campground, you can find short hiking trails, biking trail, and a nice, cozy, clean central bathhouse. The Deerlick creek is a preferred camping destination for people looking to downscale from the resort-style park to a more traditional camping ground. It features a US Army Corps of Engineering campground, which is a combination of serene, beautiful landscapes with clean modern facilities and plenty of activities the whole family can enjoy. However, the campground is mainly closed between Novembers, all the way through to February for the college football season.
5. Corinth Recreation Area
The Corinth Recreational Area is a popular camping ground to pitch a tent and explore the famous “Land of a thousand waterfalls.” It is located 7 miles from Double Springs and features a campground with 102 campsites in four loops. Each of these loops has ample rooms between the sites and plenty of hardwood trees, which provide shade. The amenities offered include a nice and clean bathhouses located in each loop. Swimming and fishing along the banks of Lake Lewis Smith are the main activities in the area. Sports enthusiasts and fitness fanatics can also break a sweat at the basketball and volleyball courts.
6. Cathedral Caverns State Park
Many people visit the Cathedral Caverns State Park to tour the famous cave system. While the caves might be impressive, this state park, which is housed in a 493-acre plot, has more to offer, from hiking trails, campsites, and bathhouses. You can visit the caves or hike the trail during the day and sleep outside under the stars at night. The park offers both primitive and improved campsites with modern amenities. In this park, you can even find backcountry sites, which are only accessible by backpacking.
7. Dismals Canyon
Located on the northern reaches of Alabama, this park often falls outside the radar of noteworthy camping grounds in the state. However, the Dismals Canyon is a natural wonder, often associated with exotic locations because of the bioluminescence. The glowworms in the canyons produce an eerie blue-green glow, which is a phenomenon that children love to explore. The canyon also has some massive Canadian hemlock trees, which are thought to be the biggest in the entire Alabama state. The campsites are primitive and spread out across the area. The canyon is open on weekends starting from March and is accessible seven days a week from Memorial to Labor Day.
8. Oak Mountain State Park
Oak Mountain is most definitely the largest state park in Alabama. It is considered a maximalist paradise, which offers about any imaginable outdoor activity for visitors of all ages. This humongous park features child-friendly petting zoos, canoe rentals, and an 18-hole golf course. This popular state park even offers equestrian specific campsites. If you are looking to spend some time alone in solitude or looking for some peace and tranquil camping ground, you can visit the backcountry sites located deep in the woods.
9. Gulf State Park
The Gulf Park is home to some of the most popular campgrounds in Alabama. Located in the gulf shores, the park has 496 improved campsites from primitive options to fancy cabins. The park offers myriad fun Activities for the whole family including hiking at the wildlife refuge, zip-lines, and biking on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. The restaurants and nightlife also make the park quite entertaining. Gulf state park also features some state of the art amenities like 11 air-conditioned bathhouses, tennis courts, swimming pools, and laundry. One important thing to note before visiting this state park is that you have to make reservations in advance before visiting the park. This is because of its location 1.5 miles from the white sandy beaches, which attracts thousands of visitors in all seasons.
10. Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park
This state park is the perfect camping destination for history buffs. This must-see destination is housed in 1500 acres of land, specifically set aside for outdoor activities like camping, mountain biking, bird watching, and hiking. The park offers its visitors a long list of sights, tastes, sounds and smells unique to the state. Grab your history buff buddies and go check out the gristmill, blacksmith, country store or just go seek out the spooky artifacts from the southern state that are spread out through the state park.
11. Desoto State Park
The main point of attraction at the Desoto state park is without a doubt the 104-foot thunderous waterfall called Hernando De Soto- named after the Spanish explorer. This waterfall park features both primitive and 94 modernized campsites that offer over 25 miles of a hiking trail as well as 11 miles of mountain biking trails. After visiting the waterfalls, there are plenty of additional recreation activities for the whole family.
12. Bartram Canoe Trail
Are you looking to spend some quality time camping outdoors next to the water? Then look no further than the Bartram Canoe Trail. This unique adventure destination features a 200-mile canoe specific trail nestled in the Mobile-Tensaw river delta. It is one of the longest and beautiful aquatic trails in the USA. Bartram Canoe Trail is one of the parks in Alabama that do not require reservations since camping is free. The floating campsites are available to campers and are accessed in groups of eight or else. While at the camp, ensure that you adhere to the safety measures and protocols put in place.
13. Caney Creek Falls
If you are looking for a secluded camping site in and around Alabama, look no further than the Caney creek falls. This park is a hidden gem set within the Bankhead National Forest, which offers free camping to its visitors. The only catch is that you have to hike about 1.5 miles to the site. From loud cascading falls to quiet babbling brooks, this water world does not disappoint. Word of caution though, the trail can get precarious, hence it has suited for experienced hikers.
14. Meaher State Park
This park may be small but its popularity is quite the opposite. Meaher Park is a 1300-acre land located in Spanish Fort and is a favorite camping destination due to its location- in the middle of Mobile Bay and at the gateway to Mobile-Tensaw. The park features 61 RV and 10 improved tent sites. It compensates for its small size with various fun outdoor activities. You can head to mobile to experience the nightlife, visit museums, or head to the Delta for its educational exhibit hall and theater.
15. Corinth Recreational Area
Set behind the beautiful Lewis Smith Lake, the Corinth recreational area is one of the best places to go camping if you are looking for great fishing grounds. The reservoir is surrounded by the Blackhead National Forest, which is home to some of the best outdoor activities you can enjoy while camping. You can enjoy biking, hiking, hunting, and horseback riding in the area. Although ideal for tent campers, the Corinth recreational area is also suitable for RVs of all sizes.
Conclusion
Camping is a great outdoor activity and camping in Alabama is a great experience. It is home to some incredible hiking trails as well as a great destination for overnight camping. No matter what activities you may want to indulge in during your camping experience, the highlighted destinations will not disappoint. Have a great time camping.
