Dig the sleeping bags out of the closet and dust off the marshmallow roasting sticks, we’re going camping in Alabama.
Some of the best camping in Alabama can be found at state parks and you might be surprised to find unique adventures at privately-owned campgrounds, like Dismal’s Canyon.
Camping is a great way to get outdoors, relax, relieve stress, and watch the wonders of nature. The state of Alabama is a great place to enjoy camping year-round in one of the southern states.
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This list of places to camp in Alabama includes modern campsites, RV sites with full hookups, tent sites, primitive campsites, and backpack campsites, Although it’s more glamping than camping, you can also find plenty of campgrounds in Alabama with cabins.
I’ve included a list of some of the main amenities available at each site. It is not intended to be a complete list of amenities, just covering the high spots. Many of the RV sites have full hooks, pull-throughs, and dump stations.
There are quite a few places to go camping in Alabama with waterfalls and loads of nature to explore. Let’s get into the list.
Table of Contents
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- All About Relaxing RV Park
- Bartram Canoe Trail Camping Shelters
- Buck’s Pocket State Park
- Cheaha State Park
- Corinth Recreation Area
- Cathedral Caverns State Park
- Deerlick Creek Campground
- DeSoto State Park Campground
- Dismal’s Canyon
- Gulf State Park Gulf Shores Campgrounds
- Tannehilll Iron Works Historical State Park
- Lake Guntersville State Park Campgrounds
- Wind Creek State Park
- Camping in Alabama
- FAQ
- More Places To See in Alabama
- More Family Adventures in the South
Visit the site by clicking the green link on each one for more information. Scroll all the way down for more places to visit in Alabama and the southeast.
All About Relaxing RV Park
All About Relaxing RV Park at Theodore Alabama less than a half-hour from Mobile.
This privately owned RV Park isn’t where you will pitch a tent but it is a nice place to make yourself at home. Nice level concrete pads and pull-throughs with full hook-up. A nice place to stay and take day trips.
- WiFi
- Pet Friendly
- Swimming Pool
- Showers
- Bathhouses
- Laundry
What are people saying? It’s quiet, gated, well kept, and beautiful with excellent customer service. Clean baths and a nice dog park.
Bartram Canoe Trail Camping Shelters
Bartram Canoe Trail Camping Shelters near Mobile.
A place for genuine outdoor adventure enthusiasts with primitive camping experiences.
- Access by canoe or kayak
- Primitive camping
- No Pets
- Each party is required to have a compass, map, flashlight, and portable toilet with disposable bags. State Lands Division trails have a leave no trace policy.
The Upper Bartram Canoe Trail system along the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and Perdido River Canoe Trail provides opportunities for recreational canoeists and kayakers, to enjoy the waters of the Delta. The Alabama State Lands Division maintains six day-use trails and six overnight trails.
There are two land-based campsites and four floating platform campsites available for the overnight routes. The land-based camping areas are open to anyone on a first-come-first-served basis.
The floating platform campsites are limited to groups no larger than eight and are available by reservation only. Reservations are limited to canoeists and kayakers.
Buck’s Pocket State Park
Buck’s Pocket State Park in the northeast at Oak Alabama.
A great place to experience the great outdoors in the heart of dixie. Located off the beaten path, you will not only be in the woods but feel that way surrounded by nature. Lots of scenic views. Plan to have a picnic or go fishing.
- RV
- Tent
- Primitive
- Bathhouse
- WiFi in main campground
- Hiking
- ORV Trail
- Pet Friendly
What are people saying? Newly renovated into a nice out-of-the-way place. It’s a great park in an amazingly beautiful setting with nice pads for RVs. Great views from the overlook. The trails are nice for hiking. A nice place to camp and do day trips.
Cheaha State Park
Cheaha State Park at Delta Alabama. The park is at the southernmost tip of the Appalachian mountains, in the midst of the Talladega National Forest. Cheaha State Park is the highest point in Alabama at over 2,400 feet above sea level.
- RV
- Tent
- Primitive
- Roof-top tents on vehicles are allowed
- Bathhouse
- Laundry (located at Park entrance)
- Cabins, Chalets, Hotel
- Pet Friendly
- Hiking
- Pool
- ORV-ATV Trail
Corinth Recreation Area
Corinth Recreation Area at Double Springs, Alabama on the shores of the upper part of Lewis Smith Lake. This Alabama campground is found in the Bankhead National Forest in northwestern Alabama.
- RVs
- Tents
- Pet Friendly
- Showers
- Hiking
- Boat Ramp
What are people saying? Beautiful area with immaculate clean bathhouses. Boat ramp close by and good fishing on the lake.
Cathedral Caverns State Park
Cathedral Caverns State Park is located at Woodville in northern Alabama. The park is named for the caverns that you can tour but plan ahead because the tours get booked fast. Make reservations on their site.
Cathedral is located near other north Alabama attractions such as; Lake Guntersville, Monte Sano, Desoto and Buck’s Pocket State Parks, Scottsboro, Huntsville, and the Marshall Space Flight Center.
- RV
- Primitive
- Tent
- Cabins
- Bath House
- Hiking
Deerlick Creek Campground
Deerlick Creek Campground is located northeast of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on Holt Lake on the Black Warrior-Tombigbee Waterway. It is a short 17-mile drive to the University of Alabama from Deerlick Creek.
- RV
- Tent
- Showers
- Swimming beach
- Hiking trail
- Biking trail
- Fishing
- Boating
- Basketball courts
- Grills/Fire Ring
What are people saying about Deerlick Creek park? They love it. The reviews are almost a perfect 5. Well maintained, clean bathhouse. The trails are nice. It’s peaceful and relaxing with beautiful scenery. Feels remote but not more than 11 miles from a grocery store.
DeSoto State Park Campground
DeSoto State Park Campground is located at Fort Payne in northeast Alabama atop Lookout Mountain. Camping is our topic but if you would like to enjoy DeSoto State Park without camping, there are motels, mountain chalets, and log cabins to rent as well. There is even a restaurant on site.
Looking for camping in Alabama with waterfalls? The big DeSoto Falls is worth the hike. Some of the smaller Falls may possibly be just a trickle during dry weather but you won’t know unless you go.
What are folks saying? Beautiful sites with full hook-up, that are clean and well-maintained. Bathhouses and laundry are very clean. Hiking is great and the waterfalls are beautiful. Lots of family activities at this park.
- RV
- Tent
- Primitive
- Cabins
- Pool
- Playground
- Hiking trails
- Biking trails
- Showers
- Laundry
- WiFi at comfort stations
- Pet Friendly
Dismal’s Canyon
Dismal’s Canyon located in northwest Alabama is a privately owned nature conservatory.
Book a guided night tour to see the main attraction which is the dismalites. Only a few places on Earth are home to the “glow worms” as they require a specific habitat to survive. Dismal’s Canyon offers a bioluminescence night tour where it will appear as though your surroundings are glowing in scattered blue stars.
Dismals Canyon is about a 2-hour drive from Birmingham, a 4-hour drive from Atlanta, and about a 3-hour drive from Memphis. It’s a great place for a weekend adventure.
- Tent campsites
- Primitive campsites
- Cabins
- Bath House
- Fire rings
- Pet Friendly
- Country Store
- Soda Fountain & Grill
- Natural Pool
- Visit the Canyon Floor
- Seasonal hours
If you are interested in tent camping in Alabama where no RV roams, Dismal’s Canyon is a good spot. They do not allow RV’s.
Gulf State Park Gulf Shores Campgrounds
Gulf State Park Gulf Shores Campground is only 1 1/2 miles from those gorgeous white sand beaches. Spend the day at the OWA Amusement Park in Foley only about 15 minutes away. Tons to offer so you can spend your entire vacation right here. Bring your own firepit.
Gulf State Park is a Trip Advisor Travelers Choice Award winner.
- RV sites
- Tent sites
- Primitive camping sites
- Bathhouses (newly renovated)
- Laundry
- Swimming pool with splash pad
- Biking Trails
- Boat Ramp
- Beach pavilion with concession stand, showers and picnic tables
- Tennis and Pickleball
- Horseshoes and Volleyball
- Nature Center
Tannehilll Iron Works Historical State Park
Tannehill Iron Works Historical State Park is located in McCalla between Tuscaloosa and Birmingham. Tannehill has a rich history of processing brown ore into iron which ended during the Civil War.
The third weekend of every month, March through November, Tannehill hosts what they call Trade Days. Over 350 vendors will be on hand with items to sell. Campsites book up fast during Trade Days so make your reservation early. There are also some Craft Cabins to visit to see demonstrations by artisans and also there is an ice cream shop at the Tannehill Creamery.
- RV
- 100 primitive campsites
- Cabin Rentals
- Bath houses
- Hiking
- Miniature railway ride
- Iron & Steel Museum
- Cotton gin
- Grist Mill
Tannehill is a great place to take the family for a camping trip especially during Trade Days when you can experience the artisans. Six of the cabins are rustic log cabins from the 1800s that were moved to the park and then restored.
Lake Guntersville State Park Campgrounds
Lake Guntersville State Park Campground is located along the banks of the Tennessee River in northeast Alabama. A resort-style state park with all of the amenities and any style of camping or glamping you wish. Loads of popular activities for the outdoor enthusiast.
- RV
- Tent
- Primitive camping
- Laundry
- Bath Houses
- Playground
- Recreation area includes splash pad
- Cabins
- Chalet
- Lodge
- Tennis courts
- Basketball court
- Volleyball
- Hiking
- Biking
- Horseback Riding Trails (no horse rental)
- Beach complex
- Zipline
- 18-Hole Championship Golf Course
- Dog friendly
- Boating and Boat Rentals
- Geocaching
- Restaurant & Lounge open weekends
What are visitors saying? Beautiful and clean place, lots of wildlife and the deer are always walking around, very pleasant staff, facilities are clean, the camp store is well stocked, tent sites are by the water which is nice.
Wind Creek State Park
Wind Creek State Park is one of the largest state-owned campgrounds in the United States. Located in Alexander City on Lake Martin. It’s about an hour’s drive northeast of Montgomery or just under two hours southeast of Birmingham.
- RV
- Tent camping
- Cabins
- Horse Camping Area
- Day riding for horses
- Archery Range
- Boat Rentals
- Putt Putt golf course
- Swimming area
- Orienteering club
- Zipline Canopy Tours
- Hiking Trails
- Biking Trails
- Outdoor restaurant open seasonally
- Fishing tournaments
Wind Creek is a popular camping destination and attracts lots of families with kids of all ages, especially during the summer months. It can get crowded during peak seasons so make your reservations early. You can make reservations online via the website now.
There are lots of picnic tables and grills. Many of the campsites back right up to the water and you can put your kayak or canoe in right there.
Camping in Alabama
Alabama is home to acres and acres of woodlands for nature lovers to enjoy outdoor activities. Our list includes a few of the best places for family camping in Alabama. Check back often for more campsites to be added to this list.
Leave a comment and tell us about your experiences camping in Alabama. What is your favorite place to camp?
Scroll down for links to more family adventures in the south.
FAQ
The cost varies depending on each state park and what type of camping you plan to do. RV costs are different from tent camping. Cabins are priced differently as well.
You can book via the online system up to one year in advance.
About 1.4 miles.
Yes, but it depends on the specific location if boondocking is allowed. Check each campsite for more information on their rules. Pine Glen in the Talladega National Forest allows boondocking at this time.
More Places To See in Alabama
- Hampton Inn & Suites Tutwiler Hotel Review
- 17 Fun Things To Do In Foley Alabama
- The Park At OWA
- 5 Drive In Movie Theaters in Alabama
- 5 Reasons To Visit Desoto Caverns In Alabama
More Family Adventures in the South
