In this ultimate guide, you’ll discover different ways to camp in Alabama, including where to go, how to book your campsite, the best time of year to plan your trip, and even pro tips to make your next adventure to the Yellowhammer State one to remember.
Is Alabama Good for Camping?
No matter your camping style, from roughing it in a tent to a five-star RV resort, there’s a hidden gem for everyone’s taste in Alabama. Plenty of campgrounds in Alabama offer various amenities, and finding and booking your perfect getaway has never been easier. Let’s dive in and discover the three most popular camping styles: in a tent, in an RV, or glamping.
RV Parks in Alabama
Finding the best RV park in Alabama is easy when there are so many great campgrounds. From simple hookup sites to full-service resorts, there is a style of RV campground in Alabama to fit everyone’s needs. Check out these amazing RV parks and resorts in Alabama:
River Ridge Retreat
Sitting on Lake Guntersville, Alabama's largest lake, River Ridge Retreat boasts over 600 acres of beautiful property for adventure and relaxation. River Ridge connects to Guntersville State Park and is just minutes away from Bucks Pocket State Park and High Falls Park. Tucked away inside the property, twelve premiere cabins deliver a quiet, wilderness atmosphere.
Palomino RV Resort
Palomino RV Resort at Burrow-Hamilton Farm in Cullman, Alabama offers 50 sites with 20, 30, and 50-amp service, as well as full sewer hookups. Most sites include a fire pit, while the premium and buddy sites instead feature a full fireplace. Featuring fishing, kayaking & canoeing, basketball, pickleball, hiking trails, a dog park, and on-site laundromat.
Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater
Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater is a sports, leisure, wellness and entertainment venue with 16 tennis courts, 14 outdoor turf fields, a 7,500 person capacity amphitheater, an 8-lane indoor competition pool, an outdoor water park, playgrounds, an RV park, and a 103,000-square-foot community recreation center.
Tent Camping in Alabama
Alabama’s subtropical climate extends the traditional camping season into early spring and late fall. Some of the best camping in Alabama is designed for old-school tent campers, whether you’re looking for lots of space and privacy, or a place with added amenities. Check out these great options for tent campsites in Alabama.
Cedar Ridge Campground
Family owned and operated, Cedar Ridge Campground is open year-round for nightly, weekly or extended stays to fit every manner of camping style. Located in a quiet wooded area in Northwest Alabama, Cedar Ridge sits adjacent to Cedar Creek Lake, a well-known spot for all things outdoors.
Bama Slam Saloon & RV Park
Bama Slam is a unique destination complete with a 7,542 sq. ft. venue, off-road park, restaurant, and RV park with tent and RV sites. Bama Slam can accommodate local benefits, banquets, and weddings. Campers will enjoy the close proximity to the restaurant, 45 ft. bar, live events, off-road trails, and lakes.
The Retreat RV & Campground on Styx River
The Retreat is a brand new campground on Styx River in Robertsdale, AL, just a mile off I-10. The park offers generously sized RV sites, peaceful tent sites, and a secluded cabin on the river banks. Enjoy tubing, kayaking, or just sitting in a bag chair along the quiet banks.
Glamping in Alabama
There’s no shortage of opportunities to experience glamping in Alabama. Alabama has many great glamping options, from glass treehouses to expansive 40-acre homesteads to romantic weekend getaways. Need some ideas? Check out these excellent glamping properties.
Talladega Pit Stop RV Park & Campground
Only a hop, skip, and a shotgunned beer away from the Talladega Superspeedway and Talladega Short Track! Why sit in traffic when the race track could be in your backyard? Talladega Pit Stop RV Park & Campground has a variety of options for campers and encourages fun for all!
Wiggins Campground & RV Park
Palomino RV Resort at Burrow-Hamilton Farm in Cullman, Alabama offers 50 sites with 20, 30, and 50-amp service, as well as full sewer hookups. Most sites include a fire pit, while the premium and buddy sites instead feature a full fireplace. Featuring fishing, kayaking & canoeing, basketball, pickleball, hiking trails, a dog park, and on-site laundromat.
Alabama Mud Park
Get muddy at Alabama Mud Park! With over 800 acres of trails and mud, you'll have plenty of space to get AMP'd up. Anyone can ride, it's fun for the entire family! If you're ready for an adventure and fun, make Alabama Mud Park your next getaway destination!
Best Beach and Lake Camping in Alabama
If you’re looking to soak up the sun, sand, and sea on your next camping getaway, then beach or lake camping may be just the thing you need. Check out these fantastic beach and lake campsites for your next Alabama camping trip.
Cypress Landing RV Park
Cypress Landing RV Park is conveniently located on the beautiful Gantt Lake in Dozier, Alabama. We offer spacious, fully equipped RV sites, as well as cozy cabins and level tent sites for all guests to enjoy. Our park sustains over 60 spacious, pull thru, back in, fully equipped 20/30/50 amp water, electric, sewer, cable and WiFi sites.
The Retreat RV & Campground on Styx River
The Retreat is a brand new campground on Styx River in Robertsdale, AL, just a mile off I-10. The park offers generously sized RV sites, peaceful tent sites, and a secluded cabin on the river banks. Enjoy tubing, kayaking, or just sitting in a bag chair along the quiet banks.
Lake Osprey RV Resort
Welcome to Lake Osprey RV Resort, the newest destination luxury RV resort located near the sugar-sand beaches of the Gulf Coast’s “North Shore.” This is an RV resort for the true outdoor enthusiast, as over 180 RV sites are located within a nature preserve next to Soldiers Creek Golf Club.
State and National Park Camping in Alabama
If you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten path than private campgrounds in Alabama, there are many state and national parks that have many different campgrounds and options for camping. In fact, some of the best RV parks in Alabama are located in national parks. Let’s discover a few of the most popular state and national parks.
Natchez Trace National Parkway
One of Alabama’s most famous national parks is the Natchez Trace National Parkway. This scenic byway features 444 miles of roadways that are perfect for cyclists and RVers looking for that perfect road trip. There are three tent campgrounds and RV parks along the parkway, and you can reserve a site online. You should book your trip in advance, as these campgrounds fill up quickly.
Little River National Preserve
Equine enthusiasts can find ample opportunities across the state to bring their stock and spend some time on the trails by horseback. Little River Canyon National Preserve is one of the most popular horseback riding parks. It features 24 miles of dirt tracks that are perfect for exploring. No fees are required for the trails, but be cautious as they are shared with ATVs. Camping is not currently permitted in this park. However, there are campgrounds located seven miles away in DeSoto State Park.
DeSoto State Park
Located atop Lookout Mountain in Northwest Alabama, DeSoto State Park is one of the most popular camping parks in the state. With campsites for RVers and tent campers, glamping cabins, and mountain chalets, this park accommodates everyone’s needs and tastes. This park also boasts miles of equestrian trails so load up your trailer the next time you visit!
Lake Guntersville State Park
The second most popular state campground in Alabama is Lake Guntersville State Park. Situated along the banks of the Tennessee River, this 6,000 acre woodland is home to a variety of wildlife, ample opportunities for activities like hiking, biking, and fishing, and many developed campgrounds. Stay in a cozy cabin, or elevate your lodging to beautiful chalets overlooking the river. However you decide to stay, you’ll want to make reservations in advance because this park gets crowded during the peak visitor seasons of spring and fall.
Best Time to Go Camping in Alabama
Now that you know how and where to camp, let’s cover the best time to book your site. Fortunately, the weather in Alabama is mostly sunny, dry, and warm year-round. Because of the great weather, the season for camping in Alabama is much longer than in other states. Temperatures in the spring and fall average between 63 and 84 degrees, making it the perfect camping season.
Winters in Alabama are mild compared to northern states and have average low temperatures of 40 degrees, which is the perfect campfire weather! Summer is scorching in the state. Average temperatures from late May until late September consistently reach triple digits, making outdoor activities dangerous without proper planning. If you’re set on summer camping in Alabama, head closer to the shoreline, which is usually 10-15 degrees cooler.
Pro Tips for Camping in Alabama
If you’re new to camping in Alabama, here are a few helpful tips to remember when planning your next outdoor vacation.
- Create an essential camping checklist and follow it.
- Be sure to bring lots of sunscreen and bug spray with DEET to fight off the mosquitoes.
- Most campgrounds in northern Alabama require you to have bear-proof containers for storing food. With a black bear population in the area, bringing bear spray or an airhorn is also a good idea.
- Check all of your campground’s rules and requirements before booking your spot. Some campgrounds don’t allow pets, and some are for adults only!
- The Atlantic hurricane season runs from May to October. During these months, it is crucial to bring an emergency weather radio, extra warm blankets, and a backup plan in inclement weather.
Ready to go camping in Alabama?
You most definitely are. Head to BookOutdoors to see all the amazing campsite options and book your camping trip instantly with no fees. We also include weather protection on every eligible booking at no cost to you.
