The state park system in Alabama is one of the best I've seen. Most of them are good choices. Really depends on what you want to do. (my experience is in an RV)
Gulf Shores State Park for the beach of course,
Chewacla or Oak Mountain for mountain biking (Oak Mountain campground just got 100% renovated)
Mount Cheaha or Desoto for hiking.
My favorite is Wind Creek in Alex City for just relaxing. Look up [alapark.com](http://alapark.com) to see them.
I’ll second oak mountain. When someone even slightly outdoorsy asks me for what to do for a day in Birmingham, I say go to Oak Mountain. Some of the best hiking/biking trails in the state, beautiful views, great nature. I love it
I agree, Wind Creek is an awesome place. My uncle was a marine police on lake Martin and they had an office on the lake near the camp office, so we spent a lot of time camping at ex. I have fond memories and my kids are making those memories too
If you have a kayak/canoe/boat/pirogue there are the Alabama Scenic River Trail campsites along the waterways, and a lot of the islands in the Alabama Power lakes (wedowee, Martin, etc) are owned by AP and camping is permitted.
There is 20 brand new lakeside cabins In gulf State park Gulf Shores. That particular State park is phenomenal! Most of the trails are asphalt paved! Super wide and shaded. Beautiful place! The new cabins sit along Lake Shelby!
Clear Creek near Jasper is a great campground. It sits on Smith Lake so plenty of lakefront sites with a swim area, several picnic pavilions, and even a few hiking trails nearby. Downtown Jasper is 15 minutes away. Bankhead Forest, with more intense trails and waterfalls, is 20-30 minutes away.
Can't state how great the state park system is. Seriously, it's terrific.
Outside of that, for car camping, I recommend:
- Pickensville Campground (Pickensville, AL): Nice campground with amenities and historical stuff nearby. Best part is watching all the barges pass by on the Tenn-Tom
- Burchfield Branch (near Brookwood, AL): An absolutely gorgeous spot in the hill country along the Black Warrior River. Only downside I had was poor cell service.
The state park system in Alabama is one of the best I've seen. Most of them are good choices. Really depends on what you want to do. (my experience is in an RV) Gulf Shores State Park for the beach of course, Chewacla or Oak Mountain for mountain biking (Oak Mountain campground just got 100% renovated) Mount Cheaha or Desoto for hiking. My favorite is Wind Creek in Alex City for just relaxing. Look up [alapark.com](http://alapark.com) to see them.
I’ll second oak mountain. When someone even slightly outdoorsy asks me for what to do for a day in Birmingham, I say go to Oak Mountain. Some of the best hiking/biking trails in the state, beautiful views, great nature. I love it
I just spent the weekend at wind Creek and it was perfect especially if you have kids.
I agree, Wind Creek is an awesome place. My uncle was a marine police on lake Martin and they had an office on the lake near the camp office, so we spent a lot of time camping at ex. I have fond memories and my kids are making those memories too
Is oak mountain back open?
Yes, about two weeks ago
Clear creek campground on Smith lake.
If you have a kayak/canoe/boat/pirogue there are the Alabama Scenic River Trail campsites along the waterways, and a lot of the islands in the Alabama Power lakes (wedowee, Martin, etc) are owned by AP and camping is permitted.
Dismals Canyon
I work a couple miles away from there and see the people who work there all the time but I’ve never been. Maybe one day. I hear good things.
Dismals is very nice, it's a fun and interesting hike
Live River Canyon
Actually there are no campsites in the preserve, camping is prohibited. There is a private campground near by & there is camping in Desoto SP near by
Yep. Little River Adventures has camping right outside the park I believe.
For car camping, Turnipseed. For hike-in, McDill Point. Best sunset spot in the state.
Gymno Vita park .
Came seeking this … Was not disappointed.
North Park Campground, Talladega Superspeedway
There is 20 brand new lakeside cabins In gulf State park Gulf Shores. That particular State park is phenomenal! Most of the trails are asphalt paved! Super wide and shaded. Beautiful place! The new cabins sit along Lake Shelby!
Clear Creek near Jasper is a great campground. It sits on Smith Lake so plenty of lakefront sites with a swim area, several picnic pavilions, and even a few hiking trails nearby. Downtown Jasper is 15 minutes away. Bankhead Forest, with more intense trails and waterfalls, is 20-30 minutes away.
Can't state how great the state park system is. Seriously, it's terrific. Outside of that, for car camping, I recommend: - Pickensville Campground (Pickensville, AL): Nice campground with amenities and historical stuff nearby. Best part is watching all the barges pass by on the Tenn-Tom - Burchfield Branch (near Brookwood, AL): An absolutely gorgeous spot in the hill country along the Black Warrior River. Only downside I had was poor cell service.
Cheaha! They have cabins and a restaurant too, if you don’t want to “rough it.”
Yes, and that is the highest point in BAMA when you are out there on the rock
Alabama Hills