8 Must-Visit Alabama State Parks for Outdoor Adventure
The great state of Alabama is bursting at the seams with amazing camping destinations. Whether you want beaches, lakes, mountains, or anything else, you can find it here in the Heart of Dixie. Let’s take a look at 8 of the best Alabama RV camping destinations to help you plan your next trip.
1. Gulf State Park
If you’re looking for sun and sand, there’s no better Alabama RV camping destination than Gulf State Park.
The park is located on the ocean in Gulf Shores, Alabama. It features the award-winning Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system, which features almost 30 miles of mixed-use paved and unpaved paths. Other things to do include fishing, kayaking, and just soaking up some sun on the beach.
Gulf State Park has 496 campsites available with full hookups and paved pads. The campgrounds feature 11 newly renovated bathhouses, a swimming pool, tennis and pickleball courts, and a nature center.
2. Monte Sano State Park
Monte Sano State Park is a former health resort turned state park. Renowned for its fresh air, this Alabama RV camping destination offers amazing experiences.
Explore the 20 miles of hiking trails and 14 miles of biking trails. Or, check out the observatory and planetarium in the park run by the Von Braun Astronomical Society. If you want more to do, the nearby Monte Sano Nature Preserve provides even more recreation opportunities.
The park’s campground offers 21 full hookup sites and 69 water and electric-only sites. The campgrounds are equipped with two bathhouses with coin laundry and showers.
3. Oak Mountain State Park
Oak Mountain State Park is Alabama’s largest state park at a whopping 11,632 acres. This makes it a must-see Alabama RV camping destination.
The park features over 50 miles of trails, including some top-notch mountain biking trails. In addition, the park offers tons of recreation opportunities, including:
- A pump track and BMX course
- Boat rentals
- An 18-hole golf course
- Fishing
- Horseback riding
- And more!
Oak Mountain features 57 full hookup sites, plus 27 water and electricity-only sites, all primarily back-in. The campground also features seven bathhouses, coin-operated laundry, and a camp store.
4. Wind Creek State Park
Wind Creek State Park hugs the shores of Lake Martin. It’s the perfect Alabama RV camping destination if you’re looking for some aquatic recreation.
One of the biggest attractions at Wind Creek is fishing in the lake. Crappie, bluegill, striped bass, and more are all waiting to be caught. There’s plenty more to do at Wind Creek than fishing, though. Some of the activities available include:
- Hiking the Alabama Reunion Trail and the Campfire Trail
- Going horseback riding
- Playing a round at the putt-putt golf course
- Testing your skills at the archery range
- Relaxing by the lake
Wind Creek offers an impressive 586 campsites, all with water and electric hookups. 268 sites also have sewer hookups, and there are 157 waterfront sites.
5. Lake Guntersville State Park
Along the banks of the Tennessee River in Northeast Alabama, you’ll find Lake Guntersville State Park. Whether adventure or relaxation is what you’re after, this Alabama RV camping destination will provide it.
The park provides a truly impressive number of things to do, including:
- An 18-hole championship golf course
- A zipline
- A beach complex
- Fishing in Alabama’s largest lake
- 36 miles of hiking and biking trails
- Horseback riding
- Fine dining at the Pinecrest Dining Room
- And more!
Lake Guntersville is also a center of bald eagle conservation and awareness. On select weekends in January and February, you can learn about these incredible creatures through the park’s Eagle Awareness program.
There are 295 sites with water and electrical hookups, as well as sewer hookups on select sites. The campgrounds also feature a playground, splash pad, and camp store.
6. Cheaha State Park
Founded in 1933, Cheaha State Park is Alabama’s oldest park. In the opinion of many Alabamians, it’s also the most unique Alabama RV camping destination there is.
The park features granite boulders, ancient wind-warped trees, and Alabama’s highest point. There are over 10 miles of hiking and biking trails, including the truly unique “Bigfoot Trail,” with multiple Bigfoot cutouts to find.
There’s plenty more to do at Cheaha besides hiking, including:
- Swimming and fishing
- Rock climbing and rappelling
- Geocaching
- Multiple museums
- An interpretive center
The park features 77 improved campsites with full hookups. The sites feature grills and fire rings, and you’ll have access to a bathhouse on site.
7. DeSoto State Park
On top of Lookout Mountain in Northeast Alabama is Desoto State Park. This beautiful Alabama RV camping destination has plenty to offer, but the biggest highlight might be its waterfalls.
Nine separate waterfalls can be found throughout the park. Some of the most notable include the namesake Desoto Falls and the impressive 133-foot Grace’s High Falls.
Besides checking out the waterfalls, activities at Desoto State Park include:
- Fly fishing
- Geocaching
- Horseback riding
- 35 miles of hiking and biking trails
- Kayaking
- A zipline
Desoto State Park has 94 full hook-up sites, plus two centrally located “comfort stations” with restrooms, showers, and laundry. Both back-in and pull-through sites are available.
8. Joe Wheeler State Park
Joe Wheeler State Park is a 2,550-acre resort park that’s perfect for relaxation. At this Alabama RV camping destination, you can enjoy 18 holes of golf, partake in fine dining at Daniella’s Restaurant, and so much more.
The park sits on the 69,700-acre Wheeler Lake and features a full-service marina with permanent and overnight docking slips. Besides aquatic recreation, the park also offers 16 miles of dog-friendly hiking and biking trails, an 18-hole frisbee golf course, and more.
The park has 110 newly renovated full hookup sites, primarily back-in sites. The campground also features ADA-accessible bathrooms and showers.
Hiking, Fishing, Golfing, and More in Alabama
Hiking, fishing, golfing, and more: whatever you want to do, these Alabama RV camping destinations are sure to provide it. Be sure to check park websites for information and regulations when planning your trip. Where will you go first?
May I also suggest Clear Creek Campground in Jasper, AL. We have stayed there several times and have always had good luck with spots. We have a 36 ft Class A.