Camping in any of the state parks in Alabama, is a great way to spend a fabulous weekend with the whole family. An outdoor camping experience is always exciting and adventurous. Home to dozens of state parks, these state parks in Alabama feature amazing camping opportunities along with good amenities and facilities. Moreover, Wind Creek State Park campground is one of the largest state-owned campgrounds in the United States. So, here is listed some of the best state parks in Alabama with amazing camping opportunities. Visit any of the campgrounds with your friends and family and have lot of outdoor fun together!
1. Blue Springs State Park
The 103-acre Blue Springs State Park is located 7 miles (11km) east of Clio in Blue Springs, Barbour County, Alabama. This one is a popular family-friendly public recreation area, and was established in 1963.
Camping: Blue Springs State Park camping boasts 47 modern campsites, primitive campsites in the wooded rural atmosphere, and rental cabins. Water hookup is available and fire is allowed on each site. Plus, 7 campsites have sewer hook-up. Moreover, each campsite has a picnic table and grill.
Other Activities: Blue Springs State Park is home to a natural underground spring that pumps 14,000L of water per minute into two concrete-ringed swimming pools. The water temperature in Blue Springs remains constant at 68 °F (20 °C). Swimming is permitted on Blue Springs and it is one of the best activities considered in this state park. Fishing, hiking, picnicking, and playing in the sand volleyball court, all these facilities are available in Blue Springs State Park.
Further Info: Managed by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Blue Springs State Park is open 365 days a year. It is open from 8 am through 4 pm from October 1st to February 28th, and from 8 am to 6 pm from Mar 1 – Sep 30. Admission fees vary for different ages, and annual passes are also available. The best time to visit Blue Springs State Park is during summer, though it is inviting for the year-round. The plus point, leashed dogs are welcome in Blue Springs State Park.
Little History To Know if You’re Interested: The original property of the present Blue Springs State Park belonged to Dr. James Daniel McLaughlin who later sold his property to the state. Though it was still a popular spot among children who could take bath in the pool present there, later, the property was transformed into one of the most popular state parks in Alabama. Visitors can still watch the stone monument dedicated to Dr. McLaughlin at the entrance to the state park.
Nearby Attractions: White Oak Creek Recreation Area (30.1 mi), The Shorter Mansion (32.4 mi), The Seth Lore and Irwinton Historic District (32.8 mi) are popular attractions that you can explore.
2. Gulf State Park
Established in 1939, Gulf State Park, another one of the best state parks in Alabama, is located on the Gulf of Mexico in the city of Gulf Shores in Baldwin County, Alabama. The state park encompasses 6,500-acre area.
Camping: Gulf State Park campsite, located 1.5 miles from the white sand beaches, offers the best campground on the Gulf. Along with primitive campground, visitors can access both tent and RV facilities. There are 11 primitive sites where tents are welcome. The 485 modern campsites boast full-hookups with paved pads. Also, there are 11 air-conditioned bathhouses throughout the Campground.
Other Activities: The biggest attraction of Gulf State Park includes the 2.5 miles (4.0 km) of white sand beaches. It is one of the most popular family friendly beaches in Alabama. There is something for everyone inside Gulf State Park. There are pine forests which offers natural trails. Also, the state park is home to three spring-fed, fresh-water lakes. Lake Shelby, the biggest one, offers swimming, kayaking and canoeing opportunities.
Also, there is a swimming pool that provides refreshing freshwater swimming experience. Fishing opportunity is available in both fresh water and saltwater. Moreover, Gulf State Park is popular with protecting the diverse wildlife population. Visitors can encounter several mammals, reptiles when they’re exploring the park.
Further Info: Admission to the Gulf State Park is free. But visitors need to pay a nominal charge if they want to access the Gulf beach pavilion or the fishing pier. This State Park is also managed by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited on Gulf State Park. Neither the beach area nor the Lake Shelby swimming area or even parking area allow visitors to drink alcohol. Dogs are permitted, but in some certain areas only inside the park. And they must be on leash at all times.
You Might Also Like: Dog Friendly Beaches You Must Explore In Alabama.
Little History To Know if You’re Interested: Gulf State Park was seriously devastated by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Later, multiple improvements and constructions were undertaken. The biggest constructions, undertaken after the storm include a 1,540-foot Gulf of Mexico fishing pier, and a 5,000-square-foot swimming pool and splash pad. It’s needless to say, these two are truly big attractions in the park.
Nearby Attractions: The Five Rivers Delta Resource Center (46.4 mi), The USS Alabama (50.1 mi), Meaher State Park (45.9 mi), these popular attractions in Alabama can be easily reached by driving some distances from Gulf State Park.
3. Buck’s Pocket State Park
Encompassing 2,000-acre beautiful landscape, Buck’s Pocket State Park is located 2 miles (3.2 km) north of the community of Grove Oak, on Sand Mountain in Alabama. The state park was established in 1971 and is best known for its seemingly untouched landscape. Every year, thousands of visitors come to this park of Alabama to enjoy the majestic views from the heights of Point Rock.
Camping: Buck’s Pocket State Park campground features 23 modern campsites and 11 primitive campsites that are located within the interior of the campground. Among the modern sites, 13 are available with sewer hook-up sites, 4 are pull-through sites. And each campsite features picnic table, fire pit, grill and concrete camper pad to make each campsite equally exciting.
Other Activities: Buck’s Pocket State Park features 10 miles of trails for hiking. Boating and fishing are popular at Morgan’s Cove on Lake Guntersville. Bald eagle watching is also popular at Lake Guntersville. The park’s picnic area offers the nice views of the canyon rim.
Further Info: Managed by Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Buck’s Pocket State Park is located in three counties. These are DeKalb, Jackson and Marshall counties. The park charges admission fees. Fees are $5/vehicle. Annual passes are also available. It costs $100. Bucks Pocket State Park allows leashed dogs to come and enjoy in some designated areas of the park.
The best time to visit Buck’s Pocket State Park is during spring and fall. This is the best time when the natural scenery (which is the main flavour of the park) is at its most vibrant. And the weather is pleasant and mild in these seasons. Though the park is a popular year-round destination, still, summer can be little hectic because of its heated weather.
Nearby Attractions: Cathedral Caverns State Park(38.1 mi), Toros Cantina And Grill Rainsville, one of the best Mexican restaurants, (16.9 mi), Weathington Park(10.6 mi), Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge(25.5 mi), these are the top-rated tourist attractions in this part of Alabama. A short drive from Buck’s Pocket State Park will easily take you to these charming places.
4. DeSoto State Park
Located on Lookout Mountain, DeSoto State Park, established in 1939, covers 3,502 acres (1,417 ha) area, allowing enthusiasts to explore great outdoor adventures through forest, rivers, waterfalls, and mountain terrain.
Camping: DeSoto State Park features improved campground with 94 full-hookup tent and RV sites, primitive campsites, 2 back country campsites with shelters. Picnic tables & grills are located at each site. Moreover, there are 2 comfort stations that have restrooms, showers, & coin-laundry facilities.
If camping is not your thing, head to chalets, motels, CCC-built lodge and cabins, whatever you like.
Other Activities: DeSoto State Park is popular with great outdoor activities. Picnicking, hiking, biking, all you can explore here. The 25 miles of hiking trails, that also include more than 11 miles of National Recreation Trail—one of the popular mountain bike trails, is a must-to-do activity for any outdoor enthusiast. Also, there are swimming pool, restaurant, nature center that are enough to make anyone busy for the whole day.
Further Info: The biggest attraction of DeSoto State Park is the 104-foot-tall DeSoto Falls. It is the highest waterfall in Alabama. If you’re willing to enjoy this majestic waterfall, you’ll find it 6 miles north of the main DeSoto State Park, and in a separate park actually. The named of the waterfall and the state park are named after Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto. This state park is home to many other falls and streams.
The state park allows well-mannered dogs at Desoto State Park Campground. But they must be on leash and the leash must not be longer than 6 feet. The best time to visit DeSoto State Park are spring. Late fall and winter. In summer months, most of the waterfalls and streams are dried up and you can’t find their existence.
Little History To Know if You’re Interested: DeSoto State Park, then known as State Park No. 5, was first developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1930s. Later, in 1939, the park was renamed as Desoto State Park. At that time, it was the largest state park in Alabama.
Nearby Attractions: DeSoto State Park’s nearby attractions include Little River Canyon Nature Preserve(8.1 mi), Alabama Fan Club and Museum(6.3 mi), Fort Payne Cabin Historic Site(5.8 mi). These are some of the most tourist popular attractions in Alabama.
5. Cathedral Caverns State Park
The natural history preserve, Cathedral Caverns State Park is located in Kennamer Cove, 7 miles (11 km) southeast of Woodville in Marshall County, Alabama. Cathedral Caverns is one of the biggest tourist attractions that was developed in 1950s. Though, the park was opened as a state park in 2000.
Camping: Cathedral Caverns State Park Campground features 36 modern campsites, 5 primitive campsites and 2 backcountry sites, also. All sites have a picnic table and fire ring. But no tents are permitted on full hookup sites.
Other Attractions: Cave tour is the most adventurous things to do in Cathedral Caverns State Park. The tour takes about 90 minutes to complete. Another fun activity includes gem mining. The 493-acre park also boasts marked hiking trails for those wanting to explore more!
Further Info: Managed by Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Cathedral Caverns State Park’s admission charge varies for different ages. General admission is $20 for ages 13+, $18 for military person and ID is required, $9 for ages 5-12, and for under 4 years old kids’, there is no charge. You can also book group tours for a discounted rate. The park is open everyday, from 9 am to 5:30 pm. Note that pets are not allowed in Cathedral Caverns State Park buildings or inside the cave.
Little History To Know if You’re Interested: Originally called Bat Cave, Cathedral Caverns was serving as a tourist attraction from the year of 1955. In that time, the cave was maintained by Jacob Gurley. In 1975, the cave was sold to Tom German who also sold it to the State of Alabama in 1987. At last, the attraction was reopened with the new name Cathedral Caverns State Park with more attractions and activities in the year of 2000. The cave was declared a National Natural Landmark in 1972.
Nearby Attractions: In the nearby surroundings of Cathedral Caverns State Park, you’ll find many popular North Alabama attractions. The must-to-visit places include Marshall Space Flight Center(38.9 mi), DeSoto State Park(53.4 mi), Huntsville(29.9 mi).
6. Cheaha State Park
Cheaha State Park, Alabama’s oldest continuously operating state park, is home to many attractions. The 2,799-acre park is located in Clay and Cleburne counties in Alabama, USA. It was established as a state park in 1933. The highest point of Alabama, Cheaha Mountain is also situated inside Cheaha State Park.
Camping: Cheaha State Park campground features 77 improved campsites. Each campsite boasts electrical hook-ups with water and sewer hook-ups, picnic table, grill or fire-ring, and access to a bathhouse, as well.
The upper primitive campground has 26 tent sites available. Picnic tables, fire rings, shared water spigots and restrooms are available, but no bathhouse is available. Also, primitive campground doesn’t allow RVs, campers, or camping vans. Roof-top tents on vehicles are welcome. The interesting things is the primitive sites are located along Tower Road. It is Alabama’s highest point.
Moreover, Cheaha State Park has CCC primitive campground. There are 28 rustic tent sites available here. Facilities include a tent pad, fire ring, access to a vault toilet, and access to community water spigots. Again, there is no bathhouse or shower amenity available. Plus, roof-top tents are allowed, but no RVs, campers, or camping vans are allowed.
Primitive group campground includes 5 campsites allowing 9 to 25 people in each site.
Other Activities: Cheaha State Park day use area offers amazing fishing, swimming, boating opportunities in Cheaha Lake. There is a pool as well. But it is available only for overnight guests. Picnicking is a good choice. Also, the park offers several scenic viewpoints. Hiking opportunity is also huge. There are more than 13 great trails available in the park. Bird watchers will get equal opportunity when exploring any these trails. The best thing, Cheaha State Park has some easy hiking trails that are great for the whole family. The parks’ National Recreation Trail, earlier known as Doug Ghee Accessible Trail, is a nice one to go with.
Further Info: Managed by Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Cheaha State Park’s admission fees include $5 per person, $2 per child aged 4-11/senior, free for Veterans/Military with ID. Annual passes come with individuals pass 12 & Older: $105; family pass up to 6: $155; and senior and disability passes: $55. Dogs are welcome at Cheaha State Park. Moreover, campgrounds, cabins, chalets and hotels, all allow furry friends to come and enjoy with us in this state park. Please note, consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages is prohibited here. Outdoor enthusiasts willing to explore the best panoramic views of the surrounding area, mid-October is the best time to visit Cheaha State Park. Though, it’s a year-round perfect outdoor destination that comes with endless fun opportunities for each individual!
Little History To Know if You’re Interested: Though the park was opened in 1933 as a recreation area to the public, the Civilian Conservation Corps was active in the park till 1939. Bunker Tower, the Bald Rock Group Lodge, multiple hiking trails, Cheaha Lake, all were created by the CCC.
Nearby Attractions: Many historic downtowns are located close to Cheaha State Park. You just need to cover a short driving distance. Other famous attractions include Choccolocco Park(15.4 mi), Oxford Center for the Performing Arts(18.8 mi), Talladega Super Speedway(25,1 mi), and Dale Jarrett Racing Adventure(40.7 mi).
7. Wind Creek State Park
Located on the western side of the famous Lake Martin, a 41,000-acre reservoir on the Tallapoosa River, Wind Creek State Park encompasses 1,445-acre area and is best known for its miles of equestrian trails and hiking trails. Many popular events, shows are conducted in Wind Creek State Park. Fishing competitions, skiing/wake-boarding shows few among them.
Camping: Located 7 miles south of Alexander City, in Tallapoosa County, Alabama, Wind Creek State Park campground is considered one of the largest state-owned campgrounds in the United States. The park boasts 586 campsites including 157 sites that are waterfront. There are 268 sites having sewer hook ups. Plus, laundry facility and bathhouses are available. Please note, check in time for all campground reservations is 4 pm.
Other Activities: Wind Creek State Park offers multiple outdoor activities for the visitors. Boating, swimming, picnicking, hunting (license is required), hiking, all these exciting things will make you and your family members busy for the entire day. Fishing opportunity is huge. There is a 210-foot fishing pier, open 24 hours, and it is the best place among active anglers. Fishing license is required to fish here. you may either purchase the license online or from the store marina located inside the park.
Further Info: Wild Creek State Park is open daily from 7 am to sunset. The reservation office hours are 8 am through 4 pm, from Monday to Friday. Entrance fees of Wild Creek State Park include $2 per child aged 4-11/senior; $5 per person (aged between 12-61). Alcohol consumption is prohibited (specially, in public use areas) by the state law. Well-behaved dogs are welcome in Wind Creek State Park. They must be leashed (up to 6 feet long) at all times. No dangerous dogs are permitted to stay inside the park.
Though Wind Creek State Park is open year-round, spring and fall seasons are the best time to visit when the weather is pleasing and mild and the natural beauty is the most stunning! Though, each season offers unique things to enjoy and explore among the visitors. And this is the reason, the state park gets crowded throughout the year.
Nearby Attractions: The nearby city attraction includes the downtown of Alexander City. Other attractions include Horseshoe Bend National Military Park(17.1 mi); Coon Creek Forever Wild Tract(28.3 mi), it is a nature preserve in Tallapoosa County; and Coosa Wildlife Management Area(33.5 mi).
FAQs
1. How many state parks are in Alabama?
There are 21 state parks in Alabama. These state parks encompass approximately 45,300 acres of land and water of the state.
2. What is the number one state park in Alabama?
Gulf State Park is considered the best among all the state parks in Alabama. The state park was established in 1939, and it is located on the Gulf of Mexico in the city of Gulf Shores in Baldwin County, Alabama. Home to one of the most popular family friendly beaches in Alabama, the state park encompasses 6,500-acre area.
3. What is the biggest state park in Alabama?
Encompassing 9,940 acres of pine-studded ridges and lush green vegetation, Oak Mountain State Park is the biggest state park in Alabama. Managed by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the largest state park in the state is home to Alabama Wildlife Center, Oak Mountain Interpretive Center and many other attractions.
