The best camping near Lake Guntersville State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Lake Guntersville State Park adventure.

88% (4 reviews)

Beach, golf, zipline? Alabama's largest lake has plenty of surprises.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Lake Guntersville State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Lake Guntersville State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Guntersville State Park

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Dark Hollow

5 sites · RVs, Tents14 acres · Crossville, AL

Dark Hollow Park provides beautiful, private, and secure primative campsites. Potable water and a composting privey are available. The camp host is on site if there are any questions. There is a one-mile hiking trail, a small stream and waterfalls located a short hike down into Dark Hollow. The Hollow is rich in history. There is a small Amphitheater in the bottom of the hollow where permanent water remains year-round. Dark Hollow has played many roles from sanctuary to battleground over the years. There are numerous activities within a short distance.

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Serene Lakefront Retreat

13 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · Ashville, AL

Greensport RV Park & Marina is a scenic lakeside retreat on Neely Henry Lake in Ashville, Alabama, offering a mix of spacious RV sites with full hookups and serene waterfront tent camping areas nestled among the trees. Enjoy waterfront access with stunning lake views, ideal for fishing, boating, and paddling from our full-service marina. Campers can unwind in shaded picnic areas, explore scenic nature trails, and take advantage of family-friendly amenities, including playgrounds and clean restrooms with showers. Whether you’re here for adventure or relaxation, Greensport RV Park & Marina provides the perfect escape in a welcoming, picturesque setting with all the amenities you could look for. Greensport is perfect for any getaway!

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Starlight Haven at Weiss Lake

18 sites · Lodging50 acres · Cedar Bluff, AL

Starlight Haven at Weiss Lake offers a unique and relaxing experience for our guests. Overlooking nearly 1500 feet of shoreline frontage on Weiss Lake, our unique accommodations, from geodesic domes to safari-style tents to A-frame cabins, are conveniently located only minutes from Little River Canyon and Desoto State Park. Located minutes from Little River Canyon in Alabama, come explore the deepest canyon east of the Mississippi and enjoy the scenic beauty of Weiss Lake!

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Cottaquilla Creek Campground

15 sites · Tents50 acres · Jacksonville, AL

Welcome to Cottaquilla Creek!! We have over 50 acres of farm land with pastures, meadows, giant hardwood trees, large spring with wading pool, mountain bike trail and a 5 acre lake stocked with bass, bream and catfish. Close to town yet far enough out in the country to see the stars at night. The Pinhoti trail is just down the road, along with Hurricane mountain trail, a little traveled wildlife and nature excursion on National forest land. There is so much nearby for nature lovers, including Coldwater Mountain, Talledega National Forest, Terrapin creek, etc. 2 adults per campsite bookings, kids under 21 camp for free. there is 2 lakefront campsites along with camping in a secluded meadow, pasture campsite and a campsite along a spring fed creek. https://www.facebook.com/reel/1357051888191651

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Little River Adventure Company

34 sites · Tents40 acres · Fort Payne, AL

** We are closed for the Winter Season and will reopen in March 2025. ** Our 40 acre ADV base camp is top rated by riders, climbers, paddlers, cyclists, hikers, and explorers visiting the Little River Canyon National Preserve, DeSoto State Park, and Lookout Mountain area. We are also a Destination Yamaha Location renting bikes and ebikes. No RVs or heavy vehicles please.

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Red Coach Resort & RV Park

33 sites · RVs81 acres · Toney, AL

The resort resides on 81 stunning acres full of inspiring wildlife, majestic trees, and serene creeks and ponds. Stroll along our nature path through the beautiful meadows entangled with gorgeous wildflowers, or contemplate besides the rolling waters. Time for some local entertainment, space exploration, groceries, or fine dining? You're just 5- 20 minutes from shopping and restaurants in three directions. Centrally located near many famous attractions in Alabama and Tennessee, Red Coach Resort sits just 9 minutes off interstate 65. It is easily possible to park in this one location and enjoy the convenience of day trips in any direction to see the best that the south has to offer.

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Fort Bluff Camp Site

1 site · Tent162 acres · Somerville, AL

This camp site has one of the most beautiful bluff views in all of northern Alabama. The mounds located on the bluff date back 10,000-12,000 years ago to the paleo Indian era. You can hike for days and climb up and down the bluff to experience the base of the rocks. Camp with the Indian spirits. This 10,000-12,000 year old Indian site with mounds created by the Indians is one of the most beautiful sites in Northern Alabama. Bring a tent or sleep under the stars on this memorable bluff. Hike over the 162 acres and scale the bluff for an exciting hike along the base of the rocks where Indians also camped long ago.

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River Ridge Retreat

72 sites · Lodging, RVs670 acres · Guntersville, AL

River Ridge Retreat offers 670+ acres of beautiful property full of wildlife for you to explore. There are miles of waterfront, hiking trails and paved roads for biking/golf cart riding. Our property sits directly on Alabama's largest lake, Lake Guntersville. Lake Guntersville covers 69,000 acres and is full of fun activities for the whole family. River Ridge Retreat offers the opportunity to enjoy a quiet, relaxing retreat to nature while still being close enough to local attractions.

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Forest at Sand Mountain

4 sites · Tents22 acres · Trenton, GA

22 acres of Private, Magickal, spanning the bottom valley all the way to the top of Sand Mountain. The mountain has several natural terraces and flat areas suitable for campers to choose from including a nice spot overlooking a rock garden. As you ascend Sand Mountain, the vegetation thins revealing spectacular views of Lookout Mountain especially in the fall & winter months after the leaves have fallen. At the very top of the property are 30+ ft high cliffs with a cave. It has a colorful collection of lichen growing in it and we have named it our 'Mandala cave'. The cave is great for meditation. Rejuvenating guided hikes to the cliffs & caves are available upon request. This is raw land & raw forest. If you enjoy bush craft, there is plenty of material for you to build a lean-to, tipi, or structure of choice. Trees range from poplar to multiple species of oak. Natural wildlife include deer, wild turkeys, scorpions, and ticks. You're welcome to bring fluffy as we've never seen any predators, but there is a slight chance there could be some around. A lost animal on the mountain could be near impossible to find. We have 2 male cats. Unfortunately, the Earth does what she wants and weather forecasts can't be relied upon. We've had sunny days that have been forecasted to rain and un-predicted downpours. It can be raining at the top or the bottom of the mountain but not at the campsites in the middle.

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CAMP 222 (A Private Campground)

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Cullman, AL

Welcome to CAMP 222, a private campground nestled on approximately 1 acre of land adjacent to Lewis Smith Lake in Cullman, AL. Experience the tranquility of lake life as you enjoy boating adventures accessed via our private boat ramp. Relax and bask in the sun on our floating sun deck, or unwind in the shade with a nap in one of our hammocks. As night falls, gather around our fire pit to share stories without the distractions of nearby campers. Our campground offers camper hook-ups for water and electricity, although sewer facilities are not available. Guests must either have a camper with a restroom or bring their own camp toilets. Conveniently situated just off Cullman County Road 222, our campsite is within a quarter mile of two gas stations, two independently owned stores offering short-order food options, and a Dollar General. While there may be some road noise from County Road 222, especially during daytime hours, it typically tapers off in the evening and nighttime. Enjoy stunning views of the 4th of July fireworks from Smith Lake Park, as our property provides a prime vantage point. Lewis Smith Lake, managed by Alabama Power, spans 21,000 acres and is the deepest lake in Alabama at 264 ft. The water level varies throughout the year, usually reaching full-pool from April to July before gradually decreasing for the autumn and winter seasons. Please note the rocky shore near the sun deck, which is why jumping or diving from the sun deck is prohibited. The nearby City of Cullman, located approximately 10 miles away, offers abundant shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Additionally, the city hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the Rock The South Music Festival.

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Strattonooga

1 site · RV1 acre · Leesburg, AL

Lovely, forested, water front, 1/2 acre lot located on the best cove Lake Weiss has to offer. Water, sewer, and electric hookup for RV. Drive through access for campers. Private dock! Lots of fun just minutes away: Terrapin creek, DeSoto State Park, Little River Canyon, Pirates Bay Water Park all close by. Decks and docks restaurant is a short 2 minute drive or boat ride away. Cherokee Rock Village is a short 25 minute drive away.

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The Cynefin Luxury Safari Tent

1 site · Lodging3 acres · Mentone, AL

***Update, we are building a cabin on the property. During the week for the there may be construction noise. We are discounting our weekday rates during construction.*** About this space We invite you to our little slice of paradise! Enjoy the natural beauty of Lookout Mountain in Mentone, AL. Folklore Forest has 270 feet of Little River Frontage for you to enjoy. Considered to be the purest, natural flowing river in the state, bring your fishing gear and kayaks. Listen to Pipwild Spring trickling over the mossy rock waterfall. Sit at the water’s edge under canopies of rhododendrons and holly trees, and sit at your campfire and view the stunning starry nightscape. The space Our 10x12 foot canvas safari tent offers a cozy 120 sq ft of space which can accommodate a twin size mattress in addition to the provided queen bed. Here's what you find inside: - Queen size bed with headboard, memory foam mattress, and antimicrobial waterproof cover. - Comforter, 4 pillows (with antimicrobial covers), and furry blanket. - Side table with reading material and games. - Wood camp stove (for heating the tent on chilly nights or cooking). - Heat powered stove fan. - Bundle of camp stove sized firewood. - Mr Heater propane space heater with 30 lb propane tank. - 6 person Coleman pop up tent. - Yoga Mat - Cart with coffee, silverware, plates, cups, bowls, French press, salt/pepper, sugar, kitchen and grill utensils, cutting board, and oven mitt. - Butane camp stove with fuel. - Battery powered fan/light combination. - Portable battery powered lantern. - Cast iron skillet, non stick skillet, medium sauce pan, small wok, and kettle. - 3 wash tubs. - Handmade broom. - 1 person hammock. Here's what you'll find outside: - Little red wagon to help you bring luggage down from the car or to gather firewood. - 6ft picnic table. - Cafe table and two chairs. - 2 Adirondack chairs. - Combination fire pit/grill. - Solar powered cafe lights. - Solar shower. - Camp toilet with bags and Absorbent Gel Liquid Waste Gelling and Deodorizing Powder - Trash can and trash bags. - 5 gallon Coleman water cooler. You need to bring: - Sheets - Towels and rags - Food - Toilet paper and paper products - Bug spray for summer months. Also recommended to bring: - Ice or dry ice - Extra wood (you can burn any fallen wood/twigs you find but don’t cut trees! - Cooler - Extra water (river water is pure but we always recommend boiling or filtering anything you drink) Guest access Folklore Forest is on 3 acres and has 270 feet of River Frontage at your disposal. Little River is considered to be the purest, natural flowing river in the state. Bring your fishing gear and kayaks. Sit on the rocks at the base of the waterfall under the rhododendrons and holly trees, and wade in the water in the warm months. Park on the side of the road in front of the Cynefin sign. There are solar lights illuminating the path to the tent if you arrive after dark. There you will find a "Little Red Wagon" that you can use to bring your luggage down. Other things to note • The river will rise and fall depending on how much rain we are getting. It tends to be lower late summer to early fall. We cannot guarantee water levels. • This is primitive off grid camping. There's no electricity or running water. We recommend bringing a portable battery pack to charge devices. • Please be respectful of any wildlife (there are white tail deer, raccoons, weasels, harmless black snakes, mink, foxes, coyotes, many birds, and the extremely, and we do mean extremely, rare black bear), while fishing in the little river is allowed, hunting is prohibited.

The best camping near Lake Guntersville State Park guide

Overview

About

With acres of natural woodlands and waterfalls along the southern shore of Alabama's largest lake, Lake Guntersville State Park has so much more to offer than boating and fishing. Explore miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails; play the 18-hole championship golf course; and tackle the Screaming Eagle zipline, then go swimming and kayaking at the beach. Campers have options, too. Lake Guntersville State Park Campground has 295 campsites with water and electric hookups, bathhouses with laundry facilities, and a primitive camping area, all with beautiful lake views. At the lakeside campground, you can rent a cabin, go glamping in a luxury safari tent, or pitch your tent at the primitive camping area, while the Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge has rooms and chalets atop Taylor Mountain.

Tips for snagging a campsite

You can reserve improved campsites, primitive sites, and camper cabins online via the Alapark.com website.
Online reservations can be made up to one year in advance.
Popular spots by the lakeside can book up fast, especially over summer weekends and holidays, so plan ahead if you have a specific site in mind. Alternatively, book at least three months in advance to avoid disappointment.

When to go

Lake Guntersville State Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and the campground and lodge stay open year-round. Alabama's scorching summers draw crowds to cool off at the lake and beach, but winter visitors are in for a treat, too, as Guntersville is one of the best places in Alabama to spot endangered bald eagles. Eagle Awareness Days are held throughout January and February to coincide with the winter nesting season.

Know before you go

Lake Guntersville State Park sits on the south shore of Guntersville Lake, along the Tennessee River in Northeast Alabama. It's about a 1-hour drive southeast of Huntsville and just a 20-minute drive from Buck's Pocket State Park.
Per-person day passes are required for all Arkansas State Parks, and camping fees apply.
Facilities at Lake Guntersville include a Beach Complex, day-use areas with picnic tables, boat ramps, a dump station, and restrooms. There is also a camp store, the Pinecrest Dining Room restaurant at the Lodge, and the Town Creek Fishing Center, which offers boat rentals and sells gas, fishing bait, snacks, and camping supplies
Pets are welcome at Lake Guntersville but must be kept on a leash at all times.
There are accessible restrooms, picnic areas, hiking trails, and campsites at Lake Guntersville State Park.