Family-friendly forest camping in Alabama
From the Gulf Coast to the Appalachian mountains, the Heart of Dixie has plenty of variety.
99% (1363 reviews)
- Alabama
99% (1363 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Alabama
Available this weekend
Under $50
11 top forest campgrounds in Alabama
100%
(200)
Bohamia - Glamp/RV/Camp
28 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents268 acres · Talladega, AL
Please join us at the land of Bohamia for glamping with luxury beds and private decks, primitive camping in picturesque sites, and RV spots with power and water.
Bohamia has an upscale bathhouse with private, hot showers and individual toilet rooms with floor-to-ceiling doors. The bathhouse is within 100 yards of all glamps and RV sites. We also have portalets stationed in the RV/Safari Tent area, at The Barn, and at the pond (0.4 miles from welcome center.)
Premium RV spots now available with 30 or 50 amp hookups and water. We do not have sewer hookups or a waste station.
Glamp, RV or camp amidst the natural beauty of our 268 acre property; we have open fields, shady spots beneath the hardwoods and pines, and even a five acre pond with plenty of fish if you’d prefer to wake up to a water view or take a morning swim.
With miles of trails on our property, easy access to the 392,000 acre Talladega National Forest, and less than ten miles from the Pinhoti trail, you’ll never run out of beautiful places to explore. Be sure to save some time to enjoy the boulder strewn creek just a short walk from our welcome center - it’s a must see!
Other local attractions are also within reach with the Top Trails ATV park and the Talladega Marksmanship Park only seven miles away.
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$30
/ night
98%
(385)
Woodybrooke Farm Campground
12 sites · RVs, Tents650 acres · Ider, AL
FREE CANOE RENTAL with any booking for Spring 2024!!
Pristine property with 4 stocked fishing ponds.
Camp privately beside the water and relax in the canopy of our certified Alabama Treasured Forest. Swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, wildlife and bird watching.
Amenities and activities available at Woodybrooke:
*4 stocked ponds with bream and bass for fishing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking.
*On-site canoe, jon boat and kids' kayaks rental available.
*Firewood for campfires for purchase or wild harvest
*Pristine private camping in a certified Alabama treasured forest on the southern edge of Cumberland Plateau
*Hiking, biking, and wildlife watching opportunities
*Potable fresh spring water available year-round. Complimentary coffee and tea. available for purchase farm-fresh eggs.
*Hot outdoor shower, composting toilet, and community kitchen with drinkable spring water from the spigot and electricity ay community kitchen.
*Electrical available at sites 6, 7, and 8
*Wi-Fi at commons area.
Located a short distance renowned Cloudland Canyon, Little River Canyon, DeSoto State Park, Lookout Mountain hang gliding, horseback riding and the artsy community of Mentone Alabama.
Located 35 minutes from Chattanooga on southern edge of Cumberland plateau. Easy drive to amazing overlooks.
We are 97 miles from Atlanta, 107 miles from Birmingham, 120 miles from Nashville located 5 minutes off interstate! GPS location is 34.70560* N, 85.61740*
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$32
/ night
99%
(907)
Parksland Retreat
10 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Talladega , AL
Parksland Retreat is a 40 acre forest and nature retreat with off grid facilities and homestead all surrounded by the Talladega National Forest. Parksland is in the heart of Talladega National Forest. Come for a hike on the trails on property, nearby Pinhoti trail or swim in the beautiful creek.
Furnished Cabins, Bell Tents and Primitive Camping Available
for you, your partner, and/or a
group.
We have Parking for one (1) car per booking. , and access to the Retreat grounds and waters where we have swimming, and hiking.
Clothing Optional Property
LGBTQ+ & BIPOC FRIENDLY
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$25
/ night
100%
(293)
Argo’s Park & Trails
13 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · Mount Olive, AL
We are conveniently located 15 miles north of Birmingham AL and 2 miles off of Interstate 65. Our property is approx 21 acres of beautiful hardwoods and pine trees. The front 7 acres is a mixture of open and shaded areas. The back 14 acres consists of trails and roads you can explore. You won’t have any problems finding a place to hang a hammock and relax. There is always wildlife on the property. Come relax and enjoy the land for a few days or come sleep overnight in a safe environment.
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$29
/ night
99%
(70)
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 rolls from sancuary to battleground over the years. There are numerous activities with in a short distance.
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$20.80
/ night
97%
(149)
CampFire at the Riverbend
7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents38 acres · Robertsdale, AL
38 plus acres with 1200ft pristine riverfront. Remote but accessible. Chose your site. Blaze a trail to the river, private beaches, tubing and swimming. 20 acres wooded and open field for a more remote experienced. Camp off your tailgate. You still have river access. RVs are welcome nice level easy access spots but no hook ups. Plenty of room for extra vehicles and trailers. Bring your horses!
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$24.65
/ night
100%
(53)
Bates Farm
37 sites · RVs, Tents45 acres · Decatur, AL
Where Nature Beckons & Adventure Awaits -
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Bates Farm, where fantasy and adventure come alive amidst the beauty of nature. Our fantasy-themed primitive campground offers a unique experience for those seeking a magical escape from everyday life.
Nestled within our sprawling acres of wilderness, you'll find a 3D Archery range that will test your skills and immerse you in the thrill of the hunt. Whether you're a seasoned archer or a beginner, our range provides a challenging and exciting experience for all.
Bates Farm is not just a campground; it's a venue for festivals and family get-togethers. Host your next gathering in our picturesque setting, surrounded by the wonders of nature and the magic of our fantasy-themed ambiance. Create unforgettable memories with your loved ones as you celebrate special occasions in a truly unique setting.
In addition to our campground and event venue, Bates Farm offers a variety of educational classes focused on foraging, homesteading, and living off the land. Learn valuable skills that connect you with nature and empower you to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle. Our knowledgeable instructors will guide you through hands-on experiences that will deepen your appreciation for the natural world.
Join us at Bates Farm for an unforgettable adventure where fantasy, nature, and education converge. Whether you're looking to test your archery skills, host a memorable event, or expand your knowledge of homesteading practices, our farm offers a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave you inspired and rejuvenated. Come discover the magic of Bates Farm and embark on a journey unlike any other.
Some sites only open Monday-Thursday due to 3D archery range.
Onsite Rules & Info Link
https://www.canva.com/design/DAFqKEhOLDw/VDn5ZbiQrRcxx826DZ8UQQ/view?utm_content=DAFqKEhOLDw&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor
Youtube Podcast of all Bates Farm sites
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLedWcgjSlLH69lmSEcxNtpZk34yqYBqWa&si=UoANQrkWNXftucPb
Video of Glamping Amenities: https://youtu.be/vHXSFpVur18
Interactive google maps of Bates Farm:
Campground & Amenities Map
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1JKWe22dLvy3DNVHHMb0CoYGm2mJmxLI&ll=34.53123434955517%2C-87.10236376039353&z=19
Archery Ranges Map
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1z2vdwxsD3FMH5THfonUv9AbPat3Wf0g&ll=34.53123434955517%2C-87.10236376039353&z=19
Interactive Bird Watching Hike Map
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=114CvJTEtf-nM15444GpITlUXVvaDzds&ll=34.53123434955517%2C-87.10236376039353&z=19
Sassy's Blooming Adventure Story Walk Map
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=12886mVOnR0b5V2gfcxokOkEDp6K5fXc&ll=34.53135696507919%2C-87.10108971111146&z=18
Bates Farm Flower Walk Map
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1g6zEqywBieXGqbIcB4hOmTZIk0IIE_w&ll=34.53123434955517%2C-87.10236376039353&z=19
Glow Hike Map
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1HFjg0OF7vUldC-yIN8t3cBo_svw4odQ&ll=34.53123434955517%2C-87.10236376039353&z=19
Muscadines & Blackberries Map
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1VzD7-R7-CbPdwMTBG-Nt8veBgt3mJn0&ll=34.53123434955517%2C-87.10236376039353&z=19
Archery Range Rules:
1. Always shoot in a safe manner; reckless behavior will not be tolerated.
2. No alcohol on the range while the range is active.
3. Zero tolerance for aggressive behavior or fighting; offenders will be forced to leave.
4. Move in one direction only; if you skip a target do not return to the skipped target.
5. Larger groups should let smaller groups shoot through; be courteous and respect everyone's time.
6. If lookig for arrows, spend no more than 5 minutes searching if others are waiting.
7. If skipping targets 8, 9, 10, you can shoot targets 1,2,3 after completing the course to reach your 20 targets.
Campground Rules:
1. Dispose of trash in provided bins.
2. Only have campfires in designated fire pits or rings; burn responsibly.
3. Keep dogs on a leash.
4. Do not cut live trees; dead ones are suitable for firewood.
5. Do not cross caution tape on weekends due to active 3D archery range.
6. Be mindful of wildlife and insects in the wilderness surroundings.
7. Do not touch tractors, farming implements, or archery range targets without permission or being a shooter on the range.
8. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, either 3D archery range A or B will be open and clearly marked; do not hike in the range area.
9. Access the bathhouse only from the gravel parking lot; do not cut across fields.
Playground Rules:
1. Use playground at your own risk. Bates Farm is not responsible for injuries
2. All Children under the age of 18 must be supervised by accompanying adult
3. Weight limit of 250 LBS5.
4. No one over the age of 12 permitted to use the playground equipment
5. Improper us of equipment prohibited
6. No glass containers in play area
7. No Bare feet, wear proper footwear
8. No rough play: no pushing or shoving
9. Only one person per swing at a time
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from
$27
/ night
98%
(43)
Apple Hill Cabins and Camp Ground
36 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · AL
Associated on 40 acres. Adjacent to Conecuh and Blackwater National forests. Five RV pads, areas for primitive camping. Two Rustic Cabins with bath and showers. Amenities include fishponds,( no license required, no catch limit). Ponds have bass, brim, catfish and tilapia. Access to Blackwater River for swimming, canoeing, tubing or Kayaking. Hunting allowed in National Forests in season with license, skinning rack available on site. only 45 miles from the beach camp or stay in cabins an drive to the beach and save a $$$$$$ drive or pull your big rvs and leave them in goods hands to you return for your next vacation
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$20
/ night
100%
(31)
Peace, Ponies, Ponds @ Pinchona
2 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · Hope Hull, AL
Quiet laid back horse farm that features nature trails through woods, a pond to fish and a creek to explore. Horses dot the landscape to add a serene calming atmosphere. Two camp sites that are adjacent to a 3 acre pond. Fishing for bream and catfish is available. Wild life grace the property including deer, turkey, hawks, herons, egrets, snakes , raccoon, armadillo, fox, squirrels and possums. Located 20 minutes from downtown historic Montgomery, Alabama the birthplace of the civil war and civil rights movement. The Legacy Museum, Old Alabama Town, Zelda and F Scot Fitzgerald Museum, Riverwalk Stadium Home of the Biscuits, Riverboat rides and Hank Williams gravesite. Numerous restaurants with a variety of cuisines.
Minutes away from Safari Park.
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$35
/ night
100%
(39)
Bug Tussle Creek Bend
1 site · RV, Tent300 acres · Colony, AL
Please search Bug Tussle Creek Bend on Youtube to see the site and details on the drive into the campsite. Thank you!
300 acres of family land since 2000. This area was called Boot's Bottoms growing up and the name stuck. There is a rock wall close to the campsite that was a old grist mill site. Plenty of wildlife, bird watching, wildflowers and creek walking. Some old ATV trails for hiking as well. Very remote and quite!
Learn more about this land:
Setup camp on the banks of Dorsey creek in Bug Tussle. Wooded area with shade in the warm season. Flat ground for tents or plenty of trees for hammocks. Easy access for vehicles directly to the campsite. Fire ring with grill grates present for cowboy cooking. Peaceful with plenty of opportunity to see wildlife. Primitive toilet present. Rock dam in creek is great to entertain kids, old grist mill site couple hundred yards downstream. Logging and ATV present for hiking and wildlife viewing. Deeper sections in creek present for cooling off in warm weather.
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$52
/ night
97%
(30)
Camp Travelhick-Eufaula, Al
2 sites · RVs50 acres · Bakerhill, AL
Camp Travelhick is located off an easy on/off main road. A small private driveway leads to an automatic 20' wide secure, coded gate.
The camp has two level camping sites. Site 1 is a large 40x62 cement site that can accommodate larger campers/motorhomes with full hookups (electric, water, & sewer). Site 2 is a smaller packed gravel site which is 16x32 with electric and water. Both sites have 50/30/amp connections. For your convenience, there is an additional dump station on the property.
Our camping area offers a covered pavilion with two picnic tables, lighting, fans, and a charcoal grill. There is also has an outdoor fire pit for those cold nights or for s’mores! The camping area is about 1.3 acres fully fenced in so pet owners can allow their pets run around and have some secure space without having to worry about a leash.
Bring your ATV's or side by sides! The back side of the property has almost 50 acres of ATV and walking trails. A spring fed private 1.5 acre stocked pond with a covered and lighted boat/fishing dock is also located on the property. Covered fishing dock has benches for getting out of the sun and relaxing.
Property is less than 15 minutes from a Walmart, Lake Eufaula, many chain/local restaurants, parks, and museums.
Property owner is not on site, but is just a phone call/text away.
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$30
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Dog-friendly getaways
Star Hosts in Alabama
Family-friendly forest camping in Alabama guide
Overview
Even if “Sweet Home Alabama” isn’t already on your road trip playlist, you should add the southern state to your camping itinerary. With its mountains, inland lakes, and Gulf Coast beaches, Alabama has plenty to offer campers, whether you prefer hiking to mountains and waterfalls, diving into Civil Rights history, or renting a seaside cottage—all served with a warm spoonful of Southern hospitality, of course. Opt for a seafront or lakeside campsite in summer when temperatures soar beyond 90°F, or choose a fall or winter trip for cooler weather ideal for hiking.
Where to go
North Alabama
Hikers and campers are in their element in Alabama’s northern wilderness, dotted with caves, waterfalls, and woodlands. Go hiking and kayaking in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains at DeSoto State Park, peep the fall foliage at Little River Canyon National Preserve, and discover the caves of Cathedral Caverns State Park. Or head to the shores of Alabama’s largest lake to camp, boat, and spot bald eagles at Lake Guntersville State Park.
Central Alabama
Urban campers can find plenty of distractions in Birmingham, but Alabama’s largest city is also within easy reach of some of the state’s most memorable natural landscapes. Great hiking, biking, and camping can be found in Talladega National Forest, after which you can scale Alabama’s highest peak at Cheaha State Park and explore ancient caves at Rickwood Caverns State Park. Other popular campgrounds are found at Lake Lurleen and Wind Creek state parks.
South Alabama
Montgomery is the gateway to south Alabama and neighbouring Selma is a key stop on the Civil Rights trail, but outside of the cities, south Alabama is all about lakeside camping. To the east, Lake Eufaula is known as the “Big Bass Capital of the World” and has a wide choice of campgrounds, while nearby Blue Springs State Park offers plenty of lake camping. To the west, the Tombigbee River Valley is also prime for getting on the water.
Gulf Coast
Alabama’s 60-mile stretch of Gulf Coast shoreline is the place to cool off from the summer sun, spot shorebirds along the wetlands, or tee off at one of many coastal golf courses. RV parks are easy to find around the resort towns of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, while Dauphin Island remains a perennial favorite for beach camping. Alternatively, snag an RV site with full hookups at Gulf State Park, or book a cabin on the shores of Lake Shelby at Meaher State Park.
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