Waterside camping in Alabama with hiking
From the Gulf Coast to the Appalachian mountains, the Heart of Dixie has plenty of variety.
- Alabama
Popular camping styles for Alabama
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Waterside camping in Alabama with hiking 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.
