Paddlers, anglers, and campers—make your way to one of Alabama’s lakes.
From the rambling rivers and waterfalls of the north through the lake-studded foothills of the Appalachian mountains to the sandy shores of the Gulf Coast—you’re never far from the water in Alabama. Whether you want to pitch your tent by the lakeside, fish for bass and crappie, or bring your kayak or canoe to paddle the waterways, there are plenty of options for lakeside camping. Head to the lakefront campground at Oak Mountain State Park, where you can also hike, bike, horseback ride, and play a game of golf, or check into a lakeside cabin along the shores of Alabama’s largest lake at Lake Guntersville State Park (tip: winter is the best season for spotting the lake’s famous bald eagles). Bring your boat, bike, and golf clubs to Lake Lurleen State Park, or snag one of the full hookup sites at Wind Creek State Park on Lake Martin.