The best waterside camping in Alabama

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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.

98% (2.7K) 18 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Alabama

Glamping at Cheaha State Park

1. Glamping at Cheaha State Park

100%
(1)
8 sites · Lodging · Delta, AL
Located inside Cheaha State Park - The Highest Point in Alabama! ⛺ Surrounded by the Talladega National Forest, this foothill of the Appalachian Mountains holds the reputation of the highest point in Alabama. Standing 2,407 ft. above sea level, it is no wonder why the local Creek Indians named this place "Chaha," meaning "high place." Come enjoy incredible views and many hikes & waterfalls in the 2,799 acre state park - including Pulpit Rock, Bald Rock, sightseeing tower, rappelling, swimming, and fishing. Waterfalls include Devil's Den Falls, Cheaha Falls, Salt Creek Falls, and more! Cheaha is only 30 minutes away from several historic cities, including Talladega, Anniston, Oxford, Heflin, Lineville, Munford, and Ashland, which are packed with shopping, dining, cultural arts, and recreational opportunities. Combining luxury and the great outdoors, our extra spacious + completely furnished Safari Tents give large families or groups of friends the extra space they need to glamp in comfort. Cheaha State Park Amenities:  - Hiking - Swimming - Fishing - Outdoor Recreation Programs - Mountain Store - Beach Area - Historical Sights - Event Center - Interpretive Nature Center - Rock Climbing / Rappelling / Geocaching - Playgrounds
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$136
 / night
Buck Creek Junction

2. Buck Creek Junction

100%
(16)
6 sites · Tents, RVs · Dadeville, AL
We are located off a slew of the Beautiful Lake Martin We offer primitive camping with waterfront lots, fishing, hunting, swimming, kayak rentals. Learn more about this land: We have a beach swimming area, , horseshoe pit, porta potty, porta shower, boat ramp, dock, dogs allowed, and kayaks for rent. Can fish, swim, hunt. We are located on a slew off Lake Martin. Campers get free usage of pedal boat.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
Bankhead National Forest

3. Bankhead National Forest

91%
(17)
195 sites · Arley, Alabama
Find your sweet home in Alabama’s Bankhead National Forest where skies really are so blue! With 16 wilderness areas to explore, places like the Sipsey Wilderness offer adventure and solitude out on the trails. Horseback riding and bike trails are a rad way to get miles under your feet, while spotting wildflowers and quail galore. Looking to cool off? There’s plenty of fishing and swimming for water lovers, or take shade under Bee Branch, a 500 year old poplar tree that stand majestically in the park. Over 150 miles of hiking trails are a show in all seasons and with sick campgrounds that have all the hook-ups you’re sure to return to Bankhead time and time again.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Oak Mountain State Park

4. Oak Mountain State Park

100%
(8)
167 sites · Pelham, Alabama
Alabama’s largest state park offers scenic landscapes, and an impressive array of ways to play.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Wind Creek State Park

5. Wind Creek State Park

100%
(6)
598 sites · Our Town, Alabama
Angle for a beautiful campsite at this scenic state park on the shores of Lake Martin.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Chewacla State Park

6. Chewacla State Park

100%
(4)
52 sites · Auburn, Alabama
Discover Chewacla State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Meaher State Park

7. Meaher State Park

100%
(2)
71 sites · Daphne, Alabama
Discover the natural splendor of Meaher State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Conecuh National Forest

8. Conecuh National Forest

100%
(1)
74 sites · Carolina, Alabama
The southernmost outdoor playground in Alabama, Conecuh National Forest is sure to keep the most experienced adventurers in awe with it’s stunning wetlands and pine forests. This low coastal plain can be enjoyed best in the wintertime. The cool temps and bugless days will allow you to enjoy the 20 mile Conecuh Trail with ease. Wind through bogs and ponds, hunters will dig plentiful deer, quail and turkey season. You might even meet these woodland friends on the trail! Camping at Open Pond Recreation Area means brews, fishing and biking all steps from your tent...who doesn’t want to fish with a beer in hand? A real southern dream, Conecuh knows how to turn on the charm and turn up the heat!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lake Guntersville State Park

9. Lake Guntersville State Park

88%
(4)
334 sites · Guntersville, Alabama
Beach, golf, zipline? Alabama's largest lake has plenty of surprises.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Lakepoint State Park

10. Lakepoint State Park

192 sites · Eufaula, Alabama
Discover Lakepoint State Park's scenic beauty and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets

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.

98% (2.7K) 18 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Alabama

Glamping at Cheaha State Park

1. Glamping at Cheaha State Park

100%
(1)
8 sites · Lodging · Delta, AL
Located inside Cheaha State Park - The Highest Point in Alabama! ⛺ Surrounded by the Talladega National Forest, this foothill of the Appalachian Mountains holds the reputation of the highest point in Alabama. Standing 2,407 ft. above sea level, it is no wonder why the local Creek Indians named this place "Chaha," meaning "high place." Come enjoy incredible views and many hikes & waterfalls in the 2,799 acre state park - including Pulpit Rock, Bald Rock, sightseeing tower, rappelling, swimming, and fishing. Waterfalls include Devil's Den Falls, Cheaha Falls, Salt Creek Falls, and more! Cheaha is only 30 minutes away from several historic cities, including Talladega, Anniston, Oxford, Heflin, Lineville, Munford, and Ashland, which are packed with shopping, dining, cultural arts, and recreational opportunities. Combining luxury and the great outdoors, our extra spacious + completely furnished Safari Tents give large families or groups of friends the extra space they need to glamp in comfort. Cheaha State Park Amenities:  - Hiking - Swimming - Fishing - Outdoor Recreation Programs - Mountain Store - Beach Area - Historical Sights - Event Center - Interpretive Nature Center - Rock Climbing / Rappelling / Geocaching - Playgrounds
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$136
 / night
Buck Creek Junction

2. Buck Creek Junction

100%
(16)
6 sites · Tents, RVs · Dadeville, AL
We are located off a slew of the Beautiful Lake Martin We offer primitive camping with waterfront lots, fishing, hunting, swimming, kayak rentals. Learn more about this land: We have a beach swimming area, , horseshoe pit, porta potty, porta shower, boat ramp, dock, dogs allowed, and kayaks for rent. Can fish, swim, hunt. We are located on a slew off Lake Martin. Campers get free usage of pedal boat.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
Bankhead National Forest

3. Bankhead National Forest

91%
(17)
195 sites · Arley, Alabama
Find your sweet home in Alabama’s Bankhead National Forest where skies really are so blue! With 16 wilderness areas to explore, places like the Sipsey Wilderness offer adventure and solitude out on the trails. Horseback riding and bike trails are a rad way to get miles under your feet, while spotting wildflowers and quail galore. Looking to cool off? There’s plenty of fishing and swimming for water lovers, or take shade under Bee Branch, a 500 year old poplar tree that stand majestically in the park. Over 150 miles of hiking trails are a show in all seasons and with sick campgrounds that have all the hook-ups you’re sure to return to Bankhead time and time again.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Oak Mountain State Park

4. Oak Mountain State Park

100%
(8)
167 sites · Pelham, Alabama
Alabama’s largest state park offers scenic landscapes, and an impressive array of ways to play.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Wind Creek State Park

5. Wind Creek State Park

100%
(6)
598 sites · Our Town, Alabama
Angle for a beautiful campsite at this scenic state park on the shores of Lake Martin.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Chewacla State Park

6. Chewacla State Park

100%
(4)
52 sites · Auburn, Alabama
Discover Chewacla State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Meaher State Park

7. Meaher State Park

100%
(2)
71 sites · Daphne, Alabama
Discover the natural splendor of Meaher State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Conecuh National Forest

8. Conecuh National Forest

100%
(1)
74 sites · Carolina, Alabama
The southernmost outdoor playground in Alabama, Conecuh National Forest is sure to keep the most experienced adventurers in awe with it’s stunning wetlands and pine forests. This low coastal plain can be enjoyed best in the wintertime. The cool temps and bugless days will allow you to enjoy the 20 mile Conecuh Trail with ease. Wind through bogs and ponds, hunters will dig plentiful deer, quail and turkey season. You might even meet these woodland friends on the trail! Camping at Open Pond Recreation Area means brews, fishing and biking all steps from your tent...who doesn’t want to fish with a beer in hand? A real southern dream, Conecuh knows how to turn on the charm and turn up the heat!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lake Guntersville State Park

9. Lake Guntersville State Park

88%
(4)
334 sites · Guntersville, Alabama
Beach, golf, zipline? Alabama's largest lake has plenty of surprises.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Lakepoint State Park

10. Lakepoint State Park

192 sites · Eufaula, Alabama
Discover Lakepoint State Park's scenic beauty and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets

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The best waterside camping in Alabama guide

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.

Top regions in and near Alabama