Even if you are a seasoned backpacker or a rookie to the great outdoors, there is some homework that needs to be done before settling for a campground. The factors that affect the final decision of a backpacker while scouring through the campsite choices available at a particular area are the accessibility, activities, attractions available nearby and obviously the cost. The following list talks about the best campgrounds in Alabama with comprehensive details such as hidden waterfalls and extensive underground cave systems.
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Joe Wheeler State Park (Rogersville)
A total of 116 campsites collectively form the Joe Wheeler State Park’s campground. The three bathhouses compliment the grounds and conveniently located in each section. Plenty of grills and picnic tables scattered on each campsite adds to the appeal. The sites located within the greens can accommodate full sized camping units with ease. It features among the best places in Alabama that provide the best backpacking and tent camping experience.
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Location Details: 4403 McLean Dr., Rogersville, AL 35652, Phone: +1 256-247-5466
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Cheaha State Park (Delta)
One of the highest point in the state and is surrounded by the Talladega National Forest. The park consists of two distinct campgrounds that comprise of a total of 72 campsites. The newest addition to the park’s campgrounds is CCC Campground and conveniently located near the Cheaha Lake.
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Location Details: 19644 AL-281, Delta, AL 36258, USA, Phone:+1 256-488-5111
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Caney Creek Falls (Double Springs)
A spring-fed and all year round water body is the Caney Creek Falls. It means that the water at the falls is always flowing. Within the Bankhead National Forest, it is a hidden treasure accesible after conquering a mile and a half hike to the site. Camping places at the site are free, the trail is a bit testing at times but can be washed out by the waist level pool and a serene waterfall.
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Location Details: Caney Creek Falls Trail, Double Springs, AL 35553, USA
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Cathedral Caverns State Park (Woodville)
The 493-acre plot of the Cathedral Caverns State Park is housing a plethora of campsites, hiking trails, and other attractions. It is also the home of an impressive cave system that is an appeal factor on its own. The campsites available to the masses are both modern as well as retro regarding outlook and amenities. The backpacking communities have places to choose from the backcountry sites that can be accessed only via hiking.
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Location Details: 637 Cave Rd, Woodville, AL 35776, USA Phone: +1 256-728-8193
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Oak Mountain State Park (Pelham)
Oak Mountain State Park campground is the ideal place for getting away from the stress of the mechanical life. The campground features necessary facilities such as tables, grills, and bathhouses. The ground is pet-friendly given your pets are kept under leash. The campground is open to the masses all year round.
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Location Details: 200 Terrace Dr, Pelham, AL 35124, USA Phone: +1 205-620-2524
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Bartram Canoe Trail (Mobile-Tensaw River Delta)
Its a 200 mile long, canoe or kayak particular, picturesque aquatic trail situated in the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta. The trail offers backpackers an adventure filled experience on top of that one can camp along the route free of cost and without any prior reservations. The campers can also opt for the free campsites available to them if their group consists of 8 persons.
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Desoto State Park (Fort Payne)
A 3,502-acre wooded area comprises the Desoto State Park. A total of 94 campsites make up the campground with RV parks and tent compatible campsites in Fort Payne area of Alabama. The park also caters to the more adventurous backpacker with their primitive campsites. Recreational activities include swimming, hiking, and biking. Each campsite is equipped with picnic tables and grills.
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7104 Desoto Pkwy, Fort Payne, AL 35967, USA Phone:+1 256-845-0051
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Dismals Canyon (Phil Campbell, Franklin County)
Mostly falling out of the radars of the many backpackers, this is a location that offers the masses with natural wonders. The campsite is home to the ‘Dismalites’ also known as glowworms. They provide a spectacular sight at night when they show off their beautiful bluish green glow. The site is home to the massive Canadian Hemlock trees known for their other worldly heights. The camping ground offers a plethora of primitive camping sites in Alabama that cater to the ones looking for a more adventurous experience.
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Location Details: 901 County Rd 8, Phil Campbell, AL 35581, USA Phone: +1 205-993-4559
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Lake Lurleen State Park (Coker)
The campground of Lake Lurleen State Park offers 91 modern and fully equipped campsites facing a 250-acre natural lake. Throughout the park’s premises, bathhouses are conveniently located for the campers with electrical outlets and water facilities made available at each campsite. Hiking, fishing swimming are some of the activities one can enjoy while camping here. The campground is pet-friendly, but they need to be kept on a leash at all times.
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Location Details: 13226 Lake Lurleen Rd, Coker, AL 35452, USA Phone: +1 205-339-1558
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Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park (McCalla, Tuscaloosa County)
The 1,500 acres of land specifically set aside for camping in Tuscaloosa county, and other related outdoor activities such as bird watching, hiking, mountain biking, etc. comprise the Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park. The site consists of historical places of interest such as the country store, grist mill, etc. It is a frequent place visited by lovers of American History and the ones who want to have a taste of the past in detail.
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Location Details: 12632 Confederate Pkwy, McCalla, AL 35111, USA Phone: +1 205-477-5711
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Lake Guntersville State Park (Guntersville)
The Lake Guntersville State Park in North Central Alabama offers the backpackers with a total of 318 modernized camping sites, a single primitive camping ground, a play area, bathhouses, etc. The campground is facing North Alabama’s largest natural water body, Lake Guntersville making it the most picturesque campground in the state. Among the list of recreational activities provided to the campers, the horseback riding and fishing sessions are the most notable ones. The campground’s pet-friendly attitude adds to the appeal for the same. The overall satisfactory setting of the park with the serene setting of the park provides the modern day backpacker the ideal conditions for camping in Guntersville, Alabama. The sites are also known for their best RV camping experience.
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Location Details: 1155 Lodge Dr, Guntersville, AL 35976, USA Phone: +1 256-571-5440
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Deerlick Creek Park (Tuscaloosa County)
Located in the Tuscaloosa area, Deerlick Creek Park situated on the shores of the Holt Lake. It is a destination often overlooked among the more glittery choices available to the masses. It makes the campground most appealing to the ones looking for absolute bliss and solitude. The ground is famous for its wide variety of fauna that includes loblolly pine and red maple. If you are lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the wild turkey and deer. One can also enjoy extended hours of angling sessions on the lake since it is home to game fishes like catfish, crappie, etc. the park hosts a total of 40 campsites and is equipped with modern amenities like water and electrical supplies.
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Location Details: Tuscaloosa, AL 35406, USA Phone: +1 205-759-1591
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Lakepoint State Park (Eufaula)
The Lakepoint State Park hosts a total of 192 camping sites fully equipped with modern amenities. The Deer Court has campsites that include facilities like sewage, water, and electrical outlets. The Clark Loop and Barbour campsites feature electrical outlets and water supply. The pet-friendly campground hosts recreational activities like hiking, fishing, etc.
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Location Details: 104 Old Hwy 165, Eufaula, AL 36027, USA Phone: +1 334-687-8011
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Gulf State Park (Gulf Shores)
The Gulf State Park campground hosts a total of 496 campsites and is among the popular RV parks on the gulf coast. The camping experience on the gulf shores is truly fascinating if you are new to this area. The campground is equipped with modern amenities like water supply and electrical outlets. The campground hosts two separate play areas for both the kids and the adults. The appeal factor of the site is that tents are allowed on the ground.
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Location Details: E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, USA Phone: +1 251-948-7275
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Wind Creek State Park (Alexander City)
An impressive 586 campsites comprise the Wind Creek, State Park. Among the lot, 157 campsites situated on the shore of water bodies, and 39 of them are loaded with premium amenities and attractions. The whole campground is spread across an area of over 320 acres. Conveniently placed playgrounds and bathhouses all throughout the ground adds to the appeal. Recreational activities like hiking, fishing are some of the honorable mentions. Wind Creek State Park is well known for its 30 miles of hiking trails that offer the hikers with picturesque sceneries consisting of blooming dogwoods and wildflowers.
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Location Details: 4325 AL-128, Alexander City, AL 35010, USA Phone: +1 256-329-0845