Camping
On the trail, off the trail, hiking-in or passing through, camping in Alabama is something everyone can enjoy. Pitch a tent at a primitive site or book a weekend stay at a cabin in the woods. Wherever you go, camping in our state has endless opportunities for endless adventure.
Seasonality: Year-round
Photo: Jon Whitaker
Backpack & Stay
Hike-in Camping
One of the best times to camp is on a backpacking adventure. Stuff your pack and hike in to one of our state’s many campground locations. Whether you’re starting on a multi-day backpacking trip in the Sipsey Wilderness in Bankhead National Forest or going for a one-night camping stay at DeSoto State Park, Alabama has so many camping opportunities for you.
Start with these places in Alabama to hike and camp while on the trail.
Bankhead National Forest
Double Springs, AL
Wander into beauty that will keep you coming back for more at Bankhead, one of Alabama’s national forests. With many opportunities to pitch a tent or hammock in the wilderness, Bankhead National Forest provides a great place for a first—or hundredth—camping trip.
Talladega National Forest
Talladega, AL
Located in Central Alabama, Talladega National Forest offers many options for wilderness camping. Trailheads like Randolph and Turnipseed make great spots to park your car and hike in. Some places in the wilderness offer covered shelters and tent sites.
DeSoto State Park
Fort Payne, AL
Backpack into DeSoto State Park and journey to one of the park’s two backpacking campsites. At the shortest distances, Never-Never Land Campsite is 0.75 miles from the Lost Falls Trailhead and the CCC Quarry Campsite is 1.1 miles from the County Store lot. To use the campsites, backpackers must register at least one hour before sunset.
Under the roof
Cabin Camping
Take in the serenity of the outdoors without sacrificing the comfort of indoor shelter. From North Alabama to the coast, renting a cabin in Alabama offers a great way to camp, experience the outdoors and immerse yourself in the beauty of our state.
Discover the best Alabama cabin destinations.
Oak Mountain State Park
Pelham, AL
Pelham’s Oak Mountain State Park has 10 furnished cabins open year-round. Cabins have two bedrooms with one king bed and two queens. Amenities include a bathroom, kitchenette, heat and air conditioning, grills and more. Cabins require reservations and can be booked one year in advance.
Chewacla State Park
Auburn, AL
In Chewacla State Park along Chewacla Lake, the property has six stone cabins to provide the best cabin camping experience. Available year-round, these cabins are great for groups of up to four in the small cabins and six in the large cabins. The park requires reservations, which you can make up to four months in advance.
Dismals Canyon
Phil Campbell, AL
Escape into the rustic cabins at Dismals Canyon, one of Alabama’s Nature Conservatories. The park has two cabins available by reservation March through November. While on site, explore the caverns and grottos or travel the canyon floor on its 1.5-mile hike.
Ride in
Car Camping
Whether you’re driving to a primitive site and setting up camp or camping in your car, Alabama has lots of opportunities to drive in and spend a night under the stars. Pitch a tent at Cheaha State Park or camp lakeside at Lake Guntersville.
Start your camping adventure with these primitive camping destinations.
Cheaha State Park
Talladega, AL
Found within Talladega National Forest, Cheaha is a preferred destination for hikers and campers alike. This Alabama state park has many options for primitive camping at their tent sites. Cheaha State Park requires reservations for camping on the park’s property.
Walls of Jericho
Estillfork, AL
Venture out to the Walls of Jericho in North Alabama and camp at one of its two primitive sites on the hiking trail. One is on the north end of the hiking parking lot and the other on Hurricane Creek next to Clark Cemetery. Locations are free to use but are only available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Lake Guntersville State Park
Guntersville, AL
Found alongside Lake Guntersville, this state park has a primitive site area for some of the best lakeside camping. Camping at this state park requires a reservation.
As you explore, follow leave no trace principles, stay on marked trails and help keep Alabama beautiful.
Explore Alabama’s Natural Resources
Find trails, camping locations and more, all on one map.
- Camp at one of Alabama State Park’s 2,600 dedicated campsites.
- Take a trip to one of Alabama’s four national forests, occupying nearly 668,000 acres of public land.
- Discover the best Alabama trails that will lead you to a backpacking campsite.
- Enjoy a night under the stars at DeSoto State Park’s cabins, primitive and improved campsites.
Activities
Find yourself in one of Alabama’s outdoor activities. Whether relaxing on white sandy beaches or hiking up a mountainside, discover your next adventure in Alabama.
