Camping in Alabama

A complete guide to camping in Alabama

Aerial view of Lake Guntersville in Alabama with forest reflections

Photo Credit: 12019 / Pixabay

Overview

Alabama camping runs from the Tennessee Valley mountains in the north to the Gulf Coast beaches around Gulf Shores and Foley. The northern third of the state sits on the tail end of the Appalachian Plateau, where Mentone, Guntersville, and the Little River Canyon area provide forested ridge-top and lakeside camping at elevations approaching 1,700 feet. Lake Guntersville, one of the Tennessee Valley Authority's chain of reservoirs, anchors the northeastern camping corridor.

The Gulf Coast at the opposite end draws beach campers and winter visitors to Alabama's 32-mile coastline. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach sit on the barrier island with state park campgrounds and large private RV resorts. The middle of the state holds a quieter camping character along the Alabama and Tombigbee river systems, with state parks serving as the primary camping infrastructure. Lincoln, Athens, and the Bankhead National Forest round out the northern options.

Browse All RV Parks & Campgrounds in Alabama

Best Seasons to Camp in Alabama

Spring

Mar-May

High 68°F · Low 56°F

Azalea blooms on the coast and dogwood in the north. Temperatures reach the 70s statewide. One of the most comfortable camping windows. Gulf Coast beach water begins warming. Thunderstorm season increases through April.

Summer

Jun-Aug

High 84°F · Low 72°F

Hot and humid across the state. Gulf Coast beaches draw heavy traffic despite the heat. Northern mountain campgrounds offer partial relief. July averages 80 degrees statewide. Afternoon thunderstorms are daily events. Hurricane season runs June through November.

Season	Months	Avg High	Avg Low	Conditions
Spring	Mar-May	68°F	56°F	Azalea blooms on the coast and dogwood in the north.
Summer	Jun-Aug	84°F	72°F	Hot and humid across the state.
Fall	Sep-Nov	68°F	56°F	Hurricane risk continues through October.
Winter	Dec-Feb	52°F	40°F	Mild winters keep campgrounds open year-round.

Camping Regions in Alabama

Region	Terrain	Key Areas
Gulf Coast	Coastal	Gulf Shores, Foley, Orange Beach, Fairhope
Tennessee Valley and North Alabama	Lakefront	Guntersville, Athens, Huntsville, Scottsboro
Little River Canyon and Lookout Mountain	Mountain	Mentone, Fort Payne, Valley Head
Bankhead and Northwest Forest	Forest	Double Springs, Haleyville, Jasper, Hamilton
Central Alabama and River Country	Plains	Lincoln, Pelham, Alexander City, Clanton

Gulf Coast

Coastal · Gulf Shores, Foley, Orange Beach, Fairhope

Alabama's 32-mile coastline at Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Gulf State Park campground sits behind the dunes with beach access and a resort-style amenity package. Large private RV parks line the beach road. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge adds a more natural coastal experience. Winter draws seasonal RV residents. Island Retreat RV Park and Luxury RV Resort in Gulf Shores, and Bella Terra RV Resort in Foley provide the primary private campground options along the coast.

Tennessee Valley and North Alabama

Lakefront · Guntersville, Athens, Huntsville, Scottsboro

TVA reservoirs and Appalachian foothills define the northern camping belt. Lake Guntersville State Park has the most developed lakefront camping in the region. Monte Sano State Park near Huntsville sits on a mountain plateau. Athens and the Elk River area provide quieter alternatives. Lake Guntersville State Park Campground provides the most developed lakefront public camping, while Northgate RV Travel Park in Athens serves the I-65 corridor.

Little River Canyon and Lookout Mountain

Mountain · Mentone, Fort Payne, Valley Head

The northeast corner where Alabama meets Georgia and Tennessee. Little River Canyon National Preserve and DeSoto State Park anchor camping in forested mountain terrain. Mentone sits atop Lookout Mountain at 1,600 feet with cooler summers than the lowlands. Waterfalls and sandstone bluffs line the canyon. 1776 RV and Campground and Tranquility RV and Campground near Mentone sit atop Lookout Mountain, while Little River Campground in Fort Payne accesses the canyon floor.

Bankhead and Northwest Forest

Forest · Double Springs, Haleyville, Jasper, Hamilton

Bankhead National Forest and the Sipsey Wilderness in the northwest. Canyon systems, waterfalls, and hardwood forest at moderate elevations. Dispersed camping available on forest land. The most wilderness-feel camping in the state. Double Springs and Haleyville serve as supply towns. Bama Campground and RV Park near Double Springs and Twin Forks Campgrounds near Haleyville provide developed bases at the forest edge.

Central Alabama and River Country

Plains · Lincoln, Pelham, Alexander City, Clanton

The Alabama and Tombigbee rivers and their tributaries run through the Piedmont and Coastal Plain. Wind Creek State Park on Lake Martin, Oak Mountain State Park near Birmingham, and Cheaha State Park (the state high point) offer developed camping. More spread out than the northern or coastal regions. Talladega RV Park near Lincoln and Birmingham South RV Park in Pelham serve the central Alabama metro corridor.

Camping Tips for Alabama

Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores is the most popular campground in the state. Reserve months ahead for spring and summer. The park has beach access, lake fishing, and over 28 miles of trails.
Hurricane season (June through November) affects the entire coast. Monitor forecasts and understand evacuation routes before camping on the barrier island.
Alabama's heat and humidity from June through August combine for heat index values above 100 degrees. Camp near water for cooling access. Start activities early in the day.
Bankhead National Forest in the north allows dispersed camping. Sipsey Wilderness within the forest is Alabama's only federally designated wilderness, with canyon and waterfall hiking.
Alligators inhabit rivers, lakes, and coastal areas in the southern half of the state. Keep a safe distance and store food properly. Never approach or feed alligators.
Ticks are active statewide from March through November. Use permethrin-treated clothing and DEET on exposed skin. Check for ticks after every outing.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time for beach camping in Alabama?

March through May and October through November. Spring brings warm water and manageable crowds. Fall offers mild temperatures and reduced hurricane risk. Summer is hot and crowded but the primary beach season. Winter draws long-term RV residents to the coast.

Is Gulf State Park worth the reservation hassle?

Gulf State Park has direct beach access, a fishing lake, over 28 miles of paved trails, and a nature center. It is the most complete state park campground in Alabama. Reservations fill months ahead for spring and summer but the facilities justify the planning. Private RV parks nearby offer alternatives with more availability.

Where can I find mountain camping in Alabama?

The northeast corner around Mentone, Fort Payne, and DeSoto State Park sits on the Appalachian Plateau above 1,500 feet. Cheaha State Park near Lincoln is the highest point in the state at 2,407 feet. These areas run 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the lowlands in summer and have genuine fall color.

Is dispersed camping available in Alabama?

Bankhead National Forest in northwest Alabama permits dispersed camping on forest land. No fee or permit required. The Sipsey Wilderness within the forest has backcountry camping along canyon trails. Talladega National Forest in the east also allows dispersed camping. State parks require reserved campsites.

Are alligators a concern at Alabama campgrounds?

Alligators inhabit lakes, rivers, and coastal waterways in the southern half of the state. They are present at many campgrounds near water. Keep a safe distance, never feed them, and supervise children near shorelines. Alligator encounters are manageable with awareness but should not be ignored.