Top 10 Alabama State Parks for Camping This Fall

Looking to enjoy a night under the stars surrounded by Alabama’s natural beauty this fall? Alabama offers several state parks perfect for camping, whether you prefer a tent, RV, or even "glamping" in a safari tent or cabin. Each park also features a variety of activities and amenities, such as hiking trails, swimming pools, and on-site dining, to make your stay enjoyable.

Deciding which park to visit can be tough, so here’s a list of 10 Alabama state parks that offer great camping experiences. For more options, be sure to check the state park's official website.

1. Gulf State Park

If you’re dreaming of camping near Alabama’s white sandy beaches, Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores is the place to be. The park has nearly 500 full-hookup sites with paved pads, picnic tables, and grills, plus eight primitive sites for tent campers. You'll also have access to 11 bathhouses, a laundry facility, and a camp store. Enjoy 28 miles of hiking trails, a swimming pool with a splash pad, and 3.5 miles of shoreline. If camping isn’t your style, the park also offers a lodge, cabins, and lakeside cottages.

2. Cheaha State Park

Cheaha State Park in Delta is a popular destination with so much to see and do. You can choose from 54 primitive sites or 77 modern sites with electrical, water, and sewer hookups. The park also offers glamping safari tents, cabins, chalets, and a hotel. During your stay, enjoy fishing on Cheaha Lake, hiking trails like Bald Rock Outlook and Pulpit Rock, or visit one of the park’s scenic waterfalls.

3. Monte Sano State Park

Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville covers over 2,140 acres and offers stunning mountainside views. The park has 23 primitive sites, 69 sites with water and electric hookups, and 21 full-hookup sites. Campers also have access to two bathhouses, coin laundry facilities, and a campground store. Attractions within the park include the Wernher von Braun Planetarium, North Alabama Japanese Garden, an 18-hole disc golf course, playgrounds, and hiking trails.

4. Oak Mountain State Park

Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham is a great spot for a camping trip, especially after the campground’s recent renovations. The park has 60 primitive sites and 84 modern sites, all equipped with picnic tables, tent pads, grills, and fire rings. Campers also have access to two bathhouses, laundry facilities, a large playground, and a dog park. The park offers various activities, including watersports, archery, hiking, BMX trails, horseback riding, and fishing. If traditional camping isn’t for you, there are cabins available for rent.

5. Chewacla State Park

Chewacla State Park in Auburn is a great choice for biking enthusiasts, with several mountain bike and multi-use trails. The park offers primitive and RV camping, both with access to a bathhouse. For a more comfortable experience, consider the cabins or glamping safari tents, which include beds, a mini-fridge, and more. The park also offers boat rentals, hiking trails, and other amenities for non-bikers.

6. Wind Creek State Park

Wind Creek State Park in Alexander City is one of the largest state-operated campgrounds in the country, with 586 campsites featuring water and electrical hookups. The park offers bathhouses, laundry facilities, and a wide range of activities, including fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, archery, putt-putt golf, horseback riding, and ziplining. Beyond tent and RV camping, there are also camping cabins and glamping tents available for rent.

7. Lakepoint State Park

Lakepoint State Park in Eufaula offers camping surrounded by the beautiful waters of Lake Eufaula. The park features primitive and modern camping sites, with access to bathhouses, camper storage, tennis courts, and a children’s playground. There’s also a lodge, wooded cabins, and lakeside cottages available. Other amenities include fishing, hiking, archery, swimming pools, and boat rentals. The park also offers several dining options, including The Water’s Edge Dining Room.

8. Blue Springs State Park

Blue Springs State Park in Clio is a popular spot during the warmer months due to its natural springs, but it's also a great camping destination year-round. The park has 50 modern campsites with water and electrical hookups, picnic tables, and grills. Guests also have access to a comfort station with showers. If you prefer more comfort, camper cabins are available. Enjoy the park’s swimming pools, playground, hiking, birding, and fishing.

9. Lake Guntersville State Park

For waterside camping, Lake Guntersville State Park is the perfect choice. The campground is situated alongside the 69,000-acre lake, offering nearly 300 modern sites and primitive sites. Campers have access to water and electrical hookups, bathhouses, a playground, and a recreation area with a splash pad. RV camping is also available, along with camper cabins, chalets, glamping safari tents, and lodge rooms. Activities include horseback riding, hiking, birding, ziplining, boat rentals, fishing, and golfing.

10. DeSoto State Park

DeSoto State Park in Fort Payne is a favorite among campers looking to enjoy the fall foliage. The park offers more than 100 primitive and improved campsites in a wooded, mountainous setting. Most sites come with a picnic table, grill, and full hookups, with access to comfort stations with restrooms, showers, and coin-laundry. The park also has backpacking campsites, cabins, chalets, and lodge rooms available. Activities include ziplines, horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, fly fishing, and more. Be sure to check out the beautiful DeSoto Falls during your stay.