10 Alabama state parks to camp at this fall

Looking to spend a few nights under the stars, surrounded by Alabama’s beauty this fall?

Throughout Alabama, there are plenty of state parks that offer visitors the chance to do just that, whether they prefer camping in a tent, RV, “glamping” safari tent or cabin, and all of them have a long list of activities, from ziplines to guided hikes, and amenities, like swimming pools and on-site dining, to make the trip worthwhile.

In fact, the hardest part might be deciding which state park is the best pick for you, and that’s where this list comes in. You can get a rundown of what sort of camping (and lodging) each park offers as well as an idea of how you might want to spend your time there at just 10 of Alabama’s state parks. To see the camping opportunities at all of them, visit the state park’s website.

A view of the kayak launch area at the Gulf State Park Nature Center.Lawrence Specker | [email protected]

Gulf State Park

If you want to camp for the night near Alabama’s beautiful white sandy beaches, Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores is the place you need to go. The park offers nearly 500 full-hookup sites with paved pads, picnic tables and pedestal grill tops as well as eight primitive sites for campers, whether spending the night in an RV or a tent, can use. Plus, while there you’ll have access to 11 bathhouses, a laundry facility and a camp store as well as park amenities like 28 miles of hiking trails, a swimming pool with splash pad and, of course, the park’s 3.5 miles of shoreline. Oh, and if you’re not a fan of camping, the park also offers a lodge, cabins and lakeside cottages you can book for a night or two.

Read more: Lakes, gators and getaways: Gulf State Park a great escape for kayakers

Cheaha State Park

Pulpit Rock, Cheaha State Park (Joe Songer | [email protected])

Cheaha State Park

There’s so much to see and do at Cheaha State Park in Delta, which is why it’s such a popular spot for staying overnight. You can have your pick of 54 primitive sites as well as 77 modern sites for camping that all include electrical hook-ups with water and sewer hook-ups, a picnic table, grill or fire-ring, and access to a bathhouse. In addition, the park offers glamping safari tents if you want to camp but also don’t want to lose the comforts of home as well as cabins, chalets and a hotel on the ground. During your trip, you can enjoy a wide range of amenities, from fishing on Cheaha Lake to hiking one of its many trails to Bald Rock Outlook, Pulpit Rock or one of the park’s many scenic waterfalls.

Monte Sano State Park

Monte Sano State Park. (Joe Songer/[email protected])al.com

Monte Sano State Park

With more than 2,140 acres and serving some mountainside views, Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville is a great place to spend a weekend. The park offers 23 primitive sites, 69 sites with water and electric as well as 21 full hook-up sites for camping, and campers also have access to two bath houses, coin laundry facilities and a campground store. There are also glamping safari tents and cabins available, if traditional camping isn’t your style. Inside the park, you’ll find an array of things to do and attractions, including the Wernher von Braun Planetarium, the North Alabama Japanese Garden, an 18-hole disc golf course, playgrounds, hiking trails and more.

Autumn Color 2021

Autumn color 2021. The beauty and splendor of autumn in Alabama. Oak Mountain State Park foliage at the lake. (Joe Songer for AL.com).Joe Songer

Oak Mountain State Park

Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham features a fully-renovated campground that borders Beaver Lake and is surrounded by scenic vistas, making it the perfect getaway spot. The park offers 60 primitive sites and 84 modern sites, all of which include a picnic table, tent pad, grill, lantern hook as well as fire rings and give campers access to two bathhouses, laundry facilities, a large playground, a dog park and more. Plus, campers can enjoy all of the recreational activities like watersports, archery, hiking, BMX trails, horseback riding, fishing and more. If you’re not interested in RV or tenting camping, there are also cabins in the park you can rent.

Alabama State Parks

Mountain biking at Chewacla State Park. Auburn and Lee County High Schools use the park for practice and competitions. (Joe Songer | [email protected]). al.comal.com

Chewacla State Park

Another great state park to spend a few days if you’re a fan of biking is Chewacla State Park in Auburn. In addition to several mountain bike and multi-use trails, the park offers sites for primitive and RV camping, both of which have access to their own bathhouse. In addition, there are also cabins and glamping safari tents, which combine “luxury and the great outdoors” by including beds, a mini-fridge and more, available if you’re looking to keep things comfy. If you’re not into biking, the park also has plenty of other amenities, like boat rentals, to check out as well as hiking trails to explore.

Read more: Things to do at Chewacla State Park

Alabama State Parks

Wind Creek hugs the shoreline of beautiful Lake Martin making the park an angler’s paradise. Crappie, bluegill and striped bass are just a few of the species the lake has to offer. 586 campsites. (Joe Songer)al.com

Wind Creek State Park

Wind Creek State Park in Alexander City is one of the largest state-operated campgrounds in the United States, and it’s a favorite for avid campers all over the country for good reason. It offers 586 campsites, all of which have water and electrical hook-ups and access to bathhouses and laundry facilities. As far as activities go, Wind Creek has something for everyone. In addition to fishing, swimming, hiking and biking trails, the park has an archery range, putt-putt golf course, horseback riding, boat rentals and a zipline course. Beyond tent and RV camping, there’s also camping cabins available for rent as well as “glamping” tents up for grabs.

Alabama State Parks

Picturesque Lakepoint Resort State Park is located on the banks of the 45,000-acre Lake Eufaula. (Joe Songer)al.com

Lakepoint State Park

Lakepointe State Park in beautiful Eufaula offers a place to spend the night surrounded by the crystal waters of Lake Eufaula and the gorgeous scenery of Alabama. In addition to primitive sites, the park has nearly 200 modern sites for camping, all of which come with access to bathhouses, camper storage, tennis courts and a children’s playground. In addition, the park also has a lodge you can book a room in as well as wooded cabins and lakeside cottages available to stay in. As far as the rest of the park’s amenities, those include fishing, hiking, archery, swimming pools, boat rentals and more. There’s also several dining options, including The Water’s Edge Dining Room, inside the park.

Blue Springs State Park

View of the west fork of the Choctawhatchee River. The water from the springs flow into it. (Joe Songer)Joe Songer/AL.com

Blue Springs State Park

Blue Springs State Park in Clio is a popular spot for visitors during the warmer months thanks to its natural springs, but the park is also a great place to set up camp no matter what season it is. The park has nearly 50 modern campsites in a wooded rural atmosphere, each with water and electrical hook-ups, that include a picnic table, grill and access to a clean comfort station with showers. There are also camper cabins, which have all the comforts of home, if you’d prefer to skip the tent. Amenities available to guests at the park beyond its swimming pools including a playground area, hiking, birding, fishing and more.

Lake Guntersville State Parks

Lake Guntersville State Park has 36 miles of hiking trails through some of the most beautiful forest in Alabama. (Joe Songer | [email protected]). al.comal.com

Lake Guntersville State Park

For waterside camping, be sure to book a spot at Lake Guntersville State Park, which offers a campground situated alongside Guntersville’s 69,000 acre lake. The park features nearly 300 modern sites as well as primitive sites, all of which have access to water and electrical hook-ups, bathhouses, a playground and recreation area that includes a splash pad and more. There’s also RV camping available in addition to camper cabins, chalets, glamping safari tents and lodge rooms at the park. Activities at the park include horseback riding, hiking, birding, ziplines, boat rentals, fishing, golfing and more. There’s also dining options, like the Pinecrest Dining Room, in the park.

Alabama Color 2021

Autumn color 2021. The beauty and splendor of autumn in Alabama. Vibrant color at around DeSoto Falls at DeSoto State Park.. (Joe Songer for AL.com).Joe Songer

DeSoto State Park

A popular spot for campers eager to see fall foliage is DeSoto State Park in Fort Payne, which offers more than 100 primitive and improved campsites in a wooded, mountainous setting. Most sites come with a picnic table, grill and full hook-ups as well as access to comfort stations with restrooms, showers and coin-laundry. In addition, there are backpacking campsites, cabins, chalets and lodge rooms available within the park. DeSoto State Park offers a wide range of activities, including ziplines, horseback riding, hiking, kayaking fly fishing and more. Just don’t forget to get a look at its beautiful DeSoto Falls and other waterfalls during your stay.