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99% (544) • 171 campsites
Top-rated cabin rentals near Calera
Parksland Retreat
1. Parksland Retreat
99%
(1146)
42mi from Calera · 10 sites · Tents, Lodging
Parksland Retreat is a 40 acre forest and nature retreat with off grid facilities and homestead all surrounded by the Talladega National Forest. Parksland is in the heart of Talladega National Forest. Come for a hike on the trails on property, nearby Pinhoti trail or swim in the beautiful creek.
Furnished Cabins, Bell Tents and Primitive Camping Available
for you, your partner, and/or a
group.
We have Parking for one (1) car per booking.
Access to the Retreat grounds and waters where we have swimming, and hiking.
Fall - Spring: shared Hot Tub Available Friday nights, Shared Sauna Available with cold plunge Saturday nights.
Clothing Optional Property
All guests must be 18+ years old
LGBTQ+ & BIPOC FRIENDLY
Be advised! The bridge located on Berney Station Road over Dry Creek (just West of the turn onto Germany Mountain Rd) is going to be replaced. This section of the roadway will be closed beginning March 3rd and will be closed for approximately one year.
Route your arrival from the East on Berney Station road.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
The Shoals Retreats at Lay Landing
2. The Shoals Retreats at Lay Landing
27mi from Calera · 1 site
🚗 Arrival & Access Info
• The gravel driveway is about one mile long and winds through the woods to the cabin.
• Cars can access the driveway, and many guests have arrived in standard vehicles. However, for a smoother ride— especially in wet conditions— we recommend a medium to high clearance vehicle.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Stay
Well-behaved dogs are welcome&mdash- up to 2 max. Please clean up after pets and keep them off the furniture unless using the provided covers. A small pet fee applies. Let us know ahead of time if you’re bringing furry friends!
🐾 Please leash your pets outdoors. The cabin is in the middle of the woods, and there is abundant wildlife on the property. Unleashed pets may chase animals or become difficult to locate.
⚡ Modern Off-Grid Living
This home runs fully off-grid with solar power and battery storage, while offering all the comforts of a modern home:
• Mini split system for heating and cooling
• High-speed Wi-Fi + Smart TV
• Full kitchen with dishwasher, oven, and fridge
• Clean, pressurized running water
🛶 Lake & Outdoor Enjoyment
• The property has direct access to Lay Lake&mdash- perfect for kayaking or paddleboarding (bring your own gear).
• The nearest public boat launch is just 2.5 miles away for those bringing boats.
✈️ Private Airstrip + Paramotor Flying (By Request Only)
🪂 The property includes a private airstrip occasionally used for paramotor flying and small aircraft takeoffs or landings. While not visible from the cabin, you may hear or spot aircraft activity&mdash- an exciting bonus for aviation lovers.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Hardwoods Campground
3. Hardwoods Campground
100%
(1)
44mi from Calera · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Hardwoods Campground is a private, small scale campground located in Talladega, AL, just minutes away from the NASCAR Talladega Super Speedway! Convenient to the city, yet surrounded by trees of nature, Hardwoods Campground is the place to kick back and relax. Whether pitching a tent or staying in one of our rustic rentals, you will be sure to enjoy your time here!
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Oak Mountain State Park
4. Oak Mountain State Park
100%
(8)
State park 15mi from Calera · 167 sites
Alabama’s largest state park offers scenic landscapes, and an impressive array of ways to play.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
B
Brandon
July 2026
Weekend Trip to Parksland Retreat
We enjoyed our stay very much. The land itself is beautiful and the accommodations were exactly what we were looking for, private with a sense of community. Sauna night was a great experience. We will definitely be back.
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Johnny
July 2026
1 night at Parksland Retreat
Very friendly, rustic and quaint. We slet in the cabin and it felt like sleeping in a treehouse. Trails were not that hard of a hike. The river was worth the small trek! Showers were nice and the composting toliet was surprisingly very clean. Clothing optional was easier than we thought and we didn't want to leave. Pro tip: bring a portable battery operated fan during the summer months.
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A
AMANDA
May 2026
Weekend Trip to Parksland Retreat
My husband and I are busy and exhausted and on top of that, we have been through some major life changes. This has led to a rough patch in our relationship. The only choice we had the weekend we went was to cancel all plans and just exist in nature. We didn’t have time or patience to work for it either. I didn’t want to set up a tent and I didn’t want to be in a house or a hotel. The sunrise cabin at Parksland was exactly what I personally needed. We got to be completely free with our bodies and minds. Which led to freedom of conversation between us. The windows and glass doors allow you to zone out and watch the birds fly and the trees sway. It is particularly charming in the rain. I am so grateful that I live so close to heaven. The sauna and swimming hole are added benefits. Cherries on top. If you need SERENITY this is your place but don’t mistake that word for boring. I had the most mind opening experience here!
Want to add, I have tent camped here as well and no matter how you do it, just do it.
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Ariel
April 2026
3 nights at Parksland Retreat
Outstanding! Dustin has built such a lovely place here at Parksland. The cabin was exactly as advertised, if not better. We had everything we needed. We would definitely stay again and thoroughly enjoyed our visit. We hiked the trails, enjoyed the Friday night meal, toasted in the sauna on Saturday night, and stayed up chatting with several other folks in the lounge area by a roasting fire while it drizzled on the metal roof. Most visitors during our stay participated in the clothing optional invitation (in case you were curious). We met some people who had visited before, but the majority who were there during our time were newcomers like us. If you have the opportunity to visit - go! You won’t regret it. It’s serene and warm and inviting in every wonderful way possible.
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Adam
March 2026
Weekend Trip to Parksland Retreat
Parksland is our place of joy. It’s a beautiful place that’s always filled with lovely people, especially Dustin. We’ve been many time and we’ll be back often.
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Adam
February 2026
Weekend Trip to Parksland Retreat
It’s always a lovely time at Parksland. Even when it’s cold, the people warm your heart.
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Elyssa
December 2025
Weekend Trip to Parksland Retreat
First time staying in the cabin and it was absolutely incredible! Loved the sauna and hottub! Dusty was an amazingly awesome host as always and I cannot wait to go back for my 5th time here!
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Adam
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Parksland Retreat
A weekend at Parksland is heavenly. Every time we’re there, we’re happy. We’d move in, if we could.
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Daniel
September 2025
Weekend Trip to Parksland Retreat
I have stayed at Parksland before. This was my first time staying in the cabin. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming. The cabin was cozy, although we spent most of our time at the camp center listening to music and enjoying the sauna. The trail from the parking spot to the cabin is relatively short, so it doesn't take you long to get your stuff there. Everyone, from the host to the other guests, was very friendly. We packed our own battery-operated fans, which is something I'd recommend during the warmer months. The cabin to the swimming hole has very direct access as well. You'll enjoy any of the sites on the land, but if you need something enclosed, the cabin works for that. Very welcoming location all around. Anyone who doesn't emphasize love and respect likely wouldn't be allowed back by the host.
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Wes
July 2025
Weekend Trip to Hardwoods Campground
This was my first time at a campground as unique and freeing as hardwood camp. I enjoyed every aspect of my weekend from the outdoor shower, to the lit walking trails. It's a one of a kind experience that you can absolutely see the attention to detail that Jeremy put into this place.
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Jerry
July 2025
Weekend Trip to Parksland Retreat
Hmm. What can you say really to describe the wonderfulness of Parksland?
From low tech to high tech, cool clear waters, hot to cold sauna shower, and good company, what more do you need? Prepare for as primitive or as glamorous as you care to.
Dusty is a real Man's Man, gracious host, great conversationalist and free with his knowledge, plays no games.
Be with people if you want or see no people the whole stay. Your camp spot and the grounds layout allow just that.
If you like to hike this is your spot. Hike the Ridgeline trail with it's stunning views and vegetation crossing the creek twice. There is a "bowl" at the main swimming hole that is a fantastic massage. Let me know when you find the "strike" stretch.
A+, 10/10, I'll go again. In closing, I had a "just what the doctor ordered" experience. For those who know, you know. For those ho don't come find out.
~Jerry Griffies
Birmingham
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Jon
April 2025
Weekend Trip to Parksland Retreat
Our hosts, Dustin and Emily are awesome! Dustin greeted us with a smile, upon arrival! Gave us a tour and explained the cool showers, sauna and composting toilet. We stayed in the Sunrise Cabin, C1. It was clean and really nice! I cooked dinner in the cast iron and built a nice fire. We thoroughly enjoyed playing in the crystal clear stream down the hill, in the buff! What a fantastic feeling of freedom and peace! Beautiful, lush, green forest full of birds! We had a great time! Made lifelong memories and departed with grins on our faces, rejuvenated and looking forward to our next visit!
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Beth
April 2025
Weekend Trip to Parksland Retreat
My partner and I absolutely love staying at Parksland! It's the perfect place to disconnect from society, and reconnect with nature, while in the company of the most wonderful people! Dustin, and Emily have created a paradise that they share with others!! Thank you Dustin, and Emily!!
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Molly
April 2025
Weekend Trip to Parksland Retreat
Everything was simply perfect! We can't wait to come back! :)
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Brian
March 2025
Weekend Trip to Parksland Retreat
This was our second trip to Parksland and staying again in the C1 Cabin. It was even more magical than the first time! The hosts are wonderful souls and this place of peace is just a really lucky find. The cabin itself is secluded, yet close enough to amenities to be convenient. We love sitting on the porch and enjoying a quiet sunrise coffee. We think you will too! Highly recommend!
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Uri
February 2025
Weekend Trip to Parksland Retreat
We've stayed many times. It's always great and we will return.
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Amanda
October 2024
With kids
The cabin is tiny and cute but so perfect. We enjoyed our stay in nature. Very peaceful. Just enough creature comforts were offered to make one feel quite comfortable and make the stay easy.
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RYAN
September 2024
2 nights at Parksland Retreat
The cabin is a great place to spend a few days at to relax and recover. It's only a few minutes walk to the swimminghole and showers. The cabin was neat and clean when we arrived. Dustin was friendly and greeted us when we arrived. I would recommend the cabin or tents to everyone. This is a great place to be yourself.
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Camino
June 2024
Weekend Trip to Parksland Retreat
Such a beautiful area to relax and breathe easy. We enjoyed the swimming hole so much, and the community being created is stunning! 10/10
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Imawaji
June 2024
Weekend Trip to Parksland Retreat
I loved the vibes and the nature. So beautiful and will return again
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