The best desert campgrounds in Alabama

Even if “Sweet Home Alabama” isn’t already on your road trip playlist, you should add the southern state to your camping itinerary. With its mountains, inland lakes, and Gulf Coast beaches, Alabama has plenty to offer campers, whether you prefer hiking to mountains and waterfalls, diving into Civil Rights history, or renting a seaside cottage—all served with a warm spoonful of Southern hospitality, of course. Opt for a seafront or lakeside campsite in summer when temperatures soar beyond 90°F, or choose a fall or winter trip for cooler weather ideal for hiking.

Top-rated campgrounds in Alabama

JAM Mission

1. JAM Mission

Tuskegee, AL · 1 site · Tent, RV

Peaceful Boondocking Retreat with Farm Animals + Pond Access Escape the hustle and reconnect with nature at our peaceful farm retreat in Tuskegee, Alabama. Set up your tent for boondocking near tranquil creeks or beside our serene pond. Whether you’re looking for a quiet getaway or an immersive farm experience, this is the perfect place to unwind. What We Offer: • Spacious boondocking RV sites (no hookups) near water source • Access to fresh, clean water • Generators available for rent if you need extra power • Bring your kayak and paddle the pond at your leisure • Friendly farm animals to greet you daily — sheep, goats, chickens, turkeys, and geese • Farm-fresh eggs available when the hens are feeling generous Enjoy the quiet sounds of nature, the charm of farm life, and a space to truly relax. Whether you want to sip coffee by the creek, feed a goat, or stargaze without light pollution, you’ll find the peace and freedom you’ve been craving here.

Pets

Campfires

Water hookup

from

$17

/ night

Even if “Sweet Home Alabama” isn’t already on your road trip playlist, you should add the southern state to your camping itinerary. With its mountains, inland lakes, and Gulf Coast beaches, Alabama has plenty to offer campers, whether you prefer hiking to mountains and waterfalls, diving into Civil Rights history, or renting a seaside cottage—all served with a warm spoonful of Southern hospitality, of course. Opt for a seafront or lakeside campsite in summer when temperatures soar beyond 90°F, or choose a fall or winter trip for cooler weather ideal for hiking.

Top-rated campgrounds in Alabama

JAM Mission

1. JAM Mission

Tuskegee, AL · 1 site · Tent, RV

Peaceful Boondocking Retreat with Farm Animals + Pond Access Escape the hustle and reconnect with nature at our peaceful farm retreat in Tuskegee, Alabama. Set up your tent for boondocking near tranquil creeks or beside our serene pond. Whether you’re looking for a quiet getaway or an immersive farm experience, this is the perfect place to unwind. What We Offer: • Spacious boondocking RV sites (no hookups) near water source • Access to fresh, clean water • Generators available for rent if you need extra power • Bring your kayak and paddle the pond at your leisure • Friendly farm animals to greet you daily — sheep, goats, chickens, turkeys, and geese • Farm-fresh eggs available when the hens are feeling generous Enjoy the quiet sounds of nature, the charm of farm life, and a space to truly relax. Whether you want to sip coffee by the creek, feed a goat, or stargaze without light pollution, you’ll find the peace and freedom you’ve been craving here.

Pets

Campfires

Water hookup

from

$17

/ night

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best desert camping in Alabama guide

Where to go

North Alabama

Hikers and campers are in their element in Alabama’s northern wilderness, dotted with caves, waterfalls, and woodlands. Go hiking and kayaking in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains at DeSoto State Park, peep the fall foliage at Little River Canyon National Preserve, and discover the caves of Cathedral Caverns State Park. Or head to the shores of Alabama’s largest lake to camp, boat, and spot bald eagles at Lake Guntersville State Park.

Central Alabama

Urban campers can find plenty of distractions in Birmingham, but Alabama’s largest city is also within easy reach of some of the state’s most memorable natural landscapes. Great hiking, biking, and camping can be found in Talladega National Forest, after which you can scale Alabama’s highest peak at Cheaha State Park and explore ancient caves at Rickwood Caverns State Park. Other popular campgrounds are found at Lake Lurleen and Wind Creek state parks.

South Alabama

Montgomery is the gateway to south Alabama and neighbouring Selma is a key stop on the Civil Rights trail, but outside of the cities, south Alabama is all about lakeside camping. To the east, Lake Eufaula is known as the “Big Bass Capital of the World” and has a wide choice of campgrounds, while nearby Blue Springs State Park offers plenty of lake camping. To the west, the Tombigbee River Valley is also prime for getting on the water.

Gulf Coast

Alabama’s 60-mile stretch of Gulf Coast shoreline is the place to cool off from the summer sun, spot shorebirds along the wetlands, or tee off at one of many coastal golf courses. RV parks are easy to find around the resort towns of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, while Dauphin Island remains a perennial favorite for beach camping. Alternatively, snag an RV site with full hookups at Gulf State Park, or book a cabin on the shores of Lake Shelby at Meaher State Park.