The best dog-friendly campgrounds in Alabama

No matter where in Alabama your travels take you, from Birmingham to the southern wilderness, chances are you can bring your pets. Dogs are welcome in most Alabama state parks and public areas, so long as theyre on a leash and dont stray off-trail. That means your leashed pooch is free to chase waterfalls in Bankhead National Forest, run through fall leaves in De Soto State Park, and splash along the surf in Gulf State Park. Some parks even offer dog-friendly cabin rentals for an extra fee, including Oak Mountain, Lake Guntersville, and Monte Sano. Though dogs are largely welcome throughout Alabama, pet owners should follow all rules and be respectful, keeping in mind that dogs are not allowed in swimming pools and might be banned on mixed-use trails for safety reasons.

98% (3.7K)

Top-rated campgrounds

No matter where in Alabama your travels take you, from Birmingham to the southern wilderness, chances are you can bring your pets. Dogs are welcome in most Alabama state parks and public areas, so long as theyre on a leash and dont stray off-trail. That means your leashed pooch is free to chase waterfalls in Bankhead National Forest, run through fall leaves in De Soto State Park, and splash along the surf in Gulf State Park. Some parks even offer dog-friendly cabin rentals for an extra fee, including Oak Mountain, Lake Guntersville, and Monte Sano. Though dogs are largely welcome throughout Alabama, pet owners should follow all rules and be respectful, keeping in mind that dogs are not allowed in swimming pools and might be banned on mixed-use trails for safety reasons.

98% (3.7K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Murchison Farm's Primitive Camping

93%

(34)

291 sites · Tents, RVs · Pine Apple, AL

A little bit about our property: This property has been in the family for multiple generations. Our Old Family Farm has been an agricultural farm, a cattle farm, and now is a tree farm and nature preserve. Our primitive campground offers mixture of open land, young timber, ancient hardwood, fishing ponds, spring heads, and streams. We even have a small section of swampland. We practice an active controlled burn program and almost always have some freshly burned areas that are fairly clean of vegetation - as well as several areas with fresh regrowth. It is not uncommon to come across Deer sheds and other interesting finds when taking a walk. If You love nature and are interested in Primitive camping, you can also enjoy a dark sky experience in several of our open areas. According to some our astronomer guests, our night skies are mapped as the darkest skies around, east of the Mississippi River, with the exception of one other campground located east of us. Chances are that your Children may see stars that they have never viewed before. When was the last time you stepped out into your yard, looked up, and clearly saw the Milky Way? Learn more about this land: Apparently, we are not meeting the expectations of everyone coming to camp with us. In order to prevent further disappointment, we have added the following paragraphs. We do have several Glamping Sites in the works and hope to have at least one of them available sometimes early next year. Currently we only have a very limited number of primitive campsites that are easily accessible by passenger cars. We Are A Primitive Campground. We offer only a limited number of camp sites that are developed to convenience. We have many awesome spots, but some may require a small to moderate amount of time to clean and dress up for your comfort. A simple cutting tool, such as a machete or ax, will make short and quick work out of your campsite prep. Murchison Farm has served in many different farming capacities, throughout generations of stewards. It's many operations have included row crops, cattle production, goat herds, horses, chicken and turkey production, as well as Tree farming. We are currently operating as a Tree Farm, Wildlife Preserve/Reserve, and Primitive Campground - in that order of priority. If you like clear wide-open areas, you should plan your camping trip for fall, winter, spring, and early summer. Because of our intense controlled burn schedule, you will find the farmland extremely lush and full of botanical growth - during the summer months. Grass, bushes, vines, low lying tree limbs, and a variety of other plants flourish to the point that some areas of the property appear overgrown and unkept. Not much else could be further from the truth. In fact, the massive growth can largely be attributed to all of the nutrients released from the burn process. Much of the lower plant growth is consumed, from our burn activity, and easily available for new growth. During other periods of the year, the same little area may consist largely of bare soil spotted with new green growth. There is an abundance of deadwood and broken limbs available around the farm for campfires, if you would like to pick it up. This includes firewood sometimes left by previous campers. Please do not cut down any living trees or shrubs. Primitive Camping may not be for everyone! I suggest that you take the Name, into account, and do a little research into the Actual Practice. We offer some campsites which can be easily accessed with cars, but many may require 4-wheel drive, or low hanging branches which may scratch your vehicle. If You are looking for an orderly and well-groomed commercial Campground, Our Primitive Campground may not be for you. Pitch your tent in one of our beautiful grass covered fields, secluded and private retreats, or under some ancient old trees, and enjoy access to 263 acres of pure nature. You can go fishing, swimming, hiking, or sit back and enjoy the sounds of nature on this farm out in the country. You can even go wading in a beautiful creek. Get off the beaten path, and maybe even turn your phone off for a couple of days... . Secluded, yet conveniently located near major attractions - starting within a 35-minute drive. We support our Veterans and Active Duty Personell whenever possible. As a small token of our appreciation, we offer them a 50% discount. Please message me for your promo code before booking. We offer special programs for qualifying groups, including Boy Scouts, Church Youth Groups, Family and other events. Most are very low cost or free. You are encouraged to ask about them if you are interested. PLEASE REMEMBER, MURCHISON FARM IS A PRIVATELY OWNED CAMPGROUND. Please DO NOT TAKE ANYTHING AWAY THAT YOU DID NOT BRING IN - with the exception of any extra items you may have purchased through Hipcamp. Sit back and relax, go exploring, and/or do some peaceful fishing..

2. Camp in our clean and quiet RV park

100%

(5)

10 sites · Tents, RVs · Lincoln, AL

Come camp right beside Talladega Motor Speedway. We have plenty of space for you to camp for the night without having to unhook. We can accommodate big rigs! We offer large full hook up pull through sites. We accommodate up to a 75" rig! Large individual shower rooms in our shower house, laundry facility, dog parks, kids park, swimming pool and more! Family/Veteran owned and operated RV Park. Call us directly at for race week availability and rates. We offer weekly and monthly discounted rates, as well as Veteran discounted rates.

3. Auburn, Lake Martin, Tent or RV 🦅

100%

(3)

1 site · Tent, RV · Dadeville, AL

Tent camp or RV park on my future house site near Auburn and lake Martin. Condition: Undeveloped, no water, no sewage disposal, no electricity. Leave no trace, pack it in, pack it out. Thanks! Location: 6 minutes from Dollar General 8 minutes from "Union" Public boat ramp on Lake Martin. 39 minutes from Jordan Hare Stadium. Description: The property is 75 feet wide and stretches 210 feet back from the road. Shaded with trees, flat, plenty of room for pitching a tent. The driveway clearing large enough for a car plus camper or RV. I don't have dimensions, but use the pictures of my Jeep for reference. For now, you must decide if your rig will fit. The driveway ground is hard, but there isn't any gravel on the drive yet, so be mindful of parking during rain or soggy conditions. There is a fire ring and a few chairs to enjoy socializing or plenty of trees to hang a hammock and relax. Basically a quiet place to relax, in an undeveloped neighborhood, and pretend you are in a backcountry tent site, 6 minutes from Dollar General :) War Eagle!

4. The Shelters@Butler Mill

12 sites · Lodging · Grant, AL

So. Many things to do 9 holes fresbee golf ,3d archery range 12 targets,horseshoes, cornhole, axe throwing. Target side by side rentals, aframe, shelters, teepees, bunkhouse hot showers movie nights much more. 50acres on the paint rock river fishing swimming tubing but best of all peace and quiet primitive campground is key bring all camping stuff leave tent and grill at home all kinds oh grills l”provide these things for you. Go to shelters butler mill. Com all on word,for 8nfo and reservations

5. YaYa's River Retreat

100%

(15)

101 sites · Tents, RVs · Robertsdale, AL

A little slice of camping heaven, 41 acres with 800 feet of water frontage on Styx River. YaYa's is a completely primative or boondocking campground and swim area with porta pottie available. There is hot showers available at truck stop about a mile away and they have a dump station for those in RV. Come enjoy all the natural beauty or we are within an hour of hundreds of things to do for all ages. YaYA lives about 1/2 mile away and has a well available to refill your water. There is plenty of fallen wood to gather for fires or cut wood available for purchase. We have a community area with picnic tables, sun sails, grill, pavilion, and large bonfire. Please note the access road is old gravel and dirt, so if in a low car you'll need to take it slow. If there has been rain call ahead for entry directions as part of road becomes muddy. There is also a shooting range near by so during the day you will hear this some. You will not be disappointed if you love the tranquility of being outdoors.

Public campgrounds in Alabama

Great paddling on the lake and the Sipsey Fork nearby

100%

(5)

Clear Creek Campground

42 sites · Tents, RVs · in Bankhead National Forest

Outstanding paddling throughout the area

100%

(4)

Houston Recreation Area and Campground

88 sites · Tents, RVs · in Bankhead National Forest

100%

(1)

Open Pond Recreation Area

74 sites · Tents, RVs · in Conecuh National Forest

100%

(1)

Coleman Lake Recreation Area

39 sites · Tents, RVs · in Talladega National Forest

100%

(4)

Pine Glen Recreation Area

21 sites · in Talladega National Forest

Stories from the community

L

Liat

2 weeks ago

17 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Murchison Farm's Primitive Camping

We were in a bit of a bind and needed last minute camping. We found Anthony’s place on Hipcamp about an hour north and were so thankful it had instant booking! Anthony also messaged us within 10 minutes to help coordinate directions as well as meeting us to show up to camp, despite it being pretty late. He led us to a beautiful and huge, empty green field tucked away in forest where we parked our RV for the night. Anthony showed us where we could find good wood and allowed us to make a fire right by our camp. The stars were exceptionally bright, even in a cloudy sky. Overall it was a beautiful place to camp even in the winter and I’m sure even more beautiful during more lush seasons. The property is extensive with a lake and woods, giving ample space and opportunity to spread out and bask in quiet nature. We 100% recommend this place and will certainly be back the next time we are passing through. Thank you Anthony!

Laura

2 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Murchison Farm's Primitive Camping

We came here primarily for stargazing and the location was ideal. Anthony met us at the front of the property and showed us the best location to set up our telescope. I cannot comment on any other amenities because we just stay there for a few hours with the telescope but overall I would come back if I had the chance.

S

Scarlett

November 2025

Tent

1 night at YaYa's River Retreat

Host was super accommodating and helpful took time out of her day to come introduce herself directions were spot on and easy to get to

W

Wally

November 2025

Tent

6 nights at Murchison Farm's Primitive Camping

I was extremely happy camping at Anthony's farm. I'm planning to go back again. I haven't been challenged bushcrafting in a long time. I like primitive camping, with tents. Anthony has a diamond in the ruff, meaning he is working to expand camping experiences, like glamming, group camping and R.V. hook ups. As such a few things to take I to account before booking. The roads on the farm are passable dirt , but have low hanging trees and big ruts in spots. If your vehicle is pristine and you are O. C.D. On its looks, don't bring it. Phrases like primitive, ruffing it, bushcraft should be a warning. If you don't prepare for potable water, sanitation, personal hygiene ( toilet) then your Walmart option is Greenvile, 40 miles round trip. R.V.ers should be self contained for boondocking. I liked the option of fishing I caught large mouth bass, catch and released. Hiking the roads on the farm is also fun. Depending on your camping style this may not be the fit for most campers, but if you like the primitive, hands on challenge like I do, you will not be disappointed. Thank you.

Raley

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Auburn, Lake Martin, Tent or RV 🦅

Cool site, communicative host, lots of trees, easily accessible, close drive to multiple hikes around lake martin

C

Cam

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Murchison Farm's Primitive Camping

Murchison Farm is exactly what I was looking for in a camping experience and more. Anthony is very nice, responsive and welcoming. The land is private, heavily wooded and has all kinds of primitive camping locations. Any car can access it but I recommend going 4x4 as that was how I found my chosen camping spot, down a wooded trail and up a hill. (Protip: bring snippers in case you want to trim back trail overgrowth.) I felt safe and will very likely be camping there in the future for a longer duration.

Colleen

May 2025

Tent

1 night at YaYa's River Retreat

I low-key dont want to tell anyone about this beautiful little slice of earth on Ya-Ya's property, but I dont gate keep- so I have to shout out what an amazing set up she has!

Jenn

March 2025

20 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at YaYa's River Retreat

The whole family was so friendly and helpful! We were there in the off season but I can see coming back in the summer to enjoy the river and some good music. And our dogs loved it there!

J

Jonathan

March 2025

Tent

1 night at YaYa's River Retreat

Really spacious and private! Michelle is very kind and hospitable.

D

Denise

February 2025

Tent

4 nights at Auburn, Lake Martin, Tent or RV 🦅

I went tent camping here I was a very pleasant stay. My dog had fun wandering the wooded area. We did miss the drive at first and the dogs at the top of the hill were in the road so just be careful if you do miss the drive. Overall very pleasant. Would stay again.

B

Bianca

February 2025

34 ft Class A

Weekend Trip to Camp in our clean and quiet RV park

Nice and clean camp. Quiet and close to amenities. Friendly hosts and campers

M

Meadow

November 2024

Tent

Weekend Trip to Murchison Farm's Primitive Camping

Had a great time and would definetly recommend! He keeps most of the land controlled with fire burning so exploring is really easy. Had no issues with ticks or mosquitoes, and firewood was plenty. There are two medium sized lakes that are great for fishing, we caught some tasty blue gill. Lots of land, and plenty of neat spots to camp. I loved that you can camp wherever you want. He also has some friendly dogs that roam his land, they like to bark sometimes, but I’m sure you don’t have to worry about coyotes or bears with them around. Noise wise, there is a road that you can hear, but it’s not too loud, and it’s almost impossible to be away from roads on this side of America. I do believe there is some sort of loud sawmill in the distance, but it seemed to stop on Saturday and Sunday, so had no issues. I am not sure what exactly the constant noise was on Friday, but if you like quiet than the weekends would seem to be the best. Hope to go again one day!

E

Elizabeth

November 2024

30 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Camp in our clean and quiet RV park

We loved staying here! So convenient to the highway. Level sites. Best shower I’ve had at an rv park. Great laundry facility! Overall a great experience.

K

Kelsie

November 2024

34 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Camp in our clean and quiet RV park

Nice, quiet, friendly. We were only here for a night but definitely would come back. They have a pool, park, and dog park.

M

Matt

November 2024

Tent

1 night at YaYa's River Retreat

Nice spot for a larger group gathering. The stretch of river with beach looks like would be great for kids (supervised of course). I liked the platform and picnic table area. There’s a very cool looking large movie screen if you have a projector. No electricity so you need your generators and bring your own water. But lots of space and privacy is there. The one thing is there’s a shooting range next door so that can get loud during the day. Maybe a bonus for the right people!