The best waterfall campgrounds near Cullman, Alabama

Looking for a camping experience near Cullman, Alabama, with stunning waterfalls? Look no further than Parksland Retreat! With over 440 options available, you're sure to find the perfect campsite that suits your preferences. Whether you're looking for a secluded retreat or a bustling campground, Hipcamp has got you covered. Some of the top campsites in the area include Woodybrooke Farm Campground and Bohamia - Glamp/RV/Camp. With popular amenities like pet-friendly accommodations, trash disposal, and toilets, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. And if you're in the mood for some adventure, you can explore historic sites, go biking, or even try wind sports. So pack your gear and get ready to experience the beauty of Alabama's waterfalls with Hipcamp!

100% (200)

Top-rated campgrounds near Cullman

Looking for a camping experience near Cullman, Alabama, with stunning waterfalls? Look no further than Parksland Retreat! With over 440 options available, you're sure to find the perfect campsite that suits your preferences. Whether you're looking for a secluded retreat or a bustling campground, Hipcamp has got you covered. Some of the top campsites in the area include Woodybrooke Farm Campground and Bohamia - Glamp/RV/Camp. With popular amenities like pet-friendly accommodations, trash disposal, and toilets, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. And if you're in the mood for some adventure, you can explore historic sites, go biking, or even try wind sports. So pack your gear and get ready to experience the beauty of Alabama's waterfalls with Hipcamp!

100% (200)

Top-rated campgrounds near Cullman

1. Dark Hollow

99%

(227)

50mi from Cullman · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

Dark Hollow Park provides beautiful, private, and secure primative campsites. Potable water and a composting privey are available. The camp host is on site if there are any questions. There is a one-mile hiking trail, a small stream and waterfalls located a short hike down into Dark Hollow. The Hollow is rich in history. There is a small Amphitheater in the bottom of the hollow where permanent water remains year-round. Dark Hollow has played many roles from sanctuary to battleground over the years. There are numerous activities within a short distance.

2. Dug Hill Moto & Outdo Shenanigans

94%

(9)

43mi from Cullman · 56 sites · Tents, RVs

Monte Sano Mountain rises quietly above Huntsville, Alabama—an unflashy ridge of limestone and shadow that holds more history and wilderness than most who pass it ever realize. It is not a mountain of spectacle but of mood, of subtle discoveries, and of quiet resistance to modern noise. Its slopes are threaded with forgotten wagon paths, foot-worn trails, and the slow, unrelenting work of water. Caves open like cracks in time. Small waterfalls cut through dense forest and vanish into the ground. Towering trees—oak, hickory, and poplar—form a green cathedral overhead, filtering light in ways that feel reverent. In some pockets, the air still carries the chill of the earth itself. Beneath the surface runs a deeper story. Long before Huntsville pushed east, Monte Sano offered its elevation to the sick, the curious, and the stubborn. Tuberculosis patients came in the 19th century, seeking healing in the mountain’s clean, dry air. Naturalists cataloged rare plants here. Native peoples traveled and camped across its ridgelines, long before names were given or boundaries drawn. And yet, despite the time that has passed, the mountain remains unpolished—intact. For those who seek true solitude, a few primitive campsites are available through Hipcamp. These are not curated experiences. There are no toilets. No showers. No host waiting with coffee or gear. Just a trail, a flat spot in the woods, and the sound of your own boots on rock. It is camping reduced to its essential form: a place to lie down among trees and stars, with nothing between you and the mountain but time.

3. Sarana (peaceful refuge)

27mi from Cullman · 1 site · Tent

Surrounded by Bankhead National Forest on Lewis Smith Lake, you’ll find 11 wooded acres with trail access to the lake and four additional forest trails. Along the way, you’ll discover occasional benches for quiet reflection amid the trees. We offer one rustic tent site featuring a 16’x16’ platform with power, water, Wi-Fi, a fire pit, and access to an outdoor shower with hot and cold water. Guests are also welcome to relax on our large covered porch and watch the deer wander by. Conveniently located—just 10 minutes from the Houston Recreation Area with a boat ramp, 15 minutes from the Natural Bridge Recreation Area, and 30 minutes from the Sipsey Wilderness, also known as “The Land of 1,000 Waterfalls.”

4. Bankhead National Forest

91%

(17)

195 sites · Arley, Alabama

Find your sweet home in Alabama’s Bankhead National Forest where skies really are so blue! With 16 wilderness areas to explore, places like the Sipsey Wilderness offer adventure and solitude out on the trails. Horseback riding and bike trails are a rad way to get miles under your feet, while spotting wildflowers and quail galore. Looking to cool off? There’s plenty of fishing and swimming for water lovers, or take shade under Bee Branch, a 500 year old poplar tree that stand majestically in the park. Over 150 miles of hiking trails are a show in all seasons and with sick campgrounds that have all the hook-ups you’re sure to return to Bankhead time and time again.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

5. Bama Campground & RV Park

100%

(5)

33mi from Cullman · 14 sites · RVs

Discover the Beauty of Alabama at Bama Campground & RV Park Escape to 86 acres of serene nature at Bama Campground, located alongside the picturesque Bankhead National Forest in Northwest Alabama. Our campground offers a range of accommodations, including 28 spacious RV sites with full hookups, 7 shaded tent camping sites, 2 luxurious glamping sites, and our Cozy Cowboy Country Cabin, perfect for those seeking a rustic retreat with modern comforts. The Cozy Cowboy Country Cabin sleeps up to 6 guests and features a fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom with a full shower, a loft sleeping area for kids, a pull-out couch, and a comfortable queen-size bed. Outside, enjoy evenings around the fire pit and picnic table, overlooking the stunning countryside and treeline of Bankhead National Forest. For those looking to explore the outdoors, our property boasts scenic hiking trails, fascinating caves, and tranquil creek tributaries. During wetter months, enjoy the waterfall flowing over the cave. Whether you're hiking, relaxing, or stargazing from our glamping sites, there’s plenty to enjoy. Our amenities include air-conditioned men’s and women’s bathhouses with showers and laundry facilities, a general store stocked with camping essentials, and a fenced-in dog park. Each RV site comes with its own fire pit and picnic table, perfect for outdoor gatherings after a day of adventure. In addition to the natural beauty, we offer a variety of games and activities to keep everyone entertained, including darts, badminton, foosball, carpet shuffleboard, cornhole, volleyball, and horseshoes. Book your stay at Bama Campground & RV Park today, and experience the perfect blend of comfort, nature, and adventure in the heart of Alabama!

Public campgrounds near Cullman

90%

(5)

Brushy Lake Recreation Area

26mi from Cullman · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · in Bankhead National Forest

Outstanding paddling throughout the area

100%

(4)

Houston Recreation Area and Campground

26mi from Cullman · 88 sites · Tents, RVs · in Bankhead National Forest

Great paddling on the lake and the Sipsey Fork nearby

100%

(5)

Clear Creek Campground

27mi from Cullman · 42 sites · Tents, RVs · in Bankhead National Forest

67%

(3)

Corinth Recreation Area and Campground

28mi from Cullman · 52 sites · Tents, RVs · in Bankhead National Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

K

Kelsey

6 days ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Dark Hollow

Words can’t express how welcome I felt! They showed me around some of the different camping grounds. Made sure I had enough wood for the night. Very very nice camping area. The views or a 10/10! The sound of the waterfall put me to sleep. The picture can express the beauty of the camping ground. I’ll be back soon and this time I’m bring my family so they can enjoy the scene and relax to. I can’t wait!

M

Morgan

2 weeks ago

1 night at Dark Hollow

It was a beautiful view of the sunrise and he was very kind and accommodating! We would love to come back in the summertime/ warmer months!

G

Garrick

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Dark Hollow

I had a great time! Great host! Secluded area!

M

Mike

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Dark Hollow

We had a wonderful time at Dark Hollow. The view from “The Ledge” was amazing, and the site arrangement was perfect. Hearing the lions & tigers at night was a bonus. We will definitely be back!

S

Stephanie

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Dark Hollow

This was one of my favorite places I have visited so far. The hosts were very welcoming and made me feel very comfortable. I am a single, female camper so I was concerned about safety but that was quickly alleviated. I will definitely do that again!

H

Hadden

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Dark Hollow

The host was very nice and made us feel welcome. We really enjoyed the campsite and had a blast. The hiking trails off of the site were just challenging enough to make it exciting, but not impossible for people with little experience. I’d highly recommend the zoo near the site. We were at the bobcat tent site and could hear the lions and hyenas at night from our campfire. Highly recommend!

N

Nicholas

November 2025

Tent

With pets

4 nights at Dark Hollow

The hosts here are so friendly and hospitable. Views are stunning. Would definitely recommend.

Savannah

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Dark Hollow

We decided to camp here last minute, and we loved it! The view was great, we were secluded and it felt like we were in our own little place. It was very relaxing, and the owners were very kind to not only us, but my kid too. ( Bonus points for Zed for tricking my fiancé into running to beat his lawnmower 🤣 ) we try to camp at a new location every trip, but we are already planning on being back here! We were the first campers there, and were able to choose our spot! You can also purchase wood and they will bring it to the spot of your choosing!

T

Thomas

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Dark Hollow

It was a great time camping at Dark Hollow. Danny met us right when we arrived and showed us around and since we were the first ones there for the day he let us choose the exact site we wanted. Zed was also great and was there whenever we had a question or needed anything. The views were great, the hike to the creek at the bottom was easy, and the add on firewood extra was definitely worth the $15. Would stay at Dark Hollow again!

P

Peter

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Dark Hollow

Danny was an amazing host, he met me when I arrived to show me around despite it being late in the evening. The camp area is neat and orderly and the composting outhouse was extremely clean and orderly. Each campsite had a great fire ring, picnic table, and a stack of firewood. But the show stopper was the propane heated outdoor shower! It was amazing and an absolute experience in of itself. I'll definitely be staying again when I next visit the area! I would have to say that it was the best hip camp experience I've had to date!

K

Kayla

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Dark Hollow

Dark hollow was spectacular! The host was super nice and showed up all of the open sites. We stayed at the ledge and it had a beautiful view. The outdoor shower was warm and clean. Would recommend!

Kristin

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Dark Hollow

Dark Hollow is an absolute gem! Danny is an amazing host and welcomed me to the campground and showed me around the beautiful property and let me pick my site (first come, first serve). I stayed at Bobcat which has a beautiful view and is just off the trail down to the creek. Great stargazing! The campground is close to High Falls and Bucks Pocket and a short drive to Little River Canyon and other great areas to hike. Will definitely be back!

M

Madison

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Dark Hollow

We loved camping at Dark Hollow! It was quiet, clean, and the host and other campers were very friendly. It's located in a beautiful area and the campsites are spaced out well. The firewood bundle is a great deal and we were able to purchase more wood through the app once we got there. Keep in mind that it is a bit of a steep hike to get to the little waterfall and creek, although it isn't very far. Our dog had a blast exploring the woods and we loved not having to keep her on a leash the whole time!

M

Megan

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Dark Hollow

Another successful weekend getaway at Dark Hollow to sleep under the stars while listening to lions and tigers in the valley below! We’ve been several times over the past few years, and it feels like our weekend home away from home during the cooler months. Strongly recommend for all groups!

C

Christina

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Dark Hollow

We had a fantastic time at Dark Hollow campground! I took my small Cub Scout Den so that we could have a camp out and go visit the local animal preserve. It was gorgeous! The host was very informative and friendly. We had plenty of space to spread out and enjoy a wonderful time together. Thank you!

N

Nickolaus

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Dark Hollow

Beautiful view overlooking Northern Alabama. Host is very friendly and made sure we knew the areas of the campsite. The trail was fun, but was a quick reminder we need to do that more often. Definitely a light workout. There is also a tiger sanctuary close enough we could briefly hear them at night. You can visit them during the day, it’s not too far a drive. Was my daughter’s first camp. She’s already asking when our next adventure will be.

E

Elizabeth

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Dark Hollow

What a dream experience this was! The owners were incredibly friendly and made us feel very safe and cared for. We stayed at the Bobcat site - what a view! The accommodations were exactly what we needed. The campsites were all spaced out enough so we had privacy but didn’t feel completely alone. Also, can’t beat the firewood bundle deal. We will be back very soon!!

J

James

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Dark Hollow

Second trip to dark hollow and it was just as good as the first. Can't wait to visit again!

J

Jordan

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Dark Hollow

This was our 2nd trip to Dark Hollow, and both times me and my family had a great time. The camp grounds are always well maintained, and the host Danny and Zed are very accommodating. From meeting with you to show you around when you arrive, to promptly responding to any questions we had. Dark Hollow is a great place to just relax and disconnect from the busy day to day, and enjoy some quality family time.