The best river, stream, or creek cabin rentals near Gardendale, Alabama

Welcome to Hipcamp! If you're looking for a riverside cabin camping experience near Gardendale, Alabama, we've got you covered. With over 90 available options that meet your criteria, you're sure to find the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the great outdoors. Our top campsites, including Parksland Retreat (281 reviews), Solomon's Garden (16 reviews), and Rustic Cabins at East West Farm (4 reviews), are all highly rated by fellow campers. And with popular amenities like trash and potable water, and activities such as wildlife watching, biking, and swimming, you'll have everything you need for a memorable trip. Prices per night start as low as $20, with an average price of $45 per night.

99% (497)

Top-rated campgrounds near Gardendale

Welcome to Hipcamp! If you're looking for a riverside cabin camping experience near Gardendale, Alabama, we've got you covered. With over 90 available options that meet your criteria, you're sure to find the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the great outdoors. Our top campsites, including Parksland Retreat (281 reviews), Solomon's Garden (16 reviews), and Rustic Cabins at East West Farm (4 reviews), are all highly rated by fellow campers. And with popular amenities like trash and potable water, and activities such as wildlife watching, biking, and swimming, you'll have everything you need for a memorable trip. Prices per night start as low as $20, with an average price of $45 per night.

99% (497)

Top-rated campgrounds near Gardendale

1. Parksland Retreat

99%

(1071)

48mi from Gardendale · 13 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.

2. Hardwoods Campground

100%

(1)

42mi from Gardendale · 5 sites · Tents, 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!

3. The Shoals Retreats at Lay Landing

32mi from Gardendale · 2 sites · Lodging

🚗 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—up to 2 max. Please clean up after pets and keep them off the furniture unless using 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—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—an exciting bonus for aviation lovers.

4. Oak Mountain State Park

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(8)

167 sites · Pelham, Alabama

Alabama’s largest state park offers scenic landscapes, and an impressive array of ways to play.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Public campgrounds near Gardendale

100%

(8)

Oak Mountain Campground

24mi from Gardendale · 167 sites · Tents, RVs · in Oak Mountain State Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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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.

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.

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! :)

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.