The best campgrounds near Gardendale, Alabama with hiking

In Gardendale, you’ll find over 450 campsites that cater to hikers—think shady woods, creekside trails, and plenty of rugged paths underfoot. Many spots put you steps from trailheads, so you can wake up, lace up, and get moving. Standouts like Parksland Retreat (455 reviews), Argo’s Park & Trails (317 reviews), and Choccolocco Creek Campground (240 reviews) draw hikers for their access to winding routes and quiet corners to spot wildlife. You’ll see camps that welcome pets, allow campfires, and offer showers—essentials after a day on the trail. Rates start at $25 a night, with an average around $48. Horseback riding, fishing, and wildlife-watching add to the mix. If you want hiking right out your tent door, Gardendale delivers.

98% (1.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds

In Gardendale, you’ll find over 450 campsites that cater to hikers—think shady woods, creekside trails, and plenty of rugged paths underfoot. Many spots put you steps from trailheads, so you can wake up, lace up, and get moving. Standouts like Parksland Retreat (455 reviews), Argo’s Park & Trails (317 reviews), and Choccolocco Creek Campground (240 reviews) draw hikers for their access to winding routes and quiet corners to spot wildlife. You’ll see camps that welcome pets, allow campfires, and offer showers—essentials after a day on the trail. Rates start at $25 a night, with an average around $48. Horseback riding, fishing, and wildlife-watching add to the mix. If you want hiking right out your tent door, Gardendale delivers.

98% (1.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Argo’s Park & Trails

100%

(389)

3.2mi from Gardendale · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · Mount Olive, AL

We are conveniently located 15 miles north of Birmingham AL and 2 miles off of Interstate 65. Our property is approx 21 acres of beautiful hardwoods and pine trees. The front 7 acres is a mixture of open and shaded areas. The back 14 acres consists of trails and roads you can explore. You won’t have any problems finding a place to hang a hammock and relax. There is always wildlife on the property. Come relax and enjoy the land for a few days or come sleep overnight in a safe environment.

2. Parksland Retreat

99%

(1069)

48mi from Gardendale · 13 sites · Tents, Lodging · Waldo, AL

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.

3. Bohamia - Glamp/RV/Camp

99%

(298)

47mi from Gardendale · 28 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Talladega, AL

Please join us at the land of Bohamia for glamping with luxury beds and private decks, primitive camping in picturesque sites, and RV spots with power and water. Bohamia has an upscale bathhouse with private, hot showers and individual toilet rooms with floor-to-ceiling doors. The bathhouse is within 100 yards of all glamps and RV sites. We also have portalets stationed in the RV/Safari Tent area, at The Barn, and at the pond (0.4 miles from welcome center.) Premium RV spots now available with 30 or 50 amp hookups and water. We do not have sewer hookups or a waste station. Glamp, RV or camp amidst the natural beauty of our 268 acre property; we have open fields, shady spots beneath the hardwoods and pines, and even a five acre pond with plenty of fish if you’d prefer to wake up to a water view or take a morning swim. With miles of trails on our property, easy access to the 392,000 acre Talladega National Forest, and less than ten miles from the Pinhoti trail, you’ll never run out of beautiful places to explore. Be sure to save some time to enjoy the boulder strewn creek just a short walk from our welcome center - it’s a must see! Other local attractions are also within reach with the Top Trails ATV park and the Talladega Marksmanship Park only seven miles away.

4. Oak Mountain State Park

100%

(8)

167 sites · Pelham, Alabama

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

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5. 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.

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6. Choccolocco Creek Campground

98%

(518)

47mi from Gardendale · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Eastaboga, AL

Convenient stop for the night or a few days for RV’s or Tent campers and a good place to get a hot shower - only a easy mile a half from I-20 exit 173 ( Eastaboga - Talladega Superspeedway Exit ) also a good base camp to see Cheaha State Park - bike at Coldwater Mountain- see the Talladega Superspeedway , Combat Park Flea Market , Oxford ballgames or other area Activities - I reserve one RV site and two tent sites for hipcamp and rent the other five RV sites at the top of hill on a monthly basis - these hipcamp sites are wooded, shady with woods between the other sites to give some privacy while still not far from the unique showers made from the old chicken house feed bins -these showers are very functional and I have been complimented that they are the best showers on the east coast

7. Serene Lakefront Retreat

99%

(47)

44mi from Gardendale · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · Ashville, AL

Greensport RV Park & Marina is a scenic lakeside retreat on Neely Henry Lake in Ashville, Alabama, offering a mix of spacious RV sites with full hookups and serene waterfront tent camping areas nestled among the trees. Enjoy waterfront access with stunning lake views, ideal for fishing, boating, and paddling from our full-service marina. Campers can unwind in shaded picnic areas, explore scenic nature trails, and take advantage of family-friendly amenities, including playgrounds and clean restrooms with showers. Whether you’re here for adventure or relaxation, Greensport RV Park & Marina provides the perfect escape in a welcoming, picturesque setting with all the amenities you could look for. Greensport is perfect for any getaway!

8. Sunset Hill Farm

100%

(52)

26mi from Gardendale · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Parrish, AL

We are a small Homestead in Parrish, Alabama. We have lots of silkie and large chickens as well as 8 nigerian dawrf goats and two adorable mini cows. All of the animals are friendly and enjoy being pet. We have a large fire pit in the back property for campfires and fun as well as a composting outhouse for guest use. Come pet the animals and have a nice campfire while looking up at the stars!

9. Bug Tussle Creek Bend

100%

(54)

21mi from Gardendale · 1 site · Tent, RV · Colony, AL

Please search Bug Tussle Creek Bend on Youtube to see the site and details on the drive into the campsite. Thank you! 300 acres of family land since 2000. This area was called Boot's Bottoms growing up and the name stuck. There is a rock wall close to the campsite that was a old grist mill site. Plenty of wildlife, bird watching, wildflowers and creek walking. Some old ATV trails for hiking as well. Very remote and quite! Learn more about this land: Setup camp on the banks of Dorsey creek in Bug Tussle. Wooded area with shade in the warm season. Flat ground for tents or plenty of trees for hammocks. Easy access for vehicles directly to the campsite. Fire ring with grill grates present for cowboy cooking. Peaceful with plenty of opportunity to see wildlife. Primitive toilet present. Rock dam in creek is great to entertain kids, old grist mill site couple hundred yards downstream. Logging and ATV present for hiking and wildlife viewing. Deeper sections in creek present for cooling off in warm weather.

10. Camp in our clean and quiet RV park

100%

(5)

43mi from Gardendale · 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.

11. A Place To Land

88%

(4)

25mi from Gardendale · 9 sites · RVs · Pell City, AL

We have a small campground on our rural, 12 acre property located near Lake Logan Martin, a recreational lake outside Birmingham, AL. We have a total of 8 RV spots with 30 and 50 amp hooks ups, septic, water, trash and wifi. 1 spot is currently reserved for short-term guests. All lots face a small wood and get afternoon shade. We have a small pond, seasonal creek, a fire ring, and gas grill available for guests. Owner lives onsite.

12. Rock the South Parking/Camping

100%

(1)

32mi from Gardendale · 59 sites · Tents, RVs · Cullman, AL

RV and tent camping for Rock The South. Only 40 miles to the new location in Decatur, Al. Bath house for tent campers only. There are cold showers available for everyone on back of the bathhouse. Wal-mart 1.2 miles away you are allowed to leave and return.

13. Palomino RV Resort

31mi from Gardendale · 13 sites · Cullman, AL

Palomino RV Resort at Burrow-Hamilton Farm in Cullman, Alabama, stands out as a premier destination for RV enthusiasts, offering a blend of modern amenities and natural beauty. With 50 spacious sites equipped with 20, 30, and 50-amp service, guests can enjoy the convenience of full sewer hookups. Many sites come with a cozy fire pit, while the premium and buddy sites feature a full fireplace, perfect for gathering around on cool evenings. This resort is a haven for outdoor lovers, providing a variety of activities such as fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Guests can also engage in friendly competition on the basketball and pickleball courts or explore the scenic hiking trails. For pet owners, there’s a dedicated dog park where furry friends can play freely. Additional amenities include an on-site laundromat for added convenience. As the Palomino RV Resort continues to grow in popularity, it is quickly becoming the go-to RV park in northern Alabama, attracting visitors with its unique combination of recreational opportunities and serene surroundings. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, this resort has something for everyone.

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14. Time Away RV Resort

100%

(5)

42mi from Gardendale · 10 sites · Lincoln, AL

Located near I20 and a short walk to Talladega racetrack offering large 40 x 75 gravel, full hook-up, pull-thru RV sites. Learn more about this land:Located near I20 and a short walk to Talladega racetrack offering large 40 x 75 gravel, full hook-up, pull-thru RV sites. Enjoy family friendly fun such as swimming, bicycling, volleyball, basketball, walking trail playground and nearby amenities such as fishing, ATV trails, site seeing, hiking and much more!

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Camper favorites near Gardendale

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Bug Tussle Creek Bend

100%

(54)

21mi from Gardendale · 1 site · Tent, RV · Colony, AL

Please search Bug Tussle Creek Bend on Youtube to see the site and details on the drive into the campsite. Thank you! 300 acres of family land since 2000. This area was called Boot's Bottoms growing up and the name stuck. There is a rock wall close to the campsite that was a old grist mill site. Plenty of wildlife, bird watching, wildflowers and creek walking. Some old ATV trails for hiking as well. Very remote and quite! Learn more about this land: Setup camp on the banks of Dorsey creek in Bug Tussle. Wooded area with shade in the warm season. Flat ground for tents or plenty of trees for hammocks. Easy access for vehicles directly to the campsite. Fire ring with grill grates present for cowboy cooking. Peaceful with plenty of opportunity to see wildlife. Primitive toilet present. Rock dam in creek is great to entertain kids, old grist mill site couple hundred yards downstream. Logging and ATV present for hiking and wildlife viewing. Deeper sections in creek present for cooling off in warm weather.

Camp in our clean and quiet RV park

100%

(5)

43mi from Gardendale · 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.

A Place To Land

88%

(4)

25mi from Gardendale · 9 sites · RVs · Pell City, AL

We have a small campground on our rural, 12 acre property located near Lake Logan Martin, a recreational lake outside Birmingham, AL. We have a total of 8 RV spots with 30 and 50 amp hooks ups, septic, water, trash and wifi. 1 spot is currently reserved for short-term guests. All lots face a small wood and get afternoon shade. We have a small pond, seasonal creek, a fire ring, and gas grill available for guests. Owner lives onsite.

Rock the South Parking/Camping

100%

(1)

32mi from Gardendale · 59 sites · Tents, RVs · Cullman, AL

RV and tent camping for Rock The South. Only 40 miles to the new location in Decatur, Al. Bath house for tent campers only. There are cold showers available for everyone on back of the bathhouse. Wal-mart 1.2 miles away you are allowed to leave and return.

Palomino RV Resort

31mi from Gardendale · 13 sites · Cullman, AL

Palomino RV Resort at Burrow-Hamilton Farm in Cullman, Alabama, stands out as a premier destination for RV enthusiasts, offering a blend of modern amenities and natural beauty. With 50 spacious sites equipped with 20, 30, and 50-amp service, guests can enjoy the convenience of full sewer hookups. Many sites come with a cozy fire pit, while the premium and buddy sites feature a full fireplace, perfect for gathering around on cool evenings. This resort is a haven for outdoor lovers, providing a variety of activities such as fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Guests can also engage in friendly competition on the basketball and pickleball courts or explore the scenic hiking trails. For pet owners, there’s a dedicated dog park where furry friends can play freely. Additional amenities include an on-site laundromat for added convenience. As the Palomino RV Resort continues to grow in popularity, it is quickly becoming the go-to RV park in northern Alabama, attracting visitors with its unique combination of recreational opportunities and serene surroundings. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, this resort has something for everyone.

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Time Away RV Resort

100%

(5)

42mi from Gardendale · 10 sites · Lincoln, AL

Located near I20 and a short walk to Talladega racetrack offering large 40 x 75 gravel, full hook-up, pull-thru RV sites. Learn more about this land:Located near I20 and a short walk to Talladega racetrack offering large 40 x 75 gravel, full hook-up, pull-thru RV sites. Enjoy family friendly fun such as swimming, bicycling, volleyball, basketball, walking trail playground and nearby amenities such as fishing, ATV trails, site seeing, hiking and much more!

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Public campgrounds near Gardendale

100%

(8)

Oak Mountain Campground

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

Great paddling on the lake and the Sipsey Fork nearby

100%

(5)

Clear Creek Campground

35mi from Gardendale · 42 sites · Tents, RVs · in Bankhead National Forest

67%

(3)

Corinth Recreation Area and Campground

42mi from Gardendale · 52 sites · Tents, RVs · in Bankhead National Forest

Outstanding paddling throughout the area

100%

(4)

Houston Recreation Area and Campground

42mi from Gardendale · 88 sites · Tents, RVs · in Bankhead National Forest

Stories from the community

The red rock road entrance. Follow it around to the barn.

S

Sam

1 week ago

16 ft car

With pets

1 night at Argo’s Park & Trails

Great clean place to stay! Loved that each spot had a fire pit and space from other sites.

S

Shannon

1 week ago

Tent

With pets

1 night at Argo’s Park & Trails

We’ve been traveling for about a month and this is by far the BEST site we’ve stayed at yet. The grounds are gorgeous, the sites are very well maintained and spaced out perfectly for plenty of privacy. Jimmy was awesome and super welcoming. We will definitely be back on future adventures!!

A

Andrew

2 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Argo’s Park & Trails

Nice place. I’ve stopped for the night here several times while traveling and enjoyed a good night sleep each time.

J

Jessica

2 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bohamia - Glamp/RV/Camp

Bohamia is beautiful! The camp sites were clean and spread out nicely. We loved taking the conoe & paddle boat out on the pond.

B

Bennett

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Parksland Retreat

We absolutely loved our stay and plan on returning when we can spend more time enjoying the campground!

Z

Zac

2 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Argo’s Park & Trails

So I love this spot. Host is friendly and cordial. The site was nice, clean, and not crowded. I wanted a forest feel and that’s what I got. Perfect! My son asked if we can do it again next weekend. 😆

M

Matthew

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bug Tussle Creek Bend

I really enjoyed this campsite. The drive in was very straightforward (especially if you watch the YouTube video). The creek was low since we haven't had any rain lately. It was extremely private- some occasional far off car noise and dogs barking but otherwise a wonderful spot in the woods. Plenty of room for multiple tents or vehicles. Thanks for sharing it with us.

C

Connie

November 2025

14 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Serene Lakefront Retreat

Post card pretty! Well thought out! Awesome amenities! Will visit again!

A

Abby

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Parksland Retreat

Me and my partner had a fantastic time at Parksland retreat, I really can’t say enough good things about our getaway. Our yurt was spacious and clean, the bed comfortable, and our campsite was secluded.

A

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.

d

deval

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Argo’s Park & Trails

Had a great time it was very nice, quiet ,and private.

S

Samantha

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bohamia - Glamp/RV/Camp

My friend and I spent 2 nights tent/car camping at the pond area. I’ve been camping since I was a kid and she’s never been camping, but Bohamia was perfect for both of us. Leigh was wonderful, the camp sites were well maintained, quiet, and spread out enough to be more private than a lot of campgrounds. There’s only a Porta-potty in the pond area, but it was clean. The bathhouse is a short drive and very nice. The virtual camp store was so convenient for ordering wood for the fire and had a lot of other necessities. Highly recommend bringing hiking boots with good grip and hiking to the overlook/waterfall. The hiking trails are all very well maintained but not always well marked. However, Bohamia welcomes you to explore their unmarked trails as well, and it would likely be very hard to get truly lost on the property. My pit-mix comes on nearly every camping trip with me and I’m always a little weary of how she will be viewed, but she didn’t get so much as a sideways glance at Bohamia. I felt comfortable having her on a long tie-out or a zip-line and, because the sites were so spread out, there was no worry of her bothering anyone else. Before we even packed up, my friend was convincing the rest of our friend group to move our upcoming camping trip to Bohamia, so we will definitely be coming back.

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Bianca

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bohamia - Glamp/RV/Camp

Very big and pretty piece of property. The tent camping area is in a field with a pond and surrounded by woods. Two others were camped also but it was spread out enough that it felt comfortable and quiet. Great trails on property. Pretty in the fall. Host was very nice.