The best waterfall campgrounds near Gardendale, Alabama

In Gardendale, waterfall chasers have over 360 camping options to pick from, with sites starting at $25 a night and averaging $35. You’ll find campsites tucked near cascades, where the sound of rushing water drowns out the highway. Parksland Retreat (455 reviews) keeps regulars coming back for its swimming holes and easy access to hiking, while Bohamia - Glamp/RV/Camp (190 reviews) sits close to the falls and caters to both tents and RVs. Most sites let you bring your dog, light a campfire, and rinse off in a hot shower. After a day of fishing or riding horseback along the creek, you’ll be glad you set up camp here.

99% (705)

Top-rated campgrounds near Gardendale

In Gardendale, waterfall chasers have over 360 camping options to pick from, with sites starting at $25 a night and averaging $35. You’ll find campsites tucked near cascades, where the sound of rushing water drowns out the highway. Parksland Retreat (455 reviews) keeps regulars coming back for its swimming holes and easy access to hiking, while Bohamia - Glamp/RV/Camp (190 reviews) sits close to the falls and caters to both tents and RVs. Most sites let you bring your dog, light a campfire, and rinse off in a hot shower. After a day of fishing or riding horseback along the creek, you’ll be glad you set up camp here.

99% (705)

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. Bohamia - Glamp/RV/Camp

99%

(298)

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

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.

3. Sarana (peaceful refuge)

41mi from Gardendale · 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. 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.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

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.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

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

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

J

Jessica

November 2025

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

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Parksland Retreat

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

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.

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.

B

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.

Kevin

October 2025

Tent

3 nights at Parksland Retreat

Very welcoming host and atmosphere within a beautiful natural setting. Psst- P3 isn't really that far, and the hill isn't really that bad.

R

Roy

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bohamia - Glamp/RV/Camp

What a great place! The cleanest and nicest bath house I’ve ever seen. The owner greeted us and led us right to our site. Private, quiet, beautiful……. We are so glad we stayed here.

Peggy

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Bohamia - Glamp/RV/Camp

Bohamia is such a magical place!!! The property is so amazing and well taken care of. Bath house is like no other and always immaculate. So much to do on the land, you don’t even need to leave. From paddle boat/ canoe on the pond, fishing, swimming, hiking, and boulder hopping on the beautiful river that runs through the property, to relaxation at its best! This was our 2nd year coming here and definitely will be our yearly place to go to recharge and find our peace! The owner is exceptionally kind and always so welcoming!!! We love her and the land she shares with others, it’s all so perfect!!

N

Noemi

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Parksland Retreat

We had an amazing time camping here! It was a wonderful and new experience for both of us — being without clothes truly helped us connect with nature in a beautiful way. Dustin was so kind and welcoming the entire time, and everyone there made us feel like part of a big family. We will definitely be coming back!

M

Mike

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

3 nights at Parksland Retreat

I can’t say enough positive things about the experience of staying on Dustin‘s land. The campsite we stayed in was isolated enough to make you feel like you were by yourself. The common facilities that Dustin shared with his guests made the trip really worthwhile. He has a 2 mile hiking trail on the property that’ll provide you with solitude and a good exercise opportunity. The creek offered a good cold plunge for after the hike. Dustin is a very gracious host. I can’t wait to return.

Dana

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

3 nights at Parksland Retreat

Parksland Retreat was so great again. The hot tub was amazingly done and nice for my first time. It was a great start to the weekend to get to know everyone and set the vibes for the rest of the time. And I cannot stress how great the sauna is. It eased my stressed muscles from the days trail hiking and swimming. If you're hesitating to go because its clothing optional, dont. It's so welcoming and the friendliest campsite in Alabama. You'll only regret why you didn't go sooner. Make sure not to bring to many items if you're camping at the two creekside locations. I learned the hard way and I don't want you to end up like me. Protip: keep your cooler at your car and have a secondary cooler to take down to your campsite.

P

PawPawDrew1

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Parksland Retreat

It is extremely hilly so go light. Host very friendly and pointed out site and where everything was.

H

Han

October 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Parksland Retreat

Incredible scenery and amenities, bathrooms were very clean and the everyone there was very kind and friendly.

M

Makenzie

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Parksland Retreat

Amazing place! Will be back. Tough hike pack light! Well worth it though

R

Raquel

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

2 nights at Parksland Retreat

This was the perfect trip to the most beautiful well kept space! Dustin was very friendly and made us feel very welcome. I definitely would like to come back. This is a beautiful property with beautiful views, swimming and friendly people. When camping a P2 pack as light as possible. It is a steep and far trip if you are having a lot of heavy things. We packed food, equipment for 9 people and a glamping tent. Wouldn’t do that again! We are very out of shape too though! Out of all the campsites we saw I did like ours the best. It was close to potable water and a compost toilet. We enjoyed being further away from the other campsites and had privacy.

Tres

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Parksland Retreat

Had a great time hanging out with Dusty and some of the other campers. He has created such a relaxing place that makes everyone feel at ease. Will definitely be back when I can stay longer. Thanks!

Keaton

October 2025

Tent

3 nights at Bohamia - Glamp/RV/Camp

We came on our motorcycles for the Vintage Festival at Barbers in Birmingham. Every year we camp somewhere different, but that may change now. This place is wide open, quiet, and great for tents. Trees for shade, pond, and firewood via Uber! (Not really, but the staff brings it to you after order online). Now the helpful input….how about shelves in the shower. If you are on a bike, the road is steep and rocky with gravel in few places, turn off your ABS. We will decently be back next year!

M

Max

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Parksland Retreat

I had such a phenomenal experience. It’s literally paradise with an amazing community. Dustin is also awesome

M

Murray

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Parksland Retreat