The best mountainous campgrounds near Huntsville, Alabama

97% (126 reviews)

Home to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and known as "Rocket City," Huntsville in Northern Alabama is famous for space history. But the city is also an excellent spot for nature lovers thanks to its location in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and near national forests. It’s close to several beloved state parks and miles of hiking and biking trails that offer stunning views of the Tennessee River Valley. Camping options range from traditional tent camping sites with picnic tables and fire rings to RV camping and RV parks with full hookups. Fishing, boating, and swimming are popular on the Flint and Tennessee Rivers and nearby lakes.

Popular camping styles for Huntsville

Top-rated campgrounds

97% (126 reviews)

Home to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and known as "Rocket City," Huntsville in Northern Alabama is famous for space history. But the city is also an excellent spot for nature lovers thanks to its location in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and near national forests. It’s close to several beloved state parks and miles of hiking and biking trails that offer stunning views of the Tennessee River Valley. Camping options range from traditional tent camping sites with picnic tables and fire rings to RV camping and RV parks with full hookups. Fishing, boating, and swimming are popular on the Flint and Tennessee Rivers and nearby lakes.

Popular camping styles for Huntsville

Top-rated campgrounds

1. York Hollow

98%

(33)

39mi from Huntsville · 1 site · Tent, RV · Pulaski, TN

Campsite is located at the base of York Mountain. Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent, hang you hammock, or park your camper and enjoy the great outdoors. There are a couple of level spots for your tents, as well as a nice rock fire pit for you to use. There is usually plenty of firewood available and there is an outhouse on the site. The pond hasn't yet been stocked with fish, but hopefully soon it will have more than just frogs. But for now the frogs provide great music. This is a rustic campsite, with rocks, roots, and steep terrain. Please bring your own camping gear, including chairs, and please take your trash with you. There is plenty of privacy, even though you are right near a public road that has very little traffic. There are no other campsites nearby and the owner lives 1/2 mile away. Recreation nearby includes Canoeing/kayaking on both the Elk River and Richland creek (shuttles can usually be arranged), Stillhouse Hollow Falls (beautiful waterfall hiking), Trail of Tears Interpretive Center, and Big Creek Winery. Tents/Table/and cots are available to rent as well.

2. Holliday Hide Away

100%

(12)

47mi from Huntsville · 1 site · Lodging · Estill Springs, TN

This property was purchased by my husband and I in 1980 from Margret Cetera mother of Peter Cetera lead singer of the band Chicago. When purchased the home was a small non descript cottage with a pole barn in the back field. It has grown to support grape, blackberry and muscedime vines.The original home has expanded through time and around 20 years ago, the pole barn was converted into a large 1200 square foot cabin with modern conveniences. My husband and I actually enjoyed living full time in the cabin for a period of 5 years before returning to reside in the main house. The cabin consists of 1 large common space room with sitting area and kitchen. The antique farm sink has hot and cold running water. Also available is a large refrigerator, toaster, microwave oven, hot plate, coffee pot and portable dishwasher. The antique Hoosier cabinet holds cooking utensils and silverware and located above the kitchen counter you will find plates, bowls, cups and glasses for your use. The water is well water, pure and delicious without chemicals. The cabin is equipped with a full size pool table for our guests enjoyment. The master bedroom offers a comfortable sleigh bed, full bathroom with shower and just outside the bedroom is a comfortable patio to enjoy, complete with table and chairs for two and outdoor fire place. Also available is a twin bed tucked in the corner of the area between the main room and bedroom. For guests wishing to continue their exercise routine, a modern treadmill is available as well. Walk the spacious well landscaped yard with multiple seating venues including a large hammock. For a quiet night of movie enjoyment, bring your favorite movies and make use of the DVD/VCR machine and wide screen television. Approximately 12-14 television channels are available via outside antenna. This cozy cabin offers something for everyone; book your stay today.

3. Dug Hill Moto & Outdo Shenanigans

94%

(9)

10mi from Huntsville · 56 sites · Tents · Gurley, AL

🏍️ Please note that we are a Motorcycle campground only. Please do not ask for exceptions 🏍️. 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.

4. Fort Bluff Camp Site

89%

(111)

20mi from Huntsville · 1 site · Tent · Somerville, AL

This camp site has one of the most beautiful bluff views in all of northern Alabama. The mounds located on the bluff date back 10,000-12,000 years ago to the paleo Indian era. You can hike for days and climb up and down the bluff to experience the base of the rocks. Camp with the Indian spirits. This 10,000-12,000 year old Indian site with mounds created by the Indians is one of the most beautiful sites in Northern Alabama. Bring a tent or sleep under the stars on this memorable bluff. Hike over the 162 acres and scale the bluff for an exciting hike along the base of the rocks where Indians also camped long ago.

5. Eagle Rock

23mi from Huntsville · 2 sites · Tents · Arab, AL

4 Acres with roughly 2 acres on the mountain where a good tent site is.

6. The Shelters@Butler Mill

23mi from Huntsville · 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

7. Knot Working Tiny Town

29mi from Huntsville · 3 sites · RVs · Guntersville, AL

Knot Working Tiny Town is a collection of luxury tiny cabins and 33 full hook up luxury RV sites, offering a quiet, cozy retreat just moments from downtown Guntersville, hiking, shopping, dining, entertainment, boat launches and more! Our cabins are a collection of eight uniquely designed tiny homes, nestled in a quiet valley bring all the comforts of home with a luxury feel. Each impeccably designed tiny home features a king or queen bedroom with two twins in the loft (access via ladder), private porch and a firepit overlooking our outdoor game area. Please book cabins via our website. The RV park is designed with our guests comfort in mind. All RV sites are full hook up, 30/50 amp, with 12 pull throughs and 21 back in spaces, we have room for most RV's. There is parking for one car and a boat or two cars.

8. Timberline Glamping Lake Guntersville

34mi from Huntsville · 7 sites · Lodging · Albertville, AL

Situated right on the shores of the beautiful 69,000-acre Lake Guntersville, this 5,909 acre park offers incredible views, an 18-hole championship golf course, tree canopy zip lines, a resort, convention, and banquet facilities, a full-service restaurant, a beach complex with a rental pavilion, a fishing center, hiking trails, nature programs, and the list goes on and on.

9. BillyJack's Farm

45mi from Huntsville · 1 site · Lodging · Shelbyville, TN

BillyJacks Farm is located in the rolling hills of Lynchburg, TN. We are very close to Jack Daniels and George Dickel Distilleries. Grills are available for your outdoor cooking. Star gazing is also awesome at the farm. We are located an hour from Nashville, Chattanooga, and Huntsville. Come relax on the farm and enjoy nature. The space: Get out of the hustle, bustle, and stress of everyday life. Enjoy relaxing in the country by taking walks, site seeing, cooking out, star gazing, and just enjoying nature. We are excited to welcome you at BillyJacks Farm in historic Lynchburg, TN.

Stories from the community

M

Matthew

2 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Fort Bluff Camp Site

This was our 3rd or 4th trip to the site. It's a beautiful location and the road in is an (unmarked and unlabeled) adventure. I would ignore Chelsea H's advice- she clearly knows how to drive her 2wd CRV! We had a lifted Tundra in our group that took on so much mud it did an alternator on the way home and we had to have it towed....

Christian

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Fort Bluff Camp Site

Awesome place. Loved the view and location. Will go back. You do need something with clearance to get to it. I didn't have to put it in 4wd.

D

Davy

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Fort Bluff Camp Site

This site is beautiful! Sun set is amazing. You are on the side of a bluff all alone.

C

Chelsea

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Fort Bluff Camp Site

The drive to the site was a fun little adventure—definitely muddy and rutted, but totally expected with the recent rain. We made it just fine in a 2WD Honda CR-V; just gotta know how to drive 😎. Once there, the views were absolutely incredible! We cooked up steak and potatoes, made s'mores by the fire, and just soaked it all in. Heard a bobcat overnight, which was wild, but nothing came close to camp. There was plenty of brush and dead limbs around for firewood, and the fire area even had stones already set up. We brought along our 6-month-old pup and camped with a tent and hammock—had the best time. Cozy, scenic, and just enough wilderness to feel like a real escape. Highly recommend if you’re up for a bit of rugged fun!

J

JASON

May 2025

14 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to York Hollow

Always a fun trip when we visit! Our dogs loved getting to run.

T

TJ

April 2025

With pets

3 nights at Holliday Hide Away

A great place to stay when visiting Winchester! The cabin provides all of the amenities you need to stay comfortable while also giving you that "camping" feel. Highly recommend!

M

Matt

April 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Fort Bluff Camp Site

Incredible spot! Lots of room for multiple tents if needed. Private with amazing views of the surrounding area. Highly recommend! We went after some heavy rains and 4x4 was most certainly required.

D

David

April 2025

Tent

1 night at York Hollow

Great spot off a country road and very easy to find. Some traffic that goes by but not bad a t all. Plenty of firewood available. The outhouse was a nice luxury to have available. I will be back.

B

Bryan

December 2024

Tent

With kids

1 night at Fort Bluff Camp Site

Site was really special. Amazing views and privacy.

R

Rebecca

December 2024

3 nights at Holliday Hide Away

We had a cozy time at the Holloday Hide Away. Fun place to stay at with lots of games. Nice area close to the Jack Daniel’s destillery for all whiskey fans.

M

Matthew

November 2024

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Fort Bluff Camp Site

This a beautiful location. We love camping here. The drive in is an adventure, but that's part of the fun for us! Our only complaint was the ATV that drove through our campsite at midnight. I wish there was some attempt at securing the site for paying guests. Even a yellow plastic chain that indicated the site was rented/ private.

S

Stanley

November 2024

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Fort Bluff Camp Site

It’s a beautiful spot, but there are a couple of concerns with getting to the location. First the host was great and communicated well. I read on some other reviews the trail was narrow and 4wd was needed. Not a problem for me on the 4wd part, but my truck is wider than a jeep or Toyota, so I asked the host if I’d be able to get through. She responded, and said she thought I would be able to but there were some tight spots and the sneak around for the mud puddles was mainly where it got narrow. 15 feet into the trail is a long deep mud hole, with a sneak around that’s ver tight. I made it through the sneak around as I could see tires sticking up in the mud hole so was worried about what else I might find going through it. I scraped on my rock sliders against a tree making the sneak around, no big deal. The rest of the way bag to the campsite was a combination of mud holes and narrow sneak arounds. I mostly just hit the mud holes with a little momentum and my differential locked and although the holes were pretty soft, I made it through no problem. The site itself was large and mostly flat. It was quiet and nice. Would definitely go again. The cows and dogs below the site stop making noise shortly after dark.

E

Eddie

October 2024

24 ft Class B

2 nights at York Hollow

A great campsite, private, plenty of firewood,and deer everywhere. Definitely be back.

Camper favorites near Huntsville

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Fort Bluff Camp Site

89%

(111)

20mi from Huntsville · 1 site · Tent · Somerville, AL

This camp site has one of the most beautiful bluff views in all of northern Alabama. The mounds located on the bluff date back 10,000-12,000 years ago to the paleo Indian era. You can hike for days and climb up and down the bluff to experience the base of the rocks. Camp with the Indian spirits. This 10,000-12,000 year old Indian site with mounds created by the Indians is one of the most beautiful sites in Northern Alabama. Bring a tent or sleep under the stars on this memorable bluff. Hike over the 162 acres and scale the bluff for an exciting hike along the base of the rocks where Indians also camped long ago.

Eagle Rock

23mi from Huntsville · 2 sites · Tents · Arab, AL

4 Acres with roughly 2 acres on the mountain where a good tent site is.

The Shelters@Butler Mill

23mi from Huntsville · 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

Knot Working Tiny Town

29mi from Huntsville · 3 sites · RVs · Guntersville, AL

Knot Working Tiny Town is a collection of luxury tiny cabins and 33 full hook up luxury RV sites, offering a quiet, cozy retreat just moments from downtown Guntersville, hiking, shopping, dining, entertainment, boat launches and more! Our cabins are a collection of eight uniquely designed tiny homes, nestled in a quiet valley bring all the comforts of home with a luxury feel. Each impeccably designed tiny home features a king or queen bedroom with two twins in the loft (access via ladder), private porch and a firepit overlooking our outdoor game area. Please book cabins via our website. The RV park is designed with our guests comfort in mind. All RV sites are full hook up, 30/50 amp, with 12 pull throughs and 21 back in spaces, we have room for most RV's. There is parking for one car and a boat or two cars.

Timberline Glamping Lake Guntersville

34mi from Huntsville · 7 sites · Lodging · Albertville, AL

Situated right on the shores of the beautiful 69,000-acre Lake Guntersville, this 5,909 acre park offers incredible views, an 18-hole championship golf course, tree canopy zip lines, a resort, convention, and banquet facilities, a full-service restaurant, a beach complex with a rental pavilion, a fishing center, hiking trails, nature programs, and the list goes on and on.

BillyJack's Farm

45mi from Huntsville · 1 site · Lodging · Shelbyville, TN

BillyJacks Farm is located in the rolling hills of Lynchburg, TN. We are very close to Jack Daniels and George Dickel Distilleries. Grills are available for your outdoor cooking. Star gazing is also awesome at the farm. We are located an hour from Nashville, Chattanooga, and Huntsville. Come relax on the farm and enjoy nature. The space: Get out of the hustle, bustle, and stress of everyday life. Enjoy relaxing in the country by taking walks, site seeing, cooking out, star gazing, and just enjoying nature. We are excited to welcome you at BillyJacks Farm in historic Lynchburg, TN.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Mountainous camping near Huntsville guide

Where to go

Huntsville Surrounds

It's easy to get outdoors in Huntsville without even leaving because there are camping sites within the city limits. Go hiking, biking, rock climbing, or explore the extensive cave system at Monte Sano State Park, and then take advantage of the picnic areas at lunchtime. Go paddling in the Flint River, or back-in to Ditto Landing to launch a boat into the Tennessee River. And although it's not necessarily a nature experience, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, with its virtual reality programs and simulators, is a must-visit attraction for any visitor to Huntsville.

Lake Guntersville State Park

About an hour southeast of Huntsville lies Alabama's largest lake, which is ideal for boating, fishing, and swimming. Hiking and biking trails meander through this state park's forests and along the lake's shoreline. At the same time, anglers can rent a boat and catch abundant bass, catfish, and crappie. Those seeking more adrenaline-fueled adventures can go zip-lining or explore an aerial course. The beach area, which is perfect for sunbathing, also has picnic tables for gathering with friends and family.

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge

Take a 30-minute trip southwest on I-565 to explore this wintering area for migratory birds. Covering 35,000 acres, it provides a great diversity of habitats for wildlife, such as waterfowl, cranes, deer, and amphibians. Hikers and bikers will enjoy exploring the miles of trails, while anglers can rent a boat or bring their own to catch bass, catfish, and crappie. Visitors can also enjoy the lake's serene waters by kayaking, paddleboarding, or swimming.

Little River Canyon National Preserve

In the rugged terrain of northeastern Alabama, the preserve is home to one of the deepest canyons east of the Mississippi River. Find hiking trails leading to breathtaking waterfalls and natural pools. The river also allows for kayaking and fishing. In addition to its natural beauty, the preserve has evidence of early human habitation dating back over 10,000 years. Picnic areas are also available if you need to take a rest.

When to go

Huntsville's mild climate makes it a year-round destination for nature lovers. The most pleasant weather occurs during spring and fall, from April to October. Summers can be hot and humid, but visitors can beat the heat with water sports like swimming, kayaking, and fishing. Winters can be cold, but instances of warm weather make hiking and biking possible at nearby state parks. The best time to visit Huntsville depends on personal preferences and your favorite activities.