Parksland Retreat

The bell tent set up was very convenient and the land was peaceful! I enjoyed a hike along the trails and the stream was absolutely stunning! Would have loved to camp with some good company. Dustin was a very great host as well. Good conversationalist and a joy to be around! I would definitely camp here again!

Tori C.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2025

Tent · With pets ·

Parkland retreat is absolutely stunning place and is very peaceful! A really great place to reconnect with yourself, nature, and with others. The host and co-host are absolutely wonderful human beings and keep the place really nice. The clothing optional was very freeing and added an extra wonderment to the trip. I can't wait to come back for more more relaxation and adventures.

Kiri W.

2 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

Tent ·

Parksland retreat is breathtakingly beautiful area

Kiri W.

2 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

Just what we needed.

With kids ·

P5 BYO Tent Platform & Fire Ring

Wonderful experience! Dustin has created a truly special place and he is a friendly and engaging host. The natural landscape is stunning. The (clean!) amenities blend in seamlessly and don't take away from the natural feel. The campsites are far enough apart to make you feel like you have your own little space but close enough to interact with your neighbors if you choose. Everyone who found their way here was so friendly and welcoming. There is also a communal aspect with the group campfire and group sauna on certain nights. 10/10 and will definitely be back.

William C.

3 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2025

Tent ·

P2 Creekbend

Beautiful secluded site right on the creek. A bit of a hike from the parking area so pack light! The grounds are very well kept and Dustin was an excellent host! Very open and welcoming! We didn't have any cell service so make sure to download maps if you plan to explore around. Overall, it's a great place to disconnect and get back to nature. We will definitely be planning a trip back.

Brad C.

2 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

Tent ·

This was my third stay at Parksland but the first time I’d used the ‘byo tent’ option and also the first time I’ve gotten to take apart in the amazing sauna! Dustin is a great host and is always accommodating and welcoming. Due to some fortunate circumstances I actually set up at P6, which is slightly larger of a platform, and with my 2p tent I felt like I had more than enough room for the tent and for several items laid out all around it. Dustin has a tarp for rent but I just pulled in my belongings into my tent when it began to rain at night and fell asleep to the peaceful pitter patter. This is a truly relaxing slice of earth, an amazing choice for a nervous system reset, forest bathing at its most pure. Can’t wait to go back!

David H.

1 year on Hipcamp

Not recommend

· May 2025

Not for us

Tent · Group trip ·

This is a very specific experience, and it wasn't for me or our group. If nudity and walking roughly a mile to your campsite up and down a steep incline and overgrown trail is your thing, this is your place. For our group, it wasn't the family friendly car camping experience with easy access to a toilet and water source that we were looking for.

Sydney K.

3 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

This was our 5th stay. This is our favorite place to unplug. Throw electronics in the car, light a fire and just listen to the world around you and forget about the day to day for a bit.

Brad H.

2 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

Try it out! You’ll enjoy it.

Exceeds expectations. A wonderland of peaceful nature. We came on a slow weekend so it was just us and two other campers which meant we had the perfect blend of privacy with occasional socializing! Gorgeous land, incredible buildings and a wonderful kind host. The river view from the bell tent combined with the nice touches like towels and furniture inside made it a truly glamping experience.

Christopher S.

8 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2025

quiet place to relax. Bell tent is comphy Thanks!!

Anthony T.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2025

The most magical place in Alabama

There's no better way to reconnect with nature than at Parksland. Such a cool place and it just keeps getting better and better! Loved the greenhouse shower and the yurts were the perfect blend between primitive and comfort for a quick stay. Dustin had a social fire while we were there Friday night and it was great getting to connect with all who were staying there. Next time we plan to make a weekend trip of it so that we can take advantage of the Saturday sauna as well. Would recommend a quick hike over to the blue hole waterfalls and swimming hole. The water was delightful and all the creeks and swimming holes are filled with shale that has been perfectly crafted by mother nature for achieving your personal best rock skip. Can't wait to return and will continue to spread the good news of Parksland.

Robert B.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2025

Tent · With pets ·

P1 Hilltop

We have a wonderful time even though it rained most of the day. Beautiful land and great people. Definitely recommend.

Michael M.

5 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

Another magical stay at Parksland! We’ll definitely be back again (& again!) The bell tent was so cozy and comfortable! They have thought of everything! Highly recommend FF3 - we fell asleep to the sounds of the creek. And definitely don't miss the sauna on Saturdays at sundown for the ultimate unwind. Parksland is our favorite getaway and we are so grateful to Dusty sharing his slice of paradise with us!

Sarah S.

5 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

Tent ·

P1 Hilltop

Another wonderful stay at Parksland. A true gem where you can be free in nature. Dustin is such a gracious host. I’ll be back as soon as I can

Brandon M.

2 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

Tent · With pets ·

P6 BYO Tent Platform & Fire Ring

We loved the P3 creekside camping spot!!! We had our own access to the creek, and plenty of privacy. The host is incredibly kind and friendly and made sure we had everything we needed while there. We will definitely be going back soon! One last note: Be sure to pack super light for the walk from the car to the camping site!

Lindsey S.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2025

Tent ·

I recently spent a weekend at this Hipcamp site, and it was a full house—every spot booked, which created a communal atmosphere. The highlight was gathering in the new, futuristic sauna, a perfect setting to unwind and connect with likeminded folks. Due to the popularity, I tried a new site this time, as my usual spots were taken. I pitched my tent on a well-constructed platform equipped with thoughtfully placed hooks, making it easy to secure my setup. The attention to detail here, especially by Dustin, who seems to anticipate campers’ needs, enhanced the experience. One thing to note: the nearby cabin overlooks this site. While it didn’t bother me—everyone I’ve met here has been friendly and respectful—it’s something to consider. Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable stay. The combination of a welcoming community, smart site design, and relaxing amenities like the sauna makes this a spot I’d happily return to

Jay S.

4 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

Tent ·

P2 Creekbend

Our second time staying down at the creekbend campsite! We love parksland. The trails, the native plant communities, the welcoming vibes - such a great escape. The new sauna and shower domes are awesome.

James M.

3 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

Tent ·

Beautiful spot owned by great people! We stayed at P3 and it was very quiet and peaceful, it’s definitely not meant for heavy camping, more for backpack/light camping. We will be returning!

Dawson M.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2025

Excellent trip and and great HOST!!

P6 BYO Tent Platform & Fire Ring

My wife and I have been searching for a local campsite that meets our needs to reconnect with nature while not having to go too far in central Alabama. Parklands Retreat met and exceeded those expectations. The scenery is wonderful, as is the hiking around the campsite. The swimming hole was excellent, and so was the general vibe of the campsite. Social night on Friday and sauna on Saturday made a good weekend retreat GREAT as we could connect with likeminded individuals. We didn't get to do the waterfall, unfortunately, but that gives us an excellent reason to come back! Best of all was Dustin's hospitality that made us, and generally the entire park, welcomed to be there. The clothing optional portion was celebrated here fully. But if you don't feel the need to partake then the vibe is completely fine. We didn't feel uncomfortable in our birthday suit as mostly anyone else. Dustin certainly has made this place a great environment for all. We can't wait to come back later this year as we already have the next trip in mind in the fall.

Dana M.

6 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2025

Definitely recommend

Tent ·

A lot of hill climbs but beautiful scenery. Pack light and this would be an awesome get away. My favorite part was the showers.

Charles P.

4 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2025

Scenic getaway!

Wonderful place in a beautiful, scenic location. Extremely well kept. Plenty of comfortable amenities: showers, sinks, etc. We had a bell tent site and it was very nice! Lounge areas, a sauna, swimming all available. Almost magical how you can go there and feel part of a community and yet completely away from it all at the same time. Would very highly recommend to anyone thinking about going!

Amanda M.

3 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2025

Fantastic overnight recharge!

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!

Jon I.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2025

My happy place.

Tent ·

P1 Hilltop

Wonderful hosts, beautiful surroundings. Great place to just get away from the world for a short time. A place to enjoy the peace and serenity of the woods. Will be back again and and again.

Lee L.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2025

Weekend Get Away

Everything was simply perfect! We can't wait to come back! :)

Molly F.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2025

Wonderful

Dustin was a wonderful host. He showed us all around the property and was very welcoming. The property is beautiful. The tent was very clean and the sound of the stream was very relaxing at night. Definitely five out of five stars.

Nn C.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2025

Perfect for connecting with nature!

P6 BYO Tent Platform & Fire Ring

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!!

Beth S.

5 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

Tent · With kids ·

Dustin was an incredibly kind host! We arrived quite late and left early in the morning so unfortunately we didn’t get to partake in so many of the incredible offerings at this space~ like the Epsom bath soak!! This land is so beautiful and you can tell a lot of love has been poured into this space. The structures are gorgeous and the sustainability practices make this place even more special. The river is so beautiful! And so many lovely ferns greeting you with each step you take. I will for sure come back here in the future! As a queer person~ I felt really safe here! My kiddo and I are both neurodivergent and we smiled when we saw the flag flying that speaks to neurodivergent minds being beautiful! This is definitely a safe space!💗 Thanks so much Dustin!

Co D.

3 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

Tent · Group trip ·

This is a great place to disconnect from technology and reset your mind. Dustin is always a great host and the property is great.

Ricky O.

2 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

A Magical Forest 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!

Brian T.

2 reviews

Recommends

· March 2025