The best glamping sites in Bankhead National Forest, AL
91% (17)
The best glamping sites in Bankhead National Forest, AL
Sipsey Creek Farm
1. Sipsey Creek Farm
100%
(24)
8.6mi from Bankhead National Forest · 5 sites · Tents, Lodging
Toilet and kitchen are on site and accessible in the barn. Wake up to a sunrise overlooking a fiber farm, or sleep in a cave. the possibilities are endless.
Pets
Toilets
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from
$24
/ night
Little Blue House @ Smith Lake
2. Little Blue House @ Smith Lake
100%
(3)
9.6mi from Bankhead National Forest · 1 site
Welcome to Smith Lake in Alabama the Beautiful. Whether you want to hike the trails of the Bankhead National Forest, forage and frolic in the Sipsey Wilderness area, or splish, splash, ski, and fish in the clear blue waters of Smith Lake, The Little Blue House is the perfect destination. This comfortable, colorful, fully furnished cottage is ideal for adventurous couples and families and is nestled on peaceful acreage right in the center of it all.
Located 1 hour north of Birmingham and south of Huntsville, Alabama's Lewis Smith Lake, commonly called “Smith Lake,” by the locals, is rated the second-cleanest lake in the country besides Lake Tahoe. Hot summers, mild winters (mostly!), and plenty of rain to keep water levels high make this an ideal region for enjoying lake life.
Enjoy private, peaceful lodging 1.5 miles from the private boat ramp and lake access located on the beautiful upper part of the Rock Creek branch of Smith Lake, which offers year-round deep water.
The Little Blue House is a comfortable, fully furnished home offering 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths. Upon arrival, you will find ample parking, a well-lit, welcoming front porch, and easy self-check-in with your personalized digital lock code.
Start your day communing with the local wildlife, while sipping coffee from the front porch or back deck. After a day of adventure, grill some dinner and eat alfresco at the picnic table or relax with cocktails around the firepit.
The master bedroom has a queen-sized bed, a spacious walk-in closet, and an en-suite bathroom with a tub/shower combo. The second bedroom provides a king-size bed and a designated work desk/dressing table. The third bedroom offers 2 twin beds and is directly across from the second full bathroom. All linens and towels are provided.
The home has a well-stocked kitchen with a stove, microwave, coffeemaker, toaster, blender, and a refrigerator big enough to camp in. Off the kitchen, there is a full-size washer and dryer and access to the large outdoor back deck. The deck overlooks the wooded lot and provides a small fenced area for your pooch.
Beyond the fenced area, you will find the picnic table and fire pit. Yard games such as horseshoes and cornhole are on site as well.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$122
/ night
Rock Creek Retreat & Ventures
3. Rock Creek Retreat & Ventures
100%
(6)
11mi from Bankhead National Forest · 5 sites
Creekside Geodesic Dome Retreat
Unplug, unwind, and reconnect with nature in one of our four cozy geodesic domes nestled along a peaceful creek. Each dome is designed with comfort and simplicity in mind—step inside to find a queen bed, a bean bag that transforms into a floor mattress for extra guests, a private EcoFlow power bank, coffee maker, and griddle for easy meals. For your comfort, every dome is equipped with Dreo fans, solar exhaust fans, and solar insulation to keep your stay breezy and sustainable.
Outside, evenings are best spent gathered around your private fire pit, swapping stories or roasting marshmallows under the stars. During the day, relax in gravity chairs, explore the private hiking trail we built by hand, or cool off in the creek just steps away from your dome. When it’s time to slow down indoors, enjoy classic card games that spark a little laughter and friendly competition.
Each dome also features a private outdoor nature shower and toiletry area, so you can refresh under the trees while still feeling tucked away in your own space. Thoughtful touches—including Bibles for both men and women in each dome—make this retreat feel like a soulful, restorative getaway.
What we offer:
• Four geodesic domes with queen beds & creek views
• Bean bag that converts into a floor mattress (great for kids or extra guests)
• Dreo fans, solar exhaust fans & solar insulation in every dome
• Private outdoor showers & toiletry areas
• EcoFlow power banks, coffee makers, & griddles in each dome
• Fire pits with seating for evening gatherings
• Gravity chairs & panoramic creekside windows
• Card games for unplugged fun
• Direct creek access & hand-built hiking trails
• Two-night stay minimum for a slower, more meaningful getaway
Come experience the quiet magic of the forest, the flowing water, and the simple joys of being together in nature.
Pets
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Showers
from
$104
/ night
Artist And Timber Framer Home
4. Artist And Timber Framer Home
100%
(1)
19mi from Bankhead National Forest · 2 sites
You can relax in the peaceful country in this cute camper full of folk art.
You will be 15 minutes from Cullman and 4.1 miles from Rock the South, 7.9 miles from the Strawberry Festival, Oktoberfest, and ChristKindlMarkt, 9.8 miles to the Bloomin’ Festival and Bernard Blues n BBQ.
Come see our 5 country acres just 15 minutes from the nice micro city of Cullman, AL. You can enjoy walking on and around our acreage, enjoying the old farmstead with old pecan, walnut, and peach trees.
Pets
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Showers
from
$85
/ night
JG's Campen Life RV Campground
5. JG's Campen Life RV Campground
20mi from Bankhead National Forest · 43 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
At JG's Campen Life RV Campground, you can experience the serenity of the countryside nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Here, you can enjoy the inground pool, commercial-grade playground, virtual golf, pickleball, and private bathhouses.
There are many common areas to explore on the property, including two ponds, walking trails, and a creek. We are just minutes from beautiful Smith Lake, I‑65, and downtown Cullman.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$30
/ night
Decatur/Wheeler Lake KOA
6. Decatur/Wheeler Lake KOA
67%
(3)
40mi from Bankhead National Forest · 14 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
The inviting waters of Wheeler Lake surround this KOA, perched on a peninsula and dotted with native trees. The campground makes the most of its enviable setting, with sites overlooking the water, right along the waterfront and tucked among shady trees. Thanks to the campground's own boat ramp, it's easy to get out on the lake for a carefree day of fishing, water-skiing or exploring the TVA chain of lakes. A sandy beach welcomes swimmers, and there's plenty of space for strolling, horseback riding and bird-watching. Rent a kayak, canoe, jetski, pontoon boat, or a bike (child/adult sizes) to explore the lakeshore or campground. Max pull thru: 75 feet.
If you need to make a booking within the next 24 hours, please give us a call directly 1-256-280-4390 or visit our website (www.koa.com/campgrounds/decatur/) for immediate assistance. Last-minute availability can change quickly, and we're here to help you get set up as smoothly as possible.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$34
/ night
Palomino RV Resort
7. Palomino RV Resort
22mi from Bankhead National Forest · 13 sites
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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Cedar Ridge Campground
8. Cedar Ridge Campground
47mi from Bankhead National Forest · 12 sites
Cedar Ridge Campground stands out as a family-owned and operated retreat that welcomes guests year-round, offering a variety of stay options including nightly, weekly, and extended visits to accommodate every camping style. Nestled in a serene wooded area of Northwest Alabama, this campground is conveniently located next to Cedar Creek Lake, a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Here, you can indulge in a range of activities such as fishing, jet-skiing, boating, and swimming, making it an ideal spot for adventure seekers.
After a day of exploring the great outdoors, Cedar Ridge Campground provides a comfortable environment to unwind. Gather with family and friends in the inviting pavilion, challenge each other to a game of pool or foosball, or grab a quick snack at the camp store. Whether you choose to relax at your campsite or engage in fun activities, Cedar Ridge ensures a memorable camping experience that combines the beauty of nature with the comforts of home.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
91% (17)
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Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
K
Kate
2 weeks ago
With pets
Our dome was great! My daughter and dog both loved the little hiking trail near the creek, and the setting was perfect. The view from our dome was beautiful, and we’re looking forward to visiting again in warmer weather to enjoy some creek play. Kara and John were kind and welcoming and they have clearly put thought and love into the whole place.
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M
Max
3 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Rock Creek Retreat & Ventures
Amazing experience! Our first time trying out dome camping and this was the perfect place to do it. Very peaceful and great location. Communication was very smooth and she answered any questions we had. Highly recommend!
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M
Miles
December 2025
With pets
Such a cute little house. Wonderfully secluded and private. A delightful stay.
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S
Sophia
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Sipsey Creek Farm
We loved are stay here. Pretty tent and very good setup even a small bathroom nere the tent which was very nice.
Loved the barn area for campers with the kitchen and porch sitting area with TV was very cool. And the outhouse with shower was so nice. Also felt very safe. The Animals were so friendly my favorite was the sweet donkey. My partner loved the cats and dogs. Loved are stay here will definitely be visiting again.
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M
Megan
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Artist And Timber Framer Home
We had a great time!! And Laura is a fantastic host who even gives perfect directions to this secluded but close to town camper!!
See moreR
Rosa
November 2025
With kids
We absolutely loved staying at the Little Blue House! My first impression when I walked in was how clean and inviting it was. The beds are very comfortable, and there are plenty of pillows, blankets, towels, toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies, and even a washer and dryer! There is no dishwasher, so be prepared to hand wash your dishes but that is not a big deal at all for me. Although it is rural, there is a Dollar General close enough so you can either drive there to pick up some items or DoorDash is also available to deliver your items to the front door. Of course my boys really appreciated the high speed WiFi and the smart TV where they watched their favorite YouTube channels and Netflix movies. We enjoyed using the fire pit for making s’mores, and I loved the outside lighting. Small disclosure, this charming home is not a lake house so it is not right on the water, but you can access the boat ramp just a mile and half away. I definitely would recommend this house!
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L
Louis
November 2025
With pets
Kara was an amazing host. It was my wife and I's first time glamping. Our 2 dogs enjoyed it a lot as well. The little one wouldn't calm down until I took her to the creek. We'll definitely be visiting again in the future.
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C
Chef
October 2025
With pets
This camping experience was unlike any other! Kara and her team have done such a beautiful job creating a space that exudes tranquility and ease. The dome itself is amazing, truly set up with everything you need - bed, tables, power bank (more than ample, we charged things the whole 2.5 day trip and only use 50%), games, blackstone (CLUTCH - grill tools provided, just bring food), lamp, drip coffee maker (not k cup), climate control options (ac fan, top exhaust fan, heater, we were very comfortable in the 40°-70° temp ranges). And don’t even get me started on how wonderful the hot shower is! Toilet is easy to use, nice privacy, and there’s a hand sink!! Our site had a wonderful view of the creek, which we did venture down to in the afternoon - lots of rocks, bring solid water shoes! The space is lit up nicely at night time with the solar lights. The only “downside” if there is one is the hill we had to traverse to unload and load the car, but with some ingenuity and leg power, not too bad. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this hidden gem, and suspect Kara will be fully booked up in no time! Get it if you can 👍👍
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A
Andrea
October 2025
With pets
What a magical vacation! If you’re looking for a truly unique glamping experience this is the place! The geodome was so clean and tidy. It had everything we needed plus a nice hot shower.
You truly cant beat a campfire overlooking a beautiful creek! Don’t forget to checkout the lit up trail to have an adventure under the stars. Kara was a kind and excellent host that made our stay unforgettable. We will definitely be coming back!
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Meghan
July 2025
With pets
The Little Blue House was whimsical, sweet, clean and welcoming! Really cozy with fully stocked kitchen. Great for dog guests with a fenced-in spot and a serene yard and nice quiet hilly road for morning walks. Nearby Bankhead national forest and Sipsey wilderness so it was nice to get out and about all day in nature then have showers, ac, and a comfy bed to come back to. Would stay again and bring friends!!
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D
David
May 2025
Weekend Trip to Sipsey Creek Farm
Great campsite, nice and secluded. They provide you with a lot of stuff in the tent and the beds are comfortable. All in all I would recommend it to anyone. You can get to it by car but if it rains a lot you're better off in a truck.
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Walter
March 2025
With kids
We have loved how Andrea has set up the Farm! This was our third stay, and we always have a good time. There are lots of animals that are good around kids, and the lodgings are solid. We will be staying there again.
See more 91%
17 ratings · 4 reviews
Not recommend
· July 2020
In the rules it states no more than 6 people per campsite and 2 cars. 9 people so I paid $80.00 for 2 campsites. After being here and set up for hours they to say no more than 2 tents per site.
I asked where that is posted. They don't know. So call their manager Tammy is asked where does it say that? "I don't have to show you anything. If you dont like it leave." Refund? " I don't refund anything contact park and recreation. Gov"
Jenia C.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2018
There is zero cell phone service in Bankhead national Forest
A
Amber A.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2017
Beautiful canyons, flat trail along river best
M
Martin H.
8 years on Hipcamp
September 2017
Fantastic peaceful beautiful campground far away from everything, Electric available, one hose connection for several sites, no sewer connection but toilets are on site and handy. A must go to if you want to get away from civilization.
Glen W.
8 years on Hipcamp