The best camping in Joe Wheeler State Park, AL

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Camper favorites near Joe Wheeler State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Bates Farm

99%
(89)
24mi from Joe Wheeler State Park · 36 sites · Tents, RVs · Decatur, AL
Welcome to Bates Farm: A Magical Escape Step into the enchanting realm of Bates Farm, where adventure and fantasy blend seamlessly with the beauty of nature. Our primitive campground, designed with a whimsical theme, offers a truly unique experience for those looking to escape the everyday. We warmly welcome car campers, vintage campers, and groups alike. Tucked away in our vast wilderness, you'll discover a thrilling 3D archery range that challenges your skills and immerses you in the excitement of the hunt. Whether you’re an experienced archer or just starting out, our range promises a fun and engaging experience for everyone. Bates Farm is more than just a campground; it’s a stunning venue for weddings, festivals, and family gatherings. Celebrate your special occasions surrounded by nature's wonders and our magical ambiance, creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones. In addition to camping and events, we offer a variety of nature academy classes in partnership with Shoalseer.org. These classes focus on native plants, animals, and outdoor survival skills, helping you connect with nature and cultivate a more sustainable lifestyle. Our expert instructors provide hands-on experiences that enhance your appreciation for the natural world. Join us at Bates Farm for an unforgettable adventure where fantasy, nature, and education come together. Whether you want to hone your archery skills, host a memorable event, or expand your knowledge of homesteading practices, our farm offers a unique experience that will leave you inspired and rejuvenated. Discover the magic of Bates Farm and embark on a journey like no other! Youtube Podcast of all Bates Farm sites https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLedWcgjSlLH69lmSEcxNtpZk34yqYBqWa&si=UoANQrkWNXftucPb Interactive google maps of Bates Farm: Campground & Amenities with 3D Archery Range Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1wBOshm8CL9Ack0EyOr8W_XL0R4l2oJU&ll=34.53123434966646%2C-87.10236376039353&z=19
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from 
$17
 / night

Rock Creek Retreat & Ventures

100%
(4)
39mi from Joe Wheeler State Park · 5 sites · Lodging · Addison, AL
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.
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$104
 / night

Uplifting Retreat at Swan Center TN

100%
(1)
46mi from Joe Wheeler State Park · 3 sites · RVs · Summertown, TN
We welcome all to our nature preserve for its restorative energy, uplifting the mind, body, and soul. Helping guests unwind is one of our passions. We have a nature and botanical preserve here, with edible and medicinal plants, dense forest, open forest, wildflowers, meadows, a courtyard, gardens. Thus we are feeding birds, bees, butterflies and wild bunnies! Guests find a peace in soaking up the forest and meadow vibes. Guests may also schedule a visit to the Relaxation Station for personal attention in our "healing spa." Kathleen is a licensed massage therapist, offering chair and table massage and energy work, a chi machine, ionic detoxing foot baths, and other therapies for improving overall well-being. And check out our extensive library as well. To keep the vibe sacred, we ask that guests on our land stay clean and sober. We are inspired to hold space for guests to heal on all levels, to feel whole, at peace and refreshed. We've built 4 cabins, a greenhouse, dug ponds and nurtured dozens of trees and gardens in the past 9 years. We are near (2 miles) The Farm Community, and within a 1/2 hour drive of historic cities of Columbia, Mt. Pleasant, Ethridge, and Lawrenceburg, the scenic Natchez Trace, and 2 lovely state parks. Feel free to wander around the 11 acres, engaging with the landscaping and art installations, while allowing privacy for guests and hosts around their cabins. The surrounding gardens and meadows and forest are for your walking and viewing pleasure. You are welcome to pick mints and samples of other herbs from the meadow and the 2 long garden beds down the slope from the driveway. There is a small fish and lotus pond on the south side of the chalet which you are welcome to visit, as well as many areas for walking and sitting meditation in the meadows and forest. The land boundaries are a line of arborvitae evergreens on the south, fencing on the east and north, and the chert road on the west. Next door on the north side are miniature horses and a large scenic pond within view of our open wooded slope we call "Sunset Hill." Our country road is safe for walking but there are no sidewalks, so step aside for passing vehicles. You can get a 9/10s of a mile walk up and down our country road without going off road or onto a highway.
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$15
 / night

York Hollow

98%
(33)
30mi from Joe Wheeler State Park · 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.
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$13
 / night

Dug Hill Moto & Outdo Shenanigans

94%
(9)
50mi from Joe Wheeler State Park · 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.
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$5
 / night

Seven Pines River Resort

98%
(30)
48mi from Joe Wheeler State Park · 27 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Waynesboro, TN
Nestled along the serene Buffalo River, Seven Pines River Resort offers the ideal escape to nature. Whether you're camping under the stars, enjoying the comfort of a geodome, or relaxing by the river, our resort provides a variety of accommodations for every type of camper. Tent Camping: Choose from our scenic spots at Field of Dreams, River View, or River's Edge North. Perfect for families, these sites offer an authentic camping experience with easy access to the river and nearby trails. RV Camping: Our Field of Dreams area welcomes RVs up to 24 feet, with room for dry-docking and welcomed to bring generators. Experience the beauty of the outdoors with all the comforts of home. Geodomes: For a unique glamping experience, our adults-only geodomes offer year-round luxury. With a king-sized bed, AC/heat, and a kitchenette, these domes provide a cozy retreat for couples seeking seclusion and comfort. At Seven Pines, you'll find a welcoming atmosphere, stunning views, and activities for every interest. From tubing on the Buffalo River to hiking our Hidden Holler Trail, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, our friendly hospitality ensures you’ll have a memorable stay. Come unwind, explore, and reconnect with nature at Seven Pines River Resort!
Potable water
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$60
 / night

Other options near Joe Wheeler State Park

The best camping in Joe Wheeler State Park, AL guide

Overview

About

There's camping, and then there's glamping. Joe Wheeler State Park definitely fits into the latter category. Whether you decide to arrive on your boat or in your trusty car, the 2,550 acres here offer everything you could hope for in a resort. Take advantage of the full-service marina and explore nearly 70,000 acres of water on Wheeler Lake, where bass and catfish catches are prime. If you don't have your own watercraft, no worries—kayaks and waterboards are available for rent, and a beautiful beach provides the perfect milieu for sunning and swimming. Whether you want to get a hole-in-one in golf or hike the trails, it's all here. Stop by the tasty restaurants for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, where BBQ reigns supreme come sunset.

Notable campgrounds

  • Lakeside Cottages: Enjoy waterfront views and modern comforts in these cozy retreats.
  • Full Hookup Campsites: Ideal for any size camping unit, these sites come with all the essentials.
  • Primitive Camping: For a more rustic experience, pitch your tent amid the park's natural beauty.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons and holidays.
  • Consider mid-week stays for better availability and a quieter experience.
  • Check for cancellations regularly as plans change and spots may open up.
  • Explore nearby camping options for overflow or alternative accommodations.

When to go

The best time to visit Joe Wheeler State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its most vibrant. Summers can be hot and busy, while winters are quieter but chillier, which might affect some of the park's offerings.

Know before you go

  • Check the park's official website for any alerts on closures or safety information before your visit.
  • Accessibility varies across facilities, so inquire ahead if you have specific needs.
  • The lodge front desk is open 24/7 for any assistance during your stay.
  • Remember to pack essentials for outdoor activities, including water, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
  • Marina services are available for those arriving by boat, with both permanent and overnight slips.
100%
1 ratings · 0 reviews