Best Camping in Alabama

By Nathan Swartz

With over 300 campgrounds that are ever so happy to accommodate RV camping, Alabama is a trove of forested Appalachian hills and Gulf Coast beach camping alike. The state's RV camping options range from easy access private RV parks to its system of over 20 state parks, many of which offer glamping features running the gamut from simple, familiar picnic table and fire ring offerings to full-hookup RV resorts (that is, water, sewer, and electric connections), where Wi-Fi, clubhouses and swimming pools all become a lavish part of the affair.

See a map of all camping in Alabama.

Alabama State Parks

The state parks in this slice of the South tend to be comfortable basecamps, with most campsites offering ample privacy, access to decent showers and restrooms, and many even have full-hookups if desired, all for an average price somewhere in the $20 - $30 range.

Visitors can find some of the best camping in Alabama in the white sand and Gulf breezes floating in along the southern coastline. That said, no matter where you're looking to camp in Alabama, from Rickwood Caverns to Lookout Mountain, a state park exists to cater to your camping needs, and while many come for the tide, those who venture northward are often pleasantly surprised.

Learn more about Alabama State Parks.

RV Camping in Alabama

Private parks provide year-round opportunities to find the perfect campsites in Alabama. Campers from across the United States come to visit RV parks where they can explore all that the state has to offer, from Civil Rights history in Birmingham and Selma to natural wonders such as those found at Desoto State Park.

Best of all, prices can fit almost any budget, with many RV parks in the state weighing in at as little as $20 per night. Or never settle and discover the best of both worlds at Army Corp of Engineers' run Amity Campground, where you'll find room to stretch your legs and water and electric hookups.

Learn more about RV Camping in Alabama.

National Forests in Alabama

Wild areas like Talladega National Forest, one of four national forests in the state, have formal pay campgrounds and free, dispersed camping available. The other National Forests in Alabama are:

• Conecuh National Forest
• Tuskegee National Forest
• William B. Bankhead National Forest

Free Camping in Alabama

Most of the free camping in the state can be found on public lands, such as the many primitive sites in Tuskegee National Forest, but other offerings are available as well.

These typically entail camping in a parking lot, think Walmart or the overnight lot available in Cullman, AL, and a handful of casinos exist across the Cotton State, many of which allow RVers to camp--without fee--assuming they'll wander in to enjoy all of the gambling, food, and beverage the establishment has to offer.

Learn more about Free Camping in Alabama.

Whether lazing about along the pristine beaches found along Gulf Shores and Orange Beach or exploring the many hiking trails that exist throughout the state, appreciating the natural beauty for which the Heart of Dixie holds in abundance is just a short drive in your RV away.