The Ultimate Guide to RV Camping in Alabama

By Chelsea Gonzales

July 12th, 2023

State Travel Guides

RV camping is an amazing way to explore the world, and more and more people are catching onto this fact and joining the RV craze. Why not join them and try your hand at RV camping in Alabama?

Alabama is a wonderful place to go camping thanks to its many beautiful natural areas and many attractions. Best of all, the state is somewhat of a hidden gem, meaning lower crowd levels and more fun for you!

Of course, you will want some sort of guide to help you plan and prepare for your Alabama RV camping trip. That’s where this guide comes into play. We’ll help you find the best attractions and activities to enjoy while visiting the state, while also providing information on where to camp and how to prepare for emergencies.

Preparing for RV Camping

Obviously, you will want to head into your Alabama RV camping trip fully prepared. This involves renting an RV (if you don’t own one yourself) as well as packing all the right things.

Choosing the Right RV for Your Needs

There are several things to consider when choosing the right RV for you. First, you will want to decide whether you want to drive the RV yourself or have it delivered. If you will be driving it, do you prefer a driveable rig, or do you have a truck capable of towing a trailer?

Once those things are decided, you will also need to consider things like RV length, whether or not you want slide-outs, what floorplan and sleeping arrangement might work best for your group, and what sorts of amenities you need.

Packing Essentials for a Successful Trip

Packing an RV is totally different from packing a suitcase or two. Besides the usual clothes and toiletries, you also have to remember to grab outdoor recreation gear, linens and towels, and RV accessories.

Fortunately, many RVshare owners provide some of these things for their renters. That said, you will need to find out what is and is not included in your RV rental so you can pack accordingly.

A very basic packing list might include:

Clothes
Toiletries
Medications
First aid kit
Bug spray and sunscreen
Tools
Entertainment (books, games, movies, toys for kids)
Outdoor recreation gear
Electronics and chargers
Pots, dans, and dishes
Paper towels
Groceries
Flashlights
Folding chairs
Bed sheets
Pillows
Blankets
Pet gear
RV leveling blocks
Sewer hose and adapter
Freshwater hose
RV surge protector

Tha said, this more in-depth RV packing list might be a better place to start.

Considerations for Camping in Alabama

Alabama has a trailer length limit of 28.5 feet, a motorhome length limit of 45 feet, a width limit of 8.5 feet, and a height limit of 13.5 feet. The total length of your rig (including tow vehicle) shouldn’t exceed 57 feet. Trailers are required to have a safety chain and a breakaway switch and brakes if over 3000 lbs. Triple towing is not allowed in the state of Alabama and passengers may not ride in trailers.

Overall, the state is pretty easy to navigate and drive, even with a big rig. Just be aware that while some state rest stops do allow overnight parking, not all do. You’ll have to look for signage to find out for sure.

Finding Campgrounds

Once you have the perfect RV picked out, you’ll need to find an awesome campground to call home for your Alabama adventures. Fortunately, there are plenty of great campgrounds in Alabama. Whether you prefer luxury camping, camping in the city, or a rustic campground in the countryside, you’ll find someplace you love in this great state.

Exploring Public Campgrounds in Alabama

Public campgrounds include any federal or state government-run campground. These tend to be very affordable and allow you to camp in some beautiful places. That said, they are often pretty rustic with fewer amenities than some private parks.

Below are some of our favorite public campgrounds in Alabama.

National Forest Camping

Believe it or not, Alabama is home to four national forests. These include Conecuh National Forest, Talladega National Forest, Tuskegee National Forest, and William B. Bankhead National Forest.

All four of these forests play host to campgrounds. We especially love RV camping at Open Pond Recreation Area in Conecuh National Forest and Coleman Lake Campground in Talladega National Forest.

State Park Camping

The state forest campgrounds are great, but they are far from the only public camping option in Alabama. The state also plays host to a number of fantastic Alabama state parks.

Our favorite Alabama state park camping can be found at Gulf State Park. That said, we also love DeSoto State Park camping.

Exploring Private Campgrounds and RV Parks

Prefer to stay in private campgrounds? Not to worry, there are plenty of options for you, including many amazing glamping campgrounds around Alabama.

When choosing a private campground, you will want to consider the size of sites and pricing. You’ll also want to look into the amenities offered. Some popular RV park amenities that you might want to look for include full hookups, dump stations, restrooms with showers, laundry facilities, swimming pools and hot tubs, dog parks, and playgrounds.

Boondocking in Alabama

For those who like to rough it, there is also the option of boondocking in Alabama. While the state doesn’t have any Bureau of Land Management land, the aforementioned national forests (as well as some state-owned lands) allow boondocking.

Some of the best boondocking spots in Alabama include Pine Glen dispersed camping in Talladega National Forest and Silver Creek Park in Whatley, AL.

Researching Campground Options and Making Reservations

Not sure how to begin your RV campsite research? We recommend starting by using sites like Campspot, BookOutdoors, The Dyrt, and RoverPass.

If you plan to camp a lot, you might want to invest in a Harvest Hosts membership and use that to find and book sites. Meanwhile, those traveling with kids and/or a dog might check out the KOA and Jellystone websites to find awesome, family-friendly campsites. Finally, we must mention Hipcamp, an excellent spot to find unique campsites that are set up and maintained by individuals on their private property.

All of these sites offer easy online booking options, making your Alabama RV trip planning a cinch.

Planning Your Itinerary

The next step? Planning your Alabama trip itinerary, of course! There are so many amazing things to see and do in the state that finding something to suit you shouldn’t be a problem at all.

Here are some of the best options.

Features and Attractions in Alabama

As mentioned before, Alabama is a beautiful place. The state features some seriously beautiful spots along the Natchez Trace Parkway as well as some memorable landmarks that you really must see. (US Rocket and Space Center, anyone?)

Interested in history or exploring nature? Be sure to add some of Alabama’s NPS sites to your to-do list as well! We highly recommend the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument.

Festivals, Fairs, and Events in Alabama

Alabama is also home to some really great events! The town of Mobile, Alabama puts on one of the best Mardi Gras celebrations in the country. Meanwhile, the Rock the South country music festival that happens each June is known to many as the biggest party in the region.

Feeling hungry? Then we can also recommend the National Shrimp Festival, which takes place each November in Gulf Shores.

Exploring Outdoor Activities

Like to spend your time in the great outdoors? We can’t say we blame you. Here are the best things to do outside while in Alabama.

Hiking, Biking and Nature Trails

Hiking and biking are both wonderful ways to enjoy the beauty of nature in Alabama. The state boasts some beautiful trails that you won’t soon forget.

The Walls of Jericho trail is one of our favorite options for advanced hikers. Meanwhile, Sougahoagdee Falls is ideal for families and beginners. Other great choices include the Little River Canyon trail, the Alum Hollow Trail, and Kings Chair Loop.

Looking to do some biking? Old Mountain State Park MTB Loop is a great choice for advanced mountain bikers, and the path in Gold Star Park is lovely and perfect for road bikers of all levels.

Fishing, Boating, and Water Activities

It’s no secret that Alabama can get really hot during the summer months. Fortunately, there are plenty of water-based activities that allow you to enjoy the outdoors while staying cool.

Fishing is a popular pastime in the Cotton State and is a great way to check out the local lakes and rivers. These Alabama fishing spots are sure to keep you busy for a while!

We also highly recommend visiting Alabama’s beaches, which can be found around the state’s many lakes as well as along the gulf coast. In fact, the aptly named Gulf Shores is probably our favorite Alabama beach, but Orange Beach is pretty great too if you like surfing!

Another great water-based pastime in Alabama? Chasing waterfalls! You might not expect it, but there are actually a number of great waterfalls in the state. The aforementioned DeSoto state park is home to the gorgeous DeSoto Falls, and Little River Falls can be found in the Little River Canyon National Preserve (also home to the Little River Canyon trail mentioned above).

Wildlife Viewing and Photography

Thanks to its varied landscapes, Alabama is home to a wide variety of plants and animals. Here, you’ll find a number of different kinds of snakes, frogs, lizards, fish, and birds. You’ll also find some interesting mammals such as bats, white-tailed deer, bobcats, and cougars.

The best places to find these animals are the national forests mentioned above, as well as Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, Gulf State Park, and Little River Canyon Preserve.

Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions

Have the kids in tow? Whether you are planning a Birmingham itinerary or visiting someplace else entirely, there are plenty of amazing family-friendly activities to keep you and your littles ones busy—and honestly, even if you aren’t traveling with kids, these are sights that are worth seeing.

Historical Sites and Museums

Why not make your family visit an educational one? Alabama is home to some amazing museums that are fun enough to keep the kids engaged and learning for hours on end.

The McWane Science Center is great for hands-on activities. Try the US Space and Rocket Center for space-enthusiasts or the Mobile Carnival Museum to learn the history of Mardi Gras. The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame is a fantastic choice as well, and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is a must-visit for older kids.

Historic sites are another great way to add some learning to your family trip. Fortunately, you’ll find some great historical sites amongst the NPS sites in the state. The Freedom Riders National Monument and the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail both present fabulous learning opportunities.

Amusement Park, Zoos, and Wildlife Refuges

For even more family fun, look into the zoos and wildlife refuges in the state. These are excellent places to see animals up close and learn more about some of the world’s most amazing creatures.

Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab is an awesome place to learn about the underwater world. Meanwhile, the Montgomery Zoo offers chances to feed parakeets and see exotic animals. The Brantley Petting Zoo allows you to touch some of your favorite animals, and the Alabama Wildlife Center rehabilitates birds while also educating people on these fascinating animals.

Of course, we can’t leave Alabama’s amusement parks out of the picture. Waterville USA is the perfect place to cool off during the summer, and Adventure Island is tons of fun for those who find themselves in the Orange Beach area.

Safety and Preparedness when RV Camping in Alabama

Clearly, you will want to stay safe while having fun in Alabama. Fortunately, by educating yourself and going in prepared, this is actually quite easy to do.

Weather Conditions and Natural Disaster Preparedness

For the most part, Alabama weather tends to be pretty decent. It does get incredibly hot in the summer and doesn’t really start to cool off until October, so you will want to be sure to pack plenty of water when going on outdoor adventures.

Additionally, it’s good to know that Alabama has a severe weather season from March to May. During this time, the state can see severe thunderstorms with heavy rain, hail, and high winds. This is also when tornadoes tend to crop up.

Fortunately, this weather is almost always predicted in advance. In order to stay safe, make sure you are paying attention to weather forecasts and download apps that will alert you of incoming storms. Have a “bug out” bag stocked with water, a phone charging device, flashlights, and a crank radio, and know where you can seek shelter in the campground (usually the bathhouse is a good bet). Don’t wait to seek shelter if a warning is issued!

Wildlife Encounters and Precautions

As we mentioned before, Alabama is home to all kinds of amazing critters. Generally, these animals are totally harmless. That said, if threatened, some of them may attack.

Remember to give wild animals their distance. Never approach an animal and never feed a wild creature. Watch your feet when hiking to avoid stepping on snakes and always put food away to avoid attracting animals to your campsite.

If you see an animal that looks as though it needs help, don’t touch it. Instead, call a wildlife rehabilitation center. If you’re unsure who to contact, calling a local vet’s office should give you the leads you need.

Clearly, Alabama is a pretty awesome place to go RVing, but as you can see, there is a lot to know before you go, making travel guides like this one absolutely essential. Hopefully this guide helps you get out there and embrace the incredible freedom that RV travel has to offer. Once you finish checking out Alabama, you can use our other travel guides to plan your travels to the other 49 amazing states!

The Ultimate Guide to RV Camping in Alabama