RV camping in Alabama is an amazing way to see the state. It’s a wonderful destination, thanks to its many beautiful natural areas and attractions. The state is also something of a hidden gem, so you may find fewer crowds and more fun!
If you’re looking for a guide to help you plan your Alabama RV camping trip, we’ll help you find the best attractions and activities in the state. We’ll also share information on where to camp and how to prepare for emergencies.
Finding Campgrounds
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. However, they are often pretty rustic, with fewer amenities than many private parks.
Below are some of our favorite public campgrounds in Alabama.
National Forest Camping
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 have 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’re not the only public camping option in Alabama. The state also has a number of fantastic Alabama state parks.
Our favorite Alabama state park camping can be found at Gulf State Park. We also love DeSoto State Park for 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 that are 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 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.
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 everything you’ll need.
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
Next, you’ll want to work on a packing list to make sure you bring everything you need to on your trip. We’ve compiled a list for every kind of camping trip you might be taking.
Considerations for Camping in Alabama
You’ll want to know the driving laws when you head out RV camping in Alabama. The state 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, a breakaway switch, and brakes if they’re 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 at the signs to be sure.
Planning Your Itinerary
Next, you’ll want to plan your Alabama trip itinerary. There are so many amazing things to see and do in the state that finding something to suit you shouldn’t be a problem.
Features and Attractions in Alabama
The state features some seriously beautiful spots along the Natchez Trace Parkway as well as some memorable landmarks like the U.S. Rocket and Space Center.
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.
The National Shrimp Festival, which takes place each November in Gulf Shores, is the perfect time to sample local seafood and delicacies.
Exploring Outdoor Activities
Like to spend your time in the great outdoors? Here are the best things to do outside 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! There are 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. 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 U.S. 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 among 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.
The 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 creatures.
Of course, we can’t forget Alabama’s amusement parks. 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
You will , of course, want to stay safe while having fun in Alabama. By educating yourself and going in prepared, this is easy to do.
Weather Conditions and Natural Disaster Preparedness
For the most part, Alabama weather tends to be 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, 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 may occur.
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 to 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). Seek shelter immediately if a warning is issued!
Wildlife Encounters and Precautions
Alabama is home to all kinds of amazing critters. Generally, these animals are totally harmless, but if threatened, some of them may attack.
Remember to give wild animals their space. 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, try calling a local vet’s office for help.
Alabama is an awesome place to go RVing, but as you can see, there is a lot to know before you go. Hopefully, this guide helps you get out there and embrace the incredible freedom that RV travel has to offer.
