Alabama is full of beautiful natural land that’s perfect for a weekend camping trip. If you miss the sound of crunchy leaves beneath your feet and telling ghost stories around a crackling fire it’s time to head to the woods. Get ready to pack your car and pitch a tent because we’ve got five of the best camping destinations in North Alabama you need to visit.

1. DeSoto State Park

Settled upon beautiful Lookout Mountain in North Alabama is Desoto State Park. This park boasts several dazzling waterfalls and sweet-smelling wildflowers that will transport you to a natural escape.

There’s a variety of facilities for camping experiences including Mountain Chalets, Log Cabins and a campground with 94 full-hookup tent and RV sites. For those wanting to rough it, there are also basic camp sites for tents along with two backpacking sites with shelters.

While you’re there, take advantage of the extra fun activities they offer on-site like mountain yoga or kayaking.

Location: 7104 Desoto Pkwy NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967
Hours: Daily, 9AM-9PM
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2. Monte Sano State Park

Best Hiking Trails In Huntsville — Time to climb at the best hiking trails in Huntsville. Photo via Monte Sano State Park

Attention all Huntsville people, if you didn’t already know, you have the best camping spot right in your backyard. If you’re a local, I suggest taking the quick trip for a camping staycation at Monte Sano State Park. If you’re not, this spot is still well worth the drive

This is the ideal place for all of our last-minute adventurers, with convenient pull-thru sites, primitive campgrounds and RV sites with easy set-up. Camp under the trees and explore the area’s vast trails during the day.

Location: 5105 Nolen Ave, Huntsville, AL 35801
Hours: Daily, 8AM-Sunset
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3. Honeycomb Campground

The Honeycomb Campground offers beautiful views of the water on Lake Guntersville, making it a popular spot for many. Here they have 141 short-term and long-term stay sites available, along with a general store, laundry room and bath houses.

Bring your bathing suit to enjoy the beach, kayaking and canoeing, and hike to your heart’s desire through their many trails.

Location: 188 Camp Ground Rd, Grant, AL 35747
Hours: Daily, Open 24hrs
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4. Point Mallard Campground

Camping at Point Mallard will be more than your average pitch-a-tent experience. This luxury campsite has everything you could want to entertain.

They offer a three-mile hiking/biking trail, three baseball fields, a group pavilion, sand volleyball, extensive picnic grounds and bank fishing along the Tennessee River.

Location: 2600 Point Mallard Dr SE, # C, Decatur, AL 35601
Hours: Daily, 8AM-5PM
Website

5. Lake Guntersville State Park

Along the banks of the Tennessee River lies Lake Guntersville State Park. Here you can either acheive your outdoorsy camping dreams on their 6,000 acres of woodlands or relax in luxury at their resort- style retreat.

Either option you choose will bring gorgeous river views and a chance to be surrounded by the natural flora that makes Alabama so special.

Tee up on their 18-hole championship golf course, fly high above the trees with the Screaming Eagle Zipline or explore the 36 miles of hiking and biking trails.