Outdoor enthusiasts, you’re going to love what Alabama has to offer in its many gorgeous state parks!
Campers can choose between roughing it in a tent or camping in relative comfort at the lakeside cottages that parks like Lake Guntersville or Lakepoint State have available. Or, if you want to enjoy the great outdoors in more comfort, head to Joe Wheeler State Park, which offers a resort lodge and even an 18-hole golf course.
So, whether you’re looking for an exciting day hiking rugged terrain or a quiet, relaxing afternoon beside your fishing pole, read through our list of Alabama state parks and find one that suits you!
Printable Alabama State Parks Map
Blue Springs State Park
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Blue Springs State Park is worth checking out if you’re looking for a refreshing outdoor getaway!
The park boasts a natural underground spring that pumps out crystal-clear blue water at an impressive rate of 3,600 gallons per minute. It’s the perfect place to cool off during those hot summer months, with two swimming pools available for visitors to enjoy.
But that’s not all – the park also offers a range of activities like camping, fishing, picnicking, and hiking. The addition of the Magnolia Trail in 2018 has provided even more options for those who love to go exploring!
Buck’s Pocket State Park
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Buck’s Pocket State Park is nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountain chain and offers breathtaking views of the rugged landscape from Point Rock. With 2,000 acres of surrounding wilderness and 10 miles of hiking trails, Buck’s Pocket is the perfect place to explore the great outdoors.
The park’s picnic area provides a spectacular canyon rim vista of the natural pocket (canyon) below. If you’re into fishing or boating, head seven miles downstream to Morgan’s Cove on Lake Guntersville where a boat launch and fishing area are available.
Don’t forget to check out the Point Rock Overlook for a truly awe-inspiring view of this beautiful area!
Cathedral Caverns State Park
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Cathedral Caverns State Park is both a public recreation area and natural history preserve in Kennamer Cove, just a short drive from Grant and Woodville.
Cathedral Caverns was first known as ‘Bats Cave’ and developed as a tourist attraction in the 1950s. It was declared a National Natural Landmark in 1972 and opened as a state park in 2000.
Today, visitors can take a guided cave tour, try their hand at gem mining, or simply enjoy a relaxing picnic. As well, for those who want to extend their stay, the park offers a number of sites for camping, perfect for a little nature getaway!
Cheaha State Park
Cheaha State Park is a must-visit destination in Alabama. It’s a 2,799-acre public recreation area situated in Clay and Cleburne counties, and it boasts of having the highest point in the state, Cheaha Mountain.
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, such as hiking, swimming, fishing, and picnicking in the day-use areas. The park has several scenic overlooks, including Bunker Tower, which provides visitors with a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding region.
Hikers can explore the Cheaha Trailhead of the Pinhoti Trail system that weaves through Talladega National Forest and connects to the Appalachian Trail.
As well, if you’re planning an overnight stay, the park has 73 campsites, a 30-room hotel, chalets, cabins, and the Bald Rock Group Lodge, which is perfect for weddings and conferences.
As Alabama’s oldest continuously operating state park, Cheaha State Park has something for everyone and promises an unforgettable experience for all visitors!
Chewacla State Park
Chewacla State Park is a gem located in Auburn, Alabama, that offers visitors plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities.
This 696-acre park boasts a stunning 26-acre lake that’s perfect for fishing, swimming, and non-motorized boating. It also offers well-maintained hiking and biking trails, a playground, picnic areas, and a campground.
Chewacla is well-regarded by tourists as well! In fact, in September 2020, it was one of eleven Alabama State Parks awarded Tripadvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Award. So, the next time you’re thinking of going camping, Chewacla State Park is a great option!
DeSoto State Park
Nestled in the foothills of Lookout Mountain, DeSoto State Park is a nature lover’s paradise. Covering over 3,500 acres of land, the park offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.
From hiking to biking, fishing to swimming, and even a nature center to explore, there’s something for everyone here!
One of the park’s highlights is the stunning 104-foot-tall DeSoto Falls, Alabama’s highest waterfall, which is a must-see for anyone visiting the area.
Additionally, visitors can stay in the park’s CCC-built lodge or cabins, camp at one of the many campsites, or even rent a chalet or motel room for a more comfortable stay.
Overall, DeSoto State Park is the perfect destination for anyone seeking adventure in the great outdoors!
Frank Jackson State Park
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Frank Jackson State Park is a hidden gem tucked away in the city of Opp, and is a great destination for fishing enthusiasts, boaters, hikers, and campers.
The park is centered around Lake Frank Jackson, a 1,037-acre (420 ha) impoundment of Lightwood Knot Creek, which is perfect for fishing tournaments and boasts an abundance of bass, bream, and crappie.
Visitors can also enjoy the park’s 3 miles (4.8 km) of easy walking trails, which include a loop trail around an island in the lake accessed from a boardwalk/bridge.
Gulf State Park
Gulf State Park is a nature lover’s paradise! The park is situated in Gulf Shores and boasts 6,500 acres of land. Visitors to Gulf State Park can enjoy a variety of activities, including swimming, fishing, and hiking.
The park’s three spring-fed lakes- Shelby, Middle Lake, and Little Lake- offer opportunities for freshwater fishing and boating.
Gulf State Park’s white sandy beaches are perfect for swimming and sunbathing. In addition, the park has a modern campground and lodges for those who want to stay overnight.
As well, visitors can explore the park’s nature trails to see its pine forests and marshlands.
Joe Wheeler State Park
Joe Wheeler State Park is a fantastic spot to enjoy the great outdoors and some resort-style amenities in northwest Alabama!
This public recreation area sits on the picturesque Wheeler Lake, which is an impoundment of the Tennessee River. Visitors can explore 2,550 acres of beautiful land, including the park’s three separate parcels.
For those looking to stay overnight, the park offers a wide range of accommodation options, including a resort lodge, campground, and cabin rentals. There’s even a marina, an 18-hole golf course, and a restaurant to keep visitors entertained.
Hikers and bikers will love the 2.5-mile loop trail that offers fantastic views of the surrounding landscape. Also, don’t forget to check out the TVA’s dam overlook near the state park’s cabin area!
Lake Guntersville State Park
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Lake Guntersville State Park is a breathtaking public recreation area in the northern part of Guntersville in Marshall County, Alabama.
Covering a whopping 5,909 acres, it occupies the eastern shore of Guntersville Lake, a massive impoundment of the Tennessee River.
This state park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting a wide range of activities to enjoy. Visitors can enjoy an 18-hole golf course, fishing center, beach complex, lake view cottages, a lakeside campground, and over 36 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
The park’s resort facilities are equally impressive, featuring a resort inn, restaurant, and convention complex on Taylor Mountain. In addition to all of these activities, the park also offers a zip lining course that opened in 2016, with a Level 2 course added in 2017.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or simply looking for a serene escape, Lake Guntersville State Park is the perfect destination for you!
Lake Lurleen State Park
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Lake Lurleen State Park is a hidden gem located just a short drive northwest of Northport in Tuscaloosa County. This park offers visitors a peaceful retreat in nature with its 1,625 acres of rolling hills, hardwood forests, and a stunning 250-acre lake.
The lake is perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing, stocked with largemouth bass, bream, catfish, and crappie.
This park also offers 91 campsites for those looking to stay overnight, as well as a 23-mile trail system that encircles the lake for hiking and mountain biking.
In fact, the trail system has been designated as a National Recreation Trail, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the park on foot or bike.
Lakepoint State Park
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Lakepoint State Park, located in Eufaula, is a public recreation area that boasts 1,220 acres of land on the western shore of this lovely area!
The lake, a 45,000-acre impoundment of the Chattahoochee River, provides ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water-based activities.
The park’s facilities include a convention center, a 101-room lodge, 192 campground sites, and a complex of lakeside cottages and fishermen’s cabins, making it perfect for a weekend getaway!
Additionally, the park has a marina, swimming pools, hiking trails, and picnic areas that cater to visitors of all ages. So, pack your bags, grab your fishing gear, and head to Lakepoint State Park for an unforgettable outdoor adventure!
Meaher State Park
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Meaher State Park is a hidden gem located on Big Island at the north end of Mobile Bay in Spanish Fort. With over 1,300 acres of land along the shoreline of Ducker Bay, visitors can enjoy the beauty of the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta and the wetlands of the Mobile Bay estuary.
The park is easily accessed from Battleship Parkway, also known as the “Causeway,” and offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, such as hiking, fishing, and boating.
The park also features an interpretive boardwalk through the wetlands, a picnic area, a boat ramp, and a fishing pier. For overnight stays, the park has two cozy cabins and a camping area with 56 individual campsites.
Managed by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Meaher State Park is a great place to experience the natural beauty of the coast!
Monte Sano State Park
Monte Sano State Park is a perfect getaway for outdoor enthusiasts located on Monte Sano Mountain’s east side in Huntsville. The state park, managed by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy.
Guests can choose to stay overnight in one of the park’s 14 charming Arts and Crafts-style cabins or in the modern campsites with RV and primitive tent options.
Picnic areas with scenic overlooks and playgrounds are perfect for a day trip. The park’s extensive trail system offers over 20 miles of hiking and 14 miles of mountain biking trails.
For those who love astronomy, the park has an observatory and planetarium run by the Von Braun Astronomical Society. With its rustic cottages and beautiful views, Monte Sano State Park is an excellent destination for a weekend adventure!
Oak Mountain State Park
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If you’re looking for a fun outdoor adventure, Oak Mountain State Park is the place to go! As the largest state park in Alabama, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on its 9,940 acres.
Nature lovers can explore 25 miles of hiking trails and view non-releasable birds on the elevated Treetop Nature Trail, and there are three stocked lakes with boat rentals available for those who love to fish.
Or, if you’re into mountain biking, this park has one of the top 52 mountain biking trails in the world, according to the International Mountain Bicycling Association. But that’s not all – there’s a pump track, an 18-hole golf course, horseback riding trails, a BMX track, and even a wildlife center where you can observe native Alabama birds.
So, grab your friends and family, pack a picnic, and come spend a day or two exploring all that Oak Mountain State Park has to offer!
Rickwood Caverns State Park
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Rickwood Caverns State Park in Alabama is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. With its stunning limestone formations that date back 260 million years, underground pool, and blind cavefish, the park offers a unique experience to visitors.
The park’s 380-acre wilderness is perfect for hiking, picnicking, and camping and the Olympic-sized swimming pool is a great place to cool off on hot summer days. If you have children with you, they will love exploring the playground, panning for gemstones, and visiting the gift shop.
As well, the guided tours of the caverns are a must-see, offering visitors a glimpse into the park’s mysterious and beautiful natural wonders, including 300 million-year-old fossils that are clearly visible in the soft limestone walls.
Wind Creek State Park
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If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure in Alabama, look no further than Wind Creek State Park! Situated on the stunning Lake Martin, this park is a nature lover’s dream.
With over 1,400 acres of land to explore, there’s plenty to keep you busy. The park offers many activities, including boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking.
The equestrian trails are especially popular, and the park has over 20 miles of trails for horseback riding. Or, for those who prefer hiking, there are two trails that offer more than 5 miles of beautiful scenery.
With nearly 600 camping sites available, Wind Creek State Park is a great place to spend the night and enjoy the great outdoors. Don’t forget to check out the grain silo, which has been converted into a nature center with a viewing platform on top!
Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway, Wind Creek State Park is the perfect destination.
