Glamping Under the Stars

With 48,000 acres available and new funding to improve the experience, camping in Alabama’s state parks comes with all kinds of options, including luxury. An elevated tent on a backcountry trail near the beach. Air conditioning and a king-sized bed in a safari-style tent in a stand of hardwoods just steps from a treasured lake. A fully furnished tiny cabin near the Alabama River. 

Thanks to the state’s voters, who overwhelmingly approved an amendment to provide as much as $80 million in funding to improve Alabama State Parks, this variety of camping is available throughout the state parks system. 

Glamping, which comes from combining “glamorous” and “camping,” is trending, and six Alabama state parks have responded with lodging that allows visitors to experience the beauty of the outdoors with the luxuries of the indoors.  

At Wind Creek State Park on Lake Martin near Alexander City, Chewacla State Park near Auburn, Cheaha State Park near Anniston, Lake Guntersville State Park on Lake Guntersville, DeSoto State Park outside Fort Payne and Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville, the new glamping options pair the majesty of nature with such accouterments as beds (in different sizes) with fresh linens, electricity, and air conditioning and heating.

Meanwhile, Birmingham’s Oak Mountain State Park campground is undergoing a complete renovation. It will open in summer 2024 with all-new restrooms, 50 amp service for RVs, improved primitive sites, and an onsite dog park and playground. The park also boasts equestrian camping. These sites enable horseback riders to hook up their living quarters trailers in direct line of sight to the barn where stall boarding is available. Twenty-five miles of more than 100 miles of trail within the park are open to equestrians. 

Gulf State Park appeals to sunseekers looking for a plot on the sand. While not directly on the beach, three outpost campsites, each outfitted with raised, military-style tents and cots, dot the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. Thru-hikers and bicyclists using the trail may rent the outposts by the night (two-night minimums are required for weekends and other occasions) to enjoy sleeping among the tall pines and scrub oaks. Six tiny houses at Roland Cooper State Park offer respite near the Alabama River and Dannelly Reservoir while ensuring certain amenities, such as a kitchen, are available. Each tiny cabin comes with a gas range, microwave oven, coffee maker and fridge with an ice maker. Ice while camping? That’s a luxury!

Not only are the overnight options within the state parks unique, so are the ecosystems, the topography and the range of activities. Visitors find powder-soft sands on the Gulf Coast, mountain views in the North and lots of lakes to enjoy in between. Hike, bike, fish, rock climb, birdwatch, kayak, geocache, ride horses and so much more at Alabama’s state parks. There’s even an archery park and off-road vehicle course that opened recently at Lakepoint State Park in Barbour County. With 21 state parks in the network, each offering something a little different, there’s always a reason to camp in Alabama.