Did you know there are 21 official Alabama State Parks? Each one is special and offers something different. Here’s the second part of our quick guide to each Alabama State Park.
1. Gulf State Park– Gulf Shores, AL
Located in beautiful Gulf Shores, Gulf State Park is the place to be if you want to enjoy what Alabama’s beaches have to offer. This park features two miles of white sandy beaches along with areas for camping and lodging. Even if you just want to stay for the day, there’s plenty to do, from fishing and biking to picnicking and swimming. There’s even a park and pond just for your four-legged family members!
2. Joe Wheeler State Park– Rogersville, AL
This resort-style park offers everything you need to have a relaxing getaway. There are several lodging accommodations available, including over 100 campsites, several cottages, and a few cabins. There’s even a full-service marina, so you can bring your boat along for the trip and enjoy some time out on Wheeler Lake. Plus, this park features nearly 16 miles of dog-friendly hiking, biking, and walking trails. If you’re into fishing and spending time out in nature, you can’t miss out on visiting Joe Wheeler State Park.
3. Lake Guntersville State Park– Guntersville, AL
Lake Guntersville State Park is truly an outdoor adventurer’s dream come true. This 6,000-acre park is filled with fun things to do, from ziplining and golfing to fishing and hiking. There are several options for lodging in cabins, chalets, and campsites. One of the coolest things about this park is that it’s a great place to spot bald eagles and other native Alabama flora and fauna. If you want to bring your pups along for the trip, there’s even a dog park on-site for registered guests.
4. Lake Lurleen State Park– Coker, AL
Lake Lurleen State Park is a great vacation spot for anyone who wants to hike, spend time on the water, and just enjoy Alabama’s beautiful nature. It features over 20 miles of trails along with a modern campground, day-use picnic areas, fishing piers, boat rentals, and so much more. Plus, 240-acre Lake Lurleen is fully stocked with largemouth bass, bream, catfish, and crappie. There’s also a Nature Center that’s open seasonally where you can learn all about the animal and plant life found in Alabama.
5. Lakepoint State Park– Eufaula, AL
You’re sure to find something for the entire family to do at Lakepoint State Park, from hiking and swimming to fishing and bird watching. You can visit the park just for the day, or you can stay in the resort-style lodge, the cabins, or the lakeside cottages. There are also nearly 200 campsites you can choose from if you want to camp in the park. Lakepoint is a stop on Alabama’s Wiregrass Birding Trail, and it’s also a great place to spot wildlife like American alligators. During the summer, registered guests can enjoy swimming in Lakepoint’s exclusive pool complex.
6. Meaher State Park– Spanish Fort, AL
Meaher State Park is a great place to visit if you’re looking to get some serious fishing time in. This park features a 300-foot pier that juts into the Mobile-Tensaw Delta where you can fish for both freshwater and saltwater fish. As with many Alabama State Parks, you can visit Meaher State Park for the day or you can stay awhile in a cabin or in the campground.
7. Monte Sano State Park– Huntsville, AL
If you’re looking to fully experience the mountains of Alabama, Monte Sano State Park is a great place to start. This park features a variety of lodging accommodations, including rustic cabins and campsites. It also features over 20 miles of hiking trails and 14 miles of biking trails with scenic views of this mountainous region. Looking for something fun to do with the kids? Monte Sano has a planetarium that offers public shows on a weekly basis, though they’re currently on pause due to Covid-19.
8. Oak Mountain State Park– Pelham, AL
Conveniently located just outside of Birmingham, Oak Mountain State Park covers over 9,000 acres and is currently Alabama’s largest state park. There are more than 50 miles of trails where you can bike, hike, or simply take a walk and enjoy nature. There’s even a BMX course if you’re feeling really adventurous. Oak Mountain State Park also features lots of cool activities like boating, golfing, swimming, and much more. If you want to stay in the park, you can either camp at the campground or stay in one of ten cabins.
9. Paul Grist State Park– Selma, AL
Paul Grist State Park is a great spot to visit if you’re looking to enjoy a little slice of life on the lake. This park features a 100-acre lake where you can swim, fish, and more. There are eleven modern campsites and additional primitive campsites available. This park is a stop on the Alabama Black Belt Birding Trail, so it’s perfect for anyone who wants to check out Alabama’s native wildlife.
10. Rickwood Caverns State Park– Warrior, AL
Alabama is home to some pretty cool cave systems, and you can check out one of the most impressive ones at Rickwood Caverns. There are several guided tours of the caves offered on a daily basis, so you can really experience the amazing geological features Alabama has to offer. Once you’re done with the cave tour, there are plenty of things to do, from gemstone mining to hiking trails. Rickwood Caverns offers 13 water and electric campsites and five primitive camping sites, so you can stay and enjoy the park as long as you like.
11. Roland Cooper State Park– Camden, AL
Roland Cooper State Park is a highlighted stop on Alabama’s Black Belt Birding Trail, so it’s a great spot to visit if you’re into birdwatching and checking out Alabama’s native species. This park is also home to a large lake filled with game fish for your angling pleasure. You can visit Roland Cooper just for the day, or you can stay in one of their cabins or at a campsite.
12. Wind Creek State Park– Alexander City, AL
Wind Creek is the perfect place for anyone who enjoys fishing, as most of the park lines Lake Martin. One of the largest state-owned campgrounds in the United States can be found at Wind Creek State Park, so you have plenty of options when it comes to choosing a campsite to stay at. There are also seven cabins to choose from if you prefer to stay indoors. Wind Creek is a stop on Alabama’s Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail, and it also features activities like archery and putt-putt.