The only ones I have been to overnight are Oak Mountain, Rickwood Caverns, Desoto, and Gulf State Park. Me and some other dads were talking about getting a camping trip in at each park that has campsites. For boys age 7-13 or so, which ones that you've been to have more than just camping. An example, Oak Mountain is massive, has a BMX track, fishing, archery, playgrounds, a golf course, kayak/canoe rentals etc.

We were thinking of taking the boys somewhere nearby this weekend since we've got a holiday weekend and also Friday off from school Cheaha, Lake Lurleen, and Wind Creek are fairly close to where we are in Birmingham, so those are high on the list for trips this year. Campsites near or on the water are a plus, but not a dealbreaker. We'd also like to not be bunched in with a bunch of RVs and Campers. Something more primitive would be great where we can set up in the woods, build a fire, maybe do some fishing, and maybe some mountain bike trails for older boys and short hikes for the younger ones.

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Posted by baldona

Florida

Member since Feb 2016

23753 posts

Posted on 2/9/26 at 3:09 pm to TU Rob

You should also look into places like Wildlife management areas, national forest, national wetlands, etc. if you are looking for camping spots especially to get away from people.

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Posted by bbvdd

Memphis, TN

Member since Jun 2009

28371 posts

Posted on 2/9/26 at 4:08 pm to TU Rob

Check out McFarland Park in Florence.

On the TN river.
lots of stuff there:

quote:
Diverse Recreational Facilities

McFarland Park boasts a range of recreational opportunities, making it a versatile destination for visitors of all interest:

Sixty Campsites, including amenities
Soccer Field
Disc Golf Course
Picnic Shelters with fireplaces
Playgrounds
Boat Ramps
Fishing Piers
Individual Picnic Tables
Baseball Fields
Paved and Lighted Jogging Trail Surrounding the Harbor
On-site Restaurant and Marine Store
Boat Slips
Walking Pathways

McFarland

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Posted by Jack_Handy

Sweet Home

Member since Apr 2020

112 posts

Posted on 2/9/26 at 5:37 pm to TU Rob

Lake Lurleen meets a lot of your points - it is on the water and has great hiking and biking trails. It is not really "primitive", but is large enough that you can usually find some privacy. However, they are just finishing a year-long renovation and are reopening sometime this spring, but are not open yet.

Brushy Creek is in Bankhead National Forest and is primitive camping. There are numerous hiking trails and rivers/streams nearby and is a great area to explore.

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Posted by finchmeister08

Member since Mar 2011

39925 posts

Posted on 2/9/26 at 5:58 pm to TU Rob

Lake Point in Eufaula can be pretty nice. You also have the Barbour County Management Area nearby as well.

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Posted by AwgustaDawg

CSRA

Member since Jan 2023

13709 posts

Posted on 2/10/26 at 5:38 am to TU Rob

Alabama has fantastic state parks....I am pretty certain they were the first to build actual resorts (motels that they call resorts but still pretty damn nice) iin state parks...if not first they were early in doing so....they have really good state parks in Alabama....

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Posted by TU Rob

Birmingham

Member since Nov 2008

13372 posts

Posted on 2/10/26 at 9:07 am to baldona

quote:
You should also look into places like Wildlife management areas, national forest, national wetlands, etc. if you are looking for camping spots especially to get away from people.

Yeah, we've hit some rural/primitive places too, but someone came up with the idea of all of our State parks. Thinking 2-3 a year and we could hit them all.

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Posted by gumbo1964