Renting an RV in Alabama

The great state of Alabama has plenty to offer visitors and residents in terms of RVing, camping, and the great outdoors. One of the best ways to see all that Alabama has to offer is from the comfort of a rented RV. Luckily, you can easily rent an RV in Alabama for you and your family to experience the unparalleled southern hospitality the state is known for. 

The state is home to many thriving cities, serene state parks, more than 1,500 miles of inland waterways, and unique and breathtaking sandy beaches along the Gulf Coast down by Mobile and the other communities in the southwestern portion of the state. With so much to offer, you’ll wonder why you didn’t rent an RV and travel around this state sooner. 
 

Why Renting an RV in Alabama Is the Way to Go

Want to get out on the open road quickly? Have a small window for your vacation this year and want to make the most of it? Renting an RV in Alabama can help you do just that.
Rent an RV

We will never tell you not to buy an RV. If you have the means and you want to purchase the RV of your dreams, then, by all means, go for it. We can even help you do that. However, buying an RV isn’t always the best move for you and your family.

Maybe you’ve never vacationed in an RV before. Maybe this is your first time upgrading from tent camping. Perhaps it’s your first time ever experiencing the great outdoors. Whatever the case, renting an RV can be a fantastic way to get your feet wet.

It’s also a smart way for long-time campers and RVers who may not be able or want to do all of the maintenance and upkeep that comes with RV ownership. Again, an RV rental makes sense, and we can help you find the best RV for you and help you choose a place to visit.

10 Unforgettable Places to See in Alabama in Your Rental RV

Alabama is full of unique and interesting destinations. The list of places you should visit is never-ending. However, we’ve pulled together a list of the most popular destinations for RV renters that we think you shouldn’t overlook. Here are ten of the top places RVers visit when they decide to vacation in Alabama.

1. Gulf State Park

With over three miles of pristine beaches, campgrounds, and a Lodge and Conference Center, Gulf State Park, located in the famous city of Gulf Shores in Alabama’s Baldwin County, is one of the best spots in the entire state to visit in your RV. You can rent an RV and stay right in the park. There are also other campgrounds nearby that can provide accommodations to RVers. You’ll be able to enjoy all of the activities and scenic views that this pristine coastal area has to offer. This should be on your list of places to visit, if not at the very top of your list. Learn more about Gulf State Park.

RVs near Gulf State Park

2. Noccalula Falls Park

Located in the small city of Gadsden, Alabama, Noccalula Falls Park is a 250-acre Southern U.S. paradise. The main reason to visit is the breathtaking 90-foot waterfall, but there’s so much more to see and do in the park. Steeped in Native American lore, Noccalula Falls also has great historical importance, which can be fun to delve into, as well as partaking in mini golf, hiking, and the other activities available here. When you come to Noccalula Falls Park, you can camp right at the park. The charming city of Gadsden is only two miles away, too, so you can go into town to enjoy great dining options and some of the shops that are there.
RVs near Noccalula Falls Park

Learn more about Noccalula Falls Park.

3. Cheaha State Park

Want to get high in Alabama? Go to the highest point in the state. That’s Cheaha Mountain, which is located in Cheaha State Park and adjoins Talladega National Forest. This publicly owned recreation area offers 2,799 acres, which means you’ll have plenty of room to roam. You can hike, picnic, swim, and fish to your heart's content. It’s one of the most beautiful parks in the entire state of Alabama. Campgrounds are right in the park and can accommodate RVs. There’s also a hotel and cabins and plenty of amenities inside the park. You can also camp outside the park if you’d like at various campgrounds in the area.
RVs near Cheaha State Park

Learn more about Cheaha State Park.

4. Lake Guntersville Resort State Park

Want to live the lake life for a while? Visit Lake Guntersville. The lake stretches 75 miles from Guntersville Dam to Nickajack Dam and sits between Guntersville and Bridgeport. It’s the largest lake in the state and takes up 69,000 acres. The park surrounding the lake offers 6,000 acres of natural woodlands perfect for hiking and picnicking, and there’s plenty to do, including enjoying the 18-hole championship golf course. There is camping right inside the state park that can easily accommodate those renting RVs. There are also other campgrounds in the area outside of the park that offers fantastic campsites and amenities. The state park also offers a resort inn and plenty of options for eating and entertainment. Also, Guntersville and Bridgeport are only a short drive away.
RVs near Lake Guntersville Resort State Park

Learn more about Lake Guntersville State Park.

5. Dauphin Island

A place like no other, the small town of Dauphin Island is situated on a small barrier island just south of Mobile, Alabama and overlooks Pelican Bay. You can drive your RV right out to the island to enjoy all that it has to offer, including an idyllic coastal town, numerous parks and beaches, and the historic Fort Gains. There’s a lot of American history to be had at Dauphin Island. If you’re interested, Fort Gains is the place to go. Otherwise, you can relax on the beach and take in all that the community can offer. There are multiple campgrounds on the island itself that make camping right where you want to be easy. You can also find campgrounds a little closer inland near Mobile if you’d like. Mobile is a fantastic city worth visiting, too, so some RVers find this to be a great option.
RVs near Dauphin Island

Learn more about Dauphin Island.

6. Little River Canyon National Preserve

One of the most impressive sights in all of the Southern Appalachians, Little River Canyon National Preserve is a national preserve in the northeastern portion of the state just north of Lake Guntersville. The preserve features forested uplands, waterfalls, canyon rims and bluffs, pools, boulders, and sandstone cliffs. It’s also home to a surprisingly diverse animal and plant life and is one of the best places to go hiking in the entire state.

There is one campground just outside the park and several in the area to the north by Desoto State Park and to the south by Guntersville Lake. Any of the campgrounds in this area would give you a good place to use as a home base while you visit Little River Canyon National Preserve and the surrounding attractions. Learn more about Little River Canyon National Preserve.

RVs near Little Canyon National Preserve

7. Chewacla State Park

This 696-acre state park might not be the largest park out there, but you’ll find that it offers quite a lot, including the Chewacla Falls, which is the park’s main attraction. The park is so much more than just the falls, though. It offers a 26-acre lake, fishing, swimming area, playground, and picnic areas. There’s plenty to do for the whole family. There’s a modern campground right inside the park that can easily accommodate RVers. There are also other campgrounds in the area if the park’s campground is full or if you’d rather stay outside of the park.
RVs near Chewacla State Park

Learn more about Chewacla State Park.

8. Lake Martin

Lake Martin is really a reservoir. The lake covers 44,000 acres. It also provides over 750 miles of shoreline, most of it wooded. It’s there because of the Martin Dam on the Tallapoosa River, and it is one of the many places in the state you simply have to see. The lake is home to some of the best swimming, boating, water skiing, camping, and golfing. Windy Creek State Park Campground is right on the lake and is recommended by the lake’s official website, but there are campgrounds all around the lake that you can stay at. With so many areas to visit around the lake, you could camp here several times in several different places and have a different experience each time.
RVs near Lake Martin

Learn more about Lake Martin.

9. Lake Lurleen State Park

Just nine miles northwest of the city of Tuscaloosa is a fantastic Alabama state park. Lake Lurleen offers 1,625 acres to visitors. At the park, there is an activity building, picnic areas, play areas, pavilions, a beach and bathhouse, fishing piers, and boat rentals. With over 23 miles of hiking trails, hiking is one of the most common activities here. There’s also a modern campground at the park with plenty of amenities for campers. It can easily accommodate RVers. If you can’t get in there, there are plenty of other campgrounds close to Tuscaloosa, and you should have no problem finding a spot. You should also spend some time in Tuscaloosa, which is a vibrant and interesting city and home to the University of Alabama.
RVs near Lake Lurleen State Park

Learn more about Lake Lurleen State Park.

10. Desoto Caverns

Desoto Caverns is like a different world, one filled with imaginative and amazing sights and activities. It’s a tourist hub, but one worth visiting. The series of caves is the main attraction with their beautiful natural formations, but there’s a whole entertainment venue built up around the site that makes it not unlike an amusement park. You’ll find people blowing giant bubbles, performing magic tricks, fire juggling, ring juggling, and other amazing and interesting performances and tricks.

Camping at Desoto Caverns in an RV is simple. The caverns has its own campground, and it’s reasonably priced. There are also other campgrounds a bit closer to Childersburg that you can stay at, but it will be a bit of a drive to Desoto Caverns.

RVs near Desoto Caverns

Campgrounds and RV Parks in Alabama

Alabama has wonderful campgrounds and RV parks spread out all across the state.

Good Sam has a long list of the best campgrounds and RV parks in Alabama that you can consider checking out.

Of course, there are other campgrounds in Alabama that offer fantastic campsites and amenities. Many of them are close to the state’s 22 state parks, the four national parks, and its many other recognized parks, beaches, forests, and nature preserves.

You should have no trouble finding a campground that has everything you're looking for and more.

Things to Know About Renting an RV in Alabama

Things to Note About Camping in Alabama

Despite there being plenty of campgrounds in the state of Alabama, there are still a few things you should know about camping in this state.

First, keep an eye on the weather. At certain times of the year, Alabama can be downright sweltering. This can factor into where and when you want to vacation in your rented RV. Also, hurricanes and storms can be serious forces, especially when you get near the coast. Make sure to pay attention to the weather forecasts as you travel and camp in your RV.

Before appearing at any campground, make sure to do some research ahead of time so you know the rules and features of that particular campground. It’s also smart to call ahead and make reservations whenever possible.

Generally, the more you plan out your camping trip, the better off you’ll be. Nothing’s worse than showing up to a campground that’s fully booked.

Last but certainly not least, when camping, make sure to respect the natural environment around you. You want to practice leave-no-trace guidelines whenever possible and let the campground be used by other RVers and campers after you leave.

Dry Camping or Boondocking in Alabama

While you should be able to find plenty of developed campgrounds when you rent an RV in Alabama, dry camping or boondocking is another option.

This is when you camp without sewer, water, or electrical hook-ups. It’s just you and your RV, and you operate on the power stored in your RV’s batteries, your generator, and the water held in your RV’s water tanks.

There are plenty of places to boondock in Alabama. In many cases, certain businesses will even allow you to boondock in their parking lot. While the list of places will certainly vary, you should have no issue finding a place to park your rented RV for a night or two.