Gunter Hill (Montgomery, AL) - 9.0 - great sites, great views, great privacy
Gulfside Trail Rides (Seaside, FL) - 6.8 - great privacy and location, but not very good amenities
Pooles Knob (Nashville, TN) - 7.8 - great privacy and location, surrounded by thick hardwoods. Not a lot to do, facilities a little run down.
Minooka Park (Jemison, AL)- 7.9 New, nice facilities, and SO close to home for us but felt far away. No showers, not a lot of shade, but a lot of privacy (may be just because it is still being discovered).
Tannehill State Park (McCalla, AL) 8.7
Great spot backing up to the woods, great trails, playground, train. Facilities very clean. Historic structures and trails
Wind Creek (Alex City, AL)- 9.2 Private, shaded, waterfront, playgrounds and lake. Nice facilities and only a little over an hour from home. Second time we went we ate at the grill- it was fun and pretty good food. Kayaked and their life-jacket patrol is right on;) Definitely wins for the most playgrounds! Now that we have been numerous times, we are realizing different parts of the park will give you a louder or quieter environment.
Buccaneer State Park (Waveland, MS) 8.9 Our location wasn't private or shaded, but lack of trees helped with the bugs. Good distance from home (the way there took us 5.5 hours, on the way back 7+ because of traffic. Different parts of the park were more private than our location. Not all had firepits or picnic tables. Great playground and 2 minute drive from the beach took this up pretty high! Also had disc golf course and nature trail. In the summer the wavepool and waterpark are open. Probably only thing that keeps this under Gunter Hill is the distance from home. We also wonder if we ranked Gunter Hill too high because of how empty it was being December and had perfect 70 degree weather and was really our first successful trip!
Chewacla State Park (Auburn, AL) 9.2 This was tough! We kept going back and forth with ranking it higher than Wind Creek. There was just so much to do- two playgrounds, lake with diving board (not that we did this yet), good hike to the waterfall with rocks to climb, "flamingo beach", great facilities. We had a private spot but we could see that some of the spots would have seemed more crowded. We had a fire pit provided. Nice pavilion in the middle of everything.
Gulf State Park, (Gulf Shores, AL) 9.2 So much to do!!! The facilities were very nice. They had a schedule of activities... tennis courts, trails, somewhat private spots, a great pool and splash pad with concessions. They even had segway tours which of course we couldn't do. The easy beach access of course gives it a little bit more. If you take the beach/location out of it, it may be behind Chewacla. When we have our bikes, we have different bike riding options too! No fire pit though which was a big bummer!
Logan Landing (Alpine, AL) 5.9 Super crowded (even though it was Memorial Weekend) Not a lot to do, but it was still a fun trip being Memorial Weekend. The kids enjoyed the beach area and the Memorial Weekend entertainment. Pretty close to home so that was nice. Small fire pit but we never used it. Did have a pool but crowded of course being that weekend. We did enjoy the "rec room" and beach area. Kids enjoyed the playground too. But overall not what we are looking for as far as privacy and things to do!
DeSoto State Park, (Fort Payne, AL) a 9.1... Facilities were good, we loved the restaurant and our spot with the trail in the woods, the festivites, the trails and boulders! No lake. We had fun in the town and there are great playgrounds in town, with a smaller one in the Park.
Chester Frost, Chattanooga, TN 8.9 No sewage hookups, we had a good spot but the spots can be pretty close together, two playgrounds, lake is awesome but beach was not, proximity to the city was great. Kelly would probably give this a 10 just because she loves Chattanooga so much!
Monte Sano, Huntsville, AL 9.1 Great views, great trails, ample camping space, facilities not great, huge playground with trails to amazing views.
Oak Mountain State Park, Birmingham, AL 9.3- time for an update because we are OMSP SUPPORTERS! Ok their facilities need work, and the first time we went we were in a terrible spot. We have been numerous time since and love our State Park. It's the best. This last time we ventured to the "Demonstration Farm" for free, and checked out the BMX track. They now allow you to reserve your spot so we (Donald) have chosen wisely. I can't believe there is still so much we hadn't seen. There are plans to put in another beach area and improve the road bike lanes. This park will be a 10 in no time! For now we are going to a 9.3. Yep that's right!
Topsail Hill State Park, Santa Rosa, FL...9.5 Whatever our highest rating was, this beats it! This was our best trip so far! Great facilities, beautiful grounds, pool, nature trails, beach access, tram, ponds. Just miles from Seaside! 3/29/18 This is still our favorite campground- going to book again next Spring Break if we can get a spot! We have to be on top of booking it 9 months in advance!
Meaher State Park, Fairhope, AL 8.5 Very basic state park, lower rating just because of that. What they had was nice... just not a lot that we could do. But I do think when we go to Fairhope we will continue to stay here because it was nice enough and so close to everything in Fairhope!
Joe Wheeler State Park, Rogersville, AL 9.1 The great pool bumps this up to a 9.1, the restaurant was good but not great, Point Mallard being so close was a HUGE plus! The playground was too unsafe for Cora so we didn't even go. Facilities were good and they did have sewage spots. We were very happy with our secluded little spot, but the roads were narrow so during the weekend it was hard to walk or ride on the roads. We would go back and leave the bikes at home and make sure to have both kayaks.
Goosepond Colony Resort, Scottsboro, AL 8.8 We loved our campsite in front of the water with a lot of space for the kids to run without someone right next to us. We had a pier and another great spot to leave and put in our kayaks. Playground wasn't anything special but it was good enough for the kids. We also loved how quiet and peaceful it was! A lot of the people there rent out their site and come and go- so a lot of people weren't actually there at the time. There are three restaurants but we didn't make it to one this trip. Easy 2 hour drive, so I think we will go back. Facilities not great but doable.
Lakepoint Resort State Park, Eufaula, AL 9.1 We felt like this was a perfect mix of Joe Wheeler and Topsail. The trees and flat landscape reminded us of Topsail and the lodge feel reminded us of Joe Wheeler. It was very quiet and we didn't worry about any cars driving where the kids were playing in their little circle. Facilities were ok. Buffet was great! They had one small playground but it was new and the kids loved it! They also have a small pool we could use in the summer.
Stone Mountain State Park, Stone Mountain Georgia 9.3
Our specific campsite wasn't the best, BUT we will definitely be coming back and will get a campsite thats flat and has more space for the kids. Getting the 3 night stay and 2 day ticket passes were the way to go! We didn't get to fully enjoy the campground since we were at the Park so much, but the pool and playground were awesome! Updated and clean, facilities were good enough, Saturday night there was a band playing worship music and they had a short service on Sunday! We are looking forward to going back, and worried the kids aren't going to enjoy the next camping trip as much without the Amusement Park!
Maxwell-Gunter Military Campground Lake Martin 9.1
We had the best time! It was very very quiet and small. Excellent playground area, beach area and volleyball courts. It was too cold for water play but would be very accessible to the water with our kayaks, also we each had our own pier which has never happened before! Staff was so nice, facilities ok. Close to home and on Lake Martin!
Wind Creek (Alex City, AL)- 9.2 Private, shaded, waterfront, playgrounds and lake. Nice facilities and only a little over an hour from home. Second time we went we ate at the grill- it was fun and pretty good food. Kayaked and their life-jacket patrol is right on;) Definitely wins for the most playgrounds! Now that we have been numerous times, we are realizing different parts of the park will give you a louder or quieter environment.
Buccaneer State Park (Waveland, MS) 8.9 Our location wasn't private or shaded, but lack of trees helped with the bugs. Good distance from home (the way there took us 5.5 hours, on the way back 7+ because of traffic. Different parts of the park were more private than our location. Not all had firepits or picnic tables. Great playground and 2 minute drive from the beach took this up pretty high! Also had disc golf course and nature trail. In the summer the wavepool and waterpark are open. Probably only thing that keeps this under Gunter Hill is the distance from home. We also wonder if we ranked Gunter Hill too high because of how empty it was being December and had perfect 70 degree weather and was really our first successful trip!
Chewacla State Park (Auburn, AL) 9.2 This was tough! We kept going back and forth with ranking it higher than Wind Creek. There was just so much to do- two playgrounds, lake with diving board (not that we did this yet), good hike to the waterfall with rocks to climb, "flamingo beach", great facilities. We had a private spot but we could see that some of the spots would have seemed more crowded. We had a fire pit provided. Nice pavilion in the middle of everything.
Gulf State Park, (Gulf Shores, AL) 9.2 So much to do!!! The facilities were very nice. They had a schedule of activities... tennis courts, trails, somewhat private spots, a great pool and splash pad with concessions. They even had segway tours which of course we couldn't do. The easy beach access of course gives it a little bit more. If you take the beach/location out of it, it may be behind Chewacla. When we have our bikes, we have different bike riding options too! No fire pit though which was a big bummer!
Logan Landing (Alpine, AL) 5.9 Super crowded (even though it was Memorial Weekend) Not a lot to do, but it was still a fun trip being Memorial Weekend. The kids enjoyed the beach area and the Memorial Weekend entertainment. Pretty close to home so that was nice. Small fire pit but we never used it. Did have a pool but crowded of course being that weekend. We did enjoy the "rec room" and beach area. Kids enjoyed the playground too. But overall not what we are looking for as far as privacy and things to do!
DeSoto State Park, (Fort Payne, AL) a 9.1... Facilities were good, we loved the restaurant and our spot with the trail in the woods, the festivites, the trails and boulders! No lake. We had fun in the town and there are great playgrounds in town, with a smaller one in the Park.
Chester Frost, Chattanooga, TN 8.9 No sewage hookups, we had a good spot but the spots can be pretty close together, two playgrounds, lake is awesome but beach was not, proximity to the city was great. Kelly would probably give this a 10 just because she loves Chattanooga so much!
Monte Sano, Huntsville, AL 9.1 Great views, great trails, ample camping space, facilities not great, huge playground with trails to amazing views.
Oak Mountain State Park, Birmingham, AL 9.3- time for an update because we are OMSP SUPPORTERS! Ok their facilities need work, and the first time we went we were in a terrible spot. We have been numerous time since and love our State Park. It's the best. This last time we ventured to the "Demonstration Farm" for free, and checked out the BMX track. They now allow you to reserve your spot so we (Donald) have chosen wisely. I can't believe there is still so much we hadn't seen. There are plans to put in another beach area and improve the road bike lanes. This park will be a 10 in no time! For now we are going to a 9.3. Yep that's right!
Topsail Hill State Park, Santa Rosa, FL...9.5 Whatever our highest rating was, this beats it! This was our best trip so far! Great facilities, beautiful grounds, pool, nature trails, beach access, tram, ponds. Just miles from Seaside! 3/29/18 This is still our favorite campground- going to book again next Spring Break if we can get a spot! We have to be on top of booking it 9 months in advance!
Meaher State Park, Fairhope, AL 8.5 Very basic state park, lower rating just because of that. What they had was nice... just not a lot that we could do. But I do think when we go to Fairhope we will continue to stay here because it was nice enough and so close to everything in Fairhope!
Joe Wheeler State Park, Rogersville, AL 9.1 The great pool bumps this up to a 9.1, the restaurant was good but not great, Point Mallard being so close was a HUGE plus! The playground was too unsafe for Cora so we didn't even go. Facilities were good and they did have sewage spots. We were very happy with our secluded little spot, but the roads were narrow so during the weekend it was hard to walk or ride on the roads. We would go back and leave the bikes at home and make sure to have both kayaks.
Goosepond Colony Resort, Scottsboro, AL 8.8 We loved our campsite in front of the water with a lot of space for the kids to run without someone right next to us. We had a pier and another great spot to leave and put in our kayaks. Playground wasn't anything special but it was good enough for the kids. We also loved how quiet and peaceful it was! A lot of the people there rent out their site and come and go- so a lot of people weren't actually there at the time. There are three restaurants but we didn't make it to one this trip. Easy 2 hour drive, so I think we will go back. Facilities not great but doable.
Lakepoint Resort State Park, Eufaula, AL 9.1 We felt like this was a perfect mix of Joe Wheeler and Topsail. The trees and flat landscape reminded us of Topsail and the lodge feel reminded us of Joe Wheeler. It was very quiet and we didn't worry about any cars driving where the kids were playing in their little circle. Facilities were ok. Buffet was great! They had one small playground but it was new and the kids loved it! They also have a small pool we could use in the summer.
Stone Mountain State Park, Stone Mountain Georgia 9.3
Our specific campsite wasn't the best, BUT we will definitely be coming back and will get a campsite thats flat and has more space for the kids. Getting the 3 night stay and 2 day ticket passes were the way to go! We didn't get to fully enjoy the campground since we were at the Park so much, but the pool and playground were awesome! Updated and clean, facilities were good enough, Saturday night there was a band playing worship music and they had a short service on Sunday! We are looking forward to going back, and worried the kids aren't going to enjoy the next camping trip as much without the Amusement Park!
Maxwell-Gunter Military Campground Lake Martin 9.1
We had the best time! It was very very quiet and small. Excellent playground area, beach area and volleyball courts. It was too cold for water play but would be very accessible to the water with our kayaks, also we each had our own pier which has never happened before! Staff was so nice, facilities ok. Close to home and on Lake Martin!
Lake Jackson RV park, formerly Florala State Park 8.5
This was a very small campground with ok facilities and a small playground. It was very quiet and the people were friendly. We had the lake on one side and wetlands on the other. 3 hour distance from home, small town where we even had to drive 20 miles to get to Walmart. Very nice walking trail around the lake with playgrounds along the way is what kept us from ranking lower, and of course being by Candyland
Yonah Campground in Helen, Georgia 8.8
Small owned campground, it doesn't have the bells and whistles but it's well-maintained and improvements being made. We wouldn't choose this one to go back to but if we needed to we would be fine with it. They did have a small pool but because of Covid we didn't get to swim and they were very kind in explaining it. They had a nice sitting area by the playground with a firepit and swings. They also had cornhole and some other games. Everything was gravel so the kids weren't able to scooter or bike ride except for Carter with his mountain bike. The best part about the campground is the proximity to so much!!! We had so much fun visiting the coffee shops, antique stores, Babyland and of courses Helen, GA with the tubing and town.
Yonah Campground in Helen, Georgia 8.8
Small owned campground, it doesn't have the bells and whistles but it's well-maintained and improvements being made. We wouldn't choose this one to go back to but if we needed to we would be fine with it. They did have a small pool but because of Covid we didn't get to swim and they were very kind in explaining it. They had a nice sitting area by the playground with a firepit and swings. They also had cornhole and some other games. Everything was gravel so the kids weren't able to scooter or bike ride except for Carter with his mountain bike. The best part about the campground is the proximity to so much!!! We had so much fun visiting the coffee shops, antique stores, Babyland and of courses Helen, GA with the tubing and town.
Cheaha State Park in Delta AL 9.3
This was a great spot! Loved the pull-through site, being in the woods where it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop! Negative to that is how far away you are from town! Great playground, restaurant, views, dog park, rocks to climb. Hilly so we couldnt do much bike riding but next time we will do more hiking on the trails! Lots of deer also!
