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69 campgrounds and RV Parks near Highland Lake, AL. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
69 campgrounds
4305 campsites
77 RVs available for delivery
From $20/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $29,578/year.
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Best campgrounds near Highland Lake, AL
Horse Pens 40
Steele, AL (7 miles away)
$$$$$
(125 sites)
+2
Greensport RV Park & Campground
Ashville, AL (10 miles away)
+11
Greensport RV Park and Campground
Ashville, AL (20 miles away)
$$$$$
(32 sites)
+12
Bigs Wills Creek Campground
Attalla, AL (20 miles away)
$$$$$
(28 sites)
+8
The Cove Lakeside RV Resort and Campground
Gadsden, AL (21 miles away)
$$$$$
(60 sites)
+8
Safe Harbor RV Park
Riverside, AL (23 miles away)
$$$$$
(32 sites)
+3
Carson Village Moblie Home and RV Park
Birmingham, AL (24 miles away)
$$$$$
(170 sites)
+3
Angler's Pointe
Riverside, AL (24 miles away)
Unhitched Logan-Martin Lake RV Park
Riverside, AL (25 miles away)
(153 sites)
River Rocks Landing
Gadsden, AL (25 miles away)
$$$$$
(235 sites)
+9
Rickwood Caverns State Park
Warrior, AL (25 miles away)
$$$$$
(13 sites)
+7
Time Away RV Resort
Lincoln, AL (28 miles away)
$$$$$
(84 sites)
+5
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Showers Toilets Laundry Internet Tables Fishing Dump station Grills Playground
Campgrounds near Highland Lake, Alabama
Highland Lake is a small town in southeast Blount County in the north-central part of Alabama, in the foothills of the Appalachians roughly 7 miles southwest of Oneonta and under an hour from Birmingham. The community is built around a 257-acre reservoir created in 1954 when engineer Hugh Shuff impounded the Blackburn Fork of the Little Warrior River with an earthen, stone, and concrete dam for irrigation and recreation. The town has owned the lake since 1983, and Bellew Park adds a lakeside gazebo, playground, and walking trail for day visitors.
RV travelers use the area as a base for the Appalachian foothills, Neely Henry Lake on the Coosa River, and the sandstone country of Chandler Mountain. Closest options include Horse Pens 40 atop Chandler Mountain, Greensport RV Park & Campground on Neely Henry Lake in nearby Ashville, and Bigs Wills Creek Campground. The Cove Lakeside RV Resort and Campground offers another lakefront option within reasonable driving distance.
Most sites fall into two categories: full-hookup lakeside RV parks along the Coosa system, and rustic mountain campgrounds geared to climbers and tent campers.
Things to do near Highland Lake
Fishing, swimming, and small-boat paddling on Highland Lake itself are the easiest options, and nearby Neely Henry Lake widens the water access to bass fishing, kayaking, and pontoon cruising from Greensport RV Park & Campground's boat ramp and marina. The Coosa River corridor supports largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish.
On land, Horse Pens 40 is a nationally known bouldering destination on Chandler Mountain, with sandstone formations, hiking trails, and a long history of climbing competitions and bluegrass music festivals in its natural amphitheater. Families often combine a day there with a drive up to Oneonta's covered bridges. Highland Lake itself hosts an annual Fall Festival the second week in October, with free food, games, and contests.
Camping spots and RV parks near Highland Lake, AL
When to visit Highland Lake
- spring
March - May
71° / 52°F 130 mmPrime bouldering and fishing weather; book weekends early.
- summer
June - August
88° / 68°F 110 mmHot, humid; afternoon thunderstorms; pools open at Greensport.
- fall
September - November
72° / 52°F 95 mmCool nights, festival season; sites fill fast on weekends.
- winter
December - February
52° / 37°F 140 mmMild but wet; freezing nights close water spigots at parks.
Spring and fall are the strongest windows for RV trips in this part of Alabama. March through May brings mild days, wildflowers, and reliable water levels for fishing on Neely Henry Lake, while September through early November delivers cooler nights, clearer skies, and the Highland Lake Fall Festival in mid-October. These shoulder seasons also line up with peak bouldering conditions at Horse Pens 40, where early fall to late spring is considered the best time to climb, so climbers book campsites early.
Summer is hot and humid, with average July highs near 88°F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Lakefront parks stay busy on weekends, and Greensport's pool typically operates from May through October. Book several weeks ahead for holiday weekends and any weekend that overlaps a Talladega Superspeedway race, which pulls RV traffic across the region.
Winter is mild but wet, with December the wettest month on average. Freezing nights do occur, and Greensport turns off water spigots when temperatures drop below freezing to prevent burst lines, so plan for onboard fresh water during cold snaps.
How to book campgrounds near Highland Lake
Reservation systems vary by property. Greensport RV Park & Campground takes bookings directly through its own site and through third-party platforms such as Spot2Nite, with a moderate cancellation policy that requires at least one week's notice before check-in for a full refund. Full hookups with 30/50-amp service, water, and sewer are available at every site, and tent camping is offered October through May.
Horse Pens 40 is a privately owned park run by the Schultz family and is transitioning to pre-paid reservation camping; call ahead, especially around bouldering competitions and bluegrass events. A limited number of 30-amp RV hookups with water are available alongside primitive tent sites and rustic cabins.
For Talladega race weekends and the October festival, reserve four to eight weeks out.
What to expect on arrival
Lakefront parks along Neely Henry Lake are relatively flat with gravel pads, grassy patches, and full hookups; some sites at Greensport are shaded but slightly uneven, so bring leveling blocks. Greensport is a gated property with check-in at the Gate House and provides two pools, a general store, laundry, bathhouses, a dog park, and a marina.
Mountain sites are a different setup. Horse Pens 40 sits at about 1,500 feet on Chandler Mountain, with a bathhouse, potable water, a covered pavilion, and a country store, and pets are not permitted on the property. Access roads can be narrow and winding, and the park specifically warns RVs and trailers not to follow GPS up the steep side of the mountain, so confirm routing before arrival.
Expect humid summer nights, active wildlife, and quiet, dark skies away from the interstate.
Own an RV? Earn up to $29,578/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Highland Lake, AL
How much does an RV rental in Highland Lake, AL typically cost?
RV rental in Highland Lake is one of the most affordable ways to explore Blount County and the Birmingham area. On RVezy, you'll typically find travel trailers from around $90 to $150 per night, Class C motorhomes from $175 to $275 per night, and larger Class A rigs from $250 and up. Because Highland Lake is a small lake community near Oneonta, prices tend to run lower than Birmingham metro rates. For a cheap RV rental Highland Lake travelers love, book midweek in March, April, or November when nightly rates often drop 15 to 25 percent. Pro tip: filter by Instant Book and bundle add-ons like camp chairs to lock in the best total price.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Highland%20Lake%2C%20AlabamaDo I need a special license to rent an RV in Alabama?
Good news: a regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Alabama, including motorhomes up to 26,000 pounds. There's no commercial driver's license (CDL) or special RV endorsement required for the rigs available on RVezy in Highland Lake. You'll just need to be 25 or older and upload a clear photo of your license during the secure ID confirmation step at checkout. Visiting from outside the U.S.? Bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your home country license. Most first-time renters are surprised how straightforward it is. Once verified, you're cleared to pick up your motorhome rental Highland Lake adventure and hit the road.
alea.gov/dps/driver-licenseWhat kind of protection comes with my Highland Lake RV rental?
Every booking on RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can rent an RV in Highland Lake with real peace of mind. You choose your preferred coverage level at checkout (the host does not set it), and the plan covers most physical damage to the RV during your trip. While it isn't traditional auto insurance, it provides substantial financial protection, so a flat tire or a minor scrape near Rickwood Caverns won't derail your trip. Roadside help is one phone call away, day or night, anywhere in Alabama. Pro tip: review the coverage tiers before booking so you pick the option that matches your comfort level for your Highland Lake RV trip.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat happens if I need to cancel my Highland Lake RV booking?
Booking is low-risk: RVezy uses a clear, platform-wide cancellation policy (hosts do not set their own) and includes a money-back grace period right after you book. That means if your plans change shortly after confirming, you can typically receive a full refund within the grace window. Beyond that, your refund depends on how far out you are from your trip start date, and special situations like severe weather around Blount County are reviewed case-by-case. Pro tip: book your RV rental Alabama trip early to lock in the dates you want, then use the grace period as breathing room while you finalize campground reservations and time off work.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a Highland Lake RV trip?
Absolutely, and you've got plenty of options. Many hosts offer a pet-friendly RV rental Highland Lake travelers can book in just a few clicks, just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter when you search. Once you're on the road, Rickwood Caverns State Park (about 15 minutes south) welcomes leashed pets in the campground and on most hiking trails, and the trails around Palisades Park near Oneonta are dog-friendly too. The Locust Fork riverbanks near Swann Covered Bridge are a fun off-leash-style splash spot (always check posted rules). Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm any pet fee, and pack a tie-out stake, towels, and a collapsible bowl for hot Alabama afternoons.
alapark.com/parks/rickwood-caverns-state-parkCan the RV be delivered to my campground near Highland Lake?
Yes, RV delivery in Highland Lake is one of the easiest ways to start your trip, especially if it's your first time renting an RV. Many RVezy hosts will drive the rig directly to Rickwood Caverns State Park, a lakeside rental property, or your driveway in Oneonta, Allgood, or Cleveland, then level it, hook it up to power and water, and walk you through every system. That means no towing stress, no backing into a tight site, and no figuring out hookups on your own. Just filter by Delivery when you search. Pro tip: delivery fees are usually based on mileage from the host, so picking a campground within 20 to 30 miles of your host keeps costs down.
alapark.com/parks/rickwood-caverns-state-parkHow far can I travel from Highland Lake on a typical RV rental?
You can cover a lot of Alabama and beyond from Highland Lake. Hosts set their own mileage policies, with some offering generous daily allowances and others offering RV rental with unlimited mileage, perfect for road trippers. From Highland Lake you're about 35 miles north of Birmingham, 90 miles south of Huntsville, 150 miles to Chattanooga, TN, and around 220 miles to Nashville. The Gulf Shores beaches sit roughly 320 miles south for a long-haul RV road trip from Highland Lake. Pro tip: estimate your total miles before booking and message the host, many will quote a flat rate for added miles upfront so there are no surprises at drop-off.
rvezy.com/Where are the best campgrounds near Highland Lake, AL?
You're spoiled for choice within a short drive. The best campgrounds near Highland Lake include Rickwood Caverns State Park (about 20 miles southwest near Warrior) with 13 water/electric RV sites, a 175-foot cavern tour, and a spring-fed pool; Smith Lake Park in Cullman (about 35 miles northwest) with shaded waterfront sites and a swim beach; Oak Mountain State Park near Pelham (about 50 miles south) with 85 improved RV sites and miles of trails; and Lake Guntersville State Park (about 65 miles northeast) for big-water views. Reserve at reserve.alapark.com up to a year in advance. Pro tip: book Rickwood early for summer weekends, the small campground fills fast when the pool is open.
alapark.com/parks/rickwood-caverns-state-park/campingWhen is the best time of year to rent an RV in Highland Lake?
Spring and fall are the sweet spots for RV camping Highland Lake. From mid-March through May, daytime highs run a pleasant 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit with blooming dogwoods around the lake. September through early November brings crisp 60 to 78 degree days, fewer bugs, and the famous Covered Bridge Festival in nearby Oneonta (held the second Saturday of October). Summer (June to August) is warm and humid with highs in the upper 80s to mid-90s, great if you want to swim in the spring-fed pool at Rickwood Caverns. Winters are mild (lows in the 30s, highs in the 50s) and a smart way to score cheap RV rental Highland Lake deals. Pro tip: book October weekends early, they sell out fastest.
forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?zoneid=ALZ017I've never rented an RV before. Will I be okay driving one around Highland Lake?
You'll be in great shape, even if it's your first time renting an RV. Every RVezy host gives you a full walkthrough at pickup, covering driving, hookups, the awning, slide-outs, the generator, and how to dump tanks. The roads around Highland Lake are quiet two-lane country routes (perfect for getting comfortable), and Interstate 65 is just minutes away for easy access to Birmingham or points north. If you'd rather skip driving entirely, choose a host who offers delivery and they'll set the RV up for you at your campsite. Pro tip: take a 15-minute practice loop on the country roads off Highway 75 before heading to your campground, you'll feel like a pro by mile two.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsWhat happens if something goes wrong with the RV during my trip?
You're never on your own. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance with the protection plan, so if you get a flat tire on Highway 231 outside Oneonta, the battery dies at Rickwood Caverns, or you need a tow, one call gets help dispatched. For non-emergencies (like figuring out the water heater), you can message your host directly through the RVezy app, and RVezy's customer support team is available before, during, and after your trip. There's also a Walmart Supercenter in Oneonta about 15 minutes from Highland Lake for last-minute supplies. Pro tip: snap photos of the RV at pickup and save the roadside assistance number to your phone so it's one tap away.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my Highland Lake RV rental across state lines or into Canada?
Yes, most RVezy hosts welcome interstate travel, which makes Highland Lake a great launch pad. You're well positioned for a Tennessee mountain trip (Chattanooga is about 2.5 hours, the Smokies about 4 hours), a Gulf Coast run to Orange Beach (about 5 hours), or a music run to Nashville (about 3.5 hours). Canadian trips are possible with host approval and proper paperwork, so message before booking. Travel to Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals because insurance coverage does not extend there. Pro tip: share your full route with the host when you message them, many will green-light multi-state trips quickly when they know the plan.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityHow much should I budget for fuel on a Highland Lake RV trip?
Fuel is usually the biggest variable cost, but it's easy to budget. Most Class C motorhomes around Highland Lake average 8 to 12 miles per gallon (MPG), travel trailers depend on your tow vehicle, and campervans (Class B) can hit 16 to 20 MPG. Alabama gas prices typically run below the national average, often around $2.80 to $3.20 per gallon, and there are convenient stations in Oneonta, Cleveland, and at the I-65 exits in Warrior. For a 300-mile weekend in a Class C, plan on roughly $90 to $130 in fuel. Pro tip: fill up at the Love's or Pilot off I-65 Exit 289 before heading into the more rural Blount County roads.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Highland Lake?
For Alabama State Parks like Rickwood Caverns, Oak Mountain, and Lake Guntersville, you can reserve up to one year in advance through reserve.alapark.com, and that's exactly what you should do for summer weekends and any October dates (covered bridge season is busy). For midweek spring or fall trips, 4 to 6 weeks out is usually plenty. Private parks around Smith Lake and Logan Martin Lake also book up early for holiday weekends. Pro tip: Alabama State Parks generally have 2 PM check-in and 11 AM check-out, plus a small non-refundable reservation fee, so lock in your nights once your RV is confirmed to keep your Highland Lake RV trip stress-free.
reserve.alapark.com/What are the local driving conditions like around Highland Lake?
Driving around Highland Lake is refreshingly mellow, mostly rolling two-lane country roads through Blount County with light traffic. Highway 75 and Highway 231 are your main connectors to Oneonta, and I-65 (about 20 minutes west via Highway 160) is the fast lane to Birmingham and beyond. A few things to know: the historic covered bridges (Horton Mill, Easley, Swann) have low clearances and weight limits and are not drivable in an RV, so admire them on foot. Watch for deer at dawn and dusk on county roads, and afternoon summer thunderstorms can bring brief heavy rain. Pro tip: use Highway 160 to I-65 rather than narrow shortcuts to avoid tight turns in a larger motorhome rental Highland Lake travelers love.
dot.state.al.us/publications/Maintenance/What amenities will I find at campgrounds near Highland Lake?
Most campgrounds within 30 miles of Highland Lake offer the essentials and then some. Rickwood Caverns State Park has 30 and 50 amp electric and water hookups, an on-site dump station, hot showers, a playground, and an Olympic-sized spring-fed pool open in summer. Smith Lake Park offers full hookups, lake swim beaches, and boat launches. Oak Mountain State Park has 85 improved sites with full or partial hookups, a marina, and miles of trails. Fresh water fill-ups and dump stations are widely available at state parks. Pro tip: there's a free RV dump station at the I-65 rest area near Warrior, handy for flushing tanks on your way back from your Highland Lake RV trip.
alapark.com/parks/rickwood-caverns-state-park/campingWhat's included inside a typical Highland Lake RV rental?
RVs on RVezy come ready to camp. Expect a full kitchen (fridge, stove, microwave, sink), a bathroom with toilet and shower, comfortable sleeping for anywhere from 2 to 10 people depending on the rig, climate control (air conditioning and furnace), and seatbelts for everyone riding. Most listings include a TV, and many offer onboard generators, awnings, and outdoor speakers. WiFi varies, cell signal around Highland Lake is generally solid on major carriers but can dip in deep woods. Campervan rental Highland Lake options are great for couples, while Class C and travel trailer options work well for families. Pro tip: filter by sleeps count and check the listing photos to see exactly which beds convert from dinettes or sofas.
nhtsa.gov/road-safety/rv-safetyWhat add-ons and pickup options should I look for when I rent an RV in Highland Lake?
Hosts in the Highland Lake area offer a wide range of helpful add-ons. Common extras include linens and towel packages ($25 to $60), kitchen kits, outdoor camp chairs and tables, portable grills, bike racks, generator use, propane refills, and dump/cleaning service so you don't have to empty tanks yourself. Pickup is typically at the host's location, but delivery to Rickwood Caverns, your driveway in Oneonta, or a private lake property is widely available. Mileage policies vary, some hosts include 100 miles per night free, others go unlimited. Pro tip: bundle dump/cleaning and linens when you book your RV rental Alabama trip, it saves time at drop-off and lets you focus on enjoying the lake.
alabama.travel/How does payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment is simple and secure: you pay through the RVezy platform with a credit or debit card, never directly to the host. Most hosts also place a refundable security deposit hold on your card before pickup; the amount is shown on the listing so there are no surprises, and it is separate from your booking payment. As long as you return the RV on time, with the agreed fuel level, and without damage, the hold is released after your trip. Pro tip: do a full walkthrough with photos and a quick video at pickup and drop-off, this protects both you and the host and helps keep your security deposit refund moving fast for your next family RV trip from Highland Lake.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksWhat's a local insider tip for making the most of a Highland Lake RV trip?
Here's a tip locals love: time your visit around the Blount County Covered Bridge Festival in downtown Oneonta, typically held in October. It features arts and crafts, a classic car cruise-in, live music, and guided tours to Horton Mill (one of the tallest historic covered bridges in the U.S.), Easley, and Swann bridges. Pair the festival with a morning at Palisades Park atop Ebell Mountain (about 5 miles north of Oneonta) for sweeping fall-color views, then return to your RV at Rickwood Caverns for a cool evening by the campfire. Pro tip: book your RV rental in Highland Lake by August for October dates, fall is the busiest and most magical time in Blount County.
blountoneontachamber.org/Nearby cities with campgrounds
Atlanta, GAKnoxville, TNChattanooga, TNBirmingham, ALDallas, GAAthens, ALBlairsville, GAFarragut, TNTyrone, GAVilla Rica, GAFlowery Branch, GABuford, GALoganville, GAOpelika, ALMarietta, GAAntioch, GAJackson, GAWilliamson, GAFairmount, GACarrollton, GAHiram, GAMountain Park, GASoddy-Daisy, TNMcDonough, GA