🌤 Weather at Oak Mountain State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45–83 °F | 68–92 °F | 42–87 °F | 35–60 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Helena, 10 mi away, elevation 480 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Oak Mountain State Park is Alabama’s largest state park—a sprawling 11,861-acre outdoor paradise just 20 miles south of Birmingham. Home to 100+ miles of trails including an internationally recognized IMBA EPIC mountain biking route, three lakes, two beaches, and a top-rated championship golf course, Oak Mountain delivers adventure at a scale unmatched anywhere in the state.
Whether you’re shredding the legendary Red Trail, fishing for bass on one of three scenic lakes, swimming at a sandy beach, or playing a round at The Oaks—one of America’s top public courses—this is the ultimate outdoor destination for Birmingham and beyond.
From families seeking a weekend campout to serious mountain bikers chasing the EPIC, Oak Mountain welcomes all with world-class facilities and endless possibilities.
Park Fast Facts
| 📍 Location | Pelham, Alabama (20 mi south of Birmingham) |
| 🗺️ Region | Central Alabama |
| 📐 Total Area | 11,861 acres (Alabama’s largest!) |
| 🥾 Trail Miles | 100+ miles |
| 🌊 Lakes | 3 (245 total acres) |
| 📞 Phone | (205) 620-2524 |
Mountain Biking
Oak Mountain is a world-class mountain biking destination, recognized by the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA).
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 🚵 Total Trail Miles | 40-50 miles dedicated MTB |
| 🏆 Red Trail | IMBA EPIC designated! |
| ⬛ Blood Rock | Advanced technical section |
| ⬛⬛ Double Black | Expert-only trails |
| 🔄 Pump Track | Skills practice |
| 🚴 BMX Course | Available for all ages |
Beginner-friendly trails circle Double Oak Lake for those just getting started!
The Lakes
| Lake | Size | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 🐟 Lunker Lake | 85 acres | Great bass fishing |
| 🏞️ Oak Mountain Lake | 85 acres | Scenic, fishing pier |
| 🛶 Double Oak Lake | 75 acres | Beginner trails, boat rental |
Fishing
- 🐟 Species: Bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie
- 🚤 Boating: Electric trolling motors only
- 🛶 Boat Rentals: Available
- 🎣 Fishing Pier: Accessible fishing
Beaches & Swimming
Cool off at one of two sandy beaches with designated swimming areas. Lifeguards on duty during summer months!
Golf – The Oaks
- ⛳ 18-hole championship course
- 🎨 Designer: Earl Stone
- 🏆 Recognition: Golf Digest Top Public Courses
- 🏪 Pro Shop & Clubhouse: Full service
Camping
| Campsite Type | Quantity | Features |
|---|---|---|
| ⛺ Improved Sites | 84 | Full hookups, renovated 2024 |
| 🏕️ Primitive Sites | 60 | Backcountry experience |
| 🐴 Equestrian Sites | 12 | Horse camping! |
| 🏠 Cabins | 10 | Fully equipped |
Campground Amenities
- 🚿 Hot showers & flush toilets
- 👕 Laundry facilities
- 🚐 RV dump station
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Oak Mountain SP — 9,940 acres — the largest state park in Alabama. The park’s Double Oak Mountain, lakes, and hardwood forest support white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and the Alabama Wildlife Center (a raptor rehabilitation facility).
Nearby Attractions
Pelham — adjacent. Birmingham — 15 miles north — Alabama’s largest city. Shelby County — surrounding.
Is Oak Mountain really Alabama’s largest state park?
Yes! At 11,861 acres, Oak Mountain State Park is by far Alabama’s largest state park. It’s larger than many national parks and offers more than 100 miles of trails across its diverse terrain.
What is the IMBA EPIC trail?
The Red Trail at Oak Mountain is designated an IMBA EPIC ride by the International Mountain Biking Association—one of the highest honors in mountain biking. It’s nationally recognized for its quality, length, and technical challenge. Only select trails worldwide receive this designation!
Can beginners mountain bike at Oak Mountain?
Absolutely! While Oak Mountain has advanced trails like Blood Rock and double-black diamond sections, there are also beginner-friendly trails circling Double Oak Lake. A pump track and BMX course also help develop skills before hitting the main trails.
Can I swim at Oak Mountain State Park?
Yes! The park has two sandy beaches with designated swimming areas. Lifeguards are typically on duty during summer months. It’s a great option for families looking to cool off after hiking or biking.
How far is Oak Mountain from Birmingham?
Oak Mountain State Park is located in Pelham, Alabama, approximately 20 miles south of downtown Birmingham. It’s an easy day trip or weekend camping destination for the Birmingham metro area.
Is there a golf course at Oak Mountain?
Yes! The Oaks is an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Earl Stone and consistently rated among the top public courses in the United States by Golf Digest. Full pro shop and clubhouse facilities are available.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park is within about an hour’s drive, and Brierfield Ironworks Historical State Park is within about an hour’s drive.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Alabama state parks online at reserve.alapark.com.
🚵 Alabama’s Ultimate Outdoor Adventure
Ride 100+ miles of trails including an IMBA EPIC, fish three lakes, swim at two beaches, play championship golf—all in 11,861 acres just 20 minutes from Birmingham!
Explore More Alabama State Parks
Oak Mountain State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Alabama. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Alabama guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
⛺ Camping at Oak Mountain State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | RV sites offer 30/50-amp service with either water/electric/sewer hookups or water/electric only, mostly back-in configuration with 9 pull-through sites available; standard sites include a picnic table, tent pad, grill, lantern hook, and fire ring. Primitive tent sites have water access nearby, with some sites offering water and electric. Twelve equestrian sites include 50-amp service with water and sewer hookups. Backcountry sites are located at multiple sites within the park and accommodate up to 8 persons each. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 10 fully equipped cabins, open year-round, each with two bedrooms (1 king, 2 queen beds), one bathroom, a kitchenette with utensils and cookware, central heat and air, a porch with grill and picnic table, Dish Network with a flat-screen TV, and wireless internet; maximum occupancy 6 guests, with cabin-guest-only access to Lake Tranquility. Outdoor fires are prohibited in the cabin area. Cabin 1 is ADA-compliant; all cabins are non-smoking. |
| Pets | Dogs are allowed in the park on a leash no longer than 6 feet but are not permitted in any building or beach area; owners must clean up after pets and observe quiet hours. Two dog-friendly cabins (Cabins 1 and 10) are available on request for $30 per pet per night; dogs must be leashed (max 6 feet), have current vaccinations and tags, and owners are responsible for damages. An off-leash dog park is also on-site. |
| Reservations | Book online at reserve.alapark.com/oak-mountain or call the park directory at 205-620-2520 (staffed 24/7). Campground check-in is 2:00 p.m., check-out 11:00 a.m.; weekend stays require a 2-night minimum and major holidays a 3-night minimum. Cancellations require 72 hours' notice for a refund, minus a $5.25 fee. Backcountry sites are reservable by phone only, at 205-620-2527. |
| Special sites | Twelve equestrian sites with 50-amp/water/sewer hookups; horse stalls are available through Rockin' K Rides LLC (334-324-3537) and a current negative Coggins test is required. Fires are prohibited in the backcountry sites at all times. The North gate closes daily at sunset, after which guests must use the South gate. |
| Season notes | Open year-round; park quiet hours are enforced between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. |
Camping questions about Oak Mountain State Park
Can you camp at Oak Mountain State Park?
RV sites offer 30/50-amp service with either water/electric/sewer hookups or water/electric only, mostly back-in configuration with 9 pull-through sites available; standard sites include a picnic table, tent pad, grill, lantern hook, and fire ring. Primitive tent sites have water access nearby, with some sites offering water and electric. Twelve equestrian sites include 50-amp service with water and sewer hookups. Backcountry sites are located at multiple sites within the park and accommodate up to 8 persons each.
How do you reserve a campsite at Oak Mountain State Park?
Book online at reserve.alapark.com/oak-mountain or call the park directory at 205-620-2520 (staffed 24/7). Campground check-in is 2:00 p.m., check-out 11:00 a.m.; weekend stays require a 2-night minimum and major holidays a 3-night minimum. Cancellations require 72 hours' notice for a refund, minus a $5.25 fee. Backcountry sites are reservable by phone only, at 205-620-2527.
Are there cabins at Oak Mountain State Park?
10 fully equipped cabins, open year-round, each with two bedrooms (1 king, 2 queen beds), one bathroom, a kitchenette with utensils and cookware, central heat and air, a porch with grill and picnic table, Dish Network with a flat-screen TV, and wireless internet; maximum occupancy 6 guests, with cabin-guest-only access to Lake Tranquility. Outdoor fires are prohibited in the cabin area. Cabin 1 is ADA-compliant; all cabins are non-smoking.
Are pets allowed at the Oak Mountain State Park campground?
Dogs are allowed in the park on a leash no longer than 6 feet but are not permitted in any building or beach area; owners must clean up after pets and observe quiet hours. Two dog-friendly cabins (Cabins 1 and 10) are available on request for $30 per pet per night; dogs must be leashed (max 6 feet), have current vaccinations and tags, and owners are responsible for damages. An off-leash dog park is also on-site.
Source: alapark.com (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Oak Mountain State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Dogs are welcome in designated day-use areas, campgrounds and dog-friendly facilities in Alabama State Parks, but must be attended at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Dogs must be crated, caged or on a leash no longer than 6 feet (or otherwise under physical restrictive control) at all times.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Dogs are not allowed at park beaches or swimming pools, or in any non-dog-friendly building.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Only designated dog-friendly lodges, cabins, chalets and cottages accept dogs; a $30 per night fee per dog applies (Gulf State Park instead requires a $150 non-refundable deposit), and dogs left in a cabin must be crated.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; $30 per dog per night in dog-friendly lodging (Gulf State Park: $150 non-refundable deposit).
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Gulf State Park has a dedicated Dog Pond off-leash swim area at Lake Shelby; dogs left unattended over 30 minutes may be confiscated.
Are dogs allowed at Oak Mountain State Park?
Dogs are welcome in designated day-use areas, campgrounds and dog-friendly facilities in Alabama State Parks, but must be attended at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via alapark.com. More: Alabama state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
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