waterfall at a state park near montgomery alabamaDo you love the outdoors and are looking for state parks in Alabama to visit? Alabama’s state parks boast incredibly different landscapes that include caves, natural springs, and mountains. They offer a variety of outdoor activities from camping to fishing, hiking, and more.

As the seasons change and autumn rolls around, be in awe as canopies change from lush green to shades of orange and fiery red.

Get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Recharge by visiting any of these 5 state parks. It will open your eyes to Alabama’s raw beauty while giving you renewed appreciation for the outdoors.

Map of State Parks Near Montgomery AL

Here is a map of the Alabama state parks covered in this post:

List of State Parks Near Montgomery

Here are each of those state parks with distance from Montgomery and what is special about each.

1. Cheaha State Park

sunset behind rock overlook at cheaha state park in alabamaLocation: 19644 AL-281, Delta, AL 36258

Cheaha State Park and its 2,500 acres is the perfect weekend getaway with its wide range of activities. Visitors can enjoy idyllic hiking trails with different intensities, have a picnic near the picturesque lakes, and make their way up the Climb Bunker Tower for a panoramic view of the state park.

Unwind by fishing for bass and bluegill. Marvel at the breathtaking waterfalls of Salt Creek and Rendalia. Weave your way through the Talladega National Forest and become acquainted with the plants and wildlife that are endemic to the area. The opportunities for fun and exploration at Cheaha State Park are endless.

You can park your RV in one of two nearby campgrounds. The main campsite, which has 30 sites, is 30 minutes from I-20. It has power hookups for 20, 30, and 50 amps and is pet-friendly as long as you keep your pet on a leash that’s less than 6 feet. The other campsite has 30 and 50-amp hookups and also allows pets. It’s accessible to people with disabilities and includes modern amenities such as spacious showers and restrooms.

The surrounding area offers sightseeing attractions with museums, galleries, zoos, and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.

2. Frank Jackson State Park

Location: 100 Jerry, Adams Rd, Opp, AL 36467

Located in Southern Alabama, Frank Jackson State Park combines beautiful country walks and hikes with lakeside recreation. Hikers will enjoy its network of hiking trails leading to scenic areas.

The park is home to a wide variety of fish species such as bass, bream, channel catfish, and pickerel — a haven for angling enthusiasts. It also offers numerous opportunities for watersports like boating. Frank Jackson State Park has several boat launching ramps, making lake activities all the more accessible.

Frank Jackson State Park has 32 RV campsites, each with 20, 30, and 50 amp hookups as well as water and sewage hookups. Amenities include a dump station, a shower block, free Wifi, cable TV, and more. Pets on leashes up to 6 feet in length are welcome on-site. If you don’t want to camp in the park, there are local partial campsites that offer many of the same amenities.

Explore the nearby area by visiting The Three Notch Museum, the First Whitehouse of The Confederacy, and the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts.

3. Rickwood Caverns State Park

underground cave at rickwood caverns state park in alabamaLocation: 370 Rickwood Park Rd, Warrior, AL 35180

Rickwood Caverns State Park is named after the two Boy Scout Troop Leaders, Rickles and Arwood, who discovered them. Opportunities to explore the caverns were offered in the form of private tours until 1974 when the park was sold to the state.

While the caverns are the park’s main attraction, outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy The Miracle Mile, a mile-long network of interconnected underground caverns featuring rock formations that are estimated to be 26 million years old. While here, don’t miss the natural water formations with plainly visible fossils, picnic facilities, the Olympic-sized swimming pool, and trails.

The park has 13 campsites that offer 30-amp electric and water hookups. Nine of these sites are landscaped with gravel. Nearby, you can explore decorative art at the Evelyn Burrow Museum and pay a visit to the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament of Our Lady of the Angels Monastery.

4. Oak Mountain State Park

trees reflected in the lake at oak mountain state park in alabamaLocation: 200 Terrace Dr, Pelham, AL 35124

Located 20 miles south of Birmingham, Oak Mountain State Park began as a 940-acre parkland but has since expanded to nearly 10,000 acres, making it one of Alabama’s largest state parks.

There is a diverse mix of attractions here such as hiking trails, water activities, a wildlife center where you can see dozens of bird species, geocaching, breathtaking mountain views, and the oldest-running BMX (bicycle motocross) track where you can participate in a race or just watch.

The park has 80 RV campsites, each with 30-amp water and electric hookups as well as picnic tables and fire rings. They have hot showers, clean restrooms, laundry facilities, a dump station, and other amenities. Pets are welcome in the park as long as they are kept on a 6-foot leash. You can also camp at Birmingham South RV Park and take advantage of amenities like a pool, laundromat, playground, and more.

Other nearby natural attractions include the Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park and the Moss Rock Preserve. There are also several cultural museums you can enjoy.

5. Paul M. Grist State Park

Location: 1546 Grist Rd, Valley Grande, AL 36701

The Paul M. Grist State Park is a great place for getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life. This state park is easily accessible via Highway 22. It’s known for Valley Creek Lake, a park lake covering 100 acres and home to a variety of fish.

The park also provides numerous boating and watersports opportunities as well as boat launch sites. You can bring your own boat or rent kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and other equipment from the park.

This state park has a network of 15 to 20 miles of trails with varying lengths and difficulties that will appeal to hikers of all skill levels. With its picnic areas, swimming area, and playground, it’s an ideal outdoor destination for families with children.

If you’d like to set up camp, the local campsites have 20, 30, and 50 amp electric, water, and sewage hookups. Campgrounds offer amenities such as ADA-accessible dump stations, flushing toilets, and a shower block. Pets are also welcome as long as they are properly leashed. Alternatively, you can settle in at the nearby RV park which has many similar facilities.

Learn more about the area by dropping by the First Whitehouse of The Confederacy and the Montgomery Zoo & Mann Wildlife Learning Museum which are both close by.

Which Alabama State Park Will You Be Visiting?

It’s easy to get caught up in our daily lives and forget about the beauty of the great outdoors. Once in a while, however, it’s time to recharge those batteries and get some fresh air. If you live in Alabama or are visiting, you’ll find many opportunities to do so with its many lovely state parks.