Alabama State Parks Offer Hiking, Camping and Family Fun

Alabama State Parks offer hiking, camping, family fun and more. You can't visit a state park in Alabama without being impressed at the range of activities and scenery. I would like to thank Mr. Randy Jinks of Alabama State Parks for providing background information during a phone interview. When you visit an Alabama State Park you will feel your stress fade away as you get back to nature.

State parks in Alabama offer tremendous value for families or couples. Day use fees are among the lowest in the country. These fees vary per park but can be as little as .25 for children or senior citizens to $3.00 per person. Some parks will have a flat fee per vehicle. Discounts are available for senior citizens, military and veterans and those who are 100% disabled.

To honor our military heroes, all State Parks in Alabama waive day use fees for veterans on Veteran's Day.

Discounts for lodging and resorts are offered to senior citizens, government military personnel and veterans and disabled persons. The amount of discount varies with the season and may not be offered on holiday weekends.

To find out more about fees contact the park you are interested in or request a free rate brochure.

The variety of activities offered at Alabama State Parks is impressive. There are 22 state parks and 5 resort state parks with hotels, lodges and meeting facilities. Golfers have their choice of 6 golf courses. There are 5 championship 18-hole courses and one 9-hole course. Camping is available at every state park except for Cathedral Caverns and Rickwood Caverns. Many of the parks are pet friendly and some offer amenities for weddings and receptions.

To give you a better picture of Alabama State Parks a highlight of 3 parks are listed below. For more information on the state parks in Alabama please visit their user friendly website or phone 1.800.ALAPARK (1.800.252.7275)

Alabama State Park Highlight #1North Alabama
Joe Wheeler State Resort Park
201 McLean Dr.
Rogersville, Alabama 35652
Phone: 256.247.5466

This state park offers almost everything that you can think of. How about amenities and activities like a marina, campground, lodge, cabins, a golf course and golf pro shop or the Elk River Lodge? If this isn't enough to pique your interest maybe picnics, fishing or hiking are more to your taste? You can enjoy all this and more in beautiful surroundings. View their online virtual tour for more information.

Alabama State Park Highlight #2Central Alabama
Paul M. Grist State Park
1546 Grist Rd.
Selma, Alabama
Phone: 334-872-5846

You can feel the scenic tranquility in the pictures of this 1,000+ acre park. Here you can swim, go fishing, rent a jon boat, canoe or a paddleboat, have a picnic, enjoy a relaxing hike, go camping or take advantage of all of the above. Read about them in the Outdoor Alabama Magazine.

Alabama State Park Highlight #3Southern Alabama
Gulf State Park
20115 State Hwy. 135
Gulf Shores
Phone: 251-948-7275

If the surf is calling your name this is the park for you. This southernmost state park is right on the beach. Take a leisurely stroll along 2 miles of pristine sandy white beaches at this 6,150 acre park. There are cottages, campgrounds and hiking trails. Don't forget the pier and fishing opportunities, nature programs or the 18-hole championship golf course. The online video tells more.

Consider an Alabama State Park for your next summer vacation or weekend getaway. It may be just what you are looking for.

Sources:
Personal Experience
Alabama State Park Website
Outdoor Alabama Magazine
Phone Interview with Randy Jinks of Alabama State Parks