Here's where you can stay overnight in the Shoals outdoors:
Lodges:
Joe Wheeler State Park Lodge
Relaxation is the cornerstone of a stay at the park’s lodge. Visitors marvel at the picturesque view from the wood and stone lodge. The lodge is just off the Tennessee River and overlooks First Creek, a wonderful backdrop filled with the best nature has to offer. The lodge underwent a renovation in 1998. A variety of specials are available, including golf, bird watching and fishing packages. The park is two miles west of Rogersville, off U.S. 72. Contact: (256) 246-5461.
Nugent Hollow Cabins
Three cabins on wooded farmland with creeks in Rogersville. About 25 miles east of Florence. Two of the cabins are on Lauderdale 92 and the other is on Alabama 207. Contact: (256) 247-3355.
Elk River Group Lodge
The lodge is set within a cove off Elk River. It’s operated by Joe Wheeler State Park, but is approximately 10 miles from the main park area. A boat ramp is available to access Elk River. Thirteen bedrooms are at the lodge, with a capacity of 30 people. Facility is ideal for small groups, family reunions, church retreats and fishing clubs. Contact: (256) 247-5466 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday-Friday.
Cedar Bend Lodge
The rustic cabin is one mile from Pickwick Lake (Church Loop Road, Cherokee). Amenities include central heat and air, laundry facilities, two bedrooms, two baths, kitchen, living room with fireplace and porches. Contact: (256) 810-6614.
Camping
Joe Wheeler State Park, Rogersville
The park near Rogersville features large level sites among towering pines. There are 116 campsites, with 110 of those having full hookups that include water, electricity and sewage hookups. A primitive campground is also available for those who prefer, but those guests still access to the nearby bathhouse and water hydrants. Each loop in the campground has a modern bathhouse with hot showers. The bathhouses are cleaned daily. Reservations are accepted at 1-800-ALA-PARK or (256) 247-1184. A one-night deposit is required.
Wilson Dam-Lower Rockpile Campground, Muscle Shoals
The facility is a self-service campground, with 23 campsites, restrooms, heated showers, flush toilets, picnic tables and grills. Pavilion is available with reservations. Boat ramps are above and below the dam along with a 10-mile hiking trail, walking trails, nature area, birdwatching and biking. Campground is on the TVA Reservation. Contact: (866) 494-7186.
McFarland Park, Florence
The campgrounds are on the edge of Pickwick Lake, just west of Florence Harbor. Amenities include laundry station, shower station, electricity and water hookups, sewage disposal, pavilions, picnic tables, grills, playground, boat ramps, fishing piers and soccer fields. Contact: (256) 740-8817.
Veterans Park, Florence
The site is in east Florence and overlooks Wilson Lake. You can also see historic Wilson Dam from the site and there’s plenty of shopping and restaurants nearby. Water and electricity hookups are available along with laundry station, shower stations, sewer disposal, playgrounds, grills, pavilions, tennis courts and softball and baseball fields. Contact: 740-8817.
Colbert County Rose Trail RV Park and Campground, Cherokee
RV, tent and primitive camping available on the site along Pickwick Lake. Facilities have electric and water hookups, dump station, boat ramp, piers, pavilion and showers. Open March-September. Follow U.S. 72 west to Riverton Rose Trail in Cherokee. Contact: (256) 360-2764.
Waterloo Campgrounds
There’s plenty of room in the facility, which runs along the Tennessee River. The atmosphere is relaxing and invites family fun. Take Alabama 20 to Lauderdale 14 (about 23 miles from Florence). Contact: (256) 764-3237.
Shoals Landing RV Park and Marina, Muscle Shoals
Shoals Landing is a full-service RV park and marina, with incredible views of the Tennessee River. A full service restaurant is on the premises and is only two miles from the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Contact: (256) 446-5888.
Bear Creek Lakes Campgrounds, Franklin County
There five campgrounds involved in the Bear Creek Water Control Project – Elliott Branch, Slick Rock, Horseshoe Bend, William’s Hollow and Piney Point. Four lakes in the area make the scenery incredible. The lakes are Cedar Creek, Little Bear, Upper Bear and Bear Creek. They offer trophy fishing, boating, sand beaches, swimming areas, hunting, developed camping, picnic tables and hiking. Open mid-March through mid-October. Contact: (256) 332-4392.
Heritage Acres RV Park, Tuscumbia
The park is on a 7-acre site near major highways, restaurants and area attractions. All 69 sites have water, electric and sewer hookups. Open year round. Contact: (256) 383-7368.
ENLARGE
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