At the Campground

Camping has become increasingly popular in the Shoals. The natural beauty of the Shoals, with its many lakes and streams, is an ideal place for a family that wants to get in touch with nature. Local governments have invested in making camping sites more amenable to visitors. Most sites in the Shoals now have all the essential hookups, although some primitive sites still remain for those who like roughing it. Here's where you can camp in the Shoals:

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.