Alabama State Parks Division

? Burn bans across Alabama are now lifted, allowing a return to the campfires and cookouts we all love! 🏕️Here are 5 steps to help you build the perfect campfire during your stay:

• Use designated spaces and campfire rings.
• Gather and add kindling, tinder, and large pieces of wood.
• Loosely pile tinder in the center of the fire, igniting it with a match or lighter.
• Add kindling and wood to extend the life of your campfire.
• Kick back and enjoy smores, hot cocoa, and all things Alabama State Parks!

✅Remember to extinguish your campfire and make reservations for your next Alabama State Parks adventure before you leave:
➡️ https://bit.ly/Reservations-AlaParks

Frank Jackson State Park-Alabama’s boardwalk offers splendid views for all, and our team members are working hard to make the experience even better for you! While we're completing renovations, get your daily dose of boardwalk views here: https://bit.ly/FrankJacksonExperience

The Alabama State Parks annually honors outstanding efforts in supporting the parks with the presentation of the Eagle Award.
Nominations for 2024 Eagle Awards are now open. This year, nominations will be accepted in five categories: Elected Official, Community Partner, Park Partner, Volunteer in Parks (VIP), and Youth.

To learn more and to make your nominations visit https://www.alapark.com/eagle-awards-2024

Pic below - 2023 Eagle Award winners.

With rain again bringing relief for many of Alabama’s wildland firefighters, the Alabama Forestry Commission eased fire restrictions across much of the state. However, Cheaha, Oak Mountain and Rickwood State Parks remain under a "No Burn" order which means no campfires and no charcoal grills. Gas grills are allowed. We ask that our park guests use caution in all park locations during this time. See the map below for county breakdowns.

Looking for a unique gift for a special person?
Give the gift of an Alabama State Park.
To learn more and to purchase your gift card online visit https://www.alapark.com/activities/gift-cards

Holiday Idea - Give a gift card to a family member so that they may book a convenient lodge room for their next family vacation.

We invite you to celebrate by learning more about the Alabama State Parks Foundation. The Alabama State Parks Foundation hosts a community of people who love our State Parks. Members of the Foundation are people dedicated to building and sustaining a great, statewide park system. To learn more about their mission and how you can help support through community projects and charitable giving during the holiday season please visit https://asparksfoundation.org/

promotes the idea of generously giving back. Part of that idea is that everyone has something to contribute toward building a better world we live in. We hope you consider supporting the Alabama State Parks Foundation today by visiting https://asparksfoundation.org/give/

Today is Black Friday and it’s a perfect day to visit an Alabama State Park and . Why spend time shopping all day when you could be enjoying the great outdoors?! Join us for one of our guided hikes. To learn about these hikes visit http://www.alapark.com/optoutside-hikes-2023

Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Looking for early Christmas gift ideas? How about an Alabama State Parks gift card? This is a great idea for introducing someone new to all the outdoor recreational opportunities in our Parks. To learn more and to buy yours today visit https://www.alapark.com/activities/gift-cards

Make your last-minute plans to visit one of our Buffets for your Thanksgiving family meal. Read below to learn more.

The holiday season is a special time for us at the Alabama State Parks. There are countless numbers of relationships that have been cultivated over the years through our holiday season buffets. We look forward to seeing you all.

To learn more about the Thanksgiving Buffet at DeSoto State Park~Fort Payne, Alabama visit https://www.alapark.com/events/desoto-state-park/thanksgiving-buffet-0

To learn more about the Thanksgiving Buffet at Joe Wheeler State Park-Alabama visit https://www.alapark.com/events/joe-wheeler-state-park/thanksgiving-buffet-0

To learn more about the Thanksgiving Buffet at Lakepoint State Park-Alabama visit https://www.alapark.com/events/lakepoint-state-park/thanksgiving-buffet-0

To learn more about the Thanksgiving Buffet at The Lodge at Gulf State Park-Alabama visit https://www.alapark.com/events/gulf-state-park/thanksgiving-buffet-lodge-gulf-state-park

This Friday, November 24th is Black Friday but at the Alabama State Parks we celebrate – a way to get outdoors and enjoy a healthy fun activity instead of shopping. Make your plans to join us for one of our planned hikes by visiting https://www.alapark.com/optoutside-hikes-2023

Happy National Take a Hike Day!
Help us celebrate by hitting the trails at your favorite Alabama State Park. With over 450 miles of trails at 21 State Park locations, the Alabama State Parks provide convenient park locations and adventure for friends and family.
To learn more about the Alabama State Parks trail system visit https://www.alapark.com/trails/trails-alabama-state-parks

Also, next Friday is our day to , a movement started by the outdoor retail company REI in 2015. Make your plans to join us for a planned hike led by Park Naturalists. Learn more about our hikes by visiting https://www.alapark.com/optoutside-hikes-2023

Tis the season............Wonderland Under Warrior starts Saturday!
Visit Rickwood Caverns State Park-Alabama for a truly magical experience when the cave is transformed into an underground winter wonderland! The gift shop will be decorated for the occasion and offer unique gifts, ornaments, snacks, and hot cocoa to purchase.

Important notes:
* 2 P.M. until 8 P.M.
* $12.00 per person ages 5 and up
* This is a crowd favorite so advanced ticket sales are highly recommended and can be purchased online.
To learn more about this annual event, see the calendar schedule, Santa times, and to purchase tickets please visit https://www.alapark.com/parks/rickwood-caverns-state-park/wonderland-under-warrior

The holiday season is a special time for us at the Alabama State Parks. There are countless numbers of relationships that have been cultivated over the years through our holiday season buffets. We look forward to seeing you all.

To learn more about the Thanksgiving Buffet at DeSoto State Park~Fort Payne, Alabama visit https://www.alapark.com/events/desoto-state-park/thanksgiving-buffet-0

To learn more about the Thanksgiving Buffet at Joe Wheeler State Park-Alabama visit https://www.alapark.com/events/joe-wheeler-state-park/thanksgiving-buffet-0

To learn more about the Thanksgiving Buffet at Lakepoint State Park-Alabama visit https://www.alapark.com/events/lakepoint-state-park/thanksgiving-buffet-0

To learn more about the Thanksgiving Buffet at The Lodge at Gulf State Park-Alabama visit https://www.alapark.com/events/gulf-state-park/thanksgiving-buffet-lodge-gulf-state-park

Give yourself some space and on Black Friday. Who needs to spend precious time shopping all day when you could be enjoying the great outdoors?! Join us for one of these planned Alabama State Parks hikes by visiting https://www.alapark.com/optoutside-hikes-2023

Help us celebrate Veterans Day today by learning how you can contribute a sponsorship donation to our Park for Patriots Program. This program allows free admission year-round for veterans and active military. We are proud to pay tribute to all of those who have provided us the freedoms we enjoy today.
To learn more about the program and to make a sponsorship donation visit https://www.alapark.com/parks-patriots-veterans-program

In honor of Veterans Day, this Friday, we want to remind our supporters that every day is Veterans Day at the Alabama State Parks. Our Parks for Patriots program allows free admission year-round for veterans and active military. Park patrons can also voluntarily provide sponsorship donation contributions to help support this program. We are proud to provide this as a tribute to all the men and women who have provided us the freedoms we enjoy today.
To learn more about the Parks for Patriots program and to make a sponsorship donation visit https://www.alapark.com/parks-patriots-veterans-program

Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday issued a statewide ‘No Burn Order.’ Today, she signed a statewide Drought Emergency Declaration which prohibits all outdoor burning in Alabama. This order is effective November 9, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. Central Standard Time.
The Drought Emergency Declaration order will remain in effect until rescinded by the State Forester, at which time conditions will have changed sufficiently to reduce the occurrence and frequency of wildfires.

Fall is a beautiful time of year to enjoy horseback riding at the Alabama State Parks and we have great concessionaires at the following parks:
Lake Guntersville State Park-Alabama
Oak Mountain State Park
Wind Creek State Park-Alabama

It’s simple, you make your reservations, and they bring the horses. This is a great way to learn more about the trails at the Alabama State Parks.

To book your horseback riding reservations at Lake Guntersville State Park visit https://www.alapark.com/parks/lake-guntersville-state-park/horsebacking
To book your horseback riding reservations at Oak Mountain State Park visit https://www.alapark.com/parks/oak-mountain-state-park/horseback-riding-and-trails
To book your horseback riding reservations at Wind Creek State Park visit https://www.alapark.com/parks/wind-creek-state-park/rockin-k-guided-horseback-rides

Enjoy these awesome videos of the horseback riding trails at these parks.

Great News!
Starting Monday, November 13, the Gulf State Park Pier will be under construction to repair the damages from Hurricane Sally in 2020. Read below for all the details.

Gulf State Park Pier Renovation Update!

Attention, Gulf State Park visitors! Starting Monday, November 13, we'll begin the long-awaited renovation of the Gulf State Park Pier. This vital project is necessary to repair the damage sustained during Hurricane Sally in 2020.

The pier will be closing at 5 p.m. on Sunday, November 12, marking the beginning of the renovation process.

During this renovation, we'll be rebuilding the 200-foot section that collapsed during Hurricane Sally. Once the work is completed, anglers and other park visitors will have full access to the entire pier.

The pier is anticipated to reopen in the summer of 2024. During the closure, anglers are encouraged to check out other fishing locations along Alabama’s Gulf Coast including Gulf State Park’s Alabama Point, Romar Beach and Cotton Bayou (wheelchair accessible), and the Steve McMillan Fishing Pier and Boat Ramp at Fort Morgan.

We appreciate your understanding and patience during this period. We can't wait to reopen the Gulf State Park Pier for all to enjoy! Stay tuned for further updates and progress reports.

For more information go to https://www.outdooralabama.com/articles/renovation-gulf-state-park-pier-begins-november-13

Looking for a part time seasonal job over the holidays? Check out these job openings at Rickwood Caverns State Park-Alabama for their Wonderland Under Warrior holiday cave tour and light festival. Cave tour guides are needed for this special event. Read below to learn more.

Rickwood Caverns State Park Seasonal Job Application Job Application

We still have lots of Fall color in our parks. Start your Alabama State Parks weekend checklist now.
Scenic Trails...................check!
Hiking............check!
Mountain Biking..........check!
Ziplines.........check!
Golfing...........check!
Horseback Riding........check!
Fall color............ check!

Enjoy these Fall pics!

Red Flag fire warnings have been issued today for Oak Mountain, Wind Creek, Rickwood Caverns, Cheaha, Lake Lurleen, Chickasaw, Paul Grist, Chewacla, Lakepoint, Blue Springs, Gulf, Meaher, Frank Jackson, Bladon Springs and Roland Cooper, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
For the parks under the Red Flag warnings, all open-source fires such as campfires and charcoal fires are prohibited in campgrounds, cabins and day use areas. This does not include gas cook stoves.
Park visitors are encouraged to monitor each state park's social media accounts for updates on fire precautions and restrictions. A social media directory for Alabama State Parks is available at www.alapark.com/social-media-directory.

Happy Halloween from the Alabama State Parks!
All the Campers and field staff did a wonderful job with the decorations, costumes, pumpkin carvings and wildlife shows from this past weekend. A good time was had by all. It's not too early to make your campground reservations for next year's Halloween events. To make your reservations visit https://reserve.alapark.com/

Due to continuing dry conditions, Red Flag fire warnings have been issued today for Bladon Springs, Cheaha, Chickasaw, Lake Lurleen, Oak Mountain, Paul Grist and Roland Cooper state parks, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
For the parks under the Red Flag warnings, all open-source fires such as campfires and charcoal fires are prohibited in campgrounds, cabins and day use areas. This does not include gas cook stoves.
Park visitors are encouraged to monitor each state park's social media accounts for updates on fire precautions and restrictions. A social media directory for Alabama State Parks is available at www.alapark.com/social-media-directory.

Don't miss the Fall color show at Oak Mountain State Park right now. The park is near peak color, and it is a special time of year to be there. Conveniently located on the I-65 corridor and being the largest of the Alabama State Parks make it a great choice to plan your next family adventure. To learn more visit https://www.alapark.com/parks/oak-mountain-state-park

Attention Leaf Peepers - The colors are really showing up at DeSoto State Park~Fort Payne, Alabama. The park provides lodge rooms, cabins, cottages, chalets, a wonderful campground and lots of outdoor amenities. This weekend is a great time to visit. Read below to learn more about the current color conditions. Make your plans!

Fall is perfect for planning a family adventure at the Alabama State Parks. The cooler temps at night and the bright warm days are great for discovering all that our parks offer. With over 2600 campsites, over 700 lodge rooms and over 200 cabins, chalets and cottages to choose from it's easy to select a location that works for you.
Note - Fall leaves are closing in on peak color in our northern parks.
Enjoy these current and past pics of Fall.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) has reinstated additional fire precautions for all Alabama State Parks due to extended dry conditions. Visitors and overnight guests are being asked to take extra precautions with campfires and barbecue grills.
The Alabama Forestry Commission issued a statewide Fire Alert on October 24, 2023. The Fire Alert will remain in effect until rescinded by the State Forester. To learn more visit https://www.outdooralabama.com/articles/additional-fire-precautions-reinstated-all-alabama-state-parks

Check out the Halloween event lineup going on this weekend at Oak Mountain State Park. From the King's Chair sunrise hike Saturday morning to the Halloween crafts on Sunday afternoon this schedule is loaded with family-friendly events. Read below to learn more and make your plans!

Now that's a scenic route! Check out this wonderful photo of the Lookout Mountain Parkway leading up to DeSoto State Park~Fort Payne, Alabama. Thanks to the Mentone Inn Bed and Breakfast for this great shot. The next few weeks will be a spectacular time of year to be at Alabama State Parks. Make your plans!

The Fall colors are really starting to show out in our northern Alabama State Parks. Do you ever wonder how and why leaves change color this time of year? Our park naturalist at DeSoto State Park~Fort Payne, Alabama does a wonderful job of explaining the science behind this transformation. Read below to learn more.

If you are looking for something different to do for Halloween look no further than the Ghouls on the Gulf Beach Campout at Gulf State Park-Alabama. See below for who to contact for registration. Make your plans!

Don't miss the Camp Fear Halloween event at Lake Lurleen State Park-Alabama this year. This annual event is a crowd favorite and features great decorations and trick or treat fun for the kiddos. Make your plans for October 28th.

If you are looking for Halloween campground fun don't miss our annual Camp Fear event Saturday, October 28th. The decorations are always fun to see. There will be trick or treating for the kids. Make your plans!

We are days away from peak Fall color in our northern Alabama State Parks. These peak days fluctuate depending on weather, but generally are between mid-October and the first week of November. Whether you prefer cabins, chalets or lodge rooms, we provide comfortable choices for just about anyone. To learn more about Fall color adventures at the Alabama State Parks visit https://www.alapark.com/fall-colors

Enjoy these past Fall color pics at the Alabama State Parks.

Check out this recent Fall color update from our park naturalist at DeSoto State Park~Fort Payne, Alabama. These plants are labeled by name which is a great way to learn about what plants you can expect to see when you visit the Alabama State Parks. We are a couple of weeks away from the real Fall color. Make your plans today.

Fall is here and golfing at Alabama State Parks has never been easier! You can now reserve a tee-time online at all three of our golf courses. Our new tee-time booking software allows you to create an account to conveniently begin scheduling your tee-times online.
For Joe Wheeler State Park online booking info visit https://www.alapark.com/the-general-golf-course
For Lake Guntersville State Park online booking info visit https://www.alapark.com/eagles-nest-golf-course
For Oak Mountain State Park online booking info visit https://www.alapark.com/the-oaks-golf-course