This beautiful camp truly embodies the motto "God's Backyard," and has since ~1947. Camp McDowell…read moreis a ministry of the Episcopal Churches in the Diocese of Alabama and is open to all! With over 1,140 acres and 834 beds, McDowell is one of the largest Episcopal Camp and Conference Centers in the U.S. It borders the edge of the Bankhead National Forest in Winston County, Alabama, and consists of breathtaking canyons, waterfalls, forests, and is known as the "Beautiful Queen of Clear Creek." Lodging ranges from group cabins such as Martha's Cabin, to the rustic cabins on the "boy's side" of camp beside the steps down to Clear Creek, to the hotel-style double rooms at Miller's Commons and the even bigger, newer cabins at Bethany Village. Camp is home to a wide range of programs year-round! Our Episcopal Diocesan Council meeting is held here every Feb., and is attended by over 400 delegates, and the dedicated staff runs the entire 4+ day event better than a well-oiled machine! There are live music performances, "special session" camp weeks for those who are differently abled, various church's retreats and learning opportunities at "Mark's Farm." Amenities include a camp store, a swimming pool, a covered basketball/gym with a stage, where we used to hold camp dances, at least one full service commercial kitchen, outdoor grills, a soccer field, tons of hiking trails, two chapels, a beautiful old bell that would be rung every morning around 0600 when I was a "midget camper," a multi-purpose field, an art studio, a fully functional animal farm, a produce farm, a nature center a welcome center, softball field, rowboats and canoes, among many, many more. There are also challenge ropes/obstacle courses, an amphitheater, picnic tables, various playgrounds, fire pits, word burning fireplaces with cut wood available to burn, and a fully accessible St John's swimming pool complex in Bethany Village! Dining is available at Stough Hall, served family style, or more often, buffet style. Doug Carpenter Dining Hall in Bethany Village would be lovely for a wedding reception and can seat 500-700 based on the table configuration. Eppes Hall is where we grew up eating and can seat up to 200 people. Again, grills, and covered grill areas are sprinkled throughout camp. Also, common use refrigerators are available, especially in the lodging in Miller's Commons. Among the biggest draws at camp are the swinging bridge over Clear Creek and the beautiful cross, and the fun short hike to arrive at the base of the cross! There truly is something for everyone at Camp McDowell. I highly recommend the camp for attending group sessions in the summertime, or renting whatever type of facility you desire for a best friend's/girl's getaway weekend, the lodging on All Saint's Road is primarily 4 double rooms that share a common living room/full-service, fully stocked kitchen with refrigerator, fireplace, and beautiful large back porches with rocking chairs. If you get the opportunity to visit Camp McDowell absolutely do! If you would like to send a person to summer camp, nearly all, if not all Episcopal Church's in AL offer scholarships - that's how I got to go to my first summer camp at Camp McDowell, thanks to my church at the time, The Church of the Nativity in Huntsville, AL!

If you love nature and lots of outdoor activities this is the perfect place to visit. There are a…read morevariety of lodging options and outdoor activities to choose from. I had the pleasure of visiting with a large group and had a wonderful time. The staff were very friendly and there's plenty of meal options available. The prices are very reasonable and the scenery was amazing. I would recommend.

This is a very easy to access RV resort from 65. It's easy to check in. There are nice amenities:…read moreshowers, lake, walking trail, basketball court, Gaga Ball, pickleball court, and playground. The lots are concrete and level with fire pits. The grounds are well maintained.

Stayed in the glamping tents for strawberry festival this past weekend and had a wonderful stay!…read moreThe family feel from everyone working here is so welcoming! The tents came with a/c and a bathroom (no shower). My son loved the fishing pond and swimming at their beach. The customer service here was really what made our stay exceptional! If we ever pass through the area again we will absolutely be staying here!

I love all things Fall! And what's Fall without a visit to a pumpkin patch? I found this place…read morethat's about an hour drive from Birmingham. The prices were great for adults. Noticing the price hike for kids though made me feel kinda sorry for those parents wanting to take multiples. It could get expensive real quick. Admission includes a pumpkin and all the fun activities and selfies you want with the various props set up. It also includes a hayride out to the pumpkin field where you choose the one that's coming home with you. Theres a little store onsite, along with food/snack trucks. Since I'm watching what I eat, I did good and didn't purchase anything. I missed the petting zoo on this trip, which just means I will return next year!

We had a wonderful time today! Tickets were reasonably priced, and there was tons for our son to…read moredo. They have inflatables, petting zoo, a little train, and of course the main event. There is a tractor ride that takes you to and from the pumpkin patch. They had a nice selection of pumpkins, even white ones. Our son chose a cute little white one. Food and drinks were reasonably priced, as well. There were tons of places to sit and relax. Overall a successful day!

I had tried posting this on an XMC parent group run by a PARENT who's kid washed out who is making…read morefalse allegations against the camp, but every single post I tried posting was denied and all comments I tried commenting were also denied. For any parents wondering my thoughts about this camp I would highly recommend reading this. I respect that everyone is entitled to share their experience, but I also think it's important people hear from those of us who've actually spent a lot of time at Extreme Military Challenge. I've attended for about ten weeks across multiple years, including winter and summer cycles, and my experience has been completely different from what's described over there. Sure, this program isn't easy. It's built to be physically and mentally challenging, but challenging doesn't automatically mean unsafe. In all my time there, I never saw campers being denied medical care, all the sexual assault claims get taken very seriously, but having a group of 30 to 40 teenagers sleeping in the same room utilizing the same latrine somethings gonna happen that is not the camp's fault and as soon as the camp is notified about these situations, they take it extremely serious. The amount of kids that have gotten sent home because of making stupid decisions and being irresponsible is actually crazy. I never saw staff telling kids to keep secrets from parents, the silly chants? You mean Cadences? Yes those are to keep everybody in step while marching not for entertainment for the parents, and I never witnessed the kind of culture that's being portrayed in this facebook group. It was tough, yes, but it was also structured, and focused on building discipline and confidence. I'm not saying every single person will have the exact same experience I did, but serious accusations should be supported with evidence and handled by proper authorities, not assumed as fact because a post says so. This camp is designed for personal growth through challenge. Some people thrive in that environment, and some decide it's not for them. And that's okay, but not liking a program or struggling with it isn't proof of systemic abuse. This camp isn't just about discipline, perseverance, motivation, and physical activity. It is also about the fun and pride and joy you feel when you accomplish something that you didn't think you could accomplish before with some of the best people you will ever meet. I'm not speaking for the camp, I'm speaking as someone who lived the experience over time. For me, it built resilience, confidence, and the best friendships i have. I just want people considering it to see more than one side and to make an informed decision. Personally, this is one of my favorite camps I've ever gone to and met some of the greatest people and mentors in my life. Yes, at times it gets difficult, but also I've had a lot of fun at extreme military challenge

I can't say enough good things about this incredible program. My 15-year-old son completed the…read moreExtreme Military Challenge at Camp Liberty and earned the prestigious title of Cadet and let me tell you, I've never seen him prouder! From day one, he was pushed, challenged, and inspired in ways that built not just physical endurance, but mental toughness, leadership, and discipline. The staff are phenomenal, firm but fair, and truly invested in shaping these young people into the best versions of themselves. The attention to detail, structure, and respect taught throughout the camp was exactly what my son needed at this stage in his life. The growth we witnessed in just a short time was beyond what we ever expected. He came home standing taller, speaking more confidently, and carrying himself with pride. We are beyond grateful for the experience. Thank you Colonel Land and to your entire Cadre of making a difference for these young man and women! The bear hug I received on friends and family night after tapping him out was the best feeling ever!

beverly is great, hot stone the way to go! highly recommend quiet, well equipped, they don't rush…read moreyou off the Table

Beverly is an incredible therapist. I always feel a million times better after visiting her for the…read moreentire week! She knows what she is doing, she is kind and professional and ya'll her place is the cutest with the best ambiance for massive relaxation. My boyfriend and I also purchased her Eucalyptus bath bombs, relaxing candles and the eye mask and have used them on multiple occasions and we love them for relaxing evenings at home. Next time you are in, try one of them or all of them and take the spa experience home. I wish I could give 12 stars!

This bridge is a hidden gem. It is in really good shape for being so old. My daughter and I went…read morehere to take her senior pictures. It was the perfect spot. There are also some small cabins and a waterfall that make great photo opportunities. I want to go back and do some walking around. It's definitely a place to visit.

A beautiful park. Showing some of the history of the area. Great place for a picnic. Nice and…read moreshaded. It's Free. The bridge construction is very interesting. You can walk across it. There is also a Dog Trot Cabin and Grist Mill.

Excellent indoor shooting range. Modern and well-maintained building. Wide selection of new…read morepistols, rifles, and accessories. Good selection of rental guns to try. Fingerprinting and photos for ATF forms available.

Heritage Park has disc golf and several fields for sporting events. The grounds are well kept and…read moretheir is ample parking. They also have a children's playground and a pavilion. I enjoyed their walking path and was impressed with the park. Cullman, Alabama continues to grow and this park serves this growing community well. I would definitely recommend here.