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.

Amazing amazing amazing took my kids and they went wild. Such a good family family place.read more

Under new ownership and they have done an amazing job! Store is well stocked, outside sitting area…read moreis nicely done with the creak meandering past. The paths are well marked and clear. Past the Natural Bridge is rooty, so take care with those not sure footed. I highly recommend the visit and will return. Hosts were very informative as well, so ask questions

This was a last-minute stop based on a sign I saw along the side of the road, and it was absolutely…read moreworth it! I had some difficulty finding it, as there is a town called "Natural Bridge." Google directed me there, and not to the park, itself, which caused some confusion. Coming in from the I-10, take highway 13 North to road 278. Turning RIGHT takes you to the town. Turning LEFT takes you to the bridge. There are some signs, but they are worn, and obscured by vegetation. Arriving at the park, one is immediately greeted with picturesque views, and a trickling creek. The trees are majestic, and the parking ample. It's important to remember that this is rural Alabama, and not some big city. The admission is inexpensive, and the trails are simple. The people that run the gift shop are country folk, and are very kind. Mind your manners (and your children). Stay on the trails, walk carefully, and do what the sign says - "Take only pictures .....leave only footsteps. With that said, this place was amazing. The bridge is absolutely breathtaking, as is the rock formation called "Indian Head." Many inscriptions - some over 100 years old - are carved into the surrounding sandstone. There is dripping water under the bridge, so watch your step! The trail is primitive and there are roots sticking out here and there - be careful! Shoes with traction are a MUST here for safety reasons! Enough said - go enjoy this natural wonder for yourself!

Stoney Lonesome is a great place for offroad fun for both stock vehicles and those built up to…read morehandle more advanced terrain. The main building and the surrounding facilities are top-notch. Additionally, the staff were very polite and were happy to help me as a first-time visitor. As part of a group, I was able to tackle 2 Jeep Badge of Honor trails (404 & Switchback) and enjoyed many other trails besides those. The on-site wash bays are awesome, the parking is quite expansive and overall it was a great experience. The only real criticism I can give is that the trail signage really needs to be improved. The maps they have for sale in the main building help, but better on-trail signage would go a long way to assist people in getting around the park. Had a great time overall at Stoney Lonesome! I plan on returning and staying either at a campsite or in one of the cabins.

Great place to go off-roading and have a good safe 4x4 Experience! Lots of trails nice track! Good…read morepeople!

Must say they are a bit high. They do have a great selection on juices. Some of the employees seem…read moreto not like me much or have the "better than you" kinda attitude. But I just brush it off, get what I need & leave. You never know the person is going through. Everyone puts their jeans on "1 leg at a time." Sometimes we can't help what we're going through.

Great selection and service. People there are glad to help and very professional. Products are…read morereasonable

EVERYTHING BUT THE ADDRESS IS WRONG. This lakes phone number is 205-522-7739. Hours are Jan to July…read moreopen 7 days a week from Sunrise to Sunset. July to Jan1 closed Mon Tue Wed open Thurs 545am to 800 pm Fri 545am to 1000pm Sat 545 to 1000pm and Sunday 545 to 800pm.It has been under new management since Oct 2023. Its now a wonderful place ran by amazing staff. They have 2 different archery ranges. A fishing pier. About 2,5 miles of shoreline to fish that you can park right at the water. ADA compliant bait tackle and snack shop and restrooms with competitive prices to Walmart. Their facebook page is Price Family Bait Shop at Walker County Lake

Smith Lake Park is a nice enough park set up around Smith Lake. It was a pleasant enough place to…read morespend some time and enjoy just being around Smith Lake. Smith Lake is north of Birmingham, Alabama and is located in Cullman, Alabama. For being maybe forty minutes from such a big city, it is a nice escape and I would definitely recommend a visit here.

It was very quiet the first day we were here, enjoyed sitting in the cool shades and peaceful…read moresurrounding . Slept very well in our camper , Sunday, everything was the same until about noon, some group came In with very loud speakers and a karoke machine !! They have been howling all day !! We finally government up being outside with our grandson bc the loud music and bad singing got to us!! It was non stop, they finally stopped do about an hour and it is now 7:21 and they are still going strong!! I donor mind them singing but why do we all in the campgroud. Have to be submitted to this loud disgusting trying to sing group! Has security been around at all? Apparently not ! Have they checked for alcohol? Bc surely they have some bc you would almost have to have it to listen to this noise ! I really like the campgroud , however if this is allowed at anytime I think I will find another place to spend our money . I love music and singing but please do not disturb the whole campgroud , go to Bankhead forest and get as loud as you want ! Good trip and not so good ! Please don't reply with I'm a Karen, bc I'm really not! But ppl need to show respect for the neighbors !

Easy to deal with, body was in great shape. Everything he said would happen he delivered on. Would…read morehighly recommend.

Rental was quick and easy. Very nice boat in which to spend the day. No problems at all. I…read morerecommend Squirrel's.