For the best glamping in northeast Alabama, pile into a cozy canvas bell tent at Graham Farm & Nature Center, a lush, 491-acre educational farmstead in the unincorporated Jackson County community of Estillfork within the colorful Paint Rock Valley.
While this Alabama glamping adventure checks all the boxes for what you'd expect with pampered camping, such as climate-controlled quarters, comfy beds, and access to showers and restroom facilities, it gives so much more: You'll get a deep sense of our land's varied geography, biodiversity, and rich agricultural heritage all in one place.
Few people know how tall an order this can be! As an Alabama native, I've found people often are surprised to learn we are among the top five most biodiverse states in the US - and first east of the Mississippi. Since GFNC is an ever-evolving educational outreach site of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, a stay here puts you (comfortably) close to the land and in the perfect place to learn all about it, too.
Glamping in northeast Alabama is truly "pampered camping," as the Graham Farm & Nature Center team calls it. Advanced reservations can be made for a comfortably appointed bell tent with seasonal decor, fun touches like twinkling lighting, and heating or cooling to suit the weather.
Family member Nita Graham Head and her husband, Robert, donated the property in 2012 to Alabama Extension via Auburn University to be used for educational purposes. Born and raised on the farm, Head became a school teacher after training at what is now known as the University of North Alabama in Florence.
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Besides the cute teddy bears in your glamping tent, expect to see a big variety of real critters at the farm, including cows Miss Bouffant and Miss Blonde, horses, and goats. The farm partners with the Natural Resources Conservation Service for livestock grazing demonstrations.
Graham Farm & Nature Center is among the more than 280 sites on the Alabama Birding Trails. Bring your binoculars and be on the lookout for warblers, hawks, bluebirds, and more.
While there are beautiful natural scenes for every season at the farm and nature center, fall color fans know they're in for a show here each autumn. Peak color for fall foliage in North Alabama runs from around the second week of October into the first week of November.
The property includes 8.5 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. One trail that's especially suited for all ages and skill levels is the .68-mile Ladybug Loop that begins at the Graham Farm House and offers expansive views of the rolling landscape.
Kayaking and canoeing the Paint Rock River round out the recreation opportunities in warmer weather months. Prefer fishing from the banks? Anglers are welcome to drop a line.
Ready to roll over to Jackson County for a slice of Alabama farm life? You'll only need the essentials with a glamping setup like this. If you prefer more traditional camping, there are sites available for that, too. To make reservations, visit the Graham Farm & Nature Center website for current contact information. Keep up with seasonal events and special programming via the ACES-Graham Farm & Nature Center Facebook page.
While the farm and nature center offers its own unique hiking experiences, you might also consider the more difficult Walls of Jericho Trail, also located in Estillfork about 20 miles northeast and among Alabama's most popular hikes. If you're looking for more unique outdoor accommodations, be sure to check out these other best spots for camping in Alabama.
For a relaxing getaway, nothing beats an overnight stay in a charming Alabama cabin, especially one with a hot tub. Several rental cabins are located throughout Yellowhammer State, but some of the best ones are situated atop Lookout Mountain in Fort Payne and Mentone. Some of the best cabins in Alabama that are guaranteed to provide nothing but rest and relaxation are listed below!
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Affordable Cabins in Alabama
A cozy cabin getaway without breaking the bank? Absolutely! Here in Alabama, there are lots of affordable cabins that are sure to provide total R&R.
This cozy and A-frame cabin is the perfect "home base" for your adventures in Shelby, AL! With your own private dock on Waxahatchee Creek and the nearby Oak Mountain State Park, there are plenty of outdoor adventures to be had. Ozan Winery is about 40 minutes away for a fun day trip, too.
Located in the lovely Laurel Lakes area, this cabin is the epitome of "rustic charm," with warm wood details, a living room with a working fireplace, a cozy bunk room, and more. The best part? It's located right on the lake, and if you thought a waterfront cabin in Alabama was out of your budget, you'll be blown away by this affordable cabin in Alabama!
TreeTops in Mentone, Alabama is an excellent and affordable cabin rental option for a much-needed getaway. Priced at less than $100 per night, it offers exceptional value for money. With a bedroom featuring double beds and provided linens, it comfortably accommodates a small family or couples seeking a romantic retreat. The cabin's screened-in porch, two decks, hammocks, and fire pit offer additional opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment. Don't miss the chance to experience the tranquility and charm of TreeTops by making a reservation today.
Perched atop Lookout Mountain near the East Fork of the Little River, this charming tiny home Airbnb offers a cozy living area and a waterfront location on the river which makes it perfect for nature enthusiasts who will delight in the opportunity to engage in activities like kayaking, swimming, and fishing in the surrounding area!
Luxury Cabins in Alabama
If you think "cabin" and "luxury" don't go together, think again! The Yellowhammer State is home to some truly next-level cabins that are luxurious in every way.
Size: This 3400 sq. ft cabin can accommodate up to 18 guests in its four bedrooms and three full baths.
Price: $428/night
Amenities: Grand room with a 50" Roku smart TV, king-size bed in the master bedroom, outdoor living area with recreation and a fire pit, private location.
You'll be blown away by this beautifully designed three-story, graceful – yet - rustic luxury cabin in Mentone, Alabama. A walk-through of the cabin boggles the mind. The original owner (Tommy Milham) designed the cabin with a uniquely and expertly blended range of sawmilled hardwoods: wormy maple, poplar, chestnut, walnut, red oak, hard pine, cedar, and hickory. The cabin sits on a 3-acre lake that was built from the sale of a ring given to Tommy by Elvis Presley in 1976!
Legacy on the Lake certainly lives up to its name. This exquisite home is a dramatic blend of Arts and Crafts and rustic styles, constructed using stone and reclaimed wood from the historic Lahusage Hotel which formerly stood on this site. The 180-room Lahusage Hotel and the Lake Lahusage Dam were built in the 1920s during the heyday of the area's coal mining boom.
Amenities: Heat & air conditioning, full kitchen, wood-burning hot tub, fire pit, grill
Ratings: 5 / 5 stars
Romantic Cabins in Alabama
Enjoy a special stay with your significant other at one of these romantic cabins in Alabama. With cozy amenities and swoon-worthy scenery, these romantic cabins in Alabama are worth seeking out for your next couples' getaway.
Does it get any more romantic than a cabin with its own private waterfall? It doesn't. This is the magic that awaits at the Cliff House Cabin in Mentone. Easily the most romantic cabin in Alabama, it’s best known for its incredible view of DeSoto Falls and spectacular surrounding colors during the fall season.
This one-bedroom, one-bathroom cabin is great for a weekend getaway. While here, you'll enjoy its beautiful surrounding scenery, especially as you're relaxing in the hot tub at this mountain cabin in Alabama!
This 'intimate piece of paradise' as the host calls it, is absolutely beautiful. The cabin was handcrafted with love by the host family to include cozy features like heated floors, a front porch bathtub, and heated towel racks for a little extra pampering. The property is embedded in the woods by a small creek so the ambiance is fantastic for a couples getaway. If you are looking for one of the best cabin Airbnbs in Alabama for a weekend with your honey bunch, this is a darling spot.
Enjoy phenomenal views from this gorgeous couple's cabin near the beautiful Walls of Jericho along the Alabama-Tennessee border. If you are looking for cabin getaways in Alabama that will knock you off your feet with easy access to the Bear Hollow Mountain Wildlife Management Area, this is it. One look at the photos and we are pretty sure you'll be excited to pick your weekend before it is all booked up. Romance is definitely in the air at this charming mountain cabin.
Secluded Cabins in Alabama
Looking to get away from it all? These secluded cabins in Alabama offer just that, and while they are remote, these accommodations are anything but "roughing it."
If you enjoy fishing, you'll most certainly want to book an overnight stay at this charming cabin, which has its very own pond. Offering two bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, this 1,800 sq. ft. cabin is the perfect family vacation spot. Guests love the variety of amenities offered, especially the hot tub that has a great view of the pond. Visit this cozy cabin's listing on Vrbo for more information, including how to book your stay.
13. Creekhouse Cabin in the Alabama Mountains, Bryant
Looking to unwind in Alabama nature? This remote cabin is located in the heart of the mountains of Northern Alabama, and it the private property has its own secluded creek for fishing!
Amenities: Wi-Fi, TV, heat & air conditioning, full kitchen, washer & dryer, hot tub, fire pit, pet-friendly
Ratings: 10 / 10 stars
Cabins in Alabama with Hot Tub
On the hunt for cabins in Alabama with a hot tub? This isn't a rarity; rather, you'll find cozy cabins all over Alabama that, in addition to features like wood-burning fireplaces and fire pits, also offer a hot tub for guests to enjoy.
Al's Nest is a rustic little rental located on 22 picture-perfect, private acres on a plot of land that joins the Desoto State Park Management Area. This one-bedroom cabin is meant for a solo stay or couple's retreat, and with the floor-to-ceiling windows, wood-burning fireplace, and screened-in deck with a hot tub, we can't imagine a more romantic getaway in Alabama!
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16. Secluded Cabin near DeSoto State Park, Fort Payne
This secluded cabin, which offers two bedrooms and one bathroom, is a great place to consider staying if you've been wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You'll love being greeted by the horses each day. The cabin's hot tub is also a wonderful place to relax after exploring nearby DeSoto State Park and other local attractions.
This cozy cabin, which includes two bedrooms and one bathroom, is located only a short distance from Little River Canyon. It offers a variety of amenities, including a hot tub that's surrounded by a beautiful lush forest.
Note: The exact location of each cabin will be given after booking.
What do you think about our featured best cabins in Alabama? Could you see yourself booking a getaway at one of these charming and cozy cabins? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section.
If you have strong roots in Alabama, you know football season is a big deal. It's so major that it can be tough to find a place to stay around our universities, especially those with huge fan bases. The key is to plan way ahead of time. With that in mind, I have rounded up a collection of Airbnbs for football season in Alabama – one for each of our NCAA Division I football teams.
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Before anyone takes this ranking as fightin' words, these are listed from the top of the bottom of the state geographically. You have to be careful around these parts to not play favorites. I chose these spots based on proximity to each school's stadium, guest ratings, and amenities. At this writing, they all have booking openings for at least some home games in each community.
Settle in with your family at this cozy three-bed, two-bath full home that's just 1.5 miles to Louis Crews Stadium, home to the Alabama A&M Bulldogs. While not a party pad (host rules!), it's perfect for gathering your family for a ballgame and grilling out in the private backyard. The kitchen has everything you need to prepare the fixings.
Spend the day relaxing in the big backyard of this charming cottage and then take a few steps to root on the Gamecocks at Burgess-Snow Field at JSU Stadium. It's across the street! The space is about 1,000 square feet with an open floor plan that includes two bedrooms and 1.5 baths.
Make this open, airy and beautifully decorated luxury loft your home base for UAB Blazers games at Protective Stadium, which is just 1.5 miles away. You'll be in walking distance to award-winning restaurants, Railroad Park, and the historic Alabama and Lyric Theaters. Yes, make a mental note you may want to book this one for shows! With two bedrooms, three beds and two baths, this spot can accommodate as many as five guests.
This cute condo in Homewood is a half mile from Samford and F. Page Seibert Stadium, home of the Bulldogs. The location is also great if you want to explore downtown Birmingham, as it's only a five-minute drive. If it's early in the season, you can enjoy the pool close to the condo's private patio. With two bedrooms and two baths, this space accommodates four guests comfortably.
Gather your gang for an epic Crimson Tide tailgate in the shadow of Bryant-Denny Stadium. This four-bedroom, two-bath home can accommodate as many as 11 guests. Besides the perfect pre-game area set up in the garage, there is a fenced backyard perfect for a barbecue, shooting hoops and playing cornhole. Indoors, you'll find beautifully decorated interiors, a full kitchen and cozy bedrooms.
Make this mid-century modern charmer your home base for cheering on the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium. You'll be just one mile from Toomers Corner in the heart of the Loveliest Village on the Plains. With three bedrooms and 2.5 baths, there's room for you and five of your loved ones (air mattress available if you need to add a couple more).
With four bedrooms, five beds and 2.5 baths, gather your whole gang to stay at this pretty historical home just half a mile south of ASU Stadium. The home can accommodate as many as fourteen overnight guests! Prepare a meal in the fully equipped kitchen, enjoy dining out on the patio and go cheer on the ASU Hornets.
Fuel up your energy to cheer on the Troy Trojans at this unique Airbnb about two miles south of Veterans Memorial Stadium. You'll be a five-minute drive to the game while staying in this former Sinclair Gas Station built in 1920. The one-bed, 1.5-bath space is just off the town square – definitely worth exploring during your state. The open floor plan features a king sized bed, couch and kitchenette. The outdoor space is almost as big, with a screened-in porch with gas fire pit and adjacent private courtyard.
Planning to go root for the University of South Alabama at Hancock Whitney Stadium? Then "The Jaguar Den" is calling your name. The three-bed, two-bath home is right across the street from the university and is set up just for guests. With five beds total (the game room has a sleeper and roll away). the space accommodates up to eight guests overnight. While there is a fully equipped kitchen, you'll also be within walking distance of several restaurants nearby.
What do you think of these Airbnbs for football season in Alabama? We'd love to hear if you've stayed at any of these properties. And if you choose to make one of these your tailgating launchpad, we'd love to hear all about your stay.
