Camping around 5 Introduce
The Decatur, Alabama region, often called the "River City," is a hub for outdoor recreation, primarily due to its enviable location along the Tennessee River and Wheeler Lake. While the specific name "Camping around 5" is a generalized locator, the address MXJ9+CP, Decatur, AL 35671 strongly suggests proximity to the city's key recreational zones, which host several highly-rated and full-featured campgrounds. These local camping destinations cater exceptionally well to Alabama residents, offering everything from spacious RV sites with full hookups to shaded tent camping near waterfront activities.
North Alabama campers, especially those from the Huntsville, Birmingham, and surrounding areas, flock to Decatur because the options here blend natural beauty with comprehensive amenities. Campgrounds in this area are typically large, professionally managed, and situated near the most popular local attractions, such as the renowned Point Mallard Park and the scenic Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. The camping experience here is focused on comfort, convenience, and direct access to water-based fun, including boating, fishing, and swimming.
The competition among area campgrounds, such as Point Mallard Campground, Red Oak RV Park, and Decatur / Wheeler Lake KOA Holiday, ensures a high standard of service and a wide array of features. For the Alabama camper, this means guaranteed access to modern facilities like clean bathhouses, laundry services, and reliable utility connections—a true home base for exploring the rich cultural and natural landscape of Morgan and Limestone counties. The goal of camping around Decatur is to maximize enjoyment of the Tennessee Valley, and these facilities are specifically designed to facilitate that goal.
Given the address's general nature, this article will focus on the collective high standards and typical offerings of the premier, full-service campgrounds in the immediate Decatur area, which provide the best experience for local users searching for camping in this vicinity.
Decatur's campgrounds are strategically located for easy access via major North Alabama highways, making them highly convenient for local travel. The primary camping destinations are generally clustered in areas that maximize proximity to either the river or major recreational parks:
- Waterfront Access: Many of the top campgrounds, such as Red Oak RV Park and Decatur / Wheeler Lake KOA, are nestled directly on the banks of the Tennessee River or Wheeler Lake. This offers immediate boat ramp access and waterfront views.
- City Proximity: Locations like the Point Mallard Campground are situated within the city limits or just outside, providing quick drives to restaurants, grocery stores, and essential services in Decatur and nearby towns like Athens.
- Easy Commute: The area is readily accessible from Interstate 65 (I-65) and U.S. Highways 31 and 72, ensuring that campers traveling from anywhere in Alabama, or even Tennessee, have a straightforward route to their destination.
- RV Maneuverability: These campgrounds are known for accommodating large RVs, featuring spacious back-in or pull-thru sites and paved or level gravel pads.
The premier campgrounds in the Decatur area are renowned for their full-service offerings, catering to both long-term and weekend guests:
- Full Utility Hookups: The standard offering at most sites includes full hookups with:
- 30/50 Amp Electric Service
- Potable Water Service
- Sewer Hookups (for RVs)
- Comfort Facilities: Cleanliness and convenience are priorities, with features such as:
- Modern, well-maintained bathhouses with hot showers.
- Coin-operated laundry facilities available 24/7.
- RV dump stations for non-full-hookup sites.
- Connectivity: Many parks offer essential connectivity options:
- Free Wi-Fi access at or near the main office or throughout the park.
- Cable TV access at certain sites (common at RV parks).
- Camp Essentials: Services for core camping needs include:
- On-site camp stores selling firewood, ice, propane, and basic groceries.
- Community areas with picnic tables, fire pits, and grills.
The greatest highlights of camping in the Decatur region are the attractions and activities available right outside the campground gates:
- Water Recreation Access: Direct access to Wheeler Lake / Tennessee River is a major draw, often featuring:
- On-site boat ramps and/or nearby public ramps.
- Designated fishing areas and docks.
- Sandy swimming beaches (available at KOA Holiday and Point Mallard).
- Point Mallard Park Proximity: Campgrounds near this facility, particularly the Point Mallard City Campground, offer walking-distance access to a massive recreational complex that includes:
- Point Mallard Water Park (seasonal).
- Golf Course and Ice Complex.
- Soccer fields and tennis courts.
- Family Amenities: Facilities are geared toward family enjoyment, featuring:
- Multiple playgrounds for children.
- Planned on-site activities and weekend events (common at KOA Holiday).
- Dog parks and pet-friendly policies (at Red Oak RV Park and others).
- Nature and Wildlife: Easy access to the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, offering exceptional opportunities for bird-watching, hiking, and wildlife photography.
For specific information regarding reservations and current availability at the top campgrounds near Decatur:
Point Mallard City Campground:
Decatur, AL
Phone: (256) 341-4826 (for the campground)
Decatur / Wheeler Lake KOA Holiday:
44 County Road 443, Hillsboro, AL 35643 (near Decatur)
Reservations: 1-256-280-4390
Red Oak RV Park:
Decatur, AL (check specific address)
Contact information should be sought on their official website.
Choosing one of the full-service campgrounds around Decatur, Alabama, is worth it because they offer the best-integrated camping experience in North Alabama. You get the authentic beauty of the Tennessee River Valley combined with unbeatable convenience to major recreational and urban amenities.
It is the ideal choice for:
- Water Sports Enthusiasts: Campers who own boats, kayaks, or fishing gear will appreciate the quick, easy access to Wheeler Lake via on-site or nearby ramps.
- Families: No other area in North Alabama offers the unique feature of having a major water park (Point Mallard) essentially within walking distance of quality campgrounds, ensuring entertainment for children of all ages.
- RV Travelers: With top-tier full hookups, Wi-Fi, laundry, and easy pull-through access, these locations minimize setup and maintenance time, allowing maximum enjoyment of the Alabama outdoors.
The Decatur area provides a complete package: a relaxing, picturesque riverside setting and the infrastructure to support a long, comfortable, and activity-filled Alabama vacation.
Camping around 5 Photos
Camping around 5 Location
Camping around 5 Reviews
More Camping Near Me
Cowford Campground4.0 (249 reviews)8700 Cowford Rd, Athens, AL 35611, USA
A HOME AWAY FROM HOME R/V PARK4.0 (9 reviews)13931 Ripley Rd, Athens, AL 35611, USA
Decatur / Wheeler Lake KOA Holiday4.0 (542 reviews)44 Co Rd 443, Hillsboro, AL 35643, USA
Point Mallard Campground4.0 (337 reviews)2600 Point Mallard Dr SE C, Decatur, AL 35601, USA
Bates-Farm4.0 (45 reviews)343 Conway Rd, Decatur, AL 35603, USA
Riverview RV Resort4.0 (62 reviews)4900 Snake Rd, Athens, AL 35611, USA
Easter Posey Recreation Area3.0 (37 reviews)Redstone Arsenal Recreation Area, Valhermoso Springs, AL 35775, USA
B & J Campground and RV Park4.0 (34 reviews)22322 Co Rd 150, Town Creek, AL 35672, USA
Wheeler Dam Village4.0 (148 reviews)4401 McLean Dr, Rogersville, AL 35652, USA
The Red Coach Resort4.0 (101 reviews)117 Palmers Vw Dr, Toney, AL 35773, USA
Lauderdale Co Commission RV Campground4.0 (19 reviews)Rogersville, AL 35652, USA
TVA Campground4.0 (9 reviews)Wheeler Dam Hwy, Rogersville, AL 35652, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites
Poso Campground4.0 (14 reviews)
Mountain's Edge Community4.0 (5 reviews)
Spring Valley Village Manufactured Home Community4.0 (67 reviews)
Circle Cedar Court4.0 (9 reviews)
Creekside Cabins & Rv Resort3.0 (42 reviews)
River Ridge Campground4.0 (48 reviews)Top Camping Searches
Trending The Campfire Posts
How to Avoid Common Camping Mistakes and Have a Smooth Outdoor Trip
How to Use Campfire Smoke to Flavor Food | Camp Spotter
Top 5 Scenic Lake Campsites in the U.S. for Nature Lovers
Best National Parks for Tent Camping in the U.S.
How to Build a Campfire on a Beach Without Damaging the Environment
How to Build the Perfect Campfire: A Beginner’s Guide