Alabama is home to 21 state parks scattered all over the state, each offering unique experiences, activities, and attractions. While all of Alabama’s state parks offer some sort of accommodation, these five parks feature resort-style lodging that can turn a trip to the Alabama outdoors into a relaxing and fun-filled vacation. Check out what each resort park has to offer, plus get the scoop on the new lodge coming soon to Cheaha State Park!
Joe Wheeler State Park
Location: Rogersville
More Info: alapark.com
Come by land or water to enjoy an unforgettable lakeside escape at Joe Wheeler State Park. Its waterfront lodge sits on the shores of Wheeler Lake, which boasts some of the best fishing anywhere on the Tennessee River. Each room in the lodge features a private balcony to soak up the lake views, and you can cool off at the pool on the water’s edge. When it’s time to eat, the lodge’s restaurant, Daniella’s, is known for its rustic elegance and stunning floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lake.
There are also adorable lakeside cottages at Joe Wheeler State Park, perfect for a more private getaway. Take advantage of the full-service marina and boat rentals and get out on the water during your stay. Go for a swim in the lake at the sandy beach, take a scenic lake cruise, or hit the green at its 18-hole championship golf course to round out your trip.
Gulf State Park
Location: Gulf Shores
More Info: lodgeatgulfstatepark.com
The Lodge at Gulf State Park turns your state park trip into a luxe beach vacation. A Hilton property, The Lodge is more than just a place to stay — it’s a beachfront destination in its own right. Rooms face the coast on one side. On the other side is Lake Shelby (the park’s largest lake), promising stunning views no matter where you turn. Take a dip in the beachside infinity pool year-round and enjoy the four restaurants in and adjacent to The Lodge.
The Lodge has its own stop for the Gulf Park tram, so you can hop on and explore all the park has to offer. Aside from the beach, the park is also known for its Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, considered to be one of the best recreational trails in the country. Grab a bike from the park’s free bike-share program and explore the park’s dunes, lakes, and marshlands. Make sure to stop by Woodbridge further inland in the park for delicious food and cocktails, live music, and lawn games in its sprawling ‘backyard.’
Gulf State Park also offers unique accommodations at its Eagle Cottages. These three-bedroom, three-bath cabins are situated on Lake Shelby and belong to an exclusive collection of only 60 properties around the world that provide immersive outdoor experiences while prioritizing sustainable tourism.
DeSoto State Park
Location: Fort Payne
More Info: alapark.com
When the mountains are calling, head to the lodge at DeSoto State Park, tucked away in the northeastern corner of the state atop Lookout Mountain. It overlooks the West Fork of the Little River and dates back to the 1930s. The original construction is now home to the Mountain Inn Restaurant, which is open on weekends and serves up a wide selection of Southern fare.
The lodge features 25 motel rooms with all the amenities you need to relax after a day chasing waterfalls and enjoying the park’s hiking trails. If you’re looking for more space, the park also offers mountain chalets and log cabins. No matter what lodging option you choose, you can enjoy complimentary access to the park’s Olympic-size pool, open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Lake Guntersville State Park
Location: Guntersville
More Info: alapark.com
Another state park gem along the Tennessee River is Lake Guntersville State Park. Guntersville is the largest lake in the state, and the park’s stunning lodge capitalizes on the majestic views from its mountaintop perch high above the water.
The lodge is a destination for conferences and events of all kinds, and is jam-packed with amenities and services. Wake up to bluffside views from the lodge each morning and enjoy a meal overlooking the water at the Pinecrest Dining Hall. After a day at the pool and enjoying the park’s many activities, end the night with drinks in the Hickory Lounge.
Gorgeous mountaintop chalets, lakeside cabins, and even glamping safari tents are also available at the park. As hard as it is to choose where to stay, narrowing down the park’s extensive activities is even harder. Tee up at its 18-hole championship golf course, spend the day casting a line in the lake, or sprawl out on its lakeside beach. Thrill seekers won’t want to miss the Screaming Eagle Zipline course, and the park also hosts a popular New Year’s Eve celebration at the lodge every year.
Lakepoint State Park
Location: Eufaula
More Info: alapark.com
Lakepoint State Park is about an hour south of Columbus, Georgia, and right on the state line. Situated on “The Bass Capital of the World,” Lake Eufaula, this park is another convention-style resort park that makes the most of the water. The park features a full-service marina and swimming pool; lakeside cottages and cabins are also available.
There are two restaurants in the park: The Pier’s End Bar and Grille and The Water’s Edge. The latter is a buffet-style dining room with some of the best sunset views overlooking the lake.
Whether you’re at Lakepoint for a fishing tournament or just to enjoy a relaxing getaway, it’s a treasure trove for wildlife. Hit the trails and explore the Eufaula Wildlife Refuge and keep your eyes peeled for the park’s many inhabitants, including alligators, raptors, and ospreys. Lakepoint State Park also offers a fun-filled off-road vehicle (ORV) track for an exhilarating ride through the great Alabama outdoors.
Coming Soon: The New Lodge at Cheaha State Park
Location: Delta
More Info: alapark.com
Alabama’s oldest state park is about to get a major update! The new Cheaha State Park Lodge is set to welcome guests beginning in early 2026. Designed to immerse visitors in nature at every turn, the hotel-style lodge, which rests on the highest point in Alabama, will consist of three separate towers connected by breezeways. Each room will feature a private balcony with awe-inspiring views of the neighboring mountains and the valley below.
The building’s exterior of copper-colored aluminum is designed to beautifully reflect sunlight (inspired by the iconic Narrows section of Zion Canyon in Zion National Park) and is intentionally aligned with the summer solstice. The new lodge will also offer a rooftop bar as well as a coffee shop in the lobby.
Fun Fact: Birmingham lighting designer extraordinaire Tonia Trotter Price consulted on the new Cheaha State Park Lodge!
Cheaha State Park is one of the most unique destinations in the state, and you can stay in cabins, A-frame chalets, and glamping safari tents all on site. The scenic drive to the park through the Talladega National Forest and the sweeping vistas atop Mount Cheaha alone are worth the trip. The park also offers rock climbing and a sandy swimming hole at Cheaha Lake, and it connects to several waterfall hikes and ORV trails in the Talladega National Forest.
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