Alabama State Parks has added new glamping tents at Oak Mountain State Park, part of an expansion officials say is driven by increasing demand for more comfortable outdoor stays.
The addition in Pelham marks the latest expansion of glamping offerings across the state park system, with the experience now available at six locations statewide.
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship said the growing popularity of glamping has prompted the expansion.
“It’s exciting to expand the glamping opportunities at our state parks,” Blankenship said. “Glamping has become increasingly popular in the last few years, and we’ve seen how much our visitors have embraced it. Being able to offer glamping at Oak Mountain allows more people to stay, play and explore everything the park has to offer.”
The tents are designed to offer a more comfortable outdoor experience, with amenities including beds, electricity and climate control, while still providing access to traditional camping activities such as hiking, campfires and outdoor recreation.
The expansion builds on a partnership with Timberline Glamping that began in 2023. In addition to Oak Mountain State Park, glamping sites are available at Wind Creek, Lake Guntersville, Chewacla, Monte Sano and Cheaha state parks.
Sarah Johnson, who operates the Timberline franchise at Oak Mountain State Park with her husband, Jeff, said the sites are designed to balance comfort with the park’s natural setting.
“Opening these six new sites at Oak Mountain State Park allows us to bring a new level of comfort and accessibility to the outdoor experience while preserving the beauty that makes this park so special,” Johnson said. “We’ve thoughtfully designed each glamping tent so families, couples and groups can disconnect from the noise of everyday life and reconnect with nature — and with each other. We’re proud to expand our footprint here and create memorable stays that inspire guests to return again and again.”
State parks officials said the addition is part of a broader effort to expand overnight accommodations and enhance visitor experiences across Alabama’s park system.
“Our goal is for our guests to enjoy a memorable stay and want to come back again,” Alabama State Parks Director Matthew Capps said. “There’s no doubt that the glamping tents accomplish that goal. People truly enjoy the glamping tents, and we’re pleased that we can expand this offering at Oak Mountain.”
Alabama State Parks operates 21 parks encompassing more than 50,000 acres statewide, offering a range of lodging options from primitive campsites to cabins and resort-style accommodations.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
