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Noccalula Falls Campground: A Hidden Gem in Gadsden, Alabama

After six weeks of driveway surfing in our hometown, we’re finally at a great park: Noccalula Falls Campground.

It took us a few days to rediscover the rhythm of nomadic life. Our first campsite at Lake Payne Recreation Area was peaceful but offered no cell reception.

The second site, Oak Mountain State Park, was pricey and had out-of-date amenities. Finally, we found Noccalula Falls Campground in Gadsden, Alabama. It has well-developed hiking, lots of nature, and excellent connectivity.

Here’s our personal experience of Noccalula Falls Campground:

Location: Gadsden, Alabama

GPS: 34.04076, -86.01986

Price: $38 and up. Here is the complete list of rates.

Date/Temp: We camped here for three nights in mid-May. The highs were in the mid-80s, and lows were in the mid-50s.

Amenities: This is a full-service RV park, offering large (and clean) bathrooms & showers, a laundry facility, wifi, covered pavilions, hiking trails, and concessions.

They also have a beautiful 90 ft waterfall, cabin rentals, and a small wedding chapel.

Noccalula Falls Park sign with wedding chapel in the background.
Noccalula Falls Park sign with wedding chapel in the background.

Noise: This is a family-friendly park with spaces very close to each other. Our site was tucked away in a corner, and pretty quiet. But, I imagine some other sites can get a little noisy.

Wifi/Cell: The campground offers free Wi-Fi, and during our stay, it was amazingly fast. We also had strong T-Mobile and AT&T service.

Grocery/Errands: Many large shopping centers are three miles from the campground. Historic Downtown Gadsden is also three miles away. It didn’t seem lively, but the area had some local dining options.

Dog Friendly: The campground welcomes dogs. All the hiking trails are dog-friendly, and there was enough room to let River play on a short line at our spot.

Noccalula Falls. Black Creek. Noccalula Falls Park and Campgrounds
Noccalula Falls. Black Creek. Noccalula Falls Park and Campgrounds

Entertainment: The park is known for its beautiful falls. There is a well-kept grassy lawn for casual sports, a petting zoo, and a replica antique train that offers daily rides. We were most impressed with the hiking trails.

The Black Creek Trail System begins by the falls and follows the Black Creek for 1.7 miles. The trail is wide and adequately maintained.

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  1. Tina says:

    Glad to have you back traveling, hope you had a great visit back home. Wow what a beautiful place to explore.

    Tina

  2. Mark mercer says:

    I was in desperate need of water as most truck stops don’t have potable water. I drove s on i65 Indiana and there’s a county park at Buffalo Trace Park very Cool

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