How to hit the beach within one hour of Huntsville

If you haven’t yet made it to Alabama’s beaches this summer, you can still get sand between your toes closer to home, maybe even getting some inspiration while you’re making those Gulf vacation plans.

These four beaches near Huntsville are within a one-hour drive and let you enjoy a lakeside day with freshwater fun, hiking trails, picnicking and more, all in one visit. If you want a longer getaway, you can camp at all of them.

Read on for places within a one-hour drive of Huntsville to enjoy a summer day on a sandy beach.

Decatur/Wheeler Lake KOA Holiday

Just 41 miles west of Huntsville, the Decatur/Wheeler Lake KOA Holiday in Hillsboro has a small beach and swimming area with a floating dock. This little spot is perfect for sunbathing and then wading in for the occasional cooling dip or float. For those looking to serve higher energy, the beach has a volleyball net, too.

While you can buy a day pass for all of this, there’s also the option of booking a campsite, RV spot or cabin to turn your beach day into a relaxing retreat. Bonus, the campground’s pavilion often hosts live music events on weekends.

• Where: 44 Co Rd 443, Hillsboro, AL 35643
• When: 10AM-3PM, Monday-Thursday; 9AM-6PM, Friday-Sunday
• How Much: Day passes are $7 for adults, $5 for children | Purchase at camp store by entrance
• More Info

🎆🇺🇸 FOURTH OF JULY: The campground is hosting a 4th of July Extravaganza on Friday! Details here.

Cowford Landing @ Round Island Recreational Area

A 39-mile trek from Huntsville to Limestone County brings you to the Round Island Recreational Area’s Cowford Landing, which the county parks and recreation department manages in coordination with TVA, which owns the property. 

While RV campers rave about this long-established campground for its friendly people and views, you don’t have to have a campsite to enjoy the swimming area and beach.

• Where: 8700 Cowford Rd, Athens, AL 35611
• When: Dawn to dusk (the beach area)
• How Much: Visiting the beach and swimming area is FREE | Campground rates start at $40 per day for RVs, pop-ups + campers. No tent sites are available.
• More Info

Lake Guntersville State Park Beach Complex

A 45-mile drive southeast lands you at Lake Guntersville State Park and its relaxing sandy beach complex. You can spend the morning on the beach, have a picnic at a nearby table and finish your day with birdwatching and a sunset hike.

If you choose to stay, the park has options from rooms at the lodge, cabins, glamping tents, chalets and more.

• Where: 1155 Lodge Dr, Guntersville, AL 35976
• When: Sunrise to sunset
• How Much: Day passes are $4 for ages 12-61; $3 for ages 4-11; free for ages 62 and older, 3 and younger + veterans or active duty military
• More Info

Joe Wheeler State Park Sandy Beach

About 54 miles west of the Rocket City, Joe Wheeler State Park is another great pick among the beaches near Huntsville. For overnight stays, the park offers cabins, lakeside cottages, lodge rooms and a recently renovated RV campground.

• Where: 4403 McLean Dr, Rogersville, AL 35652
• When: Sunrise to sunset
• How Much: Day passes are $5 for ages 12+, $2 for ages 6-11 or 65+, free for veterans + active duty military | $20 flat for carload of more than 6 people
• More Info

Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen, towels, a picnic basket and floats!

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