Rickwood Caverns State Park (Alabama)

We always knew we would eventually get another camper after selling our first one 8 years ago or so. After much discernment, we decided to go with a small Class C motorhome. We purchased the RV in early November (2024) but it needed new tires and a tune-up. By the time we got it back, it was winter, so we winterized it and waited.

Life finally slowed down enough that we were able to take it out for our maiden voyage in mid-April. Because this was our first trip, we didn't want to venture too far from home so we decided to spend the weekend at Rickwood Caverns State Park. This park is about 30 miles north of Birmingham and conveniently located just a few minutes off of I65. This makes this an excellent quick overnight stay if someone is headed north/south through Alabama.

This is a very small campground, with 13 rv/camper sites (water/power) and 5 primitive tent sites. While we were here the campground was only at about 1/2 capacity which made it very low-key and laid back. The sites are pretty close together and lack privacy but they are easy to get in/out off. The bath house is very close and clean and the dump station is easily accessible. We were in site #4. It had a fire ring and a large picnic table.

This is also a small State park. Hiking is minimal and I easily hiked all the marked trails. One of the connecting trails is currently closed. Although there aren't many trails, they are well maintained and well-marked. The rock formations are beautiful, making each hike enjoyable.

I assume the real gem of this park is the actual cavern. Because we brought our elderly dog on this trip and we didn't want to leave her alone, we chose not to take the guided tour. If we return, I hope to make it part of our trip. Typically, the tours are $19 per adult, but those staying in the campground do get a $5 discount.

Another great aspect of this campground is the Olympic size swimming pool. While it was closed for the season, maintenance crew were painting the bottom of the pool and seemed to be preparing it for opening. (The building adjacent to the pool appeared to be in the process of being demolished, so I'm not sure what the plan is for opening.) I know this has to be popular with the campers and the day pass folks.

The playground is currently closed as it appears a "brand new, state of the art" playground has just been installed. Looks like it is lacking ground cover and maybe a final inspection...but when it is opened I know many, many children will absolutely LOVE it. I know the park must be proud to have such a nice playground to provide a safe and fun way for kids to move.

The camp store is your usual....swag, soft drinks, packaged snacks to purchase. This is also where you pay for the guided cavern tours, get info about the nature talks and walks, and check-in.

This state park doesn't have a lot to offer in terms of large-scale attractions or extended activities, but what it does offer, it does well—peace, simplicity, and a gentle invitation to slow down.

For us, that was exactly what we needed for our first trip in the new RV. We spent time walking, reading, cooking simple meals, and enjoying the stillness of the campground. Sometimes, especially after a busy season of life, that kind of quiet weekend is the best way to ease into the camping lifestyle again.

We’re excited for the adventures ahead in this next chapter of RV life. Rickwood Caverns may have been a short drive from home, but it gave us exactly what we were hoping for—a gentle re-entry, a chance to learn our RV systems, and a reminder of how refreshing it is to wake up surrounded by trees and birdsong instead of a to-do list.

Here’s to many more weekends like this one.

Rickwood Caverns State Park Rating

1🔥 (Poor) to 5🔥 (Excellent)

1. Campsite Quality 🔥🔥🔥

• Space between sites (privacy)

• Levelness & ease of setup

• Shade, ground cover, and cleanliness

2. Amenities 🔥🔥🔥

• Bathhouses, laundry, dump station

• Camp store, Wi-Fi, electricity/water hookups

• Unique features (pool, playground, etc.)

3. Activities & Recreation 🔥🔥

• Hiking trails, swimming, fishing, etc.

• Tours, ranger talks, special events

• Onsite vs. nearby things to do

4. Accessibility & Convenience 🔥🔥🔥

• Ease of arrival and check-in

• Signage and directions

• Distance from home or major routes

5. Overall Atmosphere 🔥🔥🔥

• Quiet or family-friendly?

• Safety and cleanliness

• General vibe and friendliness of staff/campers

Overall: 🔥🔥🔥