• Alabama and Georgia are hot spots for camping.panneau image by reynald lassire from Fotolia.com
  
  Featuring mountainous terrain, beaches along the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, and numerous rivers, lakes and streams in forested areas, Alabama and Georgia are popular destinations for camping. Although plenty of quality private campgrounds can be found in both states, those seeking camping in a more pristine setting often opt for a state or national park.
  
  

Buck's Pocket State Park

• The 2,000-acre Buck's Pocket State Park in northeastern Alabama is in a secluded area in a natural pocket of the Appalachian Mountains. The park has a picnic area overlooking a canyon rim as well as a campground with picnic tables, grills, bathrooms, shelters, a laundry room, a playground and 20 miles of hiking trails. The campground has sites with water, electricity, sewage hookups, sites with just water and electric, and primitive sites with no hookups. Rental campers are also available at the park. Free wireless Internet access can be found at the park's office as well as five campsites. Buck's Pocket has one covered picnic pavilion.
  
  Buck's Pocket State Park
  
  393 Co. Rd. 174
  
  Grove Oak, AL 35975
  
  256-659-2000
  
  alapark.com
  
  

Cumberland Island

• Featuring pristine forests and beaches on the Atlantic Ocean, Cumberland Island is both the largest and most southern barrier island in Georgia. The park has 50 miles of hiking trails that lead to the beaches and wander through forests and wetlands. Fishing, boating, bird watching, swimming and star gazing are some of the popular activities on Cumberland Island, which has both primitive and developed camping areas. The back-country camping areas have no facilities and water must be treated. Its Sea Camp campground has restroom, showers and ranger programs. Each site has a grill, fire ring, food cage and picnic table. The Stafford campground has restrooms, showers and fire rings.
  
  Cumberland Island
  
  101 Wheeler St.
  
  St. Marys, GA 31558
  
  912-882-4336
  
  nps.gov
  
  

Chickasaw State Park

• Located in western Alabama, the Chickasaw State Park encompasses 520 acres in rural Marengo County. Amenities include campsites, a wading pool, hiking trails and a pavilion area with a barbecue grill. Other pavilions and picnic areas are also spread out the park. Chickasaw State Park's camping sites come with water and 30-amp electrical hookups. A primitive camping area with water and electricity is also available. The campground does not have showers, but it does have restrooms. Although it is not a large park, its roadside location and picnic facilities make it ideal for groups. The park is also located next to a handicapped-accessible hunting facility operated by the state.
  
  Chickasaw State Park
  
  26955 U.S. Hwy. 43
  
  Gallion, AL 36742
  
  334-295-8230
  
  alapark.com
  
  

General Coffee State Park

• The General Coffee State Park in south Georgia is a favorite with children because of its Heritage Farm, which includes log cabins, a corn crib, tobacco barn, cane mill, and various animals such as goats, sheep, pigs and donkeys. A focus of the park is showing what life was like for children in the 1800s. Spread out over 1,511 acres with a four-acre lake, General Coffee State Park has 50 campsites for tents, trailers and RVs. These sites come with nearby water spigots, pit toilets, grills, fire rings and picnic tables. Campers can also opt to stay in cottages or a lodge for groups. Seven picnic shelters are located on the grounds. The park also added 13.4 miles of horse trails in 2009 as well campsites just for horse owners.
  
  General Coffee State Park
  
  46 John Coffee Rd.
  
  Nicholls, GA 31554
  
  800-864-7275
  
  gastateparks.org