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Submission
From I-565 take exit 17b Governors Dr. Follow to top of mountain and turn left on Monte Sano Blvd. Go 2.5 miles and turn right on Nolen Ave. Follow it 1 mile until you arrive at the park.
There is so much to do and see. I went to 2 different look outs, found one of the 2 water falls (it hadn't rained so only a trickle of water) so relaxing. I was only able to hike about a mile due to time but what I did do was amazing. The silence other than nature was perfect. I will definitely go again next time I am in the area.
The park is very well-maintained! The trails and views are simply breathtaking. There is so much to do here from overnight stays in the cabins. We’re bringing your camper up here and enjoying the fresh mountain air. This is truly a great place to bring your family and friends for a nice day out enjoying nature.
Hiked south loop trail and it was all well marked and stopped near the campsite for the view! Bathrooms were clean and loved the Japanese Garden. Even saw a momma deer and her fawn and they weren't scared of us at all!
Title: Nature's Embrace at Monte Sano State Park Campground
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Our stay at Monte Sano State Park Campground was a delightful surprise, turning an unplanned reservation into a memorable mountain retreat. Nestled at the mountain's pinnacle amidst a hardwood forest, this campground provided an enchanting backdrop for our visit to the area.
The journey to the campground, albeit adventurous, revealed the beauty of the location. The mountain road, with a 5 to 6 percent grade, added a touch of excitement to our ascent. While a challenging switchback initially gave us pause, we later discovered a more accessible route from the Huntsville side, ensuring a smoother entry for those towing vehicles.
The check-in process was seamless, with a well-organized station and ample parking before entering the campground. For late arrivals, a helpful Camp host at the entrance gate's left side ensured easy access with the necessary code.
Our stay at site #3 was both comfortable and scenic, featuring full hookups, a gravel base, a picnic table, and a fire pit. The off-season visit granted us the luxury of choosing from numerous open campsites, showcasing the campground's capacity of 85 RV sites and a designated area for tent camping.
As a traveling photographer, I found two experiences particularly memorable. The first was the breathtaking sunrise from the scenic overlook to the east—a perfect spot for capturing the dawn's beauty. The second occurred during RV setup when I turned around to find several deer quietly observing from just a few feet away—an unexpected encounter that left me in awe. (Video link attached)
The campground's abundant wildlife, including squirrels, birds, and even a coyote, added to the allure of the stay. Over our four-day visit, tranquility prevailed, making it a peaceful escape.
I highly recommend Monte Sano State Park Campground to fellow travelers, with the friendly suggestion to approach it from the Bankhead Parkway via US-431 for a more convenient and scenic route. This campground is a haven for nature lovers and those seeking a serene mountain retreat.
There are a lot of good things to say about Monte Sano. There are a lot of hiking trails (and options for how far you want to hike). The trails are well marked - and maps are available in the visitor center. The park has disc golf and mountain biking. There is a mountain bike practice area that looks cool, too.
We hiked on a chilly December day, so the heated bathrooms by the picnic shelter were a hit. They were clean.
Why not 5 stars? It’s a great place for a hike near Huntsville, but the views aren’t breathtaking. The Stone Cut trail is the coolest path, but otherwise just anticipate a nice hike in the outdoors.