14 Hidden Lakes In Alabama That Are Perfect For Fishing Camping And Escaping It All
Alabama holds some of the most peaceful and beautiful hidden lakes you’ve probably never heard of. If you’re tired of crowded beaches and noisy tourist spots, these quiet waters offer the perfect escape for fishing, camping, and just relaxing in nature.
Many of these lakes are tucked away in forests and valleys, giving you a chance to disconnect and enjoy the simple pleasures of outdoor life.
1. Lake Chinnabee
Tucked away in the Talladega National Forest, Lake Chinnabee feels like a secret waiting to be discovered. It’s only about three miles from the nearest parking area, so you’ll need to hike in, but that keeps the crowds away. The crystal-clear water makes it easy to spot fish swimming below the surface.
Camping here means setting up your tent right beside the water with nothing but trees and wildlife around you.
You can catch bass and bream if you bring your fishing rod. The quiet atmosphere makes it ideal for anyone wanting to truly unplug from daily stress.
2. Clear Creek Lake
When you arrive at Clear Creek Lake, the first thing you’ll notice is how incredibly peaceful everything feels. This hidden gem sits in Jasper and offers excellent crappie fishing year-round. The lake stretches across several acres, but it never feels overcrowded.
You’ll find plenty of shaded camping spots along the shore where you can pitch a tent or park an RV. Early morning fishing trips here often result in impressive catches.
Bring your canoe or kayak to explore the quieter coves where fish like to hide among fallen logs and underwater vegetation.
3. Lake Lurleen
Named after a former Alabama governor’s wife, Lake Lurleen offers more than just a pretty name. This 250-acre lake sits inside Lake Lurleen State Park near Tuscaloosa and provides fantastic bass fishing opportunities. The surrounding pine forests create a natural barrier that keeps the lake feeling secluded.
You can rent paddleboats or bring your own kayak to explore the entire shoreline. The park offers both tent camping and cabins if you want a roof over your head.
Wildlife sightings are common here, especially during dawn and dusk hours.
4. Payne Lake
How often do you find a lake where you can fish for catfish all day without seeing another soul? Payne Lake in the Bankhead National Forest delivers exactly that experience. The lake covers about 100 acres and stays remarkably quiet even during peak season.
Primitive camping around the lake means you’ll need to bring all your supplies, but the solitude is worth it. The fishing here includes bass, catfish, and sunfish that bite eagerly throughout spring and summer.
Pack your hammock because the trees here are perfect for lazy afternoon naps between fishing sessions.
5. Coleman Lake
It’s hard to believe such a tranquil spot exists just minutes from busy highways. Coleman Lake in the Talladega National Forest spans roughly 50 acres and offers some of the best bluegill fishing in the state. The lake sits in a natural bowl surrounded by rolling hills.
You’ll discover several primitive camping areas perfect for weekend getaways. The water stays cool even in summer thanks to natural springs feeding the lake.
Bring binoculars because the bird watching here rivals the fishing, with herons and eagles frequently spotted near the water’s edge.
6. Highrock Lake
Perched at a higher elevation than most Alabama lakes, Highrock Lake offers cooler temperatures and stunning views. This hidden treasure in DeKalb County covers about 90 acres and rarely sees heavy traffic. The rocky shoreline gives the lake its name and creates excellent habitat for smallmouth bass.
Camping here feels like stepping back in time since there are no modern facilities nearby. You can fish from shore or bring a small boat to reach deeper waters.
The sunset views from the western shore are absolutely breathtaking and worth the trip alone.
7. Lake Tholocco
Did you know Lake Tholocco got its name from a Creek Indian word meaning “big water”? This 40-acre lake near Moundville lives up to its historical name with excellent fishing and camping opportunities. The lake sits on former Native American lands, adding a sense of history to your visit.
You’ll catch largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish throughout the year here. The camping areas are basic but well-maintained, offering fire rings and picnic tables.
The quiet atmosphere makes it perfect for families wanting to introduce kids to outdoor adventures without overwhelming them.
8. Bear Creek Lakes
Actually a series of three connected lakes, Bear Creek Lakes offer triple the fishing and camping fun. Located in the northwest corner of Alabama, these lakes remain surprisingly unknown to most anglers. Each lake has its own character, with the upper lake being the quietest.
You can spend days exploring all three bodies of water without getting bored. The bass fishing here is legendary among locals who keep this spot secret.
Camping is allowed along most of the shoreline, giving you plenty of options for setting up your perfect basecamp for weekend adventures.
9. Blue Springs Lake
The water here really does look blue thanks to natural springs that feed the lake constantly. Blue Springs Lake near Clio covers about 80 acres and maintains remarkably clear water year-round. You can see fish swimming several feet below the surface on calm days.
The spring-fed nature keeps the water cool and oxygen-rich, making it ideal for trout fishing in cooler months.
Camping facilities are minimal, which helps preserve the natural beauty. Bring your snorkeling gear because swimming here feels like floating in a giant aquarium with all the visible underwater life.
10. Holt Reservoir
Though technically a reservoir, Holt feels more like a natural lake with its irregular shoreline and numerous coves. This 3,200-acre body of water on the Black Warrior River offers endless exploration opportunities. The size means you can always find a quiet spot even when others are on the water.
You’ll discover excellent crappie and catfish populations that keep anglers coming back. The camping areas are spread out along the shore, ensuring privacy.
The reservoir’s connection to the river brings in migratory fish species, making every fishing trip a potential surprise.
11. Hurricane Lake
Are you ready for a lake that sits right at the foot of mountains? Hurricane Lake in the Talladega National Forest offers dramatic scenery along with great fishing. The 15-acre lake was actually created by the Civilian Conservation Corps back in the 1930s.
You can camp at designated sites around the lake or hike to more remote spots. The trout fishing here is excellent, especially after spring stocking.
The surrounding trails offer fantastic hiking opportunities when you need a break from fishing, with waterfalls within walking distance of the lake itself.
12. Hidden Lake
With a name like Hidden Lake, you’d expect this place to be hard to find, and you’d be right. This small lake near Mentone requires a bit of searching but rewards you with complete solitude. The 20-acre lake sits in a natural depression surrounded by thick forest.
Fishing here focuses mainly on bass and bream that seem eager to bite. The camping is truly primitive with no facilities whatsoever, so come prepared.
The lack of development means wildlife is abundant, and you’ll likely spot deer, raccoons, and various birds during your stay.
13. Catoma Creek Lake
Where Catoma Creek widens into a lake, you’ll find one of central Alabama’s best-kept secrets. This natural lake formation near Montgomery offers excellent fishing without the crowds of larger reservoirs. The cypress trees growing along the banks create a distinctly Southern atmosphere.
You can catch bass, catfish, and bream throughout the year with consistent success. The camping areas are informal, giving you freedom to choose your perfect spot.
The shallow areas near the cypress trees are perfect for beginners, while deeper channels challenge experienced anglers seeking trophy fish.
14. Miller Lake
If you’re looking for a lake that time forgot, Miller Lake near Cullman fits perfectly. This 35-acre lake sits tucked between rolling hills and offers peaceful fishing and camping experiences. The lack of boat ramps keeps motorboats away, maintaining the quiet atmosphere everyone seeks.
You’ll enjoy fishing for bass, crappie, and catfish from shore or a canoe. The camping areas provide basic amenities while preserving the natural setting.
Local families have been coming here for generations, but the lake never feels crowded thanks to its out-of-the-way location and low-key reputation among visitors.
