Alabama‘s state park system has 25 parks covering almost 50,000 acres and receives more than 5 million visitors a year [1]. The system traces to the State Land Act of 1927 and was built out by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. It is run by the State Parks Division of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
| Parks | 25 |
|---|---|
| Area | Almost 50,000 acres |
| Visitors | More than 5 million a year |
| Law creating the system | State Land Act, 1927 |
| Largest park | Oak Mountain, about 9,940 acres |
| Resort parks | DeSoto, Cheaha, Gulf, Joe Wheeler, Lakepoint, Lake Guntersville |
Origins
The legislature passed the State Land Act in 1927, providing for state parks under the State Commission of Forestry. Only Cheaha existed by 1930, and by the end of 1933 the Bureau of Parks and Recreation had created 11 more parks. In 1933 the Civilian Conservation Corps arrived, and its facilities were the first state park infrastructure developments in Alabama [1].
Administration
The Department of Conservation Act of 1939 created the Department of Conservation, and in 1971 it was renamed the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The department receives no General Fund support, relying on federal money, cigarette taxes, fees and endowment interest; the division’s 2016 budget was $45,328,890, of which about $24 million came from park revenues [1].
Notable parks
Cheaha holds the state’s highest point. Gulf State Park has two miles of beach. Monte Sano overlooks Huntsville. Oak Mountain is the largest and has the state’s largest wildlife rehabilitation center. Historic Blakeley covers 3,800 acres in Baldwin County, and Tannehill Ironworks covers 1,500 acres in Jefferson County, with a furnace established in 1830. See also Rickwood Caverns and Cathedral Caverns [1].
Storms and closures
Hurricanes Ivan (2004) and Katrina (2005) severely damaged Gulf State Park. Budget shortfalls closed five parks in 2015: Bladon Springs, Chickasaw, Paul M. Grist, Roland Cooper and Florala. All have reopened [1].
Origins and administration
The Alabama legislature passed the State Land Act in 1927 to develop state parks. Cheaha was the only park in 1930, and 11 more were created by the end of 1933 after the State Commission of Forestry obtained Civilian Conservation Corps resources, which built the first park infrastructure. The 1939 Department of Conservation Act created the Division of State Parks, Monuments, and Historic Sites, and today the State Parks Division of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources runs the parks.[2]
System and notable parks
The system has 25 parks covering almost 50,000 acres and has hosted more than 5 million visitors annually. Gulf State Park has two miles of beach and a 6,150-acre area with a golf course and a 900-acre lake; Cheaha holds the state’s highest point, Mt. Cheaha, at 2,407 feet; and Oak Mountain, at just over 9,940 acres, is the largest park and has the largest wildlife rehabilitation center.[2]
Funding and staffing
The parks receive no General Fund support and rely on federal money, cigarette taxes and user fees. The 2016 budget was ,328,890, of which million came from park revenues, and the division employs about 800 people in peak season and 600 off-season, aided by volunteers.[2]
FAQs
How many state parks are there? Twenty-five.
Which is largest? Oak Mountain, about 9,940 acres.
Who manages them? The State Parks Division of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Sources
Key facts
- 25 parks1
Quick checkHow many state parks does Alabama have?Show answer
Twenty-five.
Sources
- Encyclopedia of Alabama. State Parks of Alabama. n.d. (accessed 2026-11-10)
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 10, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue