Losing Track of Time
He Created it for Me to See
Hidden Cove Park Review
Located along the banks of Smith Lewis Lake in North Central Alabama is the Hidden Cove RV Park. In this post I would like to provide a review of Hidden Cove. I have had the privilege of staying at this park on three different occasions and each stay was great.
Campground Review
Hidden Cove is a Thousand Trails Campground that features many of the amenities associated with Thousand Trails. However, my favorite thing with this park is the size and space of the sites. Unlike most RV Parks the sites are not stacked on top of each other like sardines in a can.
In 2020 Hidden Cove opened a new section of the campground and it can accommodate any size RV. The new section contains a good mixture of pull through and back in sites. The sites are large and have full hookups. Each sites is prewired for cable but currently not in service. Each site also comes with a picnic table and fire ring. Cell service can be spotty but wifi is available for purchase.
Campground Ammenties
Other amenities of the park include; on site bathhouses and laundry facilities. There is also a clubhouse that has free Wifi, TV’s, pool table, foose-ball and hosts Sunday church services when Covid-19 regulations are not in place.
Comfy area to relax 
Game Room
Hidden Cove has its own non-public boat launch that includes a large dock with several slips. This easy access allow you more time on the water for fishing, skiing or just floating on the waves.
Smith Lewis Lake 
Boat launch and dock
For the land lovers the campground has a new pool, a frisbee golf course and a playground. The park also has a considerable amount of green space if you need a place to throw a ball, fly a kite or just take a stroll with the pup.
Local Attractions
The only disadvantage (if you call it that) of this park would be the distance to a major commercial area. The City of Arley is a one stop sign town with a small grocery store, a Dollar General, two gas stations and a hand full of local eateries. If you are in the mood for Mexican though check out La Plaza Bonita. The portions are large and they serve a great burrito.
If you need additional conveniences such as fast food, a box store or groceries it will be necessary to travel 30-40 minutes to either Cullman or Jasper. Both cities have all the major stores, restaurants and medical facilities to address your needs.
The advantage to the parks isolation is that it includes many miles of hiking in the Bankhead National Forest. If in the area don’t miss a hike to Soughahoagdee Falls. It is an easy hike that weaves its way through large outcroppings and ends with a stunning waterfall.
I have stayed in many Thousand Trails Parks and Hidden Cove has become one of my favorites. On each of my stays the grounds were spotless, the staff was cordial and I found it easy to relax. Hidden Cove is open year round so if you find yourself near Arley, Alabama stop by and lose track of time
How to get there
From Huntsville: Take I-565 west for 19 miles. Take exit 1 to merge onto I-65 south toward Birmingham, Alabama. In 33 miles take exit 308 onto US -278 toward Double Springs. Turn left onto CR-77, after 8.3 miles look for a sharp left turn onto county road 3908. In 2.3 miles take a slight left turn onto County Road 3919. Stay on County Road 3919 until you reach the Hidden Cove gate house.
From Birmingham: Take I-65 north toward Huntsville, Alabama. In 42 miles take exit 308 onto US -278 toward Double Springs. Turn left onto CR-77, after 8.3 miles look for a sharp left turn onto county road 3908. In 2.3 miles take a slight left turn onto County Road 3919. Stay on County Road 3919 until you reach the Hidden Cove gate house.