Clear Creek Recreation Area

I didn’t have a reservation prior to arriving, but the staff was extremely helpful with locating a spot to my specifications (close to bathroom, full shade). There’s a great paved trail for biking or walking. I use Verizon and had no problem getting cell service.

Our site had great access to the lake but not on the busiest part of the lake. We tried out the paved bike trail which was very nice. We also like the other trails near the campground. All the facilities are very nice.

This was our first trip to Clear Creek and we were blown away. We stayed on Fox Loop and it had great water views and shade! Staff was very nice and kept things clean and family friendly! Can't wait to stay again.

Camp grounds are very scenic. THERE ARE NO SEPTIC HOOKUPS! There are dump stations but they are far from the campsites, recommend you have a portable container that is towable. Some roads into the campsites have tight turns so be aware of that if you drive a longer rig.

They are only keeping open one bathroom at a time, so you have to pick and choose your site when you don't have a built in bathroom(teardrop camper). It is still a nice campground, lots of space, quite, big spots. The hosts keep the bathrooms very clean, and all of them are very nice.

This campground became one of my favorite AL camping spots!!! We stayed here for memorial day weekend and I don't believe there were any empty sites! It was packed.

The sites were close enough to see your neighbors but far enough away to not hear them! At least ours was that way.

We stayed in site 17 on the Fox loop. It's right on the water and couldn't have been more perfect!!

My only complaint was that, at the time of our visit, the closest bath house was closed "due to Covid", which is silly. Having ALL guests on the loop use ONE bathhouse would make sure everyone caught the germ of anyone brought it. It just made no sense. I hope they opened up the other bath house. One shower for the whole loop was a bit absurd.

Since it was a holiday weekend, fishing off the site was not fruitful, but there are plenty of places to drive to in the area where you can catch plenty!

There's even a beach nearby for people to swim, if you like lake swimming!

I'll definitely be returning to this place!

Very beautiful place to stay staff is a little rude

I've been going there since I was a kid it's not as peaceful as you used to be but it still is beautiful

Due to poor GPS routing that wanted us to take roads not suitable for RVs or Camper towing, that meant we had to stop and map ourselves to a safer route; we arrived just at posted closing time. The staff was very helpful despite our untimely arrival. Our campsite was clean and well maintained. Bank fishing from our spot would be perfect as we had actual beach front to set up chairs. On the other side of the park there is a nice roped off swimming area. No lifeguard but water is shallow and provides good splashing area for youngsters. Plenty of bike riders and those just out for a stroll. It was a very peaceful and relaxing get away that included a wonderful lightning bug show at sunset. We took a trip over to see Little Natural Bridge as it is close by. That too was well worth a viewing. We will be back..next time with the fishing rods.

Really enjoyed the group camp site. Very spacious with a huge fire pit. Easy walking distance to bathhouse. Great hiking as well. Day use area was closed due to pandemic.

We stayed on site 101 on Bear Loop. Clear Creek was a beautiful and quiet facility. Staff was kind and helpful. CCRA just experienced major storms in the area, but did a great job accommodating individuals who’s sites flooded and needed to move. There was only one of bathhouse open for the property. It did not bother us, but could have been frustrating for others. We will be back soon.

Had spots 63 and 64 on Fawn Loop this past weekend. While sites are somewhat spread out, most are within 10-15 yards of another one. Did not make it into the camp store. Get the impression they don’t really have anything there except ice and firewood. While many reviews say the lakeside sites are first come, first serve, under the new management they are all booked in advance online. Last night we were there, while eating dinner, a raccoon walked right into the site next to the fire and then tried to climb on the picnic table. Couple of tips:

1. Leave early to miss the line at the dump stations. We left at 11:15 (12 noon checkout) and were #8 in line.
2. Download an app that shows trailer-friendly routes. Our phones took us through neighborhoods, down gravel roads, and under low-hanging trees and power lines.

The lots were beautifully wooded and spacing between each site was adequate, but you can definitely see from one site to the next. 

The perimeter lake lots in the Hoot Owl Loop all had steps or path access from the site to the shore. This would be especially nice in the summer.

Our site didn't have sewer but had water and electricity. There was also a notice that stated only one of the restroom facilities for the entire campground was available so tent families beware and plan your site accordingly. I believe this was due to cleaning for covid-19 but not sure.

Our site was cleaned before we arrived; no coals in the grill or ash in the pit.

There was a basketball and volleyball area in a nice green space area near the boat launch.

We will definitely be back!

Had a wonderful time at this great campground. Found the staff to be very helpful and the environment to be remote and quiet without being isolated. Just what our family was looking for.

Nice campground! Spacious lots. We stayed in spot 49, which had a great view. Beach day use area was fun. Camp hosts were very helpful.

Wish it had full hookups (just for convenience, we are a big family) and my kids were bummed that there wasn’t a playground.

The campground was clean and stayed quiet. About 40 feet between sites. Trees but no underbrush, so no real privacy between sites. The campground is geared towards RV's. It's not bad. There is water and electric at all the sites. Dont plan on playing in the lake unless you get the outer side of the loop. It's good that the waterfront sites are not reservable in that you have a chance at something. I've never been one to plan out my camping weekends 42 years in advance like everyone else seems to. Its on the far south side of bankhead national forest. We went to hike some trails in the Sispey wilderness and it was about an hour drive to get up there. Our neighbors, which I think are camp hosts are friendly enough, but they left there dozen strands of led lights on all night. It looked like the Vegas strip not the woods. I prefer the woods. But if you like the big RV culture you will probably love this place. I'll keep looking for a quiet place in the woods.

This is a highly used camping area on Smith lake. In peck times can be hard to get a spot. The area is well maintained has all kinds of hookups. Swim are access to the lake and day use area also. Great place to go.

Stayed one night this week in my 16 ft camper. Campsites spread out so you have shaded privacy near magnificent Smith Lake. Downside is they close December to March. Large showers in very clean bathrooms. Very nice camp staff.

Private and secluded! All spots r shady. Great level campsites..all campsites r gated. Nice swimming area. Great hiking and waterfalls on the most beautiful lake in the US!

White sand aroundswimming area. Pavilion is rentable for gatherings. Very nice place. Usually crowded

It mainly has single units some you can see the water from but can't so easily access the water from. Pavilions for rent are $35 and very well worth it for a family gathering. It is a wonderful and peaceful place just wish it was more waterfront camping/picnicking.

Large spacious sites, quite, and clean.

You can fix nd a site to satisfy almost anyone. Lots of sites on the water. If you prefer seclusion, try the upper grounds. You will see deer in the morning and are likely to have a visitor, raccoons, during the night.

Friendly staff, well maintained, and very peaceful.

I've camped here twice. Once in one of the group tent areas and once in an on the water spot. The group tent area had plenty of room (no power or water) but the bathroom was very close. The only issue I had with that spot was that the staff told visitors to park in our area and we had loud people dropping off and collecting their vehicles all hours of the night and car lights shining in our tents waking us up. The site itself was very nice and the only people nearby would be if the other group spot was rented also. The water camp spots aren't exactly on the water but for $50/night (very high to me) they have water and electric. The sites are a decent size but they are very close together. Same issue with people not respecting quiet time. The swim area is nice with ample shade and lots of room for swimming. The boat docking area is a decent size and perfect for unloading kayaks. I doubt that I'd return to this campground simply for the lack of enforcement of quiet time.

Camped at Clear Creek in Bankhead Forest Aug 11-13, 2017 and it was great!!! The sites are great!!! Lots of space between sites. There is a fun hiking trail and also a paved bike trail. Will definitely camp there again!!!

This particular creek is one of my favorite canoeing destinations, as I grew up paddling along this river at summer camp. As an adult, it's been fun to return and spend time actually camping in the Bankhead National Forest. While I don't enjoy the heat and humidity the south has to offer in the summer months, this area provides well shaded sights and the cool water to keep the heat at bay.

This isn't a terribly busy camping area (I've never felt crowded here) and there are 102 sites ranging anywhere from $19-$38/night. Another highlight, unlike many USFS camping facilities this one has flush toilets! Not that there's anything wrong with vault toilets but flushing ones are nice!

If you find yourself in or around the Jasper area, take a moment to explore this national forest and why not spend a night or two in the woods while you're at it!

This campground is not open year round. It's season is early March-late October.