Frank Jackson State Park Campground offers camping options near Andalusia, Alabama with both waterfront and wooded sites. The 2,050-acre park features a 1,000-acre lake stocked with bass, bream, crappie and catfish. Temperatures in this southern Alabama region typically range from 40°F in winter to 90°F in summer with high humidity, requiring proper planning for comfortable camping.
What to do
Lake activities at Frank Jackson State Park: Located 25 minutes from Andalusia, the park offers fishing, swimming, and boating opportunities on Lake Jackson. "The lake adjacent to our campsite made for a beautiful backdrop for our evening campfire. The ranger told us the lake is stocked bass, bream, crappie and catfish and holds numerous tournaments," shared Nancy W. at Frank Jackson State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing on trails: Multiple parks offer nature trails suitable for all skill levels. "There's an island full of armadillos," notes Sean S. from Frank Jackson State Park. At The Oaks Family RV Park & Campground, one visitor describes "a rustic pond with ducks" that makes "a great spot to watch the sunrise."
Outdoor adventure options: For those seeking more adventure, Boggs and Boulders provides specialized recreation. "If you have 4 wheelers, sxs, mud trucks or even just a gas powered golf cart, come check this place out. Boggs offers a variety of different mud terrains, but also boasts gorgeous wooded trail systems, lakes, swamps and even a cave you can explore," according to Caitlin M.
What campers like
Lakefront camping sites: Waterfront sites provide direct lake access and views. "Most sites are on the water and with great views of the lake. We chose #2 which was great. Site 1 was a good ways away, behind us so to speak, and to our door side was a good expanse of trees & brush," reports Gary P. from Frank Jackson State Park Campground.
Level, well-maintained sites: Campers consistently mention the quality of campsites. "We love this campground. It has level sites, full hookups, cable television, internet and most sites have a view of the water," says Steve P. about Frank Jackson. At Twin Lakes Camp Resort, visitors appreciate the "beautiful, picturesque campsites" with "level, stamped concrete pads landscaped with red lava rock."
Yurt camping options near Andalusia: For those interested in alternative accommodations, The Oaks Family RV Park offers comfortable yurts. "The campground is very clean, neat and tidy. It's very clear the maintenance of the grounds is never let go," notes Spencer B. Additional yurt camping around Andalusia, Alabama can be found at surrounding parks that offer these unique structures with modern amenities.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat requires planning for comfort. "You know you are in the south when the swim beach has a sign that says 'Beware of alligators and snakes, Swim at your own risk,'" observes Nancy W. about Frank Jackson State Park. Plan for high temperatures and humidity during summer months.
Insect management: Several parks report seasonal insect activity. "Nice park. There is still some tree down from storms. And there were tons of ant. We even pretreated around the site and at any part of the camper that touched the ground and we still got ants," reports Heather D. from Frank Jackson.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. At Ozark-Fort Rucker KOA, visitors note that staff "showed us to our spot and made sure we had everything we needed." Call ahead to confirm availability and pricing structure, as some parks add resort fees and taxes.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and kid-friendly areas: Multiple parks offer dedicated facilities for children. "There's a playground close by and some walking trails," mentions Stephen D. about Frank Jackson. The Oaks Family RV Park features "an awesome playground" with a zipline that "will hold grown-ups we like to play on," according to Melissa H.
Educational opportunities: Military Park Fort Rucker Recreation Area provides unique experiences for families with children interested in aviation. "Engineer beach is fun and family friendly! The campsites and facilities are clean... I definitely recommend this campground as long as you don't mind the helicopters going over at all hours of the day and night," says Samantha F.
Swimming options: Several parks offer swimming facilities for cooling off during hot days. "The pool came in clutch since it is very humid and hot over there. It was nice, CLEAN and refreshing. My kids are not too big so we had enough space to play backyard games," reports Mika from Ozark-Fort Rucker KOA.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites based on privacy and access needs. At Frank Jackson, reviewers note "Site #1 has a great view of the water and set off by itself and is probably the best in the park." For The Oaks Family RV Park, Scott mentions "Space between sites. Friendly people."
Utility considerations: Check power requirements before booking. "Our gravel site was a long back-in right on the water and perfectly level for our RV," reports Nancy W. at Frank Jackson State Park. Some parks offer full hookups while others may have limited services or dump stations instead of sewer connections.
Campground access: Review road conditions and site dimensions. "Easy drive on good roads. Would definitely return," notes Gary P. about Frank Jackson. For those with larger rigs, several reviewers mention The Oaks offers "concrete pads have plenty of maneuvering space around them" which is "helpful especially if you're new."
