Geneva State Lake provides primitive camping for $2-5 per night near Andalusia, Alabama. Located in a forested area with dirt roads leading to waterfront sites, this campground offers basic amenities. The campground features fishing docks on the lake and portable toilets. Payment is handled through an online system with QR codes posted on information boards.
What to do
Explore hiking trails: Geneva State Lake features hiking paths that extend around the lake and through the surrounding forest. Camper SJ W. notes, "There are 2 hiking trails - more like atv trails that go to either side of the lake from the campground. You can go further into the forest but it was deer hunting season so I didn't explore."
Visit nearby equestrian facilities: Coldwater Equestrian Campground in Blackwater River State Forest offers extensive riding opportunities. Dale W. shares, "This beautiful equestrian campground offers 55 RV/tent campsites and one tent only site and 60 horse stalls. All campsites have water and electrical hookups."
Enjoy water recreation: The campgrounds near Andalusia provide access to rivers and lakes for swimming and boating. At Wilderness Landing, Stealie F. describes, "It is located right on the Blackwater River and has a boat launch and two pavilions with tables and barbeque grills right on the beach. The river is sand bottom and fairly clear."
What campers like
Budget-friendly options: The dispersed camping areas near Andalusia offer economical alternatives for outdoor enthusiasts. Vand H. comments about Geneva State Lake, "Beautiful park to camp next to the lake with 2 fishing docks. No bathrooms just port a potty. The camping price is $2 per night, no reservation is needed, and is online payment."
Clean facilities: Despite the primitive nature of some campgrounds, visitors appreciate the maintenance standards. At Wilderness Landing, Salvador G. reports a "Good spot for free. Clean showers/toilet building. Pavilions and grills by the river."
Peaceful atmosphere: Heart of Dixie Trail Ride near Troy provides facilities specifically for horse enthusiasts in a relaxed setting. Nicole H. explains, "This place has a lot of amenities pool, fishing, horse and atv trails that are great for beginner horseriders. Bathhouses are pretty nice cabins are great and affordable."
What you should know
Site conditions vary: Campgrounds in the Andalusia area range from basic to developed. At Geneva State Lake, SJ W. cautions, "Note - I drive a 20' van - so non level is ok for me but these sites were not level."
Weather considerations: Rain can affect accessibility at some campgrounds. SJ W. explains about Geneva State Lake, "I spent 2 nights sat/sun - and it was gorgeous especially for sunrise. Wish I could have stayed longer but I didn't want to get stuck there in the rain - it was about 5 miles of dirt roads to get in there."
Road access challenges: Some horse campgrounds near Andalusia, Alabama have difficult approach roads. At Wilderness Landing, Donna G. mentions, "Beautiful views, clean restrooms, and free. Other campers were very friendly. The only reason for a 3 is the rough drive getting there."
Tips for camping with families
Ranger interaction: Children may enjoy special attention from park staff. Jennifer P. shares about Coldwater Equestrian Campground, "We had our 3 year old granddaughter with us and she came by at least twice a day to give her a ride on the golf cart and printed of pages she could color on rainy days. She didn't discriminate either..all the children at the campground got to take a ride."
Swimming opportunities: Many campgrounds offer water access for cooling off during hot weather. Ken R. describes Wilderness Landing as "Primitive, Quiet and Free. Want to be away from it all - this is the place. Grass sites, some shade."
Connectivity limitations: Families should prepare for limited cell service. Coldwater Recreation Area camper Terran B. notes, "So well maintained, it is way back in the woods. Cell service was on the struggle bus the whole time, but overall this is a great little place."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When seeking equestrian camping sites near Andalusia, consider the layout and spacing. Dale W. observes about Coldwater Equestrian Campground, "Only complaint is the the campsites are right next to each other with no screening between sites."
Amenity access: RVers appreciate campgrounds with hookups and dump stations. Jennifer P. mentions about Coldwater, "The showers and bathrooms were always clean and nice. Even though we didn't use it, there's a large community center on site to use."
Sand management: Some sites have excessive sand that can be challenging for RV setup and living. Jennifer P. notes about site #56 at Coldwater, "It was also next to the road. The site was extra super sandy (beach sand) and would be a lot better if they removed some of it."
