Frank Jackson State Park Campground offers full hookups with 32 RV sites featuring sewer, electric, water, Wi-Fi and cable connections. Located about 20 miles southwest of Andalusia, the 2,050-acre park surrounds 1,000-acre Lake Jackson with water-access sites that provide level gravel pads. The lake attracts anglers for bass, bream, crappie and catfish, and hosts regular fishing tournaments throughout the year. Summer temperatures frequently reach 90°F with high humidity, making early morning and evening the most comfortable times for outdoor activities.
What to do
Explore island trails: Frank Jackson State Park features a boardwalk connecting to an island with hiking paths where wildlife viewing opportunities abound. "There's an island full of armadillos," notes Sean S. at Frank Jackson State Park Campground. Walking trails throughout the park provide exercise options with varying difficulty levels.
Fish from lakefront sites: Several campgrounds offer direct water access for fishing. "Most sites are directly on the lake and with great views of the lake," reports Gary P. about Frank Jackson. At Cypress Landing RV Park, campers can use the "nice dock for fishing" as noted by Melissa H., with boat rentals available weekdays and weekends.
Enjoy Geneva State Lake: This secluded recreation area provides budget-friendly camping with lakefront sites for $2-5 per night. "Beautiful park to camp next to the lake with 2 fishing docks," reports Vand H. about Geneva State Lake. The location features hiking trails that circle the lake and extend into surrounding forest areas.
What campers like
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Campgrounds near Andalusia consistently receive praise for cleanliness. "Very clean, neat and tidy. It's very clear the maintenance of the grounds is never let go," writes Spencer B. about The Oaks Family RV Park & Campground. The park features "concrete pads are level and have plenty of maneuvering space around them."
Affordable lakefront camping: Many local campgrounds offer reasonable rates for premium waterfront sites. "For $16 a day and an hour from Destin you can't beat that," says Paul M. about Open Pond Campground. At Florala City Park, campers appreciate that "half the sites are on the water, other half backs to trees. Full hook ups, good restroom/shower," according to Jim A.
Helpful staff and hosts: Campground personnel receive consistently positive reviews. "Welcomed by friendly staff! Camp ground is very well kept and clean!" writes Zachary D. about Cypress Landing RV Park. At The Oaks Family RV Park, Robbie the owner was described as "so helpful and knowledgeable, he made our stay super easy and shared all kinds of helpful tips."
What you should know
Wildlife considerations: Southern Alabama waterways contain various wildlife requiring caution. At Open Pond Campground, Paul M. mentions you can "fish the pond (large) for catfish, brim, bass, and one other I don't remember." Some campgrounds have seasonal pest issues, as Heather D. noted at North Karick Lake Campground: "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."
Payment methods vary: Some campgrounds accept limited payment types. Point A Park RV & Campground "only accept cash and check. No deposit was required!!" according to Cat R. Geneva State Lake uses an online payment system with a QR code posted on site. Most campgrounds require payment upon arrival.
Weather and seasonal considerations: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity. Winter nights can drop below freezing from December through February. SJ W. notes about Geneva State Lake: "It was about 5 miles of dirt roads to get in there and they were well maintained but I didn't want to risk it [in rain]."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "The playground is awesome it has a zipline and it will hold grown-ups we like to play on," reports Melissa H. about The Oaks Family RV Park. Blackwater River State Park Campground offers "clean and quiet" surroundings with spacious sites that "don't need the beach when you've got the pristine white sands of the shores of Blackwater river," according to Jim.
Swimming options: Lakes and rivers provide swimming opportunities during warmer months. Brenda describes Frank Jackson State Park as having a "beautiful lake view right off our campsite" with a designated swimming area. Eric R. notes Blackwater River State Park has "soft Sandy bends, Perfect for swimming in."
Off-season visits: Consider camping during spring or fall for milder temperatures. School breaks in March-April and October-November offer weekday camping with fewer crowds. "We spent one night in a non waterfront site. Still had a great view of the lake," notes Bryan H. about Florala City Park, indicating good experiences even without premium waterfront sites.
Tips from RVers
Site selection factors: Choose sites based on seasonal considerations and rig requirements. "Site #1 has a great view of the water and set off by itself and is probably the best in the park," advises Nancy W. about Frank Jackson State Park. For larger rigs, "There are about 8 sites on the hill away from the water, close together and seem nice for the largest of rigs," reports Gary P.
Utility connections: Some campgrounds have non-standard hookups requiring adaptors. At The Oaks Family RV Park, one reviewer noted having to purchase an adaptor for the sewer connection. Frank Jackson State Park provides "electric, sewer, water and Wi-Fi and cable!" according to Steve P., making it suitable for extended stays.
Access considerations: Road conditions vary significantly between campgrounds. "Easy drive on good roads," mentions Gary P. about Frank Jackson State Park, while Geneva State Lake requires navigation of "about 5 miles of dirt roads" that may become problematic during rainy periods according to SJ W.
