Best Tent Camping near Andalusia, AL

Tent camping options around Andalusia, Alabama include several locations within the nearby Blackwater River State Forest across the Florida state line. Hurricane Lake South Campground offers spacious grassy tent sites with water access, while several primitive camping areas in the forest provide more rustic alternatives for backcountry tent enthusiasts. Primitive tent sites at Black Water River State Forest Primitive Camping area allow stays up to 14 days, providing an affordable option for extended tent camping trips.

Most tent campsites in the Blackwater River State Forest include fire pits and picnic tables, with some offering water spigots shared between sites. Hurricane Lake South Campground provides bathroom facilities without showers, while primitive areas require campers to bring all necessary supplies including water. Access roads to established campgrounds are generally well-maintained. According to one visitor, "Camp here for up to 14 days. The primitive area is really more geared for the tent camper with several nice flat spots to pitch a tent away from the parking area." Some locations feature dumpsters for trash disposal, though primitive sites operate on a pack-in, pack-out basis.

The tent camping experience varies seasonally across these areas. The forest locations provide significant shade from tall pines, particularly beneficial during hot summer months. Many tent sites at Hurricane Lake South offer views of the surrounding lake, creating a peaceful setting specifically for tent campers separate from RV areas. Areas farther from developed campgrounds provide deeper seclusion for backcountry tent camping experiences. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, winter months from October through May are ideal for tent camping in these areas, as late spring and summer bring insects and rainy conditions. Campers should note that some areas near water bodies may have wildlife including alligators, though encounters are reportedly rare.

Best Tent Sites Near Andalusia, Alabama (9)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Andalusia, AL

214 Reviews of 9 Andalusia Campgrounds


  • Gregg G.
    Feb. 23, 2021

    Black Water River State Forest Primitive Camping

    Small Camper/Truck Camper/Van

    Epic free spot just outside of the Black Water Forest State Park. Camp here for up to 14 days. The primitive area is really more geared for the tent camper with several nice flat spots to pitch a tent away from the parking area. However, there is room here for smaller rigs in the parking area. Please be respectful and don't hog the parking area so others can enjoy as well. We stayed here for 2 nights in late Febraury and were accompanied by a few others. I'd be willing to bet that this place would be heavily occupied by folks utilizing the boat ramp in the warmer months and wouldn't really be an option. This is boonedocking so no servics available. Pack it in and pack it out and be sure to leave no trace, so this can continue to be an option for be people to enjoy. On the edge of Verizon cell coverage service. Rigs over 40' not recommended.

  • Mary S.
    Oct. 24, 2018

    Blackwater River State Park Campground

    Canoe, kayak or float near this small, quiet campground

    This small, meticulously maintained campground has 30 full hook up sites split evenly between Magnolia Circle and Titi Circle. My only minor complaints are that the usable site space is all on gravel (very small pieces so it should still be comfortable for tents) and some sites are too close to each other. I prefer a grassy area (and some privacy) with my campsite, but the gravel is better for drainage when it rains. 

    Beautiful Setting With Nearby Trails

    There are a couple short trails and a swimming beach at Juniper Lake, but I can't get excited about swimming in an area that has alligator warning signs on the trail along a marshy area near the lake. The Florida Trail for long distance hikers is nearby. The Blackwater Heritage State Trail is a paved trail you can access near Milton for biking, skateboarding, etc. It's 8 miles and then there's a 1.5 mile Military Heritage Trail that continues to a Naval Air Station, but then you'll have to turn around and return the same way.

    Canoeing, Kayaking and Tubing

    Blackwater River is a popular location for these activities. We passed a rental place that had lots of rental equipment.

    Site Notes

    • See photos for site map as well as several site photos.

    • All sites are back in with gravel pads except for concrete on 5, 6 and 19.

    • All sites have a picnic table and fire ring on the gravel. There's green space/trees between most sites.

    • No separate tent pad but the gravel is small and should be ok for a tent if you have a sleeping pad.

    • Magnolia Circle: Sites 3 through 5 on Magnolia Circle back up to sites 16 and 17 on Titi Circle. That's a bit close for me, but no one was behind us. Sites 1/2 and 12/13 have no green space between them. I would avoid them unless you want to socialize with your neighbors.

    • Titi Circle: Just stay at 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 27 or 29 on the outside of the circle of you want some privacy. The other sites are too close to neighbors for my comfort.

    • You're not allowed to tie anything to trees. That seems to rule out hammocks but there's a clothesline between 2 posts; I guess you could fit one hammock.

    Amenities

    • Full hookup, i.e. electricity, water and sewer hookup, at all sites. Our site had 20, 30 and 50 amp outlets.

    • Super clean restrooms/showers are located between the two loops. Showers had good water pressure and hot water. Even the sinks had hot water.

    • Dump station

    • Instead of trash dumpsters, you're supposed to put your trash by your site post between 8 and 11 am. And there's a recycling barrel for aluminum on the way to the restroom.

  • Rachel G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 22, 2020

    Blackwater River State Park Campground

    Dark water white sand!

    We stayed is site number 28. The sites are rather small and are equipped with table, fire ring, separate grill, clothesline, and some have hammock posts. Sites are gravel. All are full hook up with water, electric, and sewer. Bathrooms were great well stocked and very clean, hot water. Trash gets picked up daily from your site. There are many many trails to walk in this area. The campground has a great boardwalk trail that goes down to a Beach area and the river. There is also a parking area and boardwalk and Beach for day-use visitors. The river is excellent here it is dark clear water with white sandy banks. This park was immaculate everyone was so friendly you can tell they took pride in this park. There was a lot of rain when we went so river levels went way up. We launched kayaks from campground beach but there is also a boat ramp not far. This park is relatively small compared to others. There is not much in area. 30-45 minutes to Pensacola. Dollar general and Piggly wiggly grocery not far from park. Outfitter close to rent kayaks and shuttle on river.

  • Desiree K.
    Oct. 16, 2020

    Hurricane Lake South Campground

    Quiet and beautiful

    We were greeted by the kindest friendliest host as we were setting up. He made sure we knew the rules and amenities. We stayed in camp site 2. The sites were spacious and grassy. Each site had a fire pit, a picnic table and shared a water spigot. Hurricane lake surrounds the campground so every camping spot has a view of the beautiful lake. I love that the tent campers are in a separate campground from RV campers. This makes for a more peaceful camping experience. There are bathroom facilities although, no showers. I will definitely camp here again.

  • J
    Feb. 19, 2022

    South Karick Lake Campground — Blackwater River State Forest

    Pleasant lake-side setting

    We arrived about dusk and had a portable toilet with us, so cannot add information on facilities. The campground is located in an area of mostly large southern pines, so, while space between campsites is reasonably good, you can see neighbors. The campground was quiet enough. In the morning we only had time to hike about 1 mile along the lake, but the trails was reasonably good and had some variable forest types.

  • Neil B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2021

    Blackwater River State Park Campground

    Last Min Reservations (Same Day)

    Same day reservations Ada campsite 40 steps to nice showers and restroom. 3 showers 1 very large handicapped shower 2 regular 3 bathroom stalls. 50' Long concrete site fire ring. Grill 8' picnic table partially shaded Check in was quick and easy... Camp host went under our rig and reset a generator breaker. Offered a 5.00 tip he refused it 3 times said he was there to help...

  • Sherry P.
    Jun. 27, 2022

    Krul Campground — Blackwater River State Forest

    Great place close to home

    We love this place. Our campsite was in Loop2 #37 right next to the bath house the bath house/shower was clean. We tent camped and the light from bath house super bright. The site itself had one perfect spot for our tent all the sites I believe have water, power, picnic tables, fire ring ours had good trees for our hammock several sites had hammocks. The lake is close within walking distance, but they’ve blocked road so if you wanna drive you got to drive all the way around ugh. A cart would be helpful. Sites are super close together so it’s not necessarily a quiet campground. The people next to us had 80s music blasting, but turned off around 8pm. I think if you had big RV some sites would be a challenge to back into. No sites pull through. For one night it was $37.40 I believe. There is no fishing allowed in this lake, but there is a walking trail to bear lake you can fish there but not swim. The water wasn’t as clear this year as last year. We went on a Friday and it wasn’t really crowded. The beach area was clean. There is a grass area on the side of the beach with shade and tables and grills people were arriving Saturday morning 7:30-8am to get a table for their group. They have the water sprayers to get sand off your feet and restrooms close to beach area. They should add a slide that would be awesome! No double floats allowed but single ones are. No dogs allowed anywhere so that kinda stunk my dog don’t bark all night and would love to go. There is a boardwalk through woods but it was too hot for me to be walking but I it goes to Bear Lake. Life guards were on duty.

  • L&A C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 18, 2024

    Frank Jackson State Park Campground

    Small, Alabama State Park, in Opp

    Arrived at guard gate and was welcomed by friendly staff. Quiet campground with waterfront site 8. Plenty of space between sites. FHU, level gravel, waterfront site with picnic table, fire ring, and grill. Felt safe, and across the street from bathrooms/laundry. Dated but clean. Woman’s bathroom with showers & bathroom stalls. 2 washers & dryers, as well as a folding table. No dog park, but plenty of nature, paved roads for walking, as well as easy to find, marked trails. 10 minutes to town, with restaurants and a few stores to pick up groceries & necessities. Playground is on the other side of the trails, as well as the boat ramp. Lots of wildlife. Would stay here again!

  • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2017

    Frank Jackson State Park Campground

    Lakeside camping in southern Alabama

    We stopped here for one night on our way from Alabama to Florida and were pleasantly surprised how much we liked this part of southern Alabama and how nice the park was. After a long days drive it was a perfect place to take our dog for a walk to stretch our legs and settle in to a great campsite. The lake adjacent to our campsite made for a beautiful backdrop for our evening campfire. 

    Turns out this 2,050-acre park is a hot spot for anglers which cruise the 1,000-acre Lake Jackson looking for hungry fish. The ranger told us the lake is stocked bass, bream, crappie and catfish and holds numerous tournaments. We really liked the setting of the campground with many sites being directly on the lake. Our gravel site was a long back-in right on the water and perfectly level for our RV. The park recently added primitive tent sites which offer more privacy and a nice setting away from RVs. Our campsite was set under large trees and we had nice privacy on one side by the other side had a neighbor pretty close. Luckily for us when we were there the park was not crowded and the lack of campers made for a quiet setting.  (Tip: Site #1 has a great view of the water and set off by itself and is probably the best in the park.) 

    For a state park this differs from many in that it has lots of modern features. The 32 RV sites have electric, sewer, water and Wi-Fi and cable! You can even stay for a whole season, if you want. Prices vary widely depending on whether you want a primitive tent site, site on water, or off water. Additional fees of a reservation fee ($4), 3% resort fee, and 12% lodging tax are added to the cost and really add up.

    Amenities include a large playground, swim beach, boat launch, laundry, and restrooms with showers. There are miles of hiking trails winding through the woods and a boardwalk that takes you over to trails on an island. 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.”

    During our stay the park was hosting its annual “Scarecrows in the Park” function.  For this event, walking trails are lined with decorative scarecrows made by local individuals, businesses, organizations and school groups.  The scarecrows and scenes they depict are quite creative but some are a little creepy.

    Overall, this is a good place to stay in southern Alabama if you are looking for a nice full hook-up site that is in a pretty setting. The price was on the high side because of all the added fees but it was the perfect location for us to stop on our route.


Guide to Andalusia

Tent camping near Andalusia, Alabama offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape into the wilderness.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $30

Tent campers should check out Coldwater Gardens

  • Coldwater Gardens is a fantastic spot for glamping, offering unique accommodations like yurts and treehouses for a more luxurious camping experience.
  • The campground features a market and firewood for sale, making it convenient for campers to stock up on essentials during their stay at Coldwater Gardens.
  • With its beautiful trails and family-friendly atmosphere, Coldwater Gardens is perfect for those looking to combine relaxation with outdoor activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Andalusia, AL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Andalusia, AL is Hurricane Lake South Campground with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Andalusia, AL?

TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Andalusia, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.