Chewacla State Park offers diverse camping options near Auburn, Alabama, with elevations ranging from 600-700 feet above sea level across its 696 acres. The park sits at the edge of the southern Appalachian highlands, creating a unique transition zone between mountain and coastal plain ecosystems. Winter temperatures typically range from 30-60°F, while summer months can reach 90-100°F with high humidity.
What to do
Fishing and boating: At Wind Creek State Park Campground, Lake Martin provides excellent opportunities for anglers. "We were the only trailer in loop D. It was quiet and very enjoyable! Being right on the lake and having the ducks swim up really thrilled our dogs," notes one winter visitor.
Mountain biking: The extensive trail system at Chewacla features routes for all skill levels. "It's in a nice park with water features, they have a swimming area, small creek, and falls. Many areas have killer mtb trails to ride, worth a sniff," explains one visitor about the dedicated biking terrain.
Hiking to waterfalls: Florence Marina State Park Campground offers scenic trails. "This is a super campground with friendly hosts and fellow campers. Although I do not recommend going in July. It was HOT!" advises one hiker who used the park as a base camp for exploring nearby Providence Canyon.
What campers like
Peaceful waterfront sites: Amity Campground provides spacious lakeside camping. "Great sites a respectable distance apart. Nearly all on the lake. Not many amenities and closed in the fall/winter," mentions one camper who appreciated the site layout and natural setting.
Wildlife viewing: Tent campers often spot local fauna around dawn and dusk. "Wildlife is busy here—armadillos, raccoons, and rabbits all feel quite at home on your tent pad. It's charming, if you're into that kind of thing," notes one visitor at R. Shaefer Heard Campground.
Secluded yurt camping: Hideaway Cove offers a unique yurt camping experience near Auburn. "I was blown away by every aspect of this beautiful place. It was impeccable, secluded but still accessible by my 2WD car, plus a walk down a hill to the site," shares an enthusiastic reviewer about their glamping experience.
What you should know
Gate closure times: Some parks enforce strict entry/exit policies. "Beware: the gate is locked shut from 10 PM to 8 AM, no exceptions unless the elderly host personally deems your emergency worthy," warns a camper at R. Shaefer Heard Campground.
Seasonal closures: Certain facilities operate on limited schedules. "We love camping at Amity. It is currently only open from April to Labor Day. We would love it even more if the Corps of Engineers would keep it open all year long," mentions a regular visitor.
Bathroom conditions vary: Franklin D Roosevelt State Park Campground maintains clean facilities. "Clean bathrooms, lots of shade, fresh water pump and electric at our site," notes one camper, contrasting with reports of older facilities at some other area campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Select sites with easy access to play areas. "Loop is nicely designed, full hookups, passing your target on the left (better visibility). There are glamping tents for rent. Several hiking trails, including a waterfall trail are inside the gate checkpoint," explains a Chewacla visitor.
Swimming options: Look for designated swim areas when booking during warm months. "Tennis courts and a basket ball court if one desires. The park is right on the Alabama/Georgia line, in Alabama but on Eastern time, a little weird," notes a visitor at Amity describing the recreational amenities.
Kid-friendly activities: Blanton Creek Campground offers enjoyable family experiences. "The camp site is beautiful! It's a fairly small camp site compared to others. It is very well kept up and clean. Would definitely go back 10/10," shares a family who visited with children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for big rigs: Choose loops with adequate turning radius. "We were on site 213 and 214. Beautiful wooded site lots of space between sites in this loop. Very short walk to lake. Loop 1 sites are lake front and lake view but more close together than we like," advises an RVer at Franklin D Roosevelt State Park.
Leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some parks. "Campground is fairly large with lots of sites for RVs, a few Cabins, yurts, and even tent sites. The RV sites near the pool are concrete pads and well spaced out. The sites below the pool area are a little tighter and un-level," cautions a visitor at Pine Mountain RV Resort about selecting the right spot for your rig.
Hookup reliability: Check amperage requirements before booking. "30 amp circuit was not adequate. The breaker continually tripped while using small kitchen appliances," warns an RVer about electrical limitations at certain sites in the Auburn area, highlighting the importance of matching your RV needs to available power.
