The Black Warrior and Tombigbee Lakes system spans 1,800 miles of shoreline across west-central Alabama, with waterfront camping elevations ranging from 95 to 220 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures typically hover between 35-55°F, making year-round camping possible though with varying levels of mosquito activity depending on the season. Cell service remains spotty throughout the region, with coverage stronger near Demopolis and diminishing in more remote camping areas.
What to do
Fishing platforms: Most waterfront sites at Forkland Campground have personal stairs to the water, suitable for one person to fish or tie up a boat. "Some sites have stairs to the water, to a beach big enough for one person to fish or to tie up a jon boat," notes a camper, who also observed "huge paddlefish jumping in the water" in the early mornings.
Nature trails: The 1.2-mile trail at Forkland provides wildlife viewing opportunities year-round. "The nature trail was very calming and enjoyable," reports one visitor. For archaeological enthusiasts, Moundville Archaeological Park offers access to Native American mounds from the Mississippian period, where "you get to walk around on two of the mounds and stay so close," according to one reviewer.
Bird watching: The wetland areas surrounding the campgrounds support diverse bird species. "Lots of birds and other wildlife within the park," observed one camper. During spring migration (March-May), birding opportunities increase substantially, with many sites offering direct views of waterbird activity from your campsite.
What campers like
Clean facilities: The consistent maintenance at Foscue Creek impresses many visitors. "The bathrooms were the cleanest bathrooms I've seen at a public campground," according to one tent camper, who noted they were "the only tent campers in the park, as it looked like most of the residents were longer-term RVers."
Spacious waterfront sites: Campers appreciate the generous spacing between sites. "We had a nice spot right on the water. Lots of fisherman here and each site has a fish cleaning station," reports one Forkland visitor. Another camper at Foscue Creek noted their "site was on the point and didn't have a lot of shade but we were right across from the bathhouse and playground."
Rural setting with town access: Despite feeling remote, Bonita Lakes RV Park and other campgrounds offer convenient access to supplies. "Right across the street is the local lake that you can walk around and get good exercise," mentions one camper. Groceries and restaurants in Demopolis are typically within a 10-minute drive from most campgrounds.
What you should know
Gate hours: Security gates at Corps of Engineers campgrounds restrict after-hours access. At Foscue Creek, you need to contact park rangers for late entry as "the gate closes at 10pm."
Water pressure: Bring pressure regulators for RV hookups, as pressure varies significantly between parks. "Water hookup (be sure to have a pressure regulator)," advises one camper about Forkland, while another noted "kinda low water pressure (40 psi)" at Foscue Creek.
Weather impacts: Heavy rainfall can create challenging ground conditions, especially at Hat Creek RV Park where one camper advised to "be prepared to deal with black silk mud and red clay mud and I mean lots of it" if visiting during wet seasons. The campground sits "out in the middle of cow pastures and rolling hills" which affects drainage.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds access: Sites near playgrounds fill quickly during school breaks. "Our campsite was #12. It was on the point and didn't have a lot of shade but we were right across from the bathhouse and playground so I really liked our location," noted one Foscue Creek visitor.
Swimming options: While lake swimming is available at most parks, Benchmark RV Park offers higher water pressure for rinsing off afterward. "High water pressure, nice but small site," mentions one camper, making it easier to clean up after water activities.
Educational programs: Moundville Archaeological Park offers weekend activities for children during summer. "There's activities for summer Saturdays I'll be staying for," shares one camper, providing learning opportunities about Native American history alongside camping.
Tips from RVers
Concrete pads: For easier leveling, prioritize parks with concrete sites. "Level concrete pads!" emphasizes one camper about Bonita Lakes RV Park, while another mentions "Only $32 with Good Sam discount" for these premium sites.
Football season planning: Reserve months ahead for stays near Tuscaloosa during University of Alabama home games. Coaches Corner RV Park sits "less than a mile from campus" and fills completely during game weekends, though it's "great stop for overnight, or a long weekend in Tuscaloosa" during other times.
Dump station access: When staying at water/electric-only sites, note dump station locations and hours. At Forkland, "the dump station is in the middle of the campground," convenient for most sites but creating occasional traffic during peak checkout hours.
