Camping spots near Cowarts, Alabama center around a mix of local RV parks and state facilities within a 40-mile radius. The region sits at approximately 325 feet above sea level with clay-heavy soil that can affect drainage during the frequent afternoon thunderstorms common in summer months. Winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing, making most camping locations viable year-round with minimal seasonal closures.
What to do
Walking trails and nature observation: Explore the trail system at Omussee Creek Park where campers can find "covered hiking trails, splendid little canals and streams that eventually connect to the Chattahoochee as well as some pretty splendid bird watching from the Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher and American Goldfinch to the never boring Blue Jay."
Cave exploration: Florida Caverns State Park offers unique underground experiences within driving distance of Cowarts. "The caverns are a must see in this park. Come early before they open as there is a line," notes one visitor. Park staff provide guided tours through the limestone formations.
Native American history: Visit the ancient earthworks at Kolomoki Mounds State Park where "The park is an important sacred site (I suggest visiting the mounds at sunrise), but also has great modern recreational opportunities, like kayaking, a small swimming beach and large picnic/pavilion areas, and a small fishing dock."
Paddling opportunities: Many waterways surround the Cowarts area, with options for kayaking and canoeing. A visitor to Kolomoki Mounds mentioned, "I put in my kayak and paddled the lake," while another recommended "the 45-minute drive to Econfina creek, we rented a canoe and did the 8-miles to see 7 springs."
What campers like
Spacious, level sites: Dothan RV Park receives consistent praise for its well-maintained grounds. One camper noted it has "Pull thru sites and back-ins with level pads. Sites are a little tight. All sites have FHU." Another mentioned that "sites have been upgraded to level concrete with full hookups."
Privacy between campsites: Several campgrounds offer good separation between sites. At Kolomoki Mounds, a camper highlighted that "There are only a few sites, so even if everything is booked there is not a crowded feeling. The pads are gravel, so if you are tent camping, it can be difficult to get stakes in."
Clean facilities: Many campers value the maintenance standards at area campgrounds. A visitor to Kelly Creek RV Park stated, "Laundromat and private bathrooms were very clean too. Its also a mile off the hwy so it's so quiet."
Wildlife viewing: Natural surroundings provide opportunities to observe local fauna. A reviewer at Kelly Creek RV Park mentioned, "Saw a turkey gobbler in the driveway when I pulled in. Owner says there are about 40 in the area and a few deer."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Bug activity increases dramatically during warmer months. While the existing description mentions this generally, specific timing matters. For Falling Waters State Park, a visitor noted, "There hadn't been any rain during our visit, so the falls were dry, but the trails were still worth walking."
Site reservations: Many campgrounds require advance planning. "We called the day prior to see if they had a Harvest Host spot available and were told yes and the owner explained how it worked. We were asked to call about an hour out," reported a camper at Rosemont RV Park.
Shopping access: Pack necessities before arrival. A Dothan RV Park camper advised, "Bring groceries and ice as there is no campstore. Dollar General is next door but they are out of ice. Walmart is less than a mile with plenty of dining options within a minute or two."
Cell service: Connectivity varies by provider and location. "We didn't use the WiFi," noted one visitor at Falling Waters, while Kelly Creek RV Park was praised for having "great WIFI."
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Family Time Campground offers "a sweet little solar-heated pool that's perfect for a classic sundowner (and not so great for swimming laps!), plenty of shaded and grassy areas for RV and trailers, spacious long level lots in a private gated community, filtered water and free rentals, newly finished covered pavilion with about a half dozen brand new picnic tables that has a brand new BBQ, children's playground, community firepit for s'mores."
Educational opportunities: Take advantage of ranger programs. At Kolomoki Mounds, a visitor shared, "We learned a lot and our youngest earned to Jr. Ranger Patch."
Swimming options: Several parks offer water recreation. A camper at Kolomoki Mounds mentioned, "There is also a swimming beach which was nice with a trail through the woods to walk or ride bikes to it from the campground."
Budget-friendly meals: Look for campground specials. Family Time Campground "offers up 'all-you-can eat' pancake breakfast for $4" on Sundays.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose your spot wisely based on your setup and needs. At Kelly Creek RV Park, "The end spots are $35 plus tax a night, the other sites are $40 with a patio and outdoor wrought iron tables and chairs. Sites are very big and there was lots of space."
Local farm produce: Some campgrounds have unique agricultural features. A visitor to Kelly Creek RV Park mentioned, "Its really a big farm with a persimmon orchard but I missed harvest season. Persimmons are ripe October-December. Owner has 230 Japanese persimmon trees."
RV campground amenities: Review full hookup specifications. A camper at A-Okay RV Park shared detailed amenities, including "Full Hookups (Electric, Water, Sewer), 75 ft. Pull-Through Sites, 30/50 Amp Sites, Shady/Sunny Sites" along with "Management Available 24/7, 2 Family-Style Bathrooms With Showers, Laundry Facilities, Bagged Ice, Propane, Wi-Fi Accessible, ATM machine on site."
Road access: Most campgrounds around Cowarts are accessible via paved roads. At Kelly Creek RV Park, sites are "level lots 3/4 mile off the hwy so its very quiet. Full hook up 50,30 and 20 amp."
