Florida Caverns State Park offers primitive and full hookup camping sites 42 miles from Cowarts, Alabama. The campground includes tent sites with water spigots, picnic tables, and grills near shower facilities. RV sites provide full hookups with 50-amp service. The park's natural limestone caves feature guided tours through underground formations, while Blue Hole spring provides swimming opportunities during summer months.
What to do
Cave exploration: At Florida Caverns State Park, visitors can tour underground limestone formations. "The caverns are a must see in this park. Come early before they open as there is a line," advises Jenn B., who visited during the park's recovery from hurricane damage. Tour guides provide educational information about the cave system's history and formation.
Swimming in natural springs: Blue Springs State Park features a cold spring-fed pool that maintains a constant temperature year-round. "The main attraction in this state park is the spring fed pool. There is a lot of nice grassy areas plus a playground but everyone was in the water," notes Deanna C., though she found the water "too cold even though August in Alabama is very hot."
Paddling: Florida Caverns offers kayaking opportunities in the adjacent Blue Lagoon. "Bring your kayak or rent one there, it's definitely worth it!" recommends Zack C., who found paddling through the lagoon more enjoyable than the campground's equestrian site.
What campers like
Natural water features: The spring at Blue Springs State Park receives consistent praise from visitors. "The spring is beautiful and flows into a little creek," reports Christopher P., who appreciates the natural setting despite concerns about maintenance. The clear, cold water provides relief during hot Alabama summers.
Family-friendly environment: Blue Springs State Park accommodates family gatherings with open spaces for recreation. John W., who visited with a large family group, noted: "The park was quite nice. It was clean and well maintained, the bath house was clean, and there was lots of room for the grandkids to play and ride bikes."
Peaceful camping experiences: Florida Caverns State Park offers quiet campsites away from urban noise. Charlotte F. appreciated the "great tent campground" with "lots of privacy," though she noted the shower facilities were basic with shower heads that "weren't great." The convenient location of bath facilities close to tent sites enhances the camping experience.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Poor But Proud Stables requires advance reservations for its three RV sites. These sites include electric hookups with 30-amp service, water connections, and sewer hookups, providing basic amenities for equestrian campers visiting the Cowarts area.
Seasonal considerations: While most campgrounds operate year-round, summer visitors should prepare for temperature extremes. "I found it too cold even though August in Alabama is very hot," mentions Deanna C. about Blue Springs' water. Bug activity increases at dusk, so campers should "come armed with repellant."
Facility conditions: Campground maintenance varies by location and timing. At Blue Springs State Park, MtnBkr1984 observed: "It is clearly an older park with not much recent love. It is clean but not perfect. The sites have older hookups but they are functional. The campsites are not level and some of them you have to guess where to put the trailer."
Tips for camping with families
Visit on weekdays: To avoid crowds at popular spring swimming areas, schedule visits during weekdays. "This place would be good to visit on a week day early in the morning," suggests Christopher P. regarding Blue Springs State Park, noting weekend overcrowding can diminish the experience.
Consider cabin accommodations: Families seeking more comfort than tent camping provides can utilize cabin options. At Blue Springs State Park, Anna R. describes the cabins as "more like FEMA trailers but they have some sort of AC. Consider yourself glamping Alabama style and you will be fine." These units provide a middle ground between tent camping and hotel stays.
Seek shaded sites: Summer heat makes shade valuable for family camping. Florida Caverns State Park offers "lots of nice hiking trails" according to Brenda S., with many shaded campsites. The surrounding forest provides natural cooling during hot months.
Tips from RVers
Check site leveling: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven sites requiring preparation. "The campsites are not level and some of them you have to guess where to put the trailer," notes MtnBkr1984 about Blue Springs State Park. Bringing leveling blocks is advisable for most equestrian campgrounds near Cowarts, Alabama.
Size limitations: Florida Caverns State Park accommodates smaller to mid-sized recreational vehicles better than large ones. Richard F. observes it's "not a park for a lot of large RVs" despite having "great facilities." RVers should confirm size restrictions before making reservations at horse campgrounds near Cowarts.
Solitude opportunities: Off-peak camping provides peaceful experiences in natural settings. MtnBkr1984 stayed at Blue Springs on a Thursday and Friday in April and "found it mostly empty! At night, the only sounds were the nature sounds of a very active forest."