Camping near Lanett, Alabama takes advantage of the clay-rich soils and pine forests that characterize this eastern Alabama region along the Georgia border. West Point Lake, formed by damming the Chattahoochee River, creates a 525-mile shoreline with numerous coves and inlets ideal for camping. Water levels typically fluctuate 5-7 feet seasonally, affecting shoreline access at certain times of year.
What to do
Paddling activities: Multiple campgrounds offer protected coves for kayaking away from motorized boat traffic. "We were at site #30 and thoroughly enjoyed the access to the water, the quiet nook of the site and closeness of the restrooms," notes a visitor at Amity Campground.
Hiking trail options: The Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail cuts through Amity Campground with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. "There is a nature trail within the campground that leads to a marsh where there are duck, owl, and bluebird nest boxes. There are two long boardwalks where you can walk over the marsh," shares one camper.
Mountain biking: Auburn's Chewacla State Park provides extensive trail systems for various skill levels. "Nice hiking trails, mountain biking trails, a lake, a waterfall, and cabins. What more could you ask for all in one spot?" mentions a reviewer at Chewacla State Park Campground.
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: Many campsites directly touch the water with gradually sloping shores for easy access. "Big sites but smaller loops if you are taking an RV. 90+ sites available," reports a visitor to Amity Campground, while another mentions "Gorgeous lakeside sites with nice sloping grass down to water."
Privacy between sites: R. Shaefer Heard Campground offers good separation between sites in certain areas. "If you value privacy, you'll love the layout: each site is tucked deep into the woods, with excellent space and seclusion," explains one camper. Another notes that "Most all are concrete pads and level but if your camper is over 25' or so length may cause a problem."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the region generally maintain high standards for bathhouses. "Very clean and family friendly place. Trading post available for firewood and supplies," says a visitor to Franklin D Roosevelt State Park, while another camper at Blanton Creek Campground remarks on "the cleanest bathhouse I have ever seen...they clean the bathrooms several times a day."
What you should know
Gate restrictions: Some campgrounds enforce strict entry/exit times. "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. Similarly, a visitor to Whitetail Ridge Campground notes "Gates close for cars at 10pm and reopen at 7am."
Site selection considerations: Not all sites accommodate larger RVs. "Not really any hiking to do other than take a walk around the campground that's huge. Kids on bikes seemed to be having a ball, mostly relaxing and if your into fishing for adults," explains one camper.
Extra fees for additional setups: Some campgrounds charge for secondary accommodations. "If you drop a tent with an RV they charge you an extra $30. If you have two tents on one site they charge you $25 for EACH tent," cautions a visitor to Blanton Creek Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Group camping options: Holiday Campground offers dedicated group sites for family reunions. "We had one of the group sites that had 10 spots total, and used the 5 trailer sites. Our whole family camped out there and enjoyed the close proximity to each other's site," shares one camper. "There's a large pavilion at the site that we used to have a movie night for the kids."
Kid-friendly water areas: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas with beach access. "My four kids and I had a blast at FDR state park. They have a lot of stuff to do there. We fished and swam, they also had a scavenger hunt that you kids loved doing," reports a visitor.
Biking opportunities: Many campgrounds feature paved loops safe for children's bikes. "Camped in campground 5 and from where our site was we could see the playground and also let our kids ride there bikes around the circle that the camp sites where on," mentions one family.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness varies: Check carefully when booking larger rigs. "The park is relatively small but it's very well kept. Small rigs can pretty much enjoy any spot but larger rigs need to be sure that the site is level for the length of the rig," advises a camper at Blanton Creek Campground.
Cell coverage details: Reception varies significantly between campgrounds. "We use AT&T and got two bars at our site, which allowed us to stream Netflix with no buffering," notes an Amity Campground visitor, while another at Whitetail Ridge mentions "We have been looking for a water view, with cell phone signal, in order to be able to work from the camper. Bingo!"
Satellite considerations: Tree coverage affects reception at some campgrounds. "Starlink users: take note—if the lake is high, the shoreline disappears, and with it, any chance of a clear shot to the sky. Reception through the trees was very poor," warns a camper at R. Shaefer Heard.
