Campgrounds near Dadeville offer direct access to Lake Martin's 44,000 acres of freshwater recreation. With an average summer temperature exceeding 90°F from June through August, most campers visit during spring and fall when temperatures moderate to 70-85°F. Winter camping remains viable with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing, though many water activities become limited during this season.
What to do
Water activities on Lake Martin: Wind Creek State Park Campground offers boat rentals at two different locations. "The marina for motorized jon boats and pontoon boats. You can rent these for 4-48 hours. If you're renting one of their boats then you need a vessel license," explains one camper. For non-motorized options, "At the Creem Shop you can rent pedal boats and canoes."
Zip lining adventures: Test your courage at Wind Creek's aerial attractions. "They have a zip line and tree line adventure course," notes a visitor who cataloged the many activities available at the park.
Mountain biking trails: Chewacla State Park Campground features extensive mountain biking paths for all skill levels. "Many areas have mtb trails to ride, worth a sniff," mentions one cyclist who visited the park specifically for the trails. Another rider adds, "there are some very aggressive mountain bike trails with challenges to test even the expert riders."
Waterfalls and hiking: Explore Chewacla's natural features on foot. "The trail loops around the lake and brings you to a waterfall on the back side of the lake. The waterfall is easy accessible and you can get as close as you wish."
What campers like
Spacious lakefront sites: At R. Shaefer Heard Campground, campers appreciate the privacy and views. "Lake sites are huge and well spaced out with plenty of shade and privacy," one reviewer notes. Another adds that they "had an amazing site with a great waterfront view perfect for sunsets."
Off-season camping experience: Winter offers a quieter experience with fewer crowds. "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," shares a winter visitor to Wind Creek.
Family-friendly amenities: Multiple campgrounds feature children's activities. "They have playgrounds throughout the campground, trails from 1 mile long to 15 miles long that can be utilized by horse, bike, or on foot," mentions a Wind Creek visitor. Another adds, "This is a great family campground with a boat launch on lake Martin. Good swimming, adequate shade."
Swimming areas: Designated swimming spots provide safer alternatives to open water. "The lake has a swim platform which has an elevated diving board about 10 to 12 feet high," notes a Chewacla visitor.
What you should know
Gate closing times: Several campgrounds enforce strict entry hours. At R. Shaefer Heard Campground, "They lock the gate at 10, sharp," warns a regular visitor. Plan arrivals accordingly or risk being locked out overnight.
Seasonal facility limitations: Many parks operate differently in off-seasons. "This campground is a better place for the summer not much to do in the winter. It's a place for swimming, fishing, and boat riding," advises a camper about winter visits.
Connectivity varies: Cell service and wifi fluctuate throughout the area. At R. Shaefer Heard, "Verizon was weak over most of the property talk and text ok but data not so much." However, Chewacla offers better options, with one camper reporting, "WiFi works great in our section as well. Speed test showed 10Mbps on my device and I had no issues streaming 4K on a Roku TV."
Dog friendly campgrounds near Dadeville: While most campgrounds welcome pets, restrictions exist at some locations. Lake Martin Recreation Area has specific limitations: "Dogs are allowed within the park but only if you are camping in a camper or RV. Dogs are not allowed in the tent camping area."
Tips for camping with families
Off-peak swimming: Cheaha State Park offers multiple water recreation options spread across the property. "The kids love the lake and the pool, and there is an easy walk on a boardwalk with amazing views at the end on days when the kids don't feel like hiking," shares a regular visitor.
Boulder climbing: Natural features provide entertainment beyond typical playgrounds. At Cheaha, "Right by the lake is a trailhead that leads up to more amazing views. It a fun hike climbing over huge boulders for much of the way. The kids enjoy this too."
Gem mining activities: Children can experience educational entertainment. "Right across from the store they have a gem mining area that is also great fun for the children," notes a Cheaha visitor.
Multiple playground options: Wind Creek offers numerous play areas. "Decent little slide for kids and some awesome rocks for kids to climb (5 yrs and up or good climbers)," mentions a family who appreciated the varied options.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for level ground: Auburn RV Park at Leisure Time Campground offers varied site options with different features. "We had a pull through spot (I). The spot was slightly unlevel on the right side," reports one RVer, suggesting bringing leveling blocks.
Winter camping considerations: Seasonal changes affect site availability and ambiance. "We spent 2 months there and loved everyday," shares a long-term Wind Creek visitor, while another winter camper notes, "There was a shower room, restrooms, laundry facilities available and all were clean."
Dog exercise options: Pet-friendly campgrounds near Dadeville typically require leashes but provide walking paths. One camper appreciated that "there was a babbling creek in front of our site," offering pleasant dog walking terrain despite highway noise nearby.
