Frank Jackson State Park Campground offers a year-round outdoor retreat near Elba, Alabama. Located in southern Alabama's woodlands, the park features concrete pads for RVs and multiple waterfront campsites on the 1,000-acre Lake Jackson. Temperatures range from mild winters with occasional frost to hot summers that regularly exceed 90°F, affecting camping conditions across seasons.
What to do
Island exploration: Walk the boardwalk at Frank Jackson State Park Campground to access island trails with unique wildlife. "There's an island full of armadillos," notes reviewer Sean S., who visited with his family.
Fishing opportunities: Cast for multiple species in Lake Jackson, which holds regular tournaments. "The lake is stocked bass, bream, crappie and catfish and holds numerous tournaments," explains Nancy W. in her review of the park's fishing scene.
Local sightseeing: Visit nearby towns within a short drive. The Ozark-Fort Rucker KOA offers a convenient base for exploring. "Right off of 231. We stopped for one night and perfect place for a quick stop," says Laurette, highlighting its accessibility to regional attractions.
What campers like
Level, full-hookup sites: Campers appreciate the practical setup at Frank Jackson State Park. "It has level sites, full hookups, cable television, internet and most sites have a view of the water," notes Steve P. in his review.
Clean facilities: The bathhouses and common areas receive consistent positive feedback. At Twin Lakes Camp Resort, "Bathrooms/showers are gorgeous," according to Cynthia K., who found the amenities exceeded expectations.
Privacy options: Some sites offer more seclusion than others. "Campsites #1 and #2 seemed to be the most secluded," notes Brenda in her Frank Jackson State Park review, providing insight for those seeking quieter spots.
Water views: Many sites feature lake vistas. "The lake adjacent to our campsite made for a beautiful backdrop for our evening campfire," explains Nancy W. about her experience at Frank Jackson State Park.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer heat requires preparation. The region regularly experiences temperatures above 90°F from June through September.
Ant issues: Some campgrounds report insect problems. At Ozark-Fort Rucker KOA, one reviewer mentioned "tons of ant. We even pretreated around the site and at any part of the camper that touched the ground and we still got ants."
Reservation fees: Budget for additional costs beyond the base rate. Nancy W. notes that at Frank Jackson, "Prices vary widely depending on whether you want a primitive tent site, site on water, or off water. Additional fees of a reservation fee ($4), 3% resort fee, and 12% lodging tax are added to the cost and really add up."
Site selection: Choose locations based on specific needs. "Site #1 has a great view of the water and set off by itself and is probably the best in the park," advises Nancy W. about Frank Jackson State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly recreation areas. Military Park Fort Rucker Recreation Area offers "a small park with a swing set, teeter totter, and basketball hoop," according to Samantha F.
Swimming options: Some locations have designated swim areas. Samantha F. also notes that Military Park Fort Rucker Recreation Area has "a boat dock which is convenient for accessing Lake Thollocco."
Kid-friendly activities: Seasonal events provide additional entertainment. Nancy W. mentions that during her stay, Frank Jackson State Park "was hosting its annual 'Scarecrows in the Park' function. For this event, walking trails are lined with decorative scarecrows made by local individuals, businesses, organizations and school groups."
Pet accommodations: Many sites welcome four-legged family members. "Spent a wonderful few days here with the wife and kids (which are canine, btw)," reports Sean S. about Frank Jackson State Park.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through site availability: Some campgrounds offer easier access options. At The Oaks Family RV Park & Campground, "The concrete pads are level and have plenty of maneuvering space around them(helpful especially if you're new)," notes Spencer B.
Yurt camping options: For those without RVs, yurt camping near Elba, Alabama provides alternatives. Military Park Fort Rucker Recreation Area offers yurt accommodations with nearby amenities, while Twin Lakes Camp Resort also features glamping yurts as comfortable alternatives.
Electrical capacity: Check amperage before booking. Some sites have limitations that affect appliance use. Older electrical systems may not support multiple devices simultaneously.
Connectivity considerations: WiFi and cell coverage vary significantly. At The Oaks Family RV Park, "There's a cell tower nearby so service is great and our HDTV antenna picked up crystal clear," mentions Spencer B., noting reliable connectivity options.
