Camping near Eufaula, Alabama centers around Lake Eufaula, a 45,000-acre reservoir straddling the Alabama-Georgia state line. Unlike many camping destinations, this area sits in a timezone boundary, with sites in Georgia following Eastern Time while Alabama campgrounds operate on Central Time. The region features clay and sandy soil that drains poorly after rainfall, which affects camping conditions during wet weather periods.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing access points: At Florence Marina State Park Campground, visitors can rent small boats and kayaks for exploring the lake's coves. "We rented a boat my husband fished and we drove around the lake. You can have a AL. or GA fishing license here the lake runs through both states. Lots of blooming Lilly's, big oaks with moss, shorebirds and gators," notes camper B M.
Providence Canyon day trip: Located just 6 miles from Florence Marina, this erosion site offers unique hiking opportunities. "Providence Canyon SP is Georgia's 'Little Grand Canyon'. It's basically a huge erosion site, but it is very pretty and interesting. The deep gullies, some up to 150 feet, were caused by poor farming practices during the 1800s," explains Joel R. from his visit.
Beach swimming with caution: Despite alligator presence, some campgrounds maintain swimming areas. At Hardridge Creek Campground, "the beach was very nice and included a swimming area with boundaries to prevent boats and jet skis from entering," according to Tony C. who stayed there in 2020.
What campers like
Waterfront camping options: Many sites at Cotton Hill provide direct access to the water. "The sites are well spaced, most are water front and easy access to water or have water view. They have full hookups!! Great Verizon and AT&T signals. Some sites are at the beach if you have kids," reports Liz H.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Bird watching is particularly good at Hardridge Creek. "We had water views from both sides of the site, and thick forest on a third side... There are more birds than we can count and a beautiful variety of trees and plants," shares Jessica O. from her April 2021 stay.
Free camping at Rood Creek Park Camping: Budget-conscious campers appreciate this no-cost option. "There is a time limit, you can only camp for 14 days out of 30 unless you've contacted the Parks department and gotten permission for a longer stay before you arrive. We came in on a Tuesday and there was plenty of spaces available," explains Sandy C.
What you should know
Ants are a significant issue: Several campgrounds report ant problems, particularly during warmer months. At Hardridge Creek Campground, "If you do not take preemptive measures beforehand you will be affected. Everything that touches the ground is a conduit for their access, the tires, leveling jacks, tongue jack, power cord and the water hose are their tools for finding a way," warns Tony C.
Gator safety concerns: Alligator presence affects water activities at many campgrounds. "We kept the kayak near the lake & launched it right there. There are some gators in the lake saw them kayaking," reports B M. about Cotton Hill. Another camper notes, "Supposed to be 1,000 alligators AND they have swimming. I don't get it lol."
Time zone confusion: The Alabama-Georgia state line creates timezone challenges. At Florence Marina, one camper noted, "We would go watch sunset at the lake funny our phones read AL. time not GA time." Another visitor at Hardridge Creek mentioned, "Interestingly, time zones shift from Eastern at the visitors center to Central Time at Pioneer Campsites."
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playgrounds at Lakepoint: Lakepoint Resort State Park Campground offers recreation opportunities beyond the water. "The CG has a miniature golf course on site for a fun time with the kids. Bath house are clean and well kept," notes Shelly F., who visited with family.
Kid-friendly beaches: At Hardridge Creek, families appreciate the designated swimming areas. "The beach was very nice and included a swimming area with boundaries to prevent boats and jet skis from entering," reports Tony C. Another camper added that the "lake had a huge sand beach" though warns "the sand is extremely hot midday."
Seasonal campground events: Holiday weekends often feature special activities. At Lakepoint Resort, one family reported, "We stayed in Halloween they have a haunted boat ride and a hayride. Great place to spend Halloween. It was decorated well and there was a fest going on we won a basket of goodies."
Tips from RVers
Site drainage issues after rain: The clay soil in the area creates drainage problems. At White Oak Creek Campground, one RVer noted, "Nice COE park. Level sites, many on the water. Some sites really wet with standing water in rainy weather." Another visitor at Lakepoint mentioned, "We stayed on a rainy week some campsites experience minor flooding."
Cellular connectivity varies by provider: Service quality differs across the area. "AT&T coverage was weak, with 1 bar of LTE service w/o a booster and speeds up to 0.5 MB/s and 2 bars of 5G service and speeds up to 0.7 MB/s with a booster," reports one RVer at Hardridge Creek, while another noted good Verizon reception for calls but limited data capability.
RV site selection for lake views: At White Oak Creek, site selection significantly impacts your experience. "Sites 38-45 are probably the best in the park. I love these. Less water access but the best view and a launch point near by for boats and kayaks," advises Melissa B., who continues, "Sites 48-54 are the 'lake view' sites but I didn't like these as much - they're high above the water and just not as pretty as some of the others."
