Lake Martin serves as the focal point for camping near Alexander City, Alabama, with over 44,000 acres of water and 750 miles of shoreline. The region sits within the southern Appalachian foothills at elevations between 400-500 feet, creating a landscape of rolling hills and waterfront camping opportunities. Summer temperatures regularly climb into the 90s with high humidity, while spring and fall bring milder conditions in the 60s-80s.
What to do
Zip lining at Wind Creek State Park: The park offers an adventure course with multiple zip lines for visitors seeking thrills. "We spent 2 months there and loved everyday. We hated to leave," notes Matthew M., who highlights additional activities like "boat rentals" and "beaches on the lake."
Mountain biking at Chewacla State Park: Located near Auburn, this park features trails of varying difficulty for mountain biking enthusiasts. "Many areas have killed mtb trails to ride, worth a sniff," states Arthur G., who visited the park specifically for the biking opportunities.
Stargazing at Hollins Hunting Camp: The open camping areas provide excellent views of the night sky. "Open to sky (took awesome star pics here)," reports one reviewer who appreciated the lack of light pollution at this primitive camping area.
What campers like
Seasonal camping experiences: Wind Creek offers different experiences depending on when you visit. "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," writes Erin L. about winter camping at Wind Creek.
Lake swimming options: Many campers appreciate the swimming opportunities in Lake Martin. "The lake has a swim platform which has an elevated diving board about 10 to 12 feet high," notes Tony C. at Chewacla State Park, highlighting one of the more unique swimming features in the area.
Historical sites: The area includes locations with historical significance. Flagg Mountain features "CCC tower and cabins from 1930's," according to Ro J., who visited Weogufka State Forest and appreciated its connection to the Civilian Conservation Corps.
What you should know
Campsite availability varies by season: Summer brings crowds to the most popular sites. "Great location, water views. Only negative is that the wifi is not strong, but Verizon signal is great," reports Matthew K. about Wind Creek State Park, noting that despite the popularity, cellular coverage remains reliable.
Primitive camping options: For those seeking a more rustic experience, several options exist. "Best for overlanding/camper/tents. No marked sites, just pull in and find a spot," writes Peyton P. about Hollins Hunting Camp, highlighting its unstructured nature.
Check-in procedures: Campgrounds in the region have specific check-in policies. "Check in is at 4 pm and check out is at 2 pm," reports Romeo M. about Wind Creek State Park, information valuable for planning arrival times.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds specifically cater to families with children. "We love camping at Wind Creek. lots to do for the kiddos!" notes Jessi B. about their experience at Wind Creek State Park.
Beach and playground access: Facilities designed for children make family camping more enjoyable. "Tent camping with family during Hurricane evacuation. Beautiful park, numerous bath houses, laundry, camp store, playgrounds, mini golf, and so much more," Kim T. explains about their stay at Wind Creek.
Swimming areas with platforms: Designated swimming areas with built features provide safer environments for children. "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 Bethany M. about Cheaha State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection at Wind Creek: The campground offers multiple loops with different advantages. "We stayed at site 100 it was an excellent site right on the water next to us was like a private beach," Rachel G. reports about her experience at Wind Creek State Park.
Full hookup availability: Many sites in the region offer complete services for RVs. "We are staying in the second loop and really like our site. The sites near us (28-33) all look great for space," notes Jared W. about their stay at Chewacla State Park, adding that "All sites have a grill and a picnic table from what I could see."
Site spacing considerations: RV sites vary in their proximity to neighboring campers. "Sites are close together but I've seen worse," Romeo M. observes about Wind Creek, providing context for RVers concerned about privacy.