Wind Creek State Park offers over 500 camping sites along Lake Martin with varying levels of privacy and amenities. The sites include full hookups with water, sewer, and electric service. Many sites provide direct lake access with small beach areas for swimming. Camping at Wind Creek is particularly popular during summer months when the campground fills with families enjoying water recreation. Loop D remains notably quiet during winter months with fewer visitors.
What to do
Lake activities near Jackson's Gap: Lake Martin serves as the recreational center for Wind Creek State Park Campground. The campground offers boat rentals at two locations—motorized jon boats and pontoon boats from the marina, and non-motorized pedal boats and canoes from the Creem Shop. According to one camper, "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."
Hiking trails: The trail network at Chewacla State Park Campground ranges from casual walks to technical mountain biking routes. One visitor noted, "Many areas have killed mtb trails to ride, worth a sniff," while another mentioned "Beautiful hiking trails, amazing mountain bike trials, and lake swimming give you plenty to do in the park." The trails vary in distance and difficulty, with some waterfall trails inside the gate checkpoint.
Wilderness exploration: For those seeking a more remote experience, Weogufka State Forest Flagg Mtn connects to the southern terminus of the Pinhoti Trail. A camper reported, "Access to southern terminus of the Pinhoti Trail. CCC tower and cabins from 1930's." The area features historical Civilian Conservation Corps structures and well-maintained backpacking shelters.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Visitors consistently praise the campsite layouts at Amity Campground, where most sites offer lake frontage. One camper described, "The lots are hugh. most are on the water. Some sites are so private you'd think you are alone. The park is spread out so that each loop is so far from the others you can't hear or see them." Another noted, "Gorgeous lakeside sites with nice sloping grass down to water."
Clean facilities: The bathroom and shower buildings receive positive reviews across multiple campgrounds. At Blanton Creek Campground, campers appreciate "The bathhouse is heated and has five toilet stalls and four nicely tiled showers with benches." Wind Creek State Park campers mention, "Bathhouses are large and very well taken care of" and note they include "a nice laundry facility."
Water access: Direct lake access represents a major draw for many campers. At R. Shaefer Heard Campground, "We had spot 96 and we tent camped. The spot was recommended in another review and it was wonderful. Right beside the water so the kids were able to play in the water most of the time." The coves and shoreline configuration at many sites create semi-private beach areas.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Some campgrounds in the area operate on limited schedules. Amity Campground "is currently only open from April to Labor Day." A camper noted, "We would love it even more if the Corps of Engineers would keep it open all year long." Plan your glamping trip near Jackson's Gap accordingly.
Gate closures: R. Shaefer Heard Campground enforces strict gate hours. Campers warn, "the gate is locked shut from 10 PM to 8 AM, no exceptions unless the elderly host personally deems your emergency worthy." Another camper confirmed this policy: "They lock the gate at 10, sharp."
Booking requirements: Reservations are essential during peak seasons, especially for lakefront sites. At Chewacla State Park, "you can't makes reservations on-line but can by calling or emailing your request." Wind Creek State Park has standard check-in/check-out times: "Check in is at 4 pm and check out is at 2 pm."
Cell service: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. At R. Shaefer Heard, "Verizon was weak over most of the property talk and text ok but data not so much," while Amity Campground reports, "We use AT&T and got two bars at our site, which allowed us to stream Netflix with no buffering."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Wind Creek State Park offers family-friendly amenities throughout the grounds. One visitor mentioned, "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." These recreation areas provide convenient activity options for children.
Food options: Several campgrounds feature on-site dining. Wind Creek includes "a Creem Shop (they sell ice cream, burgers, etc)" where families can grab snacks between activities. Bohamia offers "ice, drink and snack delivery service with QR codes in each area," making it convenient to stay fed without leaving your site.
Swimming areas: Designated swimming areas provide safer water recreation for children. At Wind Creek State Park, "They have a beach area for swimming," while Cheaha State Park features both "the lake and the pool" for swimming options. One visitor noted the lake at Cheaha has "a diving platform about 10 to 12 feet high."
Glamping alternatives: For families wanting more comfort while glamping near Jackson's Gap, Alabama, consider the canvas tents at Hideaway Cove or the yurts at Wind Creek State Park. These options provide more protection from weather and insects while maintaining an outdoor camping experience.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose your campsite based on specific needs. At Chewacla State Park, "Sites 28-33 all look great for space. There are a few pull-through sites but none of them look as good to us as these on the back side of the second loop." For Wind Creek, "We stayed in C section with full hook-ups."
Leveling considerations: Pay attention to site grades when booking. At Blanton Creek Campground, "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. Some spots have a driveway that goes downhill from the camper and others go uphill from the camper which might be an issue for 5th wheels."
Hookup details: Campground utilities vary widely across the area. At Wind Creek, premium campsites have "50 amp service, water, sewer, cable and waterfront access." At Chewacla, "All sites except #1 and #2 have water, electric, sewer and TV connections."
