Camping opportunities near Keystone Lake stretch along Alabama and Georgia state lines where Walter F. George Lake (Lake Eufaula) forms the border. The region maintains mild winters with highs around 60°F, while summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity. Access roads to most campgrounds include clay and gravel paths that can become challenging after heavy rainfall.
What to do
Paddling the lake system: Cotton Hill offers excellent kayaking access directly from campsites. "We kept the kayak near the lake & launched it right there. There are some gators in the lake saw them kayaking," notes one camper who appreciated the convenience at Cotton Hill.
Fishing opportunities: Several locations provide bank fishing access without requiring a boat. At Rood Creek Park Camping, "Free campground, great place to fish, quiet & really pretty! Great place to get away from the world," according to Kelly B., who tent camped there in March.
Explore Providence Canyon: Located about 9 miles from Florence Marina, this site offers impressive erosion formations. "Definitely worth a pit stop! We didn't camp but we hiked around the rim it was really neat to see, the Canyon was formed from poor farming techniques!" shares Molly M. who visited the area.
Wildlife observation: The wetland ecosystem supports diverse birds and reptiles. "We watched the alligators and birds on the water. Was able to easily launch a canoe as there is a boat ramp," reported one visitor about their experience at Rood Creek Park.
What campers like
Large, well-spaced waterfront sites: Bluff Creek Campground receives praise for its spacious layout: "Sites are, for the most part, reasonably private with most sites being right on the water and have excellent views of Bluff Creek," according to Steve G.
Clean facilities despite remote locations: Campers consistently mention the upkeep at most campgrounds. At Rood Creek, "The Army Corps of engineers maintains the place. Kept up pretty good. Campsites have table, grill and fire pit," notes Doug H., who appreciated the free camping.
Pet accommodations: Most campgrounds in the area welcome pets with designated spaces. One reviewer at Lakepoint Resort State Park Campground mentioned: "The sites are spacious and thoughtfully laid out, providing just the right amount of privacy while still feeling connected to the natural surroundings," making it suitable for camping with pets.
Quiet weekday camping: For those seeking solitude with their pets, timing matters. "We came in on a Tuesday and there was plenty of spaces available," shared Sandy C. about her extended stay at Rood Creek Park, noting that weekends get considerably busier.
What you should know
Alligator awareness required: Nearly all reviewers mention alligator presence in the lake system. "We did see a small gator in the creek. Woke up to fog on the water. It was beautiful!" notes Rae W., highlighting that Florence Marina State Park Campground prohibits swimming due to wildlife.
Time zone confusion: The state line creates practical challenges. "Funny our phones read AL. time not GA time," mentions one camper, while another notes: "The states are separated by the Chattahoochee River and also the boundary of the Eastern and Central time zones."
Summer heat and insects: Reviewers consistently warn about seasonal challenges. "No bugs or misquitos in January!" writes one winter camper at Cotton Hill, implying that other seasons differ dramatically. Another mentions they "woke up to seeing and hearing [alligators] in the water" at Rood Creek Park.
Limited cell service: Digital connectivity varies widely. A camper at Bluff Creek notes: "We had usable Verizon service for text and calls but internet access was very limited," while others mention spotty coverage at Florence Marina.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Providence Canyon State Park Campground offers multiple play areas. "Two children's playgrounds, two picnic pavilions and two restrooms are positioned along the upper rim as you head to the visitor center," notes Dave V., making it convenient for families.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy spotting wildlife safely. "We'll likely hear some owls calling out throughout the night and woodpeckers in early morning. Small yellow finch's were abundant," reported one camper at Providence Canyon.
Heat management for kids and pets: Morning activities work best during summer. "During my late October visit, water wasn't deep enough to enter your hiking shoes. Heed the heat and drinking water warnings during hot days, Little to no breeze in the canyon," advised a visitor regarding trail conditions.
Dedicated swimming areas: Some campgrounds offer designated swimming zones away from boat traffic. "There is a swim area, boat launch, some small hikes in this campground," notes a reviewer about Cotton Hill, though they caution that some swimming areas can become overgrown.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer complete services. At Bluff Creek, an RVer noted: "Concrete level pads, electric and water, large clean showers and bathrooms, laundry only 1.00 per machine, fish cleaning stations, easy drive north or south for city life and major grocery stores."
Site selection strategy: Many reviewers highlight specific site numbers worth requesting. "Sites 73, 81, 79 & 72 was at the end very private but had a big tree down," advises an RVer at Cotton Hill, while another camper at Bluff Creek states: "Site 79. It was right next door to where we stayed last time, and on the water."
Road condition awareness: Access roads require caution. "The road into the campground has a railroad crossing that is a very rough transition for crossing, slow speed will be required when crossing these tracks," warns an RVer about Bluff Creek Campground.
Seasonal flooding considerations: Some campsites experience water issues during rain. A reviewer at Lakepoint Resort noted: "We stayed on a rainy week some campsites experience minor flooding," while another mentioned: "Some sites really wet with standing water in rainy weather."
