Camping sites near Kinston, Alabama range from lakeside parks to secluded forest settings within 30-40 miles of town. Located in the southern Alabama wiregrass region at approximately 250 feet above sea level, this area features sandy soil that drains quickly after rain. Summer temperatures consistently reach 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights can drop into the 30s from December through February.
What to do
Fishing from designated docks: Frank Jackson State Park Campground offers multiple fishing spots on its 1,000-acre lake. "The lake adjacent to our campsite made for a beautiful backdrop for our evening campfire," notes one visitor who mentions the lake is stocked with "bass, bream, crappie and catfish."
Wildlife viewing on nature trails: At Open Pond Recreation Area, visitors can observe local wildlife along the trails. "Surprisingly nice wildlife given the small size of the park, since it's in the middle of a large rural area with lots of little lakes nearby. Good bird watching," reports one camper. The park offers hiking trails through pine and cypress forests.
Swimming in designated areas: Several lakes near Kinston allow swimming during warmer months. "Plenty of children were swimming in the water at the end of the pier," notes a visitor to Point A Park. At Twin Lakes, one camper mentions "beautiful views in all directions" and excellent sunset viewing over the water.
What campers like
Lakefront camping sites: Florala City Park receives praise for its water access and views. "Half the sites are on the water, other half backs to trees. Full hook ups, good restroom/shower," writes one camper. Another visitor mentions, "We spent one night in a non waterfront site. Still had a great view of the lake."
Clean, well-maintained facilities: The Oaks Family RV Park & Campground maintains high cleanliness standards. A camper notes, "The campground is very clean, neat and tidy. It's very clear the maintenance of the grounds is never let go." Another mentions, "The bathhouse has 4 large private bathrooms with showers, toilets, sink and an oversized bench for your stuff."
Quiet, peaceful settings: Most campgrounds in the area offer tranquil environments away from urban noise. At Geneva State Lake, a visitor describes the experience as "gorgeous especially for sunrise" and "so peaceful." Another camper at Frank Jackson State Park appreciates the "well kept grounds" and notes it has "superb staff and a lot to do in the great outdoors."
What you should know
Cash payment requirements: Several parks only accept cash or check. A camper at Florala City Park advises, "Pay cash or check only. Call in advance for reservations and to confirm availability." Most campgrounds do not process credit card payments on site.
Variable cell service: Cell coverage differs between campgrounds. At Geneva State Lake, one camper reports "good service for AT&T and Verizon (3-4 bars)," while Open Pond Recreation Area has limited connectivity with one visitor noting "cell coverage sucks."
Seasonal considerations: Late spring and early fall offer the most comfortable camping conditions. Summer humidity can be challenging, particularly in July and August. One camper who visited Frank Jackson State Park in October mentioned the park was hosting its "annual 'Scarecrows in the Park' function" with "walking trails lined with decorative scarecrows."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Cypress Landing RV Park offers amenities for children. A visitor notes the park has "horse shoes, pool table and a playground for kids." Another camper mentions it's a "very clean, well kept campground" with "a small playground for smaller kids."
Wildlife education opportunities: Several parks offer chances to observe local animals. One camper at Frank Jackson State Park mentions "there's an island full of armadillos" which can be exciting for children to spot.
Swimming options: During warmer months, supervised swimming areas provide family recreation. At Twin Lakes, a camper describes "a well equipped camp store" that has "everything you need to get by" and mentions the camp's "beautiful setting" with lake views from many sites.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Not all concrete pads are level at area campgrounds. At The Oaks Family RV Park, a visitor mentioned "concrete pads are level and have plenty of maneuvering space around them (helpful especially if you're new)."
Access road conditions: Road quality varies significantly between parks. At Geneva State Lake, one RVer cautions "it was about 5 miles of dirt roads to get in there and they were well maintained but I didn't want to risk it in the rain." Planning arrival during dry weather can prevent access issues.
Hookup specifications: Different parks offer various hookup configurations. Point A Park offers "full hookups, wifi, cable, a fire pit, and a nice concrete picnic table on a partially gravel and red dirt and partial asphalt unlevel site." At Florala City Park, sites include "full hook ups" but setup may vary between waterfront and non-waterfront locations.
