Blue Springs State Park offers equestrian camping with stalls and fresh water access near Ozark, Alabama. Located 25 miles southeast of Ozark, the park provides year-round camping with both RV and tent sites. The spring-fed swimming area maintains a constant 68-degree temperature regardless of season, making it a popular destination during summer months when regional temperatures typically exceed 90 degrees.
What to do
Swimming in natural springs: Blue Springs State Park Campground features a large spring-fed swimming area with remarkably cold water. "The springs are very pretty and great for a natural spring. We did not swim but were very impressed with the cleanliness of the water," notes one visitor from Blue Springs State Park Campground.
Cave exploration: Florida Caverns State Park offers guided underground tours through limestone formations. "The caverns are a must see in this park. Come early before they open as there is a line," advises a camper who visited Blue Hole Campground. Tours run hourly and cost $10 per adult.
Fishing opportunities: Geneva State Lake provides fishing access from two dedicated docks. The lake contains bass, bream and catfish with no special permit required beyond standard Alabama fishing license. A visitor observed, "Beautiful park to camp next to the lake with 2 fishing docks. The camping price is $2 per night, no reservation is needed, and is online payment."
What campers like
Natural water features: The cold springs provide relief during hot Alabama summers. "This is a gem in south Alabama with the most perfect cold water to cool that Alabama heat," reports a camper at Blue Springs State Park Campground. The spring water maintains crystal clarity year-round.
Affordable primitive camping: Geneva State Lake offers basic sites at minimal cost. "It was so peaceful and the sunrises over the lake were breathtaking. $5 a day and there is a QR code on the board to pay, or you can by an annual pass for $40 if you plan on staying at least 9 days," explains a camper at Geneva State Lake.
Family-friendly environment: State parks in the region typically offer space for children to play. "The park was quite nice. It was clean and well maintained, the bath house was clean, and there was lots of room for the grandkids to play and ride bikes," states a visitor to Blue Springs State Park.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer camping requires preparation for heat and insects. "Bugs became a real issue as the sun began to set. Come armed with repellant," warns a camper about Blue Springs State Park Campground.
Site limitations: Many campgrounds in the region have minimal privacy between sites. "We were placed on the equestrian site with zero privacy. Never saw the other primitive sites, I guess they were full," reports a visitor to Florida Caverns State Park.
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds involves unpaved roads. "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," cautions a camper about Geneva State Lake when considering potential rain.
Tips for camping with families
Natural swimming options: Kids enjoy the spring-fed swimming areas during summer. "The main attraction in this state park is the spring fed pool. There is a lot of nice grassy areas plus a playground but everyone was in the water," notes a camper at Blue Springs State Park.
Guided adventures: Schedule cave tours early in the day with children. "Camping with a scout troop & it was awesome even though it rained. The caverns were just incredible & the amenities were great. Plenty of room to roam & setup camp," reports a visitor to Florida Caverns State Park.
Beginner-friendly horse trails: First-time riders find suitable paths at horse campgrounds near Ozark. "This place has a lot of amenities pool, fishing, horse and atv trails that are great for beginner horseriders," shares a camper at Heart of Dixie Trail Ride, which offers both horse facilities and family recreation options.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Be prepared with leveling blocks at most area campgrounds. "These sites were not level - but I spent 2 nights sat/sun - and it was gorgeous especially for sunrise," mentions an RV camper at Geneva State Lake who managed the situation with a smaller vehicle.
Hookup availability: Confirm electric options before booking equestrian campgrounds. "The camp sites don't have a lot of shade but you can cool off in the pool. This is not a campsite in the deep woods it's out in the open so don't expect a woodsy feel although the trails make up for it they are well kept," advises a visitor about site conditions at Heart of Dixie Trail Ride.
Site selection: Request specific sites when making reservations for better experiences. "Nice full hookups campsites. A lot of nice hiking trails. The caverns tour is worth it," recommends a camper from Blue Hole Campground at Florida Caverns State Park.
