Camping near Peterson, Alabama offers a mix of waterfront sites and wooded retreats with varying amenities across Army Corps of Engineers properties. Summer temperatures average 90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons bring milder 70-80°F days. Winter camping remains available at select year-round facilities with temperatures averaging 40-60°F during daylight hours.
What to do
**Kayaking access: Lake-based sites at Deerlick Creek provide excellent water access for paddlers. "Nice level concrete pads with awesome shade. Bath house stayed clean. Nice 1/2 mile asphalt bike/walking trail. Hiking trail with hills and valleys skirting the lake. Boat ramp with easy access to the lake," notes Eric H.
Swimming opportunities: The beach area at Lake Lurleen State Park Campground offers designated swimming zones with bath facilities. "We really enjoyed the beach area and the trails. Lots of mountain bikers throughout the weekend," reports Casey L. The swimming area is maintained regularly and provides a good alternative to river swimming.
Hiking options: Multiple trail systems exist across camping areas near Peterson. A camper at Burchfield Branch Park shared, "We had a lovely stay here other than that. We enjoyed being waterfront at site #5, but there are 8 total lots on the water and then more sites that are in the wooded area." Most trails are under 2 miles and rated easy to moderate difficulty.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently rate site separation highly at Burchfield Branch Park, where reviews mention the natural site layout. "We were blown away by how peaceful Burchfield was. Lot 17 felt like we were all alone. There was adequate place between us and the neighbors, a peaceful creek separating us," remarks Genie C.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain higher cleanliness standards than expected for their remote locations. A Deerlick Creek visitor observed, "Two night stay on site 39. Love the large sites that are nicely separated from neighboring sites and overlook the water. Friendly staff and clean bathhouse. Only one bathhouse that is centrally located and is a decent walk from some sites."
Wildlife viewing: Natural settings provide opportunities for animal sightings, particularly deer. At Deerlick Creek, one camper noted, "We spent two relaxed nights around a doctor's visit in Northport. The sites were level and private, and the staff was friendly and helpful. We watched deer almost tamely walking around the campground."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Several campgrounds have minimal to no connectivity. A camper at Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park Campground reported, "T-Mobile service was decent—we were able to use our hotspot to stream TV at night. There's no public Wi-Fi, but we didn't miss it." Plan accordingly if you need reliable communication.
Bathroom facilities vary: Facility quality differs significantly between campgrounds. "The bath house was super clean. The camp host were active and extremely friendly," notes one Burchfield Branch visitor, while another campground reviewer mentioned, "Bathrooms are older, best well kept for public bathrooms."
Seasonal closures: Most Corps of Engineers sites operate March through October or November. A Lake Lurleen visitor advised, "New online state system used to make reservations and get the spot you want. This park gets full in the fall with campers and people who come down for the football games."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: For families with children, select sites near recreational areas. At Blue Creek Public Use Area, "Large area overlooking the river that gives you a slight breeze for 85 degrees in mid June. There are a few other sites in the woods, but no breeze and mosquitoes," reports Ken H.
Water safety considerations: Lakes and rivers require proper precautions. "Been here a lot over the last few years and we usually hang out at the small man made beach or hop in the boat or kayaks. The beach can be pretty crowded during the summer but it's a decent size and the bathrooms are nearby," notes a Holt Lake visitor.
Activity planning: Structured activities help engage children during longer stays. "On a whim we booked a site and stayed overnight! We had a blast. The beach was closed when we went but we still enjoyed all the trails and basketball goal! We stayed right on the river in the perfect spot," shares Meredith M. about Deerlick Creek.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on rig size and hookup needs. At Sunset RV, a camper advised, "Stayed for one night. Well maintained, level sites. Easy on and off the freeway. Very basic and clean." Most sites accommodate standard RVs, but larger rigs may require specific reservations.
Hookup placement considerations: RV campers should check utility locations before setup. "We stayed in site 9, pretty level gravel site, electric and water hookup only. 2 dump stations are available, 2 dog parks. 30 dollars a night," reports an RV camper at Bama RV Station.
Access road challenges: Many access roads require careful navigation. A Tannehill Ironworks visitor shared, "We arrived late on a Thursday night and appreciated that the ranger is on-site 24/7, since the campground doesn't take reservations. The process is easy—you just pull in, find a site, and register/pay the next morning."
