Camping around Prattville, Alabama offers year-round options with temperatures ranging from 30°F in winter to over 90°F in humid summer months. The area sits at approximately 240 feet elevation and features multiple waterfront camping locations along the Alabama River system and Lake Jordan. Most campgrounds maintain consistent cell service except during severe weather events.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Prairie Creek Campground, campers can catch various fish species in the Alabama River. "We saw huge paddlefish jumping out of the water, many birds and deer on the nature trail. Bring fishing poles," notes one visitor. The campground provides direct water access from many sites.
Historical exploration: Visit Fort Toulouse-Jackson Park Campground to explore preserved French and early American forts. A reviewer explained, "This is a National Historic Site with preserved/restored sites of historic French and early American forts from the 1700s-early 1800s." The park hosts frontier re-enactments throughout the year.
Wildlife viewing: Drive 25 minutes south to enjoy Alabama Safari Park near Hope Hull. "If you are trying to burn time with kids, the safari park is nearby and was a great way to burn some energy," recommends one camper at Montgomery South RV Park. The safari park provides a convenient activity during downtime or rainy weather.
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: Many campers praise the generous sizing of sites at Gunter Hill, particularly those along the water. "Large sites, shaded, have sewer hookups, concrete pads, many on a beautiful lake," reports one reviewer. Another mentioned, "Very long and level concrete pad. Great Verizon signal and numerous free digital TV stations to choose from."
Privacy between campsites: Several parks maintain good spacing between sites. "The sites are nicely spaced out so even if there had been a lot of people there, it wouldn't have felt too crowded," writes a camper about Gunter Hill. "Large old trees with beautiful Spanish moss provide plenty of shade in the sites."
Well-maintained facilities: Cleanliness stands out at Kountry Air RV Park where one visitor noted, "The owners Gigi & her husband work hard to keep the gardens beautiful, the campground maintained & the pool is so clean & refreshing." The campground receives consistent praise for its upkeep and landscaping.
What you should know
Pest management: Ants can be problematic at some locations, especially during warmer months. "We were there first week of October... trailer was invaded by a horde of little black ants," reported one Prairie Creek camper who suggested, "Jim the gate guy told us to put comet around tires." Several reviewers recommend bringing ant control products.
Seasonal considerations: Shoulder seasons offer quieter camping experiences. "When we pulled into Gunter Hill this time of year [November/December] we were surprised to see how empty the place was," noted one camper. Lower humidity and temperatures make fall and spring particularly comfortable for outdoor activities.
Road access concerns: Some campgrounds have specific route recommendations. At The Backyard RV Resort (formerly The Woods RV Park), visitors note its convenient location: "Convenient to the highway. Can hear it but not too bad." For Kountry Air RV Park, reservations staff advise "to only take exit 179 off I-65 and follow the GPS directions, as any other way will take you on narrow roads, including gravel roads."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At Gunter Hill, "The site is right across from the bathroom/showers which are individual rather than community type layout, and they were clean and well maintained. For the kiddies there is also a sizable modern playground right next to the bathhouse."
Walking trails: Look for campgrounds with nature paths for children to explore. "Fishing, hiking and lots to do in nature," reports one camper about Gunter Hill. At Jackson Lake Towne of Spectre, families can enjoy unexpected encounters: "The baby goats were a fun little surprise!"
Security considerations: Families appreciate well-monitored campgrounds. At Capital City RV Park, campers note the "24 hour security patrol on golf cart. Very safe and quiet. Friendly staff. Speed limit enforced." This provides peace of mind for families with children.
Tips from RVers
Hookup positioning: Be prepared for varying utility layouts. At Gunter Hill, one camper noted, "We stayed overnight on site 35. It has full hookups, however the sewer was a bit far from the parking pad. If you have a single black tank hose this may be an issue."
Reservation timing: For premium waterfront spots, book well ahead. "Booked sites with friends months ago for a one night stay on the way to Columbus, MS. As such, we were able to book FHU sites along the water," shared a Gunter Hill camper, highlighting how early planning secured better locations.
Leveling requirements: Most sites require minimal leveling. At Montgomery South RV Park, "Leveling was minimal (fore/aft) with no need for blocks or boards." Similarly, at Kountry Air RV Park, "each site carefully leveled with gravel to make set up easy!"