Best Campgrounds near Selma, AL
Campgrounds near Selma, Alabama span several Army Corps of Engineers sites situated along waterways in the region. Paul M. Grist State Park Campground offers year-round tent and RV camping within city limits, while Prairie Creek Campground and Six Mile Creek provide waterfront options approximately 20-25 miles from downtown Selma. Most established campgrounds in the area feature electric hookups and drinking water, with several offering full RV amenities including sewer connections. The Alabama River system forms the backbone of camping opportunities, with mixed-use campgrounds spread along various lakes and waterways throughout Dallas, Autauga, and Lowndes counties.
Road conditions can present challenges, particularly for accessing more remote sites. Many Corps of Engineers campgrounds maintain paved camping pads, though access roads sometimes include dirt segments requiring careful navigation. One camper noted, "I drove through two miles of red mud to get to the paved access road" at Elm Bluff Campground. Summer heat and humidity affect camping comfort, with most visitors preferring spring and fall visits. Ant infestations present a persistent issue in many campgrounds, particularly for tent campers, with multiple reviews mentioning this problem at Prairie Creek. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with limited connectivity in more remote sites. Many campgrounds close during winter months, though several maintain year-round operations with reduced services.
Waterfront campsites consistently receive the highest ratings, with numerous options for direct water access at sites like Chilatchee Creek and Prairie Creek. These locations feature boat launches and some include private docks during quieter seasons. A visitor described Prairie Creek as having "flat campground that is easily walkable and can ride bikes. Most sites have water views and access." Wildlife viewing opportunities include turtles, alligators, and various bird species. While some campgrounds have well-maintained bathhouses with showers, others offer only basic vault toilets. Quieter camping experiences tend to be available at more remote locations like Chilatchee Creek, where a camper praised it as "secluded, quiet, plenty of wildlife and great fishing." Campgrounds closer to Montgomery tend to fill more quickly during peak summer weekends.
