Camping sites near Selma, Alabama cluster around the extensive Alabama River system with elevations ranging from 130-210 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures often reach highs of 95°F with humidity levels exceeding 80%, creating challenging conditions for tent camping from June through August. Winter camping offers milder conditions with daytime temperatures averaging 55-65°F, though facilities reduce services during this period.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: COE Alabama River Lakes Chilatchee Creek Campground provides multiple water access points for anglers. A visitor noted, "Surrounded by water this campground was not very full in November. On a tiny island there appeared to be thousands of birds roosting in the evening."
Swimming areas: Millers Ferry Campground features designated swimming zones with additional recreation options. A camper shared, "Public lake for swimming, on site, with playground! Great space between sites, pet friendly, nice bathrooms and showers."
Bird watching: Multiple species can be spotted at campgrounds throughout the region. At Chilatchee Creek, one visitor reported, "Good bird watching, turtles and gators. Quiet when I was there. Host on site. Nice private showers."
Biking trails: Several campgrounds feature paved roads suitable for cycling. A Prairie Creek visitor mentioned, "Flat campground that is easily walkable and can ride bikes. Two of the three bathhouses are well maintained."
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Prairie Creek Campground offers numerous water-view camping spots. As one camper described, "So nice. Many sites right on the water. Quiet and well equipped. Weather was perfect for a fire right next to the river."
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds feature wooded buffers between camping spots. At Gunter Hill, a visitor commented, "It seems like they were able to retain all the trees when they put the pads in, which retains the wooded feel of the campground."
Wildlife viewing: Natural settings provide opportunities to see native species. One camper at Prairie Creek stated, "We saw huge paddlefish jumping out of the water, many birds and deer on the nature trail. Bring fishing poles. Staff super friendly."
Level, concrete pads: Most developed campgrounds feature well-maintained camping spaces. At Chilatchee Creek, a reviewer noted, "The sites are nice level concrete and gravel pads, many of which have beautiful water front views."
What you should know
Ant prevention: Fire ants present a persistent challenge at many sites. At Prairie Creek, one camper recommended, "Be prepared and you'll be fine. Walk-in sites really nice and trail is flat and will accommodate wagon for hauling gear easily."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. At Kountry Air RV Park, visitors reported "We got 2 bars on Verizon, and their WiFi was better than most CGs this size," while other campgrounds have minimal coverage.
Access road conditions: Many campgrounds require driving on unpaved roads. For Elm Bluff Campground, a camper warned, "I drove through Two miles of red mud to get to the paved access road."
Seasonal closures: Operating schedules vary between campgrounds. Chilatchee Creek operates from "March 1 to September," while others like Millers Ferry remain open year-round with reduced services during winter months.
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies significantly between locations. At Miller's Ferry, one visitor cautioned, "Large, well kept sites. Horrible bathrooms a long walk from many sites. If the urge hits, you won't make it."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds: Paul M. Grist State Park Campground offers recreational spaces for children. A visitor noted, "Great hiking trail for a quick half day visit and also plenty of room on the ponds dam for tent camping!"
Swimming areas: Miller's Ferry provides family-friendly water recreation. A camper shared, "Very nice set up, kid friendly. We are enjoying our stay."
Safety considerations: Remote locations can feel isolating for some visitors. One camper at Paul M. Grist warned, "This camp looked like a great place to lay over for the day according to the SP brochure. When we drove in there was no one there at the camp office."
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing can provide learning experiences. At Gunter Hill, one visitor mentioned, "Nice campsites. Clean bathhouse. Pet friendly. Very friendly staff. Fishing, hiking and lots to do in nature."
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Utilities placement varies between campgrounds. At Kountry Air RV Park, a visitor observed, "The utilities are in the middle of the pad. We were able to position so we could get to both black tanks with a 10' sewer hose."
Sewer connections: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. A Millers Ferry visitor commented, "Only thing that would make it better is full hookup," while another noted, "Very nice. Roomy. Clean. Many nice sites. Nicely wooded and a lot of water views."
Big rig accessibility: Site dimensions accommodate varying RV sizes. At Gunter Hill, a camper reported, "Very long and level concrete pad. Great Verizon signal and numerous free digital TV stations to choose from."
Local services: Shopping and restaurants require planning. A Millers Ferry visitor shared, "Shopping in town about 15-20 minutes away. Several good restaurants. There is a Piggly Wiggly, True Value Hardware, and Dollar stores. Approx 20-30 min to Walmart, next town over."
