Tent camping near Selma, Alabama offers limited but viable options within a 30-mile radius of the historic city. The central Alabama Black Belt region features a mix of river access points and established campgrounds primarily managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F with high humidity, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to do
River recreation: Jones Bluff provides access to the Alabama River for swimming, fishing, and boating activities. While Jones Bluff itself doesn't offer camping, nearby Prairie Creek Park Campgrounds and Gunter Hill Park provide established alternatives.
Historical exploration: Campers staying at Murchison Farm can use it as a base for exploring regional historical sites. Located in Pine Apple, this campground operates seasonally from March through October, making it ideal for spring visits to nearby civil rights landmarks.
Picnicking opportunities: Payne Lake Spillway offers designated picnic areas with cooking facilities. Hannah C. notes, "There is a pavilion with four picnic tables underneath it and then there are isolated picnic tables around the area. They have fire pits and grills nearby for cooking."
What campers like
Basic amenities: Runaway Branch in Forkland provides primitive camping with essential facilities including drinking water, toilets, and picnic tables. Fires are permitted at this location, making it suitable for traditional tent camping experiences.
Wildlife viewing: The waterways near Lock 5 attract various bird species and aquatic wildlife. The surrounding wooded areas offer habitat for white-tailed deer and small mammals common to central Alabama lowlands.
River access: Many camping areas in the region provide direct access to waterways for fishing. Local anglers target catfish, bass, and crappie in the area's rivers and lakes, with early morning and evening hours typically producing the best results.
What you should know
Limited availability: Tent camping options within immediate proximity to Selma are sparse. Most established campgrounds require driving 20-30 miles from the city center.
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat and humidity can be challenging for tent campers without electricity for fans or cooling. Insect activity increases significantly during warmer months, particularly near water sources.
Primitive conditions: Most tent sites near Selma offer basic amenities. Jones Bluff (Bob Woodruff Park) primarily serves as a day-use area. Sarah C. explains, "There isn't camping located in the immediate vicinity, however you can camp just down the road at either the Prairie Creek Park Campgrounds or back toward Montgomery a bit at Gunter Hill Park."
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Position your camping trip around visits to civil rights landmarks. The Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail offers interpretive stops that can be incorporated into a family camping itinerary.
Day trips: Use established campgrounds as a base while taking day trips into Selma. The city's historic downtown and bridge are approximately 30 minutes from most camping areas.
Safety considerations: Payne Lake Spillway has designated recreation areas separate from camping zones. Hannah C. clarifies, "No camping is allowed in this area of the campground," referring to the spillway picnic area, which helps families understand allowed usage areas.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups: Most camping areas near Selma lack full RV hookups. Tent camping is the primary accommodation type at sites like Runaway Branch and Lock 5.
Alternative options: Murchison Farm accepts both tents and RVs with drive-in access, though without electric, sewer, or water hookups. The campground does provide drinking water, showers, and toilets for basic comfort.
Dump station locations: While most primitive camping areas lack sanitary dump facilities, Payne Lake Spillway provides this service for RVers needing to empty holding tanks before or after their stay in the Selma region.
