Historic Blakeley State Park offers 2,000 acres of natural and historic landscapes near Uriah, Alabama. The park features extensive hiking trails with many running through Civil War battlefields and diverse ecosystems. Winter temperatures in the area typically range from 40-60°F, making off-season camping comfortable compared to summer months when humidity and temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
What to do
Civil War exploration: At Blakeley State Park Campground, visitors can take self-guided walking tours through battlefield sites. "There are bathrooms and bath houses, fairly secluded campsites, along with 26 miles of trails which are easy to moderate with a flat surface. You will walk through historic civil war sites, trails that were once the streets of the town of Blakeley," notes Julie D. in her review.
River activities: Tubing and kayaking are popular at The Retreat RV & Campground On Styx River. One camper reports, "The RV sites are not on any type of paved or level ground and are not suitable for larger RVs. They're VERY close together and there are a lot of trees." Despite this limitation, the water access makes it worthwhile for many visitors.
Farm animal interactions: Coldwater Gardens offers unique agricultural experiences alongside camping. The property maintains chickens and other farm animals that campers can visit, providing an educational element especially appealing to families with children.
What campers like
Privacy and space: Campers at Blakeley State Park appreciate the secluded nature of many sites. According to Chirleen E., "Great tent campground. Most sites have some privacy but a few are close to neighboring sites. Its a short walk to the bathhouse and tons of hiking trails are nearby."
Water access: The riverfront location at The Retreat on Styx River receives positive mentions. Amber L. notes, "It's located on the river and they have a pet beach separate so even your dogs can enjoy the water. The camp manager is nice and very helpful."
Diverse accommodation options: Adventures Unlimited stands out for offering various camping styles including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, glamping tents, and yurt camping near Uriah, Alabama. Lance B. shares, "The camp site itself is nice and private. The bath house needs cleaning from the roaches and spiders. It also has a small playground. The canoe trip is a must!!"
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the area require leveling equipment. Michael from Blakeley State Park warns, "Some of the sites are so unlevel. But the historical tour of the park is amazing." Bring adequate leveling blocks, especially for RVs.
Limited 50-amp service: Campers requiring 50-amp electrical service should call ahead to confirm availability. At The Retreat RV & Campground, Chloe F. advises, "If you need a 50-amp site you will have to call the office to ensure you can secure one, as we just booked online and our spot was a 30-amp."
Seasonal crowds: Summer weekends typically see the highest visitor counts at most campgrounds in the region. For a quieter experience at Peaceful Camping in the Woods, Christopher M. reports, "Parked in a clearing with 2 5th wheel renters on it...walked back into the woods along a trail and chose one of several camp clearings. Level ground, dry, lots of deer."
Tips for camping with families
Budget-friendly activities: Hiking trails provide cost-effective entertainment for families. At Blakeley State Park, Nicole G. shares, "We heard coyotes at a distance which was amazing. Woke up to begin the junior ranger packet for our kiddos (provided at checkout) and hiked and explored all day."
Water recreation planning: For families interested in water activities, timing matters. At The Retreat, tubing services cost approximately $30 per person, which can add up quickly for larger groups. Consider bringing your own tubes or kayaks to save on rental costs.
Off-grid adventure options: Boggs and Boulders offers unique outdoor experiences beyond standard camping. "If you have 4 wheelers, sxs, mud trucks or even just a gas powered golf cart, come check this place out. My 7yr old lives for this place and it's wonderful to watch him unplug and explore the outdoors with us and his friends," recommends Caitlin M.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Blakeley State Park, Aaron D. advises, "We stayed at spot RV Spot 2. It was a pull through spot and easy to get into. The spot was somewhat flat but we had to maneuver to get even and then still needed leveling blocks."
Dump station conditions: The dump station at The Retreat is reportedly difficult to use due to uneven terrain. Bring extra hoses or extensions to make this process easier, as several RVers reported challenges with this facility.
Weather preparedness: The Uriah area can experience rapid weather changes, especially during spring and fall. Tom from The Retreat RV & Campground notes the heavily wooded sites can provide good shelter during rain but make navigation challenging for larger rigs.
