Dispersed camping near Selma provides access to the Alabama River's diverse ecosystem with year-round availability due to Alabama's mild winters and warm summers. The region's elevation ranges from approximately 80 to 200 feet above sea level, resulting in terrain that's accessible for most vehicles. Seasonal considerations include temperatures that regularly exceed 90°F from June through September, with higher humidity levels near water sources.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Prairie Creek Campground offers productive fishing from shoreline or boat access points. "In the morning we showered in the nicely maintained facilities and dropped our canoe in the water from the boat ramp to explore Woodruff Lake which was fantastic," reports one camper. The Alabama River system provides habitat for catfish, crappie, and bass species.
Hiking trails: Several natural paths exist throughout the region with varying difficulty levels. At Paul M. Grist State Park Campground, visitors note "Great hiking trail for a quick half day visit and also plenty of room on the ponds dam for tent camping!" Trails typically range from 1-3 miles in length with minimal elevation change.
Water recreation: Swimming areas with designated access points are available seasonally. At Millers Ferry Campground, campers appreciate the "fun swimming area and playground." Water temperatures remain comfortable from May through October, with swimming beaches typically busiest on summer weekends.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Gunter Hill offers premium locations along the shoreline. "Very long and level concrete pad. Great Verizon signal and numerous free digital TV stations to choose from," notes a recent visitor. Many waterfront sites feature concrete pads with adjacent grassy areas for outdoor activities.
Spacious layouts: Chilatchee Creek Campground provides well-designed camping areas with good separation between neighbors. One camper observed the "sites are well spaced, clean, big" and another mentioned "wonderful remote campground. Definitely has that out of the way, secluded vibe."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings offer prime opportunities for nature observation. A Chilatchee Creek visitor noted "good bird watching, turtles and gators" during their stay. Spring and fall migrations bring additional bird species through the region.
What you should know
Bug preparation: Insect repellent is essential, particularly during warmer months. Multiple Prairie Creek visitors mention ant issues, and one advises "Lots of mosquitoes & ants, bring bug spray for a more pleasant stay!"
Road conditions: Some campgrounds require travel on unpaved roads. A Six Mile Creek visitor noted the campground is "about 7 miles from Selma" while another campground review mentioned "very rough road on the short section of dirt."
Cell coverage limitations: Signal strength varies significantly between campgrounds and carriers. One Gunter Hill camper noted "Great Verizon signal," while others reported spotty coverage with different providers. Prairie Creek reportedly has "sketchy phone service...we have verizon and had very limited coverage."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Millers Ferry Campground features recreational facilities suitable for various age groups. A visitor highlighted the "fun swimming area and playground" and another mentioned it's "family friendly. Loved it!"
Swimming areas: Designated swimming locations provide safer water access for children. "Public lake for swimming, on site, with playground!" notes a Millers Ferry visitor. Most swimming areas have gradual entry points without lifeguards on duty.
Educational opportunities: Wildlife observation can become learning experiences. One camper reported "We saw huge paddlefish jumping out of the water, many birds and deer on the nature trail," providing natural science opportunities for children of all ages.
Tips from RVers
Hookup configurations: Full-service sites are available at select campgrounds with varying utility placements. At Kountry Air RV Park, one RVer noted "The sites are well placed and spread out so you don't feel like you're right on top of the campers next to you."
Leveling requirements: Concrete pads generally require minimal adjustment, while gravel sites may need more setup time. A visitor mentioned "each site carefully leveled with gravel to make set up easy!" demonstrating the attention to site preparation.
Dog-friendly considerations: Most pet-friendly campgrounds near Selma require leashes and waste cleanup. Campers appreciate that "Large sites, shaded, have sewer hookups, concrete pads, many on a beautiful lake" make comfortable accommodations for travelers with pets.
