Before I begin this review, you must understand that it is not like what it once was. It is a busy resort campground with a cult following.

The safari tents are comfortable and spacious. Perfect for basecamp. They definitely arent cheap, but they are definitely worth every penny. The host was very nice and hospitable.

We went in March, arrived after dark, and departed very, very early. It snowed in the morning, so be ready for any extreme weather surprises in the desert!

We just happened to camp during an unusually cool time, and extremely thankful for it. Temps are 10-15 degrees hotter here than at the top of the canyon. Vault toilets are super nice. Bring a light with you. Tent sites were well maintained, but sound carries. We could hear our neighbors clear as day when they arrived at 2:30AM and 4AM. Tons of wildlife came through camp - two bison, a raccoon, and a pack of coyotes.

Just a short walk to a nice scene up to an overlook where the wind funnels down. If you feel hot and sweaty, just walk 2 minutes through the juniper and cacti to relief.

This was one of the more interesting spots we've stayed at. We stayed in one of the tiny cabins, which had very nice amenities, cold AC, and a retro modern vibe. However, the cabins are all very close to each other and you can see inside each of the cabins. We ended up pulling the black out curtains closed for almost our entire visit because our neighbors kept (accidentally, probably) looking in our windows.

The tiny cabin village and RV areas are nicely developed, and everything is lit up at night for easy navigation. The neighbors were all chill. Fire pits and grills at each site. Bathhouse was clean and stocked.

The weird part was that the primitive campsites, the chapel, and beach access weren't kept up. The views were gorgeous, but if you don't have a boat, it's not really enjoyable.  The beach isn't one you can sit on and play with kids. The chapel had a creepy, overgrown vibe. You can hike down to the cove by the chapel, and then you're greeted by the beach access you want at the campsites across the water.

Definitely bring a high clearance vehicle if you want to make it to the clearing. We didn't trust our camper Prius to make it through a certain dip in the trail, so we found a nice level spot in the woods just off the trail. Brock let us know that it is being newly developed, and there are lots of goodies to come in the area that we camped in! 

Fortunately, the clearing that most people camp at is only a short walk away, and wow is it a stunner! It is completely secluded and surrounded by pines. The space would be perfect for families and groups! There's lots of space to run around and spread out without worrying that someone will walk up on your camp, even with dispersed camping. We saw a couple rabbits too! 

We really appreciated the fire pit, though we didn't want anything big during this heat wave. We found ourselves content with using the propane stove under the shade of the trees in our little spot in the woods. Brock is also developing a disc golf course on property - so yes, that Harpoon Larry.

What a gorgeous farm, and what a marvelous experience! When we first arrived, we thought we would have to hike down to camp. Nope! Brian met us at the gate, and led us down a perfectly manicured field so that we could park right next to our tent spot! 

He showered us with provisions grown on his farm, including oodles of chanterelles and a couple bulbs of Creole Ajo Rojo from his passion project. We enjoyed a couple hours kayaking on the big pond/little lake with some ducks. We ended up getting caught in a surprise rain storm while floating, but no worries! We were able to make it back and throw up a tarp in no time. There are lots of primo spots to set up your tent, but ours fit perfectly between the two trees our tarp was strung between. 

Brian really thought of everything when it comes to this camp! He provided us with covered firewood- including heat pine, which burned like a match and made building a fire after the rainstorm a breeze. We loved having enough chairs to set up both in front of the water and in front of the fire, so we didn't have to drag them back and forth. 

Oh, what luxury it is to have a running toilet and a hot shower while camping! Both structures are incredibly solid and private, and made us feel human again after a couple weeks camping primitively. 

As for phone service, mine was in and out. This is rural Mississippi, after all. But when I did have service, Brian was incredibly attentive when I needed to reach him!

The tent site itself is right off the intersection of the road and a moderately busy highway- so if you don't mind traffic passing by, then this may be for you. The site and entire camper-available areas were so overgrown, it's only accessible by 4wd.  You will absolutely need high clearance, even on the gravel roads. My Prius' undercarriage was completely torn up just from driving on a seemingly okay gravel road. 

The owner, Bethany, says she loves to tell stories and weave yours into theirs…. but she never replied to any messages after booking. Bryan works on the farm and was an absolute sweetheart, and gave us a rundown of the farm and where to find the VW graveyard.

The site itself was not well-marked and completely overgrown. I spent the entire time paranoid about snakes. My partner did his best to calm my fears and make the place charming for the night, but honestly, this one is better passed up.

What a magical experience floating in the trees surrounded by fire flies! Elizabeth and Mark were exceptional hosts. There is so much to do on property, and they are working on more! Their love for the land really shines through their work here. 

The suspended tree tent feels like a bouncy tree house. We came during some spats of rain, and the rain fly kept us dry without any problems. The lower level serves as a great "garage" for all your gear. You climb up to the top level through the middle of the tent- we felt like kids again. So much fun! 

Elizabeth has thought of EVERYTHING when it comes to her property! Not only do you have a fully equipped camp kitchen and fire pit, but there is also a rocket stove in the earth next to the pit. This is a wet area, but the rocket stove will give you a fire no matter what. The counter with the Colman stove served as a wonderful place to prep our meals. 

There is also a full bathroom with a solar shower- super clean and well maintained! Elizabeth has put a ton of work into making trails that meander through the property, perfect for a stroll- or to go hang out in the community area by the stream. We were able to use fresh tomatoes and herbs from the garden for our meal, and then do our dishes by the water pump! Elizabeth walked us through how to use the pump- easy as pie! 

There are hidden surprises in every nook and cranny. Tiny fairy gardens and hammocks, and variegated plants! Elizabeth even has a rock painting kit at the campsite :)

We originally stayed July 2020. Cute and well-maintained little spot in the forest! Charles was a gracious, personable host and met us on-site. He told us the history of the land, and gave us the rundown of all things Bluegill. We met his dog, Lily, who is a sweetie pie. There are plenty of spots for hammocking, and a clean, level clearing for a tent with enough room to park our vehicle. Charles gave us the VIP treatment and brought down a couple solar powered fans, which were all the difference after sundown and the breeze completely stopped. Kitty Cove was secluded, but you'll definitely want to bring a tarp or umbrella because there isn't much shade cover. There are two little islands you can swim or kayak to from Kitty Cove. Bennett Cove was perfect for star-gazing, but admittedly a little less secluded. You get a wide view of the sky, and if you're lucky like we were, you'll see meteor fireball shoot completely across the sky. If you get bothered by the boats on the water, the stars are gorgeous from the clearing on the campsite.

UPDATE as of April 2022

If you're in the area, this is such a wonderful hidden gem. We went back after an unfortunate backpacking trip, and Charles accommodated us last minute. He says campers have all but disappeared the past few months. He has a new camp toilet, and more designated spaces around Bluegill Hill. He's really put a lot of love and hard work into the land, it's hard to see it go unloved by campers. It really is a wonderful place to relax by the river and escape from the busier campgrounds.

We stayed at the Group campground at the top of the dam, and it was a very nice, level site for our tents. It has a wind-break on one side that we were thankful for when the windstorms rolled through. Accessible by 2WD. 

Easy access to the docks and to deer blinds to watch the deer come out (no hunting). Carol, one of the ranch managers, gave us a grand tour of the property - there are some beautiful primitive sites in the back of the ranch, including one that is "ideal for backpackers". 

One thing to note if you are camping around the lake - sound travels. If there are guests at the lodge, you WILL hear them. Luckily, when the kids at the lodge woke us up at 2am with loud music and shouting, the managers were very quick to get them to quiet down.

Stars are bright out here. Coyotes sang us to sleep.

Breston was an amazing host!!! DEFINITELY call or text him to reserve a site. The historic plantation is absolutely gorgeous. We got the grand tour of the land, and Breston’s impressive herb farm. The love and passion Breston has for horticulture really shines through his work here. I’m a house plant nerd, and I loved learning about the ins and outs(and scientific names!) of outdoor plants! He’s got some for sale as well. We were going to pick up a patchouli plant, but I am spacey and completely forgot to ask by the time we left. 

Breston made us drinks with mint fresh from his garden, and offered a local beer(both delicious! He makes a mean julep!) His homemade gumbo was*chef’s kiss*. We walked back to our tent in the clearing behind the house with full bellies and good spirits. 

There are lots of spots to pitch your tent on property. We chose the clearing in the back, surrounded by towering trees, next to the levee. We brought bare minimum sleeping pads(just Nemo switchbacks and bags) and it was like sleeping on a cloud. The ground was soft and cushy, perfect if you’re light car-campers like we are. Just gingerly drive over a 110 year old sidewalk to get there! Southern hospitality is abundant here. We can’t thank Breston enough for such a memorable experience!

Super cute little bus! We ended up staying during a rainy weekend, and my tiny Prius C made it up and down the trail twice, albeit very slowly. Definitely bring a 4wd or high clearance vehicle if you can help it, because it wasn't easy. Definitely worth it though. Great view of the hills and mountains from every direction. 

We didn't realize that there was a van/RV site on the lot as well, and that the outhouse was shared with it. Given the current circumstances, we were a little nervous since we could audibly hear our neighbors coughing, but we all kept our distance. 

When we arrived, there was water available for us on the bus, as well as instructions for the appliances and outhouse. There was plenty of space on the bus to spread out(and I had two kids on a rainy weekend), and it's charmingly decorated. The host does have dogs that roam, and are friendly for the most part. One dog is a little more excitable than the other, and did spook my daughter. 

We got plenty of exercise and beautiful views walking on the dirt road. Only 5 minutes from Madrid, which is magical if you've never been before.

We've been coming here for 3 years now, and have had the privilege of watching this park become something really extraordinary. The dispersed camp spots are accessible by 2WD, but take it slow. There's a spot across the back meadow next to the lake that is our absolute favorite. Beware of tons of caterpillars in the springtime.

River access is very convenient. Can tube or boat right in. Neighbors have all been very respectful, and the camp hosts are so kind and accommodating.

Tent sites are walk-in to the other side of the end of the lake, and can be pretty rickety with loose rocks getting there. Was good practice for backpacking, since parking is closeby, but not very convenient. P008 is probably the only site suitable for hammock camping. Everything else is flat and exposed, next to the shore.

We were woken up by loud boats trolling the shore and men shouting around midnight both nights we were there, and could hear conversations from the RV area.

We stayed in the upper campgrounds at site 66, which was just a short walk from the pool and restaurant. Be careful walking back from watching the sunset at the overlook, it's easy to get turned around. The site was on an incline, so we basically tent surfed all night. 

The sunset AND moon rise are unbeatable for Alabama. The pinhoti runs through. The camp store is pretty cute, stocked with the usual camp store fare. The burgers at the restaurant are some of the best we've had. The pool is small, but wasn't crowded, even in July.

This was hands down one of the nicest camp spots we've ever visited! Virginia was waiting to welcome us as we pulled up, and she brought us to our secluded little spot down the bluebonnet trail. What a treat! Well maintained, clean commode, and what Virginia calls"barefootable". My shoes came off as soon as camp was set up, and stayed off the entire stay. 

Everywhere you go, the property is magical. The private creek was sparkling, the bamboo forest was winding, and the birds were always singing. There is tons of plant diversity, and delicious wild onions all over. If you come during wildflower season, this is a darling place for your annual bluebonnet photos! Bring chairs to sit in the spring-fed creek while the little ones splash in the water and count dragonflies. There's even a swing that was perfect for(5'2") me. I felt like a little kid again, tucked up with my book, swinging, and listening to the babbling creek. 

After our dip in the creek, we were able to take refreshing showers! The site is off of a country road, but felt very secluded and quiet. We lost service about 10 minutes from the site, but if you forget any provisions, the convenience store is less than 15 minutes away. 

We were under a burn ban, so we couldn't use the (incredibly clean and maintained!) fire pit, but we had plenty of space to set up our stove and cast iron to cook a healthy meal. We can only imagine how magical the stay would've been with a fire!

We came here to escape the crowd and find some fun hiking. The drive is a little scary, but definitely accessible by 2wd. 

Cushy tent pads, clean restrooms, and respectful neighbors with a creek babbling nearby. This felt like glamping.

If you're here for the Boogerman, it's a lot of uphill work with zero view payoff, and then 14 water crossings as you head back. We loved it.

Beautiful campground down a windy road. Tent site doesn't get much of the expansive views, but it is much easier to set up shade shelters. Beware of the heat, even when headed into fall. Pleasant morning temperatures don't last long.

Well worth the long drive with plenty of drive-in spots. Gentle grades to get to the loops. We passed a few hike-in spots on our way to the Aztec Cave that looked great as well. 

Our particular site had a gorgeous view down a valley close to the restrooms. We're told that the restrooms don't usually smell, but the we were there for race weekend, and we ended up packing up a day early to escape the downwind stink.

First come first serve dispersed, lots of neighbors in a tight space in April. If you know what you're getting into, it's totally fine. We ended up leaving at midnight because of some drunk campers blasting music and pointing spotlights at tents.

Other than that, a pretty cute site. Fairly well-kept with some trails around Black Creek Lake. Great for kids - there's a playground and barefootable grassy areas. A few trees suitable for hammocking.

We camp in the Wild Plum (walk-in) area a lot when we don't want to travel far from home or want to test new gear. Campsites are roomy and level with convenient water access. Sunset is gorgeous from site 126. Feels very secluded in site 130-131, but those sites can be closed during rainy season due to flooding. Lots of hammocking trees. Plenty of wildlife to keep you company (hang your food bags on the hooks). 

Lots of easy hiking and very kid-friendly.