Payne Lake, Talledega National Forest, Alabama
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I found out about this campground while researching campgrounds in Alabama, and I tent camped there in June 2007.
Describe your camping trip:
We were very pleasantly surprised on our first trip there in May, 2007. This campground is just what we were looking for, with very large shaded campsites for tents, with excellent tent pads and picnic tables. The campsites were spread far enough apart to allow a feel of privacy.
The waterfront campsites were especially nice with easy access to fishing. The RV sites were very spacious too. There are two camping areas, one on either side of the lake. One side has more open campsites mostly on the water, but still very shady, while the other side has great private campsites in hilly terrain in a very wooded setting.
Pros: One bathhouse on each side of the lake with hot showers, other restrooms with cold water, well maintained. Nice lake for boating, trolling motors only, with two swimming beaches. Great picnic areas and plenty of room for large groups like scout troops. Abundant wildlife, we've seen bald eagles (I think there are 5 there now), deer, geese, and you can hear coyotes at night. There is a nearby store/restaurant open until 8 or so in the evening, otherwise it is many miles from supplies, so be sure to stock up before you head out, if you are arriving late. The staff are all very nice and helpful. This campground is the best one I've been to in Alabama, for those who like a peaceful get-away in beautiful, quiet surroundings.
Cons: No real cons at all, but I do wish they would re-open the nature trail. It looks beautiful, but it is temporarily closed due to storm damage.
Nearby attractions: Mainly Payne Lake, the campground's location. You could take a day trip to Moundville, and it's about an hour's drive to Birmingham.
Further comments:
A lot of work has been done in the campground since May, and it is even better now. We've been back twice already, and we thoroughly enjoyed each visit.
Visit Their Website
Visit Their Website
I found out about this campground while researching campgrounds in Alabama, and I tent camped there in June 2007.
Describe your camping trip:
We were very pleasantly surprised on our first trip there in May, 2007. This campground is just what we were looking for, with very large shaded campsites for tents, with excellent tent pads and picnic tables. The campsites were spread far enough apart to allow a feel of privacy.
The waterfront campsites were especially nice with easy access to fishing. The RV sites were very spacious too. There are two camping areas, one on either side of the lake. One side has more open campsites mostly on the water, but still very shady, while the other side has great private campsites in hilly terrain in a very wooded setting.
Pros: One bathhouse on each side of the lake with hot showers, other restrooms with cold water, well maintained. Nice lake for boating, trolling motors only, with two swimming beaches. Great picnic areas and plenty of room for large groups like scout troops. Abundant wildlife, we've seen bald eagles (I think there are 5 there now), deer, geese, and you can hear coyotes at night. There is a nearby store/restaurant open until 8 or so in the evening, otherwise it is many miles from supplies, so be sure to stock up before you head out, if you are arriving late. The staff are all very nice and helpful. This campground is the best one I've been to in Alabama, for those who like a peaceful get-away in beautiful, quiet surroundings.
Cons: No real cons at all, but I do wish they would re-open the nature trail. It looks beautiful, but it is temporarily closed due to storm damage.
Nearby attractions: Mainly Payne Lake, the campground's location. You could take a day trip to Moundville, and it's about an hour's drive to Birmingham.
Further comments:
A lot of work has been done in the campground since May, and it is even better now. We've been back twice already, and we thoroughly enjoyed each visit.
Visit Their Website
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