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INTRODUCTION

How to Use This Guidebook

The publishers of Menasha Ridge Press welcome you to Best Tent Camping: Alabama. Whether you’re new to this activity or you’ve been sleeping in your portable outdoor shelter over decades of outdoor adventures, please review the following information. It explains how we have worked with the author to organize this book and how you can make the best use of it.

Some passages in this introduction are applicable to all of the books in the Best Tent Camping guidebook series. Where this isn’t the case, such as in the descriptions of weather, wildlife, and plants, the author has provided information specific to your state.

THE RATINGS & RATING CATEGORIES

As with all of the state-by-state books in the publisher’s Best Tent Camping series, this guidebook’s author personally experienced dozens of campgrounds and campsites to select the top 50 locations in this state. Within that universe of 50 sites, the author then ranked each one in the six categories described below. As a tough grader, the author awarded few five-star ratings, but each campground in this guidebook is superlative in its own way. For example, a site may be rated only one star in one category but perhaps five stars in another category. This rating system allows you to choose your destination based on the attributes that are most important to you.

Beauty

Beauty, of course, is in the eye of the beholder, but panoramic views or proximity to a lake or river earn especially high marks. A campground that blends in well with the environment scores well, as do areas with remarkable wildlife or geology. Well-kept vegetation and nicely laid-out sites also up the ratings.

Privacy

The number of sites in a campground, the amount of screening between them, and physical distance from one another are decisive factors for the privacy ratings. Other considerations include the presence of nearby trails or day-use areas, as well as proximity to a town or city that would invite regular day-use traffic and perhaps compromise privacy.

Spaciousness

The size of the tent spot, its proximity to other tent spots, and whether or not it is defined or bordered from activity areas are the key consideration. The highest ratings go to sites that allow the tent-camper to comfortably spread out without overlapping neighboring sites, or picnic, cooking, or parking areas.

Quiet

Criteria for this rating include several touchstones: the author’s experience at the site, the nearness of roads, the proximity of towns and cities, the probable number of RVs, the likelihood of noisy ATVs or boats, and whether a campground host is available or willing to enforce the quiet hours. Of course, one set of noisy neighbors can deflate a five-star rating into a one-star (or no-star), so the latter criterion—campground enforcement—was particularly important in the author’s evaluation of this category.

Security

How you determine a campground’s security will depend on who you view as the greater risk: other people or the wilderness. The more remote the campground, the less likely you are to run into opportunistic crime, but the more remote the campground, the harder it is to get help in case of an accident or dangerous wildlife confrontation. Ratings in this category take into consideration whether there was a campground host or resident park ranger, proximity of other campers’ sites, how much day traffic the campground received, how close the campground was to a town or city, and whether there was cell-phone reception or some type of pay phone or emergency call button.

Cleanliness

A campground’s appearance often depends on who was there right before you and how your visit coincides with the maintenance schedule. In general, higher marks went to those campgrounds with hosts who cleaned up regularly. The rare case of odor-free toilets also gleaned high marks. At campgrounds without a host, criteria included trash receptacles and evidence that sites were cleared and that signs and buildings were kept repaired. Markdowns for the campground were not given for a single visitor’s garbage left at a site, but old trash in the shrubbery and along trails, indicating infrequent cleaning, did secure low ratings.

THE OVERVIEW MAP & KEY

Use the overview map on the inside front cover to pinpoint the location of each campground. The campground’s number follows it throughout this guidebook: from the overview map, to the map key facing the overview map, to the table of contents, and to the profile’s first page. A map legend that details the symbols found on the campground-layout maps appears on the inside back cover.

CAMPGROUND-LAYOUT MAPS

Each profile contains a detailed map of campground sites, internal roads, facilities, and other key items.

CAMPGROUND ENTRANCE GPS COORDINATES

All 50 of the profiles in this guidebook include a box showing the GPS coordinates for each site entrance. The intersection of the latitude (north) and longitude (west) coordinates orients you to the entrance. Please note that this guidebook uses the degree–decimal minute format for presenting the GPS coordinates. Example:

GPS COORDINATES N32° 58.693' W85° 13.272'

To convert GPS coordinates from degrees, minutes, and seconds to the above degrees–decimal minutes format, the seconds are divided by 60. For more on GPS technology, visit usgs.gov.

WEATHER

The weather in Alabama is as distinctive as its environment. Along the Gulf Coast you’ll experience a subtropical climate, while to the north cold and snowy winters are common. But of course, weather isn’t that cut-and-dried.

Average temperatures in the north range from 46°F in January to 80°F in July. On the coast the temperatures range from 52°F in the winter to 85°F in summer. Yes, the coast does experience cold snaps of below 30°F in the winter, sometimes even below zero, but they’re usually short-lived and last only a day or two.

Overall the weather across the state makes it a pleasure to camp out any time of the year, but there are a few caveats. Being in a subtropical environment you can expect extended days of high heat and humidity throughout the summer. This makes for a deadly combination and a heat index that easily soars over 100° many days throughout the summer.

Alabama is particularly prone to a couple of big weather issues in the summer. Because of the heat and humidity, the state experiences extremely dangerous pop-up summertime thunderstorms. These squalls can drop 2 or more inches of rain in less than an hour and be accompanied by dangerous lightning and, in the north, tornadoes.

The other is hurricane season, which generally falls between May and November. Even though Alabama has a relatively small strip of land along the Gulf of Mexico, the area has seen devastating storms in the last decade, including Ivan, Dennis, and, of course, Katrina. And even though a hurricane afflicts the most wind and water damage along the coast, areas hundreds of miles away can still feel its effects. As a matter of fact, most injuries and deaths resulting from a hurricane occur well inland from flooding. Be sure to check for severe weather updates with the National Weather Service and local news outlets regularly during the summer, no matter what part of the state you travel.

FIRST-AID KIT

A useful first-aid kit may contain more items than you might think necessary. These are just the basics. Prepackaged kits in waterproof bags (Atwater Carey and Adventure Medical make them) are available. As a preventive measure, always take along sunscreen and insect repellent. Even though quite a few items are listed here, they pack down into a small space.

 Ace bandages or Spenco joint wraps

 Adhesive bandages, such as Band-Aids

 Antibiotic ointment (Neosporin or the generic equivalent)

 Antiseptic or disinfectant, such as Betadine or hydrogen peroxide

 Aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), or ibuprofen (Advil)

 Benadryl or the generic equivalent, diphenhydramine (in case of allergic reactions)

 Butterfly-closure bandages

 Emergency poncho

 Epinephrine in a prefilled syringe (for severe allergic reactions to bee stings and so on)

 Gauze (one roll and six 4-by-4-inch compress pads)

 LED flashlight or headlamp

 Matches or pocket lighter

 Mirror for signaling passing aircraft

 Moleskin/Spenco 2nd Skin

 Pocketknife or multipurpose tool

 Waterproof first-aid tape

 Whistle (it’s more effective in signaling rescuers than your voice)

FLORA & FAUNA PRECAUTIONS

Poisonous Plants

Poison ivy and poison sumac thrive across the Southeast. Some people have reactions to these plants while others don’t. Your best bet is to not take the chance and avoid them by learning how to identify them.

Ever hear the old adage “leaves of three, let it be”? Poison ivy can be either a thick vine clinging to trees or a ground cover. The plant is easily identifiable by its three leaflets.

If you happen upon a poison sumac tree in the forest, you might think that it would look very nice as an ornamental plant in your home—don’t go there! The tree itself grows 25–30 feet tall, has a 5-inch-diameter trunk, is covered with broad leaves with each leaf containing 7–13 leaflets, and is adorned with groupings of small white berries that birds love. Sumac is found in wet marshes, forests, and swamps, and because of this, the plant is found only in the lower two-thirds of the state and is virtually nonexistent from the Mountain Region north.

What makes these plants so irritating is the oil in their sap, called urushiol. Usually within 12–14 hours after contact, a rash begins to develop with raised lines, sometimes blisters, and a terrible itch.

If you have these symptoms, don’t scratch the infected area. Wash and dry the rash thoroughly, then apply calamine lotion or a similar product that will help dry it. If itching or blistering is severe, seek medical attention. And remember, oil-contaminated clothes, pets, or hiking gear can easily cause an irritating rash on you or someone else, so wash not only any exposed parts of your body but also clothes, gear, and pets.

Mosquitoes and Yellow Flies

You can’t escape them. They can be found everywhere from north to south Alabama. Mosquitoes are literally after your blood, and while it’s rare, they can infect humans with the West Nile virus. Culex mosquitoes, the primary variety that can transmit West Nile virus, thrive in urban rather than natural areas. They lay their eggs in stagnant water and can breed in any standing water that remains for more than five days. Most people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms, but some may become ill, usually 3–15 days after being bitten.

Anytime you expect mosquitoes to be buzzing around, you may want to wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves, long pants, and socks. Loose-fitting, light-colored clothing is best. Spray clothing with insect repellent. Remember to follow the instructions on the repellent and to take extra care to protect children against these insects.

Another nuisance in the South is yellow flies. These yellow-bodied insects live in shady, humid areas along the edges of rivers, creeks, streams, and forests. Like the mosquito, yellow flies are out for a little blood, and once one bites you, expect the crew to join in. You could find yourself with 20 or 30 yellow flies attacking at one time.

Unlike the mosquito their bite is fierce. While they can bite any part of the body, they mainly focus on the head, neck, and shoulders, and once they have your scent, they are almost impossible to get rid of. The best way to avoid them is to stay in sunny open areas. If you are on the move, for example hiking, move at a fast jog. And unfortunately, insect repellents have little effect on yellow flies.

Snakes

More than 50 species of snakes call Alabama home, but only 6 are venomous (poisonous): the copperhead, eastern diamondback rattler, eastern cottonmouth or water moccasin, pygmy rattlesnake, and timber rattlesnake. Most of these are common throughout the state with the exception of the pygmy rattlesnake and eastern diamondback, which are described as being rare to uncommon and are believed to be declining in numbers. In any event a good rule of thumb is to give whatever animal you encounter a wide berth and leave it alone.

Alligators

Nothing adds to your camping adventure like spotting an alligator or two relaxing in the sun or floating along a river or bayou. Alligators can be found from the Gulf to Montgomery. Remember, alligators are naturally afraid of humans, but don’t feed them! Feeding them changes the pecking order, and they become reliant on people for food, and that could mean you or your dog.

Ticks

Ticks like to hang out in the brush that grows along trails, and while there are certain species of ticks that live in one region of the state or another, it is safe to say that ticks are common throughout Alabama.

Warm weather brings them out. Ticks are not insects but arachnids that need a host to continue their life cycle. The primary types of ticks are deer and dog ticks and are very small when they light upon you. It usually takes several hours for a tick to attach itself and transmit any diseases. The best strategy when you’re in the woods is to do a tick check every half hour or so, that is, visual inspections to make sure that you don’t have any unwanted hitchhikers on board. Do another check at camp and then again when you take a shower; be sure to check your entire body.

Ticks that haven’t latched on are easily removed but not easily killed. If you find one in the woods, it’s best to simply toss it aside. If you find one on your person, in the bathroom, you can flush it down the toilet. For ticks that have embedded, removal with tweezers is best.

CAMPGROUND ETIQUETTE

Here are a few tips on how to create good vibes with fellow campers and wildlife you encounter.

 Make sure that you check in, pay your fee, and mark your site as directed. Don’t make the mistake of grabbing a seemingly empty site that looks more appealing than your site. It could be reserved. If you’re unhappy with the site you’ve selected, check with the campground host for other options.

 Be sensitive to the ground beneath you. Place all garbage in designated receptacles or pack it out if none is available. No one likes to see the trash that someone else has left behind.

 It’s common for animals to wander through campsites, where they may be accustomed to the presence of humans (and our food). An unannounced approach, a sudden movement, or a loud noise startles most animals. A surprised animal can be dangerous to you, to others, and to themselves. Give them plenty of space.

 Plan ahead. Know your equipment, your ability, and the area where you are camping—and prepare accordingly. Be self-sufficient at all times; carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. A well-executed trip is a satisfaction to you and to others.

 Be courteous to other campers, hikers, bikers, and anyone else you encounter.

 Strictly follow the campground’s rules regarding the building of fires. Never burn trash. Trash smoke smells horrible, and trash debris in a fire pit or grill is unsightly.

 Everyone likes a fire, but bringing your own firewood from home is now frowned upon by most campground operators. Bringing in wood from out of the area could introduce pests that are harmful to the forest. Use deadfall found near your campsite or purchase wood at the camp store.

HAPPY CAMPING

There’s nothing worse than a bad camping trip, especially because it’s so easy to have a great time. To assist with making your outing a happy one, here are some pointers:

 Reserve your site in advance, especially if it’s a weekend or a holiday, or if the campground is wildly popular. Many prime campgrounds require at least a six-month lead time on reservations. Check before you go.

 Pick your camping buddies wisely. A family trip is pretty straightforward, but you may want to reconsider including grumpy Uncle Fred, who doesn’t like bugs, sunshine, or marshmallows. After you know who’s going, make sure that everyone is on the same page regarding expectations of difficulty (amenities or the lack thereof, physical exertion, and so on), sleeping arrangements, and food requirements.

 Don’t duplicate equipment, such as cooking pots and lanterns, among campers in your party. Carry what you need to have a good time, but don’t turn the trip into a cross-country moving experience.

 Dress for the season. Educate yourself on the temperature highs and lows of the specific part of the state you plan to visit. It may be warm at night in the summer in your backyard, but up in the mountains it will be quite chilly.

 Pitch your tent on a level surface, preferably one covered with leaves, pine straw, or grass. Use a tarp or specially designed footprint to thwart ground moisture and to protect the tent floor. Do a little site maintenance, such as picking up the small rocks and sticks that can damage your tent floor and make sleep uncomfortable. If you have a separate tent rain fly but don’t think you’ll need it, keep it rolled up at the base of the tent in case it starts raining at midnight.

 Consider taking a sleeping pad if the ground makes you uncomfortable. Choose a pad that is full-length and thicker than you think you might need. This will not only keep your hips from aching on hard ground, but it will also help keep you warm. A wide range of thin, light, or inflatable pads is available at camping stores today, and these are a much better choice than home air mattresses, which conduct heat away from the body and tend to deflate during the night.

 If you are not hiking in to a primitive campsite, there is no real need to skimp on food due to weight. Plan tasty meals and bring everything you will need to prepare, cook, eat, and clean up.

 If you tend to use the bathroom multiple times at night, you should plan ahead. Leaving a warm sleeping bag and stumbling around in the dark to find the restroom—whether it be a pit toilet, a fully plumbed comfort station, or just the woods—is not fun. Keep a flashlight and any other accoutrements you may need by the tent door and know exactly where to head in the dark.

 Standing dead trees and storm-damaged living trees can pose a real hazard to tent campers (foresters call these widow-makers for obvious reasons.) These trees may have loose or broken limbs that could fall at any time. When choosing a campsite or even just a spot to rest during a hike, look up.

A WORD ABOUT BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING

Following these guidelines will increase your chances for a pleasant, safe, and low-impact interaction with nature.

 Adhere to the adages “Pack it in; pack it out” and “Take only pictures; leave only footprints.” Practice “leave no trace” camping ethics while in the backcountry.

 In Alabama, open fires are permitted except during dry times when the US Forest Service may issue a fire ban. Backpacking stoves are strongly encouraged.

 Hang food away from bears and other animals to prevent them from being introduced to (and becoming dependent on) human food. Yes, Alabama has bears. A growing number of black bears, as a matter of fact. Wildlife learns to associate backpacks and backpackers with easy food sources, thereby influencing its behavior.

 Bury solid human waste in a hole at least 3 inches deep and at least 200 feet away from trails and water sources; a trowel is basic backpacking equipment. More and more often, however, the practice of burying human waste is being banned. Using a portable latrine (which comes in various incarnations, basically a glorified plastic bag, given out by park rangers) may seem unthinkable at first, but it’s really no big deal. Just bring an extra-large zip-top bag for extra insurance against structural failures.

VENTURING AWAY FROM THE CAMPGROUND

If you go for a hike, bike ride, or other excursion into the wilderness, here are some precautions to keep in mind.

 Always carry food and water, whether you are planning to go overnight or not. Food will give you energy, help keep you warm, and sustain you in an emergency until help arrives. Bring potable water or treat water by boiling or filtering before drinking from a lake or stream.

 Stay on designated trails. Most hikers get lost when they leave the trail. Even on the most clearly marked trails, there is usually a point where you have to stop and consider which direction to head. If you become disoriented, don’t panic. As soon as you think you may be off-track, stop, assess your current direction, and then retrace your steps back to the point where you went awry. If you have absolutely no idea how to continue, return to the trailhead the way you came in. Should you become completely lost and have no idea of how to return to the trailhead, remaining in place along the trail and waiting for help is most often the best option for adults and always the best option for children.

 Be especially careful when crossing streams. Whether you are fording the stream or crossing on a log, make every step count. If you have any doubt about maintaining your balance on a log, go ahead and ford the stream instead. When fording a stream, use a trekking pole or stout stick for balance and face upstream as you cross. If a stream seems too deep to ford, turn back. Whatever is on the other side is not worth risking your life.

 Be careful at overlooks. Although these areas may provide spectacular views, they are potentially hazardous. Stay back from the edge of outcrops and be absolutely sure of your footing: a misstep can mean a nasty and possibly fatal fall.

 Know the symptoms of hypothermia. Shivering and forgetfulness are the two most common indicators of this insidious killer. Hypothermia can occur at any elevation, even in the summer. Wearing cotton clothing puts you especially at risk, because cotton, when wet, wicks heat away from the body. To prevent hypothermia, dress in layers using synthetic clothing for insulation, use a cap and gloves to reduce heat loss, and protect yourself with waterproof, breathable sleeping bag.

 Take along your brain. A cool, calculating mind is the single-most important piece of equipment you’ll ever need in the woods. Think before you act. Watch your step. Plan ahead. Avoiding accidents before they happen is the best recipe for a rewarding and relaxing camping trip.