Do you like camping, fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, or relaxing with a waterfront view? If you like any (or all) of these things, your family will love Prairie Creek Campground in Lowndesboro, Alabama, less than two hours from Birmingham.
As brand new travel trailer owners, we were itching to break in our new camper right away. Only problem? It was the middle of the busy summer season and just about every reservable campsite nearby was already booked. So after doing a bit of research and calling around, we decided to take our chances and set out in a direction that had several campgrounds with first-come, first-served sites. Less than two hours later, we rolled into Prairie Creek Campground and found plenty of room, even over the 4th of July holiday!
Prairie Creek Campground is operated by the US Army Corp of Engineers in the Alabama River Lakes District. Find out more about them and see more fun places to go HERE.
 The view from the tip of the peninsula upon which Prairie Creek Campground sits. |
Waterfront, Walk-in Tent Camping
Prairie Creek Campground has seven tent-only walk-in campsites situated on the end of the peninsula where the campground is located. A wide, flat trail makes all the sites easily accessible, especially if you have a wagon of some kind to carry equipment. Each site has great waterfront views, water, and electricity. Some even have wooden decks as a nice place to set up your camp chairs.
 Walk-in tent camping with water and electricity is a pretty rare find! |
RV and Tent Sites
The remaining sites in the campground welcome both RVs and tents. Sites are level, roomy and include water and electric, but some have better views or access to the water than others. The super friendly front gate staff will listen to your interests and needs and pair you with a good site. If they will allow it, you may want to take a loop around the campground and see what is available. There are some truly amazing sites here!
 Here's our site. Big trees, nice and shady. |
Amenities
Prairie Creek has all the amenities most other campgrounds have, including flush toilets, showers, a dump station, and laundry facilities. But it also has a boat ramp, docks, playground, a basketball court, and a walking trail. The walking trail goes through an abandoned part of the campground, and though it has mostly returned to nature, it has a cool post-apocalyptic feel to it. Your kids may enjoy spotting overgrown picnic tables in the brush.
Wildlife
We spotted a herd of deer on the walking trail and tons of birds everywhere (I *think* I heard a Bald Eagle calling, but I'm not 100% sure). But the thing that made me nerd-out and go "SQUEEEE," was the JUMPING PADDLEFISH! Yes, they are that cool. Seriously, give them a google if you have no idea what I'm talking about. Apparently, late June and July is the time they decide to reveal their prehistoric beast selves. I got really excited about it, but my husband looked at me funny.
Be Prepared
Some wildlife we encountered were not welcome. Ants. Lots of them. It appears to be a thing in southern campgrounds (not just this one), but we would've appreciated a heads up, so we're giving you one. The ant colonies are big and looking for your food, so be prepared to throw obstacles in their way and keep your food locked up tight. After this trip, we searched for tips on preventing ant invasions and found lots of great ideas. Next time we go, we'll be ready.
You will also want to bring your own firewood as this campground does not sell any. However, PLEASE buy locally to avoid spreading bug infestations. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, be sure to visit this website to learn why you should never transport firewood too far from home. It may even be illegal. We were lucky enough to scavenge some firewood leftover from previous campers.
 There are several large fields perfect for kids to run around in. |
Things to Do
Besides the previously mentioned water and wildlife related activities, there are many other options. Be sure to pack the kids bikes and scooters, as this campground is great for cutting them loose to explore. If you run out of things to do, you may want to visit the nearby Holy Ground Battlefield Park. We didn't get a chance to go there this time, but it sounds like a great place for history buffs and there is a swimming beach.
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