Family Camping Activities for All Ages: Games, Hiking, and Campfire Fun
Explore family camping activities that bring all ages together, from outdoor games and scenic hikes to memorable campfire fun that creates lasting memories.
🏕️ Introduction / Overview: Chilatchee Creek Campground – A Hidden Gem on Dannelly Reservoir
For Alabama residents seeking a truly secluded and exceptionally maintained outdoor escape, Chilatchee Creek Campground near Alberta is an absolute must-visit. Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) as part of the vast Alabama River Lakes system, this campground sits along its namesake creek on the scenic Dannelly Reservoir. This reservoir, which is a major part of the Alabama River, boasts over 500 miles of shoreline and covers roughly 27 square miles, offering an immense playground for water enthusiasts.
Despite its remote setting—a quality highly praised by guests looking for true solitude—the campground itself is consistently described as "beautiful, clean, and very well maintained." It masterfully combines the wild beauty of Alabama's Black Prairie Belt, complete with Spanish moss-draped trees and abundant wildlife, with the modern conveniences needed for a relaxing trip. Visitors often report a feeling of having the place all to themselves, making it the perfect destination to unplug and enjoy the stunning natural views and peaceful atmosphere that Alabama is famous for.
📍 Location and Accessibility in Central Alabama
Chilatchee Creek Campground is located near the small community of Alberta in Wilcox County, Alabama (36720). This location positions it in the central part of the state, making it a manageable drive from both Montgomery and Selma, though it feels a world away.
Address: 2267, Chilatchee Creek Rd, Alberta, AL 36720, USA
The park is nestled within the Black Prairie Belt, an area known for its rich, dark soils and a mosaic of forests. While the isolation contributes to the park's tranquil atmosphere, local users should note the important detail about the final approach road: customer reviews confirm that the road coming in is a dirt road (specifically, Chilatchee Creek Road or the first mile of the entrance road) that can be rough, especially following heavy rains or due to logging traffic. However, every review confirms that the pristine condition of the park is absolutely worth the drive in.
Furthermore, the area is historically and recreationally rich, being close to the famous Gee’s Bend Ferry, which offers a unique local experience highly recommended by campers. The campground is also a featured site on the Alabama Birding Trails, highlighting its ecological significance and appeal to wildlife observers.
🛠️ Services Offered
As a US Army Corps of Engineers park, Chilatchee Creek Campground provides a comprehensive array of services that ensure a highly comfortable stay, often exceeding the amenities found at standard state parks.
✨ Features / Highlights
Chilatchee Creek Campground’s appeal lies in its serene natural environment, which is perfectly geared toward the avid outdoor and water sports enthusiast.
📞 Contact Information
To secure one of the coveted spots at this serene USACE campground, reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak seasons, and can be made up to six months in advance.
Address: 2267, Chilatchee Creek Rd, Alberta, AL 36720, USA
Phone (Information & Reservations): (334) 573-2562
Mobile Phone: +1 334-573-2562
Note: As an official USACE campground, reservations are primarily handled through the Recreation.gov system under the Alabama River Lakes project.
✅ What is Worth Choosing Chilatchee Creek Campground?
For Alabamians, choosing Chilatchee Creek Campground is choosing a secluded, scenic, and full-service escape managed by the trusted US Army Corps of Engineers. This park offers a combination of peace and convenience rarely found together.
The core reasons to choose this park are multifaceted:
While the entrance road requires careful driving, the reward is an amazing park full of wildlife, breathtaking views, and the perfect blend of rustic seclusion and modern camping comfort—a true Alabama treasure on the water.
Picnics
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
RV electric hookup
Barbecue grill
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Public shower
Restroom
Running water
Slides
Swings
Tent sites
Camping fee
Good for kids
Playground
On-site parking
Dogs allowed
The road coming in was a little hairy as it is dirt until September when pavement is supposed to start. The park itself is beautiful, clean, and very well maintained. The sites are level and clearly marked and has a nice playground for children.
Going to Corps of Engineers Parks has become an adventure for me and my family. This one is definitely a hidden gem. We were the inly campers there the entire weekend! The camp host/hostess was very friendly and checked in on us at the beginning of the trip as well as came to tell us goodbye and make sure that we enjoyed our stay! The road on the way in is a dirt road, and there were some pretty big holes due to logging trucks, but the park is amazing and full of wildlife! The view from our campsite was breath-taking! If you're up for it, there is a ferry not far from there that I highly recommend as well!
One of my absolute favorite places to camp! To me, this is a hidden gem. I like that it's a smaller site and at night it is so quiet. Clean restroom area with showers. Beautiful views of the river with docks and piers.
Beautiful and so peaceful. Nice large and level sites. The host was friendly and helpful. No sewage hookups but there’s a convenient dump station. Restrooms and showers are old but clean. The county should be ashamed of themselves for not paving the last couple of miles into the park. If the road was paved I have no doubt that place would stay packed. We’ll definitely be going back.
The campgound is nice, but didn't like the dirt road. We left a little earlier than planned, because there was rain in the forecast ie, mud. Host & camp workers were very nice.