US Army Corps of Engineers

Introduction / Overview: Discover Pickensville Campground on the Tenn-Tom Waterway

For Alabama residents who cherish waterfront camping, fishing, and boating, the Pickensville Campground stands as a trusted and well-equipped destination. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), this extensive facility is strategically located just west of Pickensville on the serene Aliceville Lake, an impoundment of the historic Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway (affectionately known as the "Tenn-Tom").

The campground and adjacent day-use area boast a remarkable 176 campsites, making it one of the largest and most comprehensive camping facilities in the region. The USACE’s management ensures a high standard of maintenance, although as one local reviewer noted, some parts could benefit from updating. Despite this, the facility is known for being clean, peaceful, and family-friendly. It successfully caters to a diverse range of visitors, from those traveling in large RVs requiring full hookups to tent campers seeking shade and proximity to the water. A key attraction is the unique opportunity to watch commercial barges and boats navigate the immense man-made waterway that links the Tennessee River to the Gulf of Mexico. Pickensville Campground is not just a place to sleep; it’s a full recreational hub for water sports, fishing, and exploring the fascinating history of the Tenn-Tom.

This facility serves as a perfect base camp for a West Alabama adventure, blending rich natural habitats with world-class engineering marvels and reliable, shaded campsites that make for a comfortable stay regardless of the season.

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Location and Accessibility on Aliceville Lake

Pickensville Campground is located in West Central Alabama, right on the shores of Aliceville Lake. The official address, which identifies the general area of operation for the USACE, is Pickensville Recreation Area, Aliceville, AL 35442, USA. A more precise address often associated with the campground's entrance is 61 Camping Rd, Pickensville, AL 35447.

Its position on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway makes it easily accessible for Alabamians traveling from major centers. For example, the drive from Tuscaloosa is straightforward, involving Highway 82 west to Highway 86, which leads directly to Pickensville. Despite its natural, shaded setting, access roads are well-maintained, accommodating large RVs and trailers without issue. The location is ideal because it provides the peace and quiet of a large Corps of Engineers park while remaining close enough to the nearby communities of Aliceville and Pickensville for emergency services, fuel, and last-minute supplies.

Furthermore, the campground is strategically located near the Tom Bevill Lock and Dam and the popular Tom Bevill Visitor Center, turning a simple camping trip into an educational and scenic experience. The proximity to the waterway's massive lock system is a highlight, offering visitors a unique perspective on the engineering required to operate this vital commercial route.

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Services Offered for a Comprehensive Stay

The US Army Corps of Engineers manages Pickensville Campground as a Class A facility, meaning it provides a robust array of services designed for both short-term and extended stays.

• Campsites: A total of 176 spacious, shaded campsites are offered, typically featuring concrete or gravel pads to accommodate various RV and trailer sizes.
• Utility Hookups: Most sites include electric and water hookups, with many designated sites offering full hookups (electric, water, and sewer), essential for extended RV stays.
• Restrooms and Showers: Clean, accessible modern bathhouses are distributed throughout the campground, typically including hot showers.
• Laundry Facilities: Coin-operated laundry facilities are available in some bathhouses, providing a necessary convenience for long-term campers.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A centralized sanitary dump station is provided for RV waste disposal.
• Accessible Amenities: The park ensures several sites, restrooms, and the fishing dock are handicap accessible.
• Site Furnishings: Every site includes a picnic table, campfire ring with a grill, and a lantern post.

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Features / Highlights for Alabama Outdoor Enthusiasts

Pickensville Campground is celebrated for its specific recreational features centered around the immense waterway and the surrounding park environment.

• Direct Waterway Access: The park includes a boat ramp and accessible fishing dock in the day-use area, granting easy access to Aliceville Lake for fishing and water sports.
• Swim Beach and Day-Use Area: A dedicated swim beach and separate day-use area feature picnic shelters, a playground, and a multi-use court (e.g., basketball), perfect for family entertainment.
• Unique Barge Viewing: A major highlight is the ability to relax and watch large commercial barges and boats navigate the massive Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, a truly unique sight for a campground.
• Historical Attractions: The campground is adjacent to the Tom Bevill Visitor Center and the U.S. Snagboat Montgomery (a National Historical Landmark), offering educational opportunities about the waterway's history.
• Wildlife and Birding: The surrounding wooded waterfront and the nearby areas are excellent for wildlife viewing and birding, as the area is part of the Alabama Birding Trails.
• Spacious and Shaded Sites: The entire facility is known for being heavily treed, providing ample shade and a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere, highly valued during Alabama's hot summers.

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Contact Information

Reservations for USACE campgrounds like Pickensville are highly recommended, especially during the peak season (March through October). Reservations cannot typically be made at the gatehouse; visitors must book online via Recreation.gov or call the local Corps office for specific inquiries.

• Address: Pickensville Recreation Area, Aliceville, AL 35442, USA (Note: Use 61 Camping Rd, Pickensville, AL 35447 for navigation)
• Phone (Corps of Engineers Office): (205) 373-6328
• Phone (Mobile/Alternate): +1 205-373-6328

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What is Worth Choosing Pickensville Campground?

For Alabamians seeking a dependable, feature-rich camping experience, Pickensville Campground is worth choosing because it is an all-in-one destination managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers—a stamp of reliability and quality infrastructure. While one local noted a need for updates, the foundation is solid: 176 sites, a high percentage of which offer full hookups, and a prime location on a major waterway.

The primary value lies in the combination of modern RV convenience and exceptional water recreation. Where other parks may offer one or the other, Pickensville provides a swim beach, playground, full-hookup sites, boat ramps, and access to some of the best fishing for bass, crappie, and catfish in the region. This makes it an ideal spot for multi-generational family trips, satisfying both the angler and the small children with equal ease. The unique cultural attraction of the Tom Bevill Visitor Center and the Snagboat Montgomery further elevates the stay, turning a weekend camping trip into a chance to appreciate Alabama’s inland water history.

In sum, if you want a large, shaded, full-service campground that serves as a launchpad for major water activities and offers unique historical viewing opportunities on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, Pickensville Campground is the definitive choice in West Alabama.