Payne Lake Recreation Area
04 reviewsPayne Lake Recreation Area
$6.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$6.00
Hookup Site Fee$18.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $6 per day for non-hookup sites to $18 per day for sites with electric and water hookups. Senior/Access discounts bring the price down to $12 per day.
Share this campground
USFSProvider
About this campground
Escape to the tranquil shores of Payne Lake Recreation Area, where 110 acres of pristine water beckon outdoor enthusiasts seeking both adventure and serenity. This hidden gem features 56 thoughtfully designed campsites split between the lake's eastern and western shores, each equipped with its own picnic table, fire circle, and level pad perfect for tents or trailers. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, paddling across mirror-smooth waters, or simply savoring a lakeside picnic, Payne Lake delivers year-round outdoor bliss in a setting that feels worlds away from everyday life.
Payne Lake Recreation Area offers a combination of rustic and semi-modern camping experiences. It caters to tent campers, small RVs, and groups.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the gentle rhythm of Alabama's seasons at Payne Lake, where mild winters averaging 40°F-60°F create perfect conditions for cozy campfires and peaceful hikes without the crowds. As spring unfolds into summer, temperatures climb to a pleasant 70°F-90°F range, ideal for swimming and water activities. While summer afternoons can bring authentic Southern warmth and humidity, the lake's cooling breezes and shaded campsites provide natural relief, making every season an invitation to explore.
ElevationNestled at a comfortable 300 feet above sea level, the campground's gentle elevation provides easy access for all visitors while offering subtle vantage points across the sparkling lake waters.
Natural Features and SceneryDiscover two distinct camping experiences along Payne Lake's picturesque shores. The East section immerses you in a cathedral of towering trees, where dappled sunlight filters through dense canopy and each site feels like its own private woodland retreat. Cross to the West shore and the landscape opens dramatically, revealing manicured grounds beneath spacious skies—perfect for stargazing and social gatherings. This 110-acre lake serves as the jewel at the heart of it all, its calm waters reflecting the surrounding forest and inviting endless exploration.
Geological RegionTucked within the rolling landscapes of Talladega National Forest in Alabama, Payne Lake Recreation Area showcases the region's natural diversity. Here, the ancient Appalachian foothills give way to a stunning 110-acre lake, creating a unique ecosystem where dense hardwood forests transition seamlessly into open meadows and waterfront vistas. This remarkable setting combines the best of Alabama's woodland heritage with the recreational opportunities that only a pristine mountain lake can provide.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly toilets are available at the site, enhancing accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe campground includes a mix of small to medium-sized camping pads, suitable for tents and small RVs.
Sites PrivacyThe East section offers heavily wooded, shaded sites with excellent privacy. Conversely, the West section is more open and spacious, with some sites offering lake views but less privacy due to reduced understory vegetation.
Total Campsites53 campsites
Recommended CampsitesThe East section is ideal for tent camping and offers better privacy, while the West section is suitable for RVs and features pull-throughs and hookups.
Best CampsitesReviews mention Site #50 and Site #26 as having excellent views of Payne Lake.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Sites accommodate a maximum of 8 guests.
Groups
No specific group camping sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground is divided into East and West sections. The East section is heavily wooded and rustic, while the West section is more open and manicured.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platforms available.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are available on a walk-up, first-come-first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations are allowed; all sites operate on a first-come-first-served basis.
Amenities available
Showers
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Payne Lake Recreation Area offers a variety of outdoor activities that cater to a wide range of interests. Official sources highlight opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking. User reviews frequently mention enjoying the scenic lake views and the natural setting.
Hiking
Two hiking trails are available: the East Shore Trail (1.5 miles, foot traffic only) and the Payne Lake Nature Loop Trail (1 mile, foot traffic only). These trails offer opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the area.Fishing
Fishing is popular at Payne Lake, which is home to species such as largemouth bass, crappie, bream, shell cracker, and channel catfish. User reviews confirm the quality of fishing opportunities.Swimming
A designated swimming beach is available for campers. User reviews highlight the lake as suitable for lounging and water recreation.Boating
The 110-acre lake allows power boating with electric/trolling motors and non-motorized boating (e.g., kayaks). Informal boat mooring is possible at some campsites. There are also boat ramps and carry-down access.Beach activities
Two large sandy beaches, one in each section, are available, offering opportunities for sunbathing and family activities.Winter Activities
No specific winter recreation activities are mentioned, although the campground is open year-round.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are supported. User reviews confirm that the lake is a good location for kayaking.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire circles are provided at each site.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include mosquitoes during warmer months and uneven terrain for RV leveling. Power boats are limited to electric/trolling motors.
Weather forecast
69
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 68%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 4.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are accessible in Centreville, AL, which is about 26 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season is not explicitly mentioned, but the campground is open year-round.
Trash and recyclingNo specific information is provided about trash and recycling facilities. However, a trailer dump station is available for waste disposal.
Proximity to water featuresLocated on the 110-acre Payne Lake, the campground includes two large sandy beaches.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include the lack of reservations, limited spots with electricity and water, and challenges leveling RVs on uneven parking aprons.
HostRon, the host, is noted for being attentive and wonderful.
Campground Map
Driving directionsIn Centreville, AL, at the intersection of US Rt. 82 and State Rt. 25/6, take Rt. 25 west 3.9 miles to an intersection with State Rt. 5. Turn left onto Rt. 5 and go south 5.9 miles to Rt. 25/Payne Lake Rd. Turn right onto Rt. 25 and go 16.2 miles to Payne Lake National Forest Recreation Area sign. Turn right sign at sign into campground.
The campground is gated at night; call the ranger district office for hours. The parking aprons are a mix of paved and dirt/gravel, and leveling an RV on some aprons may be challenging. Access involves a combination of paved and unpaved roads with clear signage.Nearby places
Centreville, AL (approximately 26 miles from the campground)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are in Centreville, AL, approximately 26 miles away, including groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Payne Lake Recreation Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are generally positive, with campers appreciating the scenic beauty, cleanliness of facilities, and affordability. However, some concerns are raised about maintenance and the lack of reservations.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
User reviews frequently praise the scenic lake views, clean restrooms, and the peaceful, rustic atmosphere. One reviewer stated: 'It's beautiful at Payne Lake. We love going there.'
Based on 4 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some users note issues with maintenance, such as neglected facilities and challenges during budget reductions. Additionally, the lack of a reservation system and limited sites with hookups are common...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips from users include arriving early to secure a good spot, especially in the West section with hookups, and preparing for mosquitoes during warmer months. Bug spray is highly recommended.
Based on 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews indicate that cooler seasons are preferred due to fewer mosquitoes. Summer may bring an increase in insect activity and higher humidity.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'What a great park... in its day. We loved our 2-week stay at the East Campground. The rustic site #50 was gorgeous, overlooking the lake.'
- 'It's cheap to stay here; every spot had a fire pit.'
-...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #50 in the East section is noted for its rustic charm and lake views. Site #26 is also mentioned positively for its lake view and affordability. Sites in the West section are preferred for those...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific user reviews address accessibility features, though official sources confirm wheelchair-friendly toilets are available.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific user reviews discuss pet policies or experiences.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025