How much does camping cost at Payne Lake Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Payne Lake Recreation Area range from $6-$18/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Payne Lake Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Payne Lake Recreation Area operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are available on a walk-up, first-come-first-served basis.

What is the best time to visit Payne Lake Recreation Area?

Payne Lake Recreation Area is open Peak season is not explicitly mentioned, but the campground is open year-round.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Payne Lake Recreation Area?

Yes, Payne Lake Recreation Area has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Payne Lake Recreation Area?

Fire policies at Payne Lake Recreation Area: Fire circles are provided at each site.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Payne Lake Recreation Area have?

Payne Lake Recreation Area has 53 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Payne Lake Recreation Area?

Pets are not allowed at Payne Lake Recreation Area. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Payne Lake Recreation Area?

Payne Lake Recreation Area offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Payne Lake Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Payne Lake Recreation Area include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Payne Lake Recreation Area

3.64

11 reviews

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

300 ft

Price

$6 - $18/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

53 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Partial HookupsShowers

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

300 ft

Price

$6 - $18/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

53 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Partial HookupsShowers

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Payne Lake Recreation Area

$6.00 - $18.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight Use: Single Site: $18 per night Water & Electric hook-up Fee: $12 per night Water hook-up Fee: $5 per night

Standard Site Fee$6.00

Hookup Site Fee$18.00

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Campground Map

Payne Lake Recreation Area

32.8872, -87.4431

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.

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.

Weather at Payne Lake Recreation Area

Best Time to Camp at Payne Lake Recreation Area

Fall delivers the best camping window. Daytime temperatures hold between 55°F and 75°F, nights cool to the 40s and low 50s, and the humidity finally breaks after summer. Water clarity stays good for boating, trails dry out, and bugs thin. Weekends draw moderate crowds, but weekdays stay quiet. Summer runs hot and sticky. 70°F to 90°F with high humidity. Though lake breezes and shade help. Winters are mild, 40°F to 60°F, but the season sees fewer visitors. Spring brings mosquitoes; reviewers stress bug spray during warmer months.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall described as best window: 55–75°F days, cooler nights, fewer mosquitoes and great colors.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season is not explicitly mentioned, but the campground is open year-round.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.

About Payne Lake Recreation Area

Payne Lake Recreation Area sits on a 110-acre lake in Talladega National Forest, offering 53 campsites split between two distinct shoreline sections. The East section hides campers under dense hardwoods with strong privacy, while the West section trades shade for open views and electric hookups. Sites run $6–18 per night and fill first-come, first-served. No reservations.

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 SeasonsFall delivers the best camping window. Daytime temperatures hold between 55°F and 75°F, nights cool to the 40s and low 50s, and the humidity finally breaks after summer. Water clarity stays good for boating, trails dry out, and bugs thin. Weekends draw moderate crowds, but weekdays stay quiet. Summer runs hot and sticky. 70°F to 90°F with high humidity. Though lake breezes and shade help. Winters are mild, 40°F to 60°F, but the season sees fewer visitors. Spring brings mosquitoes; reviewers stress bug spray during warmer months.

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 SceneryThe campground occupies rolling Appalachian foothills at 300 feet elevation, where hardwood forest meets open meadow along the lake's edge. The East section grows thick with mature trees that create deep shade and visual screening between sites. The West section clears out, offering broader views of the water but thinner understory. The lake itself spans 110 acres and stays calm enough for paddling and fishing. In late October, the hardwood canopy lights up with fall color.

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.

Scenic ViewsSeveral campsites offer views of Payne Lake. The East section provides a rustic ambiance with wooded surroundings, while the West section features open lake views.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging or hotel-style accommodations are available on-site, as Payne Lake Recreation Area is focused on tent and RV camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information is provided about cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites split across East and West sections along opposite shores. East runs heavily wooded and rustic with tight spacing under canopy. West opens up with more manicured ground and lake sightlines. Pads range from small to medium, handling tents and small RVs. Some reviewers note uneven parking aprons that complicate leveling.

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.

AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly toilets are available at the site, enhancing accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Site SizeThe campground includes a mix of small to medium-sized camping pads, suitable for tents and small RVs.

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 SitesThe 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 CampsitesSite 50 and Site 26 get mentioned in reviews for lake views. The West section holds the electric and water hookups but sacrifices privacy. The East section offers better screening if you don't need hookups.

Amenities available

Payne Lake Recreation Area offers a variety of amenities that cater to campers seeking both basic and modern facilities. According to the official descriptions, the campground provides 26 developed campsites with essential amenities such as picnic tables, cooking or fire circles, and pads for tents or trailers. The West section is equipped with modern amenities such as electric and water hookups, a trailer dump station, and a modern bathhouse with flush toilets and hot showers. User reviews also highlight the cleanliness of restrooms, with one reviewer noting: 'Restrooms are clean.' However, the East section is more rustic, offering porta-potties and no water spigots.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

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

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Beach activities

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include mosquitoes during warmer months and uneven terrain for RV leveling. Power boats are limited to electric/trolling motors.

Fire PolicyFire circles are provided at each site.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are accessible in Centreville, AL, which is about 26 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingNo specific information is provided about trash and recycling facilities. However, a trailer dump station is available for waste disposal.

Water FeaturesLocated on the 110-acre Payne Lake, the campground includes two large sandy beaches.

Camp HostRon, the host, is noted for being attentive and wonderful.

Cell CoverageNo specific details are provided about cell phone service at the campground.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.6

11 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Payne Lake Recreation Area has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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 11 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 11 reviews.

Site #50Mentioned
Site #50 in the East section is noted for its rustic charm and lake views.
Site #26Mentioned
Site #26 is also mentioned positively for its lake view and affordability.

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 11 reviews

Common 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 11 reviews

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 11 reviews

Seasonal 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 11 reviews

Camper 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 11 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific user reviews address accessibility features, though official sources confirm wheelchair-friendly toilets are available.

Based on 11 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific user reviews discuss pet policies or experiences.

Based on 11 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Fall tent campers who can arrive mid-week will find Site #50 or #26 nearly empty, with lake views, clean flush toilets, and bass fishing on a quiet 110-acre lake. Hard to beat at $18.

Skip if

No reservation system means hookup sites on the West side go fast any weekend. RVs also wrestle with uneven parking aprons, and the nearest supplies or emergency help are 26 miles out in Centreville.

Nearby Campgrounds

1001 Jennings Ferry Rd, Akron, AL 35441

Jennings Ferry sits on the Tombigbee River near Akron, Alabama, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of the Black Warrior and Tombigbee Lakes system. This mid-sized campground offers electric and water hookups, showers, and a dump station in a wooded riverside setting. Campers fish for bass and catfish, hike wooded trails, and enjoy spacious, level sites maintained by friendly hosts.

$28.00 - $28.00 / night

Campgrounds

Payne Lake Recreation Area

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Payne Lake Recreation Area sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

Payne Lake Recreation Area offers the outdoor enthusiasts solitude, a scenic lake, and picturesque campsites. Payne Lake Recreation Area has one swimming beach and two bathhouses for users of the recreation area. Each bathhouse has restrooms and showers. Camping is permitted at 26 developed sites along the shoreline of the 110-acre Payne Lake. Each site has a picnic table, cooking or fire circle, and tent or trailer pad.Payne Lake Recreation Area is open year-round and offers boating, fishing, picnicking and swimming opportunities for Forest users. A trailer dump station is located in the campground.<a href="https://www.recreation.gov/activitypass/38750529-a553-11ec-84c4-faa87ad72364">NEW! Scan & Go Activity Pass</a>

About the campground

The elevation is 300 ft. This notable campground, stretching along the east shore of Payne Lake, has two sections named East and West that are separated by the lake. The rustic East section, open during "high demand" periods, is recommended for tent and slide-in RV campers only and stretches along the east shore of Payne Lake. A few sites in this section overlook the lake. The East section is heavily wooded offering abundant shade and excellent privacy. The campground's West section hugs the western shore of Payne Lake. With a manicured feel, this section is more open and spacious with views of the lake. It has all of the campground's pull-throughs, hook-ups for electric and water, a modern bathhouse, and the possibility for informal boat mooring at some campsites. Because most of the under and middlestory have been removed, privacy is fair to good. NOTE: The campground is gated at night; call the ranger district office for hours. Alcoholic beverages not permitted in campground.

Seasons & access

The parking aprons are a mix of paved and dirt/gravel. Leveling an RV on some aprons may be a challenge. Facilities Flush Toilets: Yes Hot Showers: Yes Vaults: Yes Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes Talladega National Forest 495 Public Phone: No Playground: No No. Water Spigots (non-site): 1 No. Threaded: 1 Comments: The East section has no water spigots and port-a-potties are provided. Water Sports Lake: Yes Water Skiing: No Swimming (provided): Yes Rafting: (whitewater) No Sailing: No Kayaking: (whitewater) No Power Boating: Yes Boat Ramp: Yes Boating (no power): Yes Boat Carry-Down Access: Yes Comments: Payne Lake is 110 acres. Power boats are limited to electric/trolling motors. There are two large sandy beaches, one in each section Hiking: East Shore Trail (foot only) - 1.5 mile Payne Lake Nature (loop) Trail (foot only) - 1 miles Fishing: Largemouth bass, Crappie, Bream, Shell Cracker and Channel catfish

Facilities

The East section has no water spigots and port-a-potties are provided.

Water activities

Payne Lake is 110 acres. Power boats are limited to electric/trolling motors. There are two large sandy beaches, one in each section

RV information

The parking aprons are a mix of paved and dirt/gravel. Leveling an RV on some aprons may be a challenge.

Directions

In 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.

National Forest: Lake National Forest
Ranger District: Oakmulgee
Elevation: 300
Rate: $6 per day - no hookups $18 per day - electric and water hookups $12 per day with Senior/Access discount $12 per day - water hookups
Maximum Stay: 14
Open Season: All year