Elm Bluff Campground

5.11

11 reviews

Quick Facts

82 ft

Price

$14/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Open January 1, 2025...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Alabama River Lakes site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

82 ft

Price

$14/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Open January 1, 2025...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Alabama River Lakes site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Elm Bluff Campground

$14.00 - $14.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fee applies to Standard Nonelectric sites; Recreation.gov indicates $14 per night but excludes taxes and incremental charges.

Standard Site Fee$14.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

334-872-9554alabamariverlake@usace.army.mil

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What Campers Say

5.11

Top-Rated

Based on 11 reviews

1 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeaceful

Some mention

reservationcell service

"Users generally appreciate the tranquility and natural beauty of Elm Bluff Campground. One review describes it as 'very quiet and peaceful,' while another user highlights the 'peace and quiet of the campground.'"

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Elm Bluff Campground

32.1644, -87.1154

Best Time to Camp at Elm Bluff Campground

Late December unveils Elm Bluff at its most inviting, with crisp temperatures hovering around a comfortable 57°F and crystal-clear skies stretching endlessly above the river valley. During this magical Week 51, rainfall barely touches 19%, creating perfect conditions for cozy campfires and star-filled nights. The dry air and gentle winter sun make this season ideal for hiking riverside trails and enjoying outdoor meals without the oppressive humidity of summer months. Seasoned campers know to plan their visits during these pristine weather windows, avoiding the occasional heavy rains and gusty winds that can sweep through the river corridor.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Open year-round; summers can be hot and busier (noted crowds after Mother's Day).

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Crisp temperatures and clear skies are cited; scenic river views likely excellent in fall.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring generally attractive, though reviews note a busy period in May after Mother's Day.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Late-December noted as inviting (~57°F) with clear skies; campground open year-round.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025.

About Elm Bluff Campground

Nestled along the meandering Alabama River, Elm Bluff Campground beckons those who crave authentic outdoor experiences far from the digital world. This rustic riverside retreat offers a refreshing escape where the absence of power hookups and limited cell service becomes a blessing rather than a burden. While fresh water is available for your camping needs, the campground maintains its back-to-basics charm that draws nature enthusiasts seeking genuine tranquility. Remember to book your stay in advance through the reservation system, as the traditional honor box has been retired to better serve today's adventurers.

Elm Bluff Campground offers 'Standard Nonelectric' campsites with an emphasis on rustic, nature-focused camping. Electrical hookups are not available.

Weather and SeasonsLate December unveils Elm Bluff at its most inviting, with crisp temperatures hovering around a comfortable 57°F and crystal-clear skies stretching endlessly above the river valley. During this magical Week 51, rainfall barely touches 19%, creating perfect conditions for cozy campfires and star-filled nights. The dry air and gentle winter sun make this season ideal for hiking riverside trails and enjoying outdoor meals without the oppressive humidity of summer months. Seasoned campers know to plan their visits during these pristine weather windows, avoiding the occasional heavy rains and gusty winds that can sweep through the river corridor.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Alabama River serves as both backdrop and soundtrack to your Elm Bluff experience, its gentle waters reflecting golden sunsets and misty dawns that photographers dream about. This peaceful sanctuary has earned devoted followers who return year after year, drawn by what visitor Liz Taylor perfectly captures as 'the peace and quiet of the campground.' Long-time campers SUE C and her husband have discovered what many seek but few find - a place where 'very quiet and peaceful' aren't just marketing words, but the genuine essence of the experience. The rustic charm isn't manufactured; it's woven into every riverside breeze and every moment of solitude among the native hardwoods.

Geological RegionElm Bluff claims one of the most picturesque stretches along the Alabama River, where ancient waterways have carved a natural haven perfect for those seeking riverside serenity.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made online through Recreation.gov and are no longer available on-site via an honor box system.

Walk-in AvailabilityHonor box payments are no longer accepted; reservations must be made online. Users noted that the transition from first-come first-serve to online reservations was new and surprising.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations before the scheduled arrival are allowed with a $10 fee and forfeiting the reservation fees. Late cancellations (beginning from midnight 1 day before check-in) incur the first night's fee and the $10 cancellation fee.

Recommended SitesFor peace and quiet, Site 1 and Site 5 have been highly rated by users. Site 1 is recommended by MIKE M as 'quiet and peaceful,' while Site 5 was noted by SUE C for its tranquil atmosphere.

Amenities available

Potable water

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCell service is limited, which could pose challenges during emergencies. Users have also noted the sparse amenities and lack of alternative payment systems onsite.

Weather at Elm Bluff Campground

Reviews

5.1

11 reviews

Top-Rated

Elm Bluff Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Users generally appreciate the tranquility and natural beauty of Elm Bluff Campground. One review describes it as 'very quiet and peaceful,' while another user highlights the 'peace and quiet of the campground.'

Review Summaries

Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers frequently mention the peaceful atmosphere and limited crowding. For example, 'Love the peace and quiet of the campground,' and 'My husband and I love this campground. It was quiet and...

Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

The transition to an online reservation system has caused some confusion. One user notes, 'Having to reserve online was something new to us at this campground,' and expresses concern that it might be...

Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Frequent campers suggest spreading awareness about the new reservation system to avoid confusion. One user advises, 'Our hunting club comes every year in May... we will, of course, make our members...

Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is described as more crowded during May, specifically the week after Mother's Day, as reported in a review: 'During that time, it's very crowded.' In contrast, other times of the year...

Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Love the peace and quiet of the campground.' - Liz Taylor 2. 'Very quiet and peaceful.' - Mike M 3. 'My husband and I love this campground... it was quiet and peaceful while we were there.' - Sue...

Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Users have provided feedback on specific campsites. For example, 'Site 1' and 'Site 5' are mentioned positively for their quietness and peaceful setting.

Based on 11 reviews

0 review

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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