Located in southern Alabama, Conecuh National Forest is an 80,000-acre nature reserve with lush pine forests and a wide range of wildlife. It’s a popular destination for hunting, fishing, hiking, and biking, with dozens of miles of trails that cut through the pine groves and marshland.
Hunters will find a variety of game species in the area, including deer, coyotes, bobcats, and turkey. The dense forest provides plenty of cover for both hunters and game, and the varied terrain gives you a variety of habitats to explore. Anglers will also find a number of fishing opportunities in the forest. Open Pond Recreation Area has a boat launch near its RV campground, and you can also fish at several streams in the forest. History buffs will like to take a look at the fire tower at the Open Pond Recreation Area, which was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. If you want to go paddling or swimming, head on over to Blue Lake Recreation Area. After hours of fun in the lake, you can chow down on lunch at one of the many picnic areas.
There is one RV campground in Conecuh National Forest, Open Pond Recreation Area. The campground offers over 60 RV sites, many of which have electrical and water hookups.
Set in southern Alabama along the border with Florida, Conecuh National Forest is a quick drive from Tallahassee, FL and Mobile, AL. The main campground in the forest is easy to reach, so you should have few issues if driving a large campervan. However, you should keep an eye out for flooding if you visit after a rainstorm.
From Tallahassee, take I-10 west out of the city and you’ll get to the forest in a little over two and a half hours. If you’re coming from Mobile, take I-10 east and you’ll arrive in a little under two hours. Driving from Montgomery, take I-65 south from the city to AL-55 and you’ll arrive in around an hour and 45 minutes.
Most of the forest is serviced by main roads that are easy to access with large rigs. Open Pond Recreation Area, the main RV campground in the forest, can be reached via AL-137, so you won’t have to drive down any narrow forest service roads.
This well-developed recreation area has 65 RV sites, many of which have electrical and water hookups. All of the sites have picnic tables and fire pits, and you’ll have access to flush toilets and drinking water.
Set right on the water, this campground is one of the best in the area if you’re interested in fishing and boating. You’ll also have access to a number of hiking and biking trails. You’ll be a short drive away from Blue Lake Recreation Area, where you’ll find additional fishing areas. There is a group picnic area set near the pond, giving you scenic views of the water.
All of the sites at the campground are first-come, first-served. There are usually sites available, although the campground does become quite busy during the fall. Try to get to the campground early in the day to save a spot.
RV campers who want to stretch their legs will find a number of hiking trails near the recreation areas. Take the Conecuh Trail for a 20-mile long adventure that highlights some of the best natural sights in the forest. The trail cuts through the pine forests and takes you to a number of sinkhole ponds.
Do note that temperatures in the forest can reach the triple digits during the summer, so try to hike in the early morning and make sure you bring plenty of water. Mosquitoes can also be a problem, so bring plenty of sun protection and try to stay covered.
If you want a faster paced way around the forest, bring a bike. Many of the hiking trails are also open to biking. The Conecuh Trail allows bikes on the 10-mile long north loop of the trail, which takes you across a number of streams. There are no rentals at the forest, so make sure to bring your own bike in your camping trailer.
There are several lakes and ponds in the forest where you can cool off on the water throughout the summer. Open Pond Recreation Area, has a boat launch, and the shaded shoreline is also perfect for long kayak and canoe rides. You can drive to Blue Lake Recreation Area as well, which is around ten minutes from the campground. Blue Lake is a scenic spot for fishing, swimming, and picnicking. Boat rentals are not offered, so make sure to bring your own vessel along with your rig.
There’s nothing better than fishing when you’re camping in the South, and you’ll have plenty of angling opportunities when you visit the forest. Blue Lake Recreation Area has a boat launch that makes it easy to get out onto the water. You can also fish at Open Pond on the 30-acre lake which is right next to the main RV campground in the forest. You’ll need a valid Alabama fishing license if you plan on fishing anywhere in the forest.
The longleaf pine forests and numerous bodies of water make the area a great destination for birdwatching. The forest is best known for its woodland songbirds, but you’ll also find hundreds of other bird species throughout the year, especially if you visit during migration season in the spring and fall.
You can find more information on the species in the forest by visiting the websites of Alabama audubon societies. Many provide educational materials such as field guides and bird checklists. With so much to see you won't want to forget your binoculars in your campervan.
Hunting is one of the most popular activities in the area, as the longleaf pine forests and marshland are home to a variety of game species. Turkey, quail, coyotes, bobcats, and deer can all be found in the area, as well as a variety of waterfowl species. Take caution when hunting during the fall, as you’ll often come across hikers on the trails. Hunting is not allowed within 150 yards of any of the campgrounds in the forest.
