Frank Jackson State Park is a 2,050-acre state park and recreation area in Opp, Alabama. Situated on the 1,000-acre Lake Jackson, the park’s pride and joy, it’s not all that surprising that much of the activity here is water-based. Campers can enjoy fishing for bass, bream, crappie, and catfish, boating on the lake, and relaxing at the grass-lined swimming beach.
Back on land, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Let the kids loose at the sandy playground, have a picnic, or explore the three miles of hiking trails. All sorts of birds and wildlife call Frank Jackson State Park home so don’t forget your binoculars!
If you’re hoping to stay overnight, you’re in luck. Frank Jackson State Park has a modern campground with RV-friendly campsites right on the lake’s shore. The sites have full hookups for RVs – even for cable TV!
The park is lovely all year round, but if you get a chance then try and visit during October and November. This is when the park’s annual event - Scarecrows in the Park – is held and it’s a treat for families! During the event, the hiking trails are scattered with decorative scarecrows made by the locals.
There are also plenty of fishing tournaments hosted within the park so keep an eye on the event calendar.
The entrance to Frank Jackson State Park can be found along Jerry Adams Drive in Opp, Alabama. The roads within the park are modern and paved so you should have no problem towing your RV or trailer.
Parking is available at the various spots within the park, such as near the boat launch area and at the Magnolia Trail entrance. If you’re staying overnight you can park your rig in the campground. Boat ramp parking is available too.
Once you’ve set up your RV camp you can get around by foot, bike or boat.
Frank Jackson State Park has 32 tent and RV-friendly drive-through campsites along the shore of the lake. According to past campers, the sites can accommodate rigs up to 80 feet in length. Three sites are handicap-friendly.
Facilities include Wi-Fi and full hookups for RVs, including hookups for cable TV. Other facilities for campers include a modern bathhouse with toilets and showers, picnic areas and a swimming area. The campground is pet-friendly.
Frank Jackson State Park is a popular freshwater fishing destination in Alabama. Bring your gear and try your luck fishing for bass, bream, catfish, and crappie in Lake Jackson. Campers and day visitors alike can enjoy shoreline fishing or boat fishing as there is a boat launch ramp and parking available. A handicap-accessible fishing pier is also available.
You’ll find no shortage of hiking trails within Frank Jackson State Park. The trails are all named after plants within the park, such as Honeysuckle, Azalea, and Dogwood. Take a stroll along the Seth Hammett Walkway and admire the views of the wetlands. A boardwalk leads from the boat ramp to the island where you’ll find a short looped walking trail that leads along the shoreline.
With a boat launch area and a grassy beach for swimming, Frank Jackson State Park is a popular summertime hangout spot. Bring your own watercraft along from home and enjoy exploring the park from the lake. Canoeing and kayaking are also popular activities – keep an eye out for interesting birds and wildlife along the shore!
From October to November, Frank Jackson State Park hosts an event known as Scarecrows in the Park – and it’s a fun event for families to get involved in! The hiking trails within the park are lined with scarecrows created by local school children and businesses. Kids will love strolling the trails and admiring each creation.
Hiking can be enjoyed most of the year in Frank Jackson State Park. The wetlands are often filled with migratory birds – keep a lookout from the Seth Hammett Walkway. Stroll down the various trails named after plants, such as Honeysuckle, Azalea, and Dogwood, or simply walk across the bridge to the island for some scenic shoreline views
There are plenty of picnic spots to choose from in Frank Jackson State Park. Pack a picnic and relax on the grassy shoreline beside the swimming area, while kids let off steam in the playground. Alternatively, walk across the bridge to the island to find a spot along the shoreline or admire the wetland views from the Seth Hammett Walkway.
