We tent camped at Payne Lake Recreation Area in Talledega National Forest, Alabama.

 

After leaving Oklahoma and making some stops in Fort Smith, Arkansas and Tupelo, Mississippi we made it to our campground at a Payne lake. This was our last stop before we finally made it to the Gulf Coast.

Many trips we end up tent camping because we love the outdoors. We also love saving money so tent camping is a Win-Win. We also enjoy staying at hotels so it’s nice to mix it up to experience different things.

 

What is the Payne Lake Recreation Area?

Payne Lake Recreation Area is an area within the Talledega National Forest that has camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, boating, and more.

There are 76 developed camp sites along the shoreline. Each site has a tent or trailer pad, fire pit, and a picnic table. There are two bathhouses that each have restrooms and showers.

 

Our Experiences at the Campground

On our Gulf Coast Road Trip from Oklahoma to Florida and Alabama we stopped here on our second night of our road trip after a day of exploring the Birthplace of Elvis Presley and the Tupelo National Battlefield. Be sure to check out those articles and our overview of our Gulf Coast Road Trip as well.

We arrived as it started getting dark and were surprised to find no park employees to check us into the campground. They had a drop box to drop our payment for the night. We lucked out having cash on hand.

We set up the tent at the site across from the restroom. It’s nice getting a campsite near the restroom for the kids to have quick access.

The view from the lake was nice as well. But, with it getting dark quick it was a little creepy at first.

The next morning we got to see the full beauty of Payne Lake Recreation Area. I woke up with the sunrise as my wife and kiddos slept in. It was nice getting to take sunrise photos over the lake and hike around and do some exploring.

No one seemed to be up not even our camping neighbors. It was so peaceful. I was on the lookout for gators. Part of me wanted to find some but part of me was a bit concerned.

I didn’t find any gators but I had fun exploring anyways.

Once the fam woke up we made some breakfast packed up and hit the road with the beach as our focus.

Everything you need to know about the Payne Lake Recreation Area

 

Hours/Season

It is open all year.

 

Cost

$18.00 water and electric sites, $12 water only, $5 primitive per night

$3.00 per vehicle for day use if not camping

 

Activities

At Payne lake you can walk the nature trail, view wildlife, go boating, fishing, picnicking and swim.

 

The Location

 

Where exactly is the Payne Lake Recreation Area and how do I get there?

It is in Alabama within the Talledega National Forest.

Check out the map below to see exactly where it is and how to get there.

 

Additional Info

For more information visit their official site.

 

Overall

We enjoyed our camping experience at Payne Lake it is a beautiful area great for wildlife viewing and photography.

 

 

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Want to know more about our Gulf Coast Road Trip?

Does this look like somewhere you would like to stay?

Please share with your friends and plan a trip! Let us know what you think in the comment section below!

 

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