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Jennings Ferry Park Campground

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Jennings Ferry Park Campground Overview

Rating

Phone (334) 402-1606

Address 1001 Jennings Ferry Rd, Akron, AL 35441, USA

Website http://www.recreation.gov/camping/jennings-ferry/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=75359

Hours

Jennings Ferry Park Campground Location & Map

AlabamaHale CountyAkronJennings Ferry Road

Jennings Ferry Park Campground About

For Alabamians seeking an idyllic escape into nature, Jennings Ferry Park Campground stands as a true gem. Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this campground offers a serene and well-maintained environment, perfect for RV enthusiasts, tent campers, and anyone looking to reconnect with the great outdoors. Nestled along the picturesque Black Warrior River, it provides a peaceful setting that invites relaxation, recreation, and memorable experiences right here in our home state.

Jennings Ferry Park Campground isn't just about parking your RV; it's about immersing yourself in the tranquility of Alabama's natural beauty. Visitors consistently praise its spacious sites, pristine facilities, and the welcoming nature of the camp hosts. Whether you're casting a line into the river, enjoying a quiet evening by the campfire, or simply taking in the scenic views, this campground offers a genuine sense of peace and comfort. It's a place where the sounds of nature replace the urban hum, and friendly faces make you feel right at home.

The campground's reputation for being "beautiful" and "well-kept" is a testament to the dedication of its staff and the high standards of the Corps of Engineers. It's a destination that caters to those with "big rigs that are towing," ensuring ample space and easy maneuverability. Even during cooler months, its charm holds strong, proving that a relaxing getaway at Jennings Ferry is truly "worth the stay" any time of year. For those of us in Alabama looking for a reliable, clean, and friendly place to enjoy camping, Jennings Ferry Park Campground is certainly a top contender.

Location and Accessibility

Jennings Ferry Park Campground is strategically located at 1001 Jennings Ferry Rd, Akron, AL 35441, USA. This address places it in a peaceful, natural setting in Greene County, Alabama, alongside the Black Warrior River. The campground is situated on a peninsula, offering beautiful views and access to both the Black Warrior River and Clear Creek.

Despite its tranquil ambiance, Jennings Ferry Park Campground is surprisingly accessible for most Alabamians. It's approximately 9 miles off of I-20/59, a major interstate corridor connecting Birmingham to the northeast and Meridian, Mississippi, to the southwest. Specifically, visitors would typically take Exit 40 (Eutaw/Aliceville, Hwy 14 Exit) and follow Highway 14 signs towards Eutaw, then follow local directions to the campground. This proximity to a major interstate makes it a convenient destination for travelers coming from various parts of Alabama and beyond.

For those traveling from major Alabama cities:

  • From Tuscaloosa: The drive is approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes, making it an excellent option for a weekend trip from the collegiate city.
  • From Birmingham: It's about a 1 hour and 16-minute drive, allowing for relatively easy access from the state's largest metropolitan area.
  • From Montgomery: The journey takes around 1 hour and 58 minutes, placing it within a reasonable driving distance for a slightly longer trip from the state capital.

While the immediate vicinity of the campground is rural, the town of Eutaw is a few miles away for basic necessities. It's advisable for campers to arrive with most of their supplies, as larger grocery stores or extensive dining options are further out. However, the slightly remote feel contributes to its peaceful atmosphere. The easy drive from I-20/59, often passing through charming old Southern towns with historic homes, enhances the overall travel experience to this beautiful riverside retreat. The location truly offers the best of both worlds: serene natural surroundings with convenient access to major routes and regional hubs for those who need it.

Services Offered

Jennings Ferry Park Campground, being a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers facility, is well-equipped to provide a range of essential services and amenities that enhance the camping experience for all visitors. The focus is on comfort, cleanliness, and convenience in a natural setting.

  • Electric and Water Hookups: All of the campground's 52 spacious sites are equipped with both electric and water hookups. This is a crucial service for RVs and ensures comfort for tent campers utilizing power for fans, lights, or charging devices. Many sites offer 50 AMP electric service, accommodating a wide range of RVs, including large ones.
  • Large, Level Campsites: The campground features "nice large sites, especially the back-in sites by the water," and boasts "spacious, level, and quiet campsites" with "concrete pads." This provides ample room for RVs, tents, and associated gear, making setup easy and comfortable for "big rigs that are towing."
  • Clean Restrooms and Hot Showers: Consistently praised in reviews, the "bathrooms were very clean and well maintained" and offer "nice hot showers." This is a top priority for campers and highlights the park's commitment to hygiene and guest comfort.
  • Laundry Area: A convenient "laundry area" is available on-site, allowing campers to wash and dry clothes during their stay, which is especially beneficial for longer trips.
  • Friendly Camp Hosts/Staff: The campground benefits from "very friendly" and "helpful" camp hosts and staff who go "over and above the top." This personalized service, including instances like bringing firewood to cold campers, significantly enhances the visitor experience and fosters a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Dump Station: While not explicitly detailed in the provided snippets, US Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds typically include a sanitary dump station for RV waste disposal, which is a standard and necessary service for RVers.
  • Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, and Grills: Each campsite is generally equipped with a fire ring for campfires, a picnic table for outdoor dining, and a grill, facilitating classic camping experiences.
  • Boat Ramp Access: The park provides a boat ramp, offering convenient access to the Black Warrior River for fishing, boating, and other water recreation activities. There is a fee for day-use of the boat ramp for non-campers, but registered campers typically have access.
  • Playground Area: The campground includes a playground area, providing a dedicated space for children to play and enjoy their time outdoors.
  • Ice and Firewood for Sale: While not explicitly stated, many COE parks offer ice and firewood for sale on-site, adding to camper convenience.

These comprehensive services ensure that Jennings Ferry Park Campground provides a comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable camping experience for a wide variety of visitors.

Features / Highlights

Jennings Ferry Park Campground boasts an impressive array of features and highlights that make it a standout destination for campers in Alabama, particularly those seeking a blend of natural beauty, comfort, and excellent service.

  • Stunning Riverside Location: Situated on a peninsula between the Black Warrior River and Clear Creek, the campground offers "beautiful views" and "large sites, especially the back-in sites by the water." This riverside setting provides opportunities for scenic enjoyment, fishing, and watching barges and tugboats pass by, a unique and engaging sight.
  • Spacious and Big-Rig Friendly Sites: A significant highlight for RVers is the presence of "nice large sites," including "level concrete pads," and "plenty of room for big rigs that are towing." This ensures easy maneuverability and comfortable setup for even the largest recreational vehicles, which is often a challenge at other campgrounds.
  • Immaculate and Well-Maintained Facilities: Visitors consistently rave about the "very clean" and "well maintained" bathrooms with "nice hot showers." The campground itself is described as "immaculate" and "very well kept," reflecting a high standard of cleanliness that enhances the overall camping experience.
  • Exceptional Camp Host and Staff: The "camp host was very friendly!" and staff are praised for being "over and above the top," including bringing firewood during cold weather. This personalized, warm, and helpful service creates a welcoming atmosphere and contributes significantly to guest satisfaction.
  • Peaceful and Quiet Atmosphere: Despite its accessibility, the campground offers a "peaceful and quiet" environment, ideal for relaxation and escaping the noise of daily life. This tranquility is a key draw for campers seeking a serene retreat.
  • Excellent Fishing Opportunities: With its location on the Black Warrior River, the park is known for "excellent fishing," with "gently sloping banks ideal bank fishing." Anglers can target bass, crappie, catfish, and bream.
  • Nature Trail for Exploration: A 0.7-mile nature trail winding through bottomland hardwood trees offers opportunities for walking, birdwatching, and observing local wildlife like deer, squirrels, and wild turkeys.
  • Year-Round Operation: The campground is open year-round, allowing Alabamians to enjoy its beauty and amenities in all seasons, from warm summer days to cozy winter evenings by the campfire.
  • Family-Friendly Amenities: The presence of a playground provides a dedicated space for younger campers, making it suitable for families with children.

These features collectively make Jennings Ferry Park Campground a highly sought-after destination, offering a balanced and enriching outdoor experience for all who visit.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) campground, Jennings Ferry Park Campground primarily operates under a standardized fee schedule, and information about specific, ongoing "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional commercial sense is not readily available in the provided customer reviews or public listings.

However, USACE campgrounds, including Jennings Ferry, typically offer:

  • America the Beautiful - National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Passes: These passes often provide discounts on camping fees. For example, the Senior Pass (for U.S. citizens or permanent residents 62 and over) and the Access Pass (for those with permanent disabilities) usually grant a 50% discount on standard amenity fees, including camping. This is a significant ongoing "promotion" for eligible individuals.
  • Standardized Daily/Nightly Rates: The camping fees are generally consistent and publicly listed (e.g., $22-24 per night for electric/water sites, with slight variations for water view or tent-only sites). These rates are often considered highly competitive and affordable for the amenities provided, especially compared to private campgrounds.
  • Annual Day Use Passes: While camping fees are separate, annual passes for Corps Operated Boat Ramps might be available for those who frequently use the boat launch facilities across various USACE sites. (A single day use pass is also available for the boat ramp).

It is important to note that specific seasonal discounts or short-term booking promotions are not typically advertised by USACE campgrounds in the same way private parks might. Their pricing is generally set to maintain the parks and provide affordable recreation.

For the most accurate and current information on fees, any potential discounts (such as those for America the Beautiful pass holders), and to make reservations, it is always recommended to visit the official Recreation.gov website (as most COE campgrounds are booked through this platform) or contact Jennings Ferry Park Campground directly using the provided contact information. Due to its popularity, especially for water-view sites, booking well in advance is often necessary, rather than waiting for last-minute offers.

Contact Information

To plan your visit, inquire about site availability, or learn more about Jennings Ferry Park Campground, you can reach out using the following contact details:

  • Address: 1001 Jennings Ferry Rd, Akron, AL 35441, USA
  • Phone: (334) 402-1606 (This number is often associated with the Black Warrior-Tombigbee Lakes Project Office, which oversees several COE campgrounds in the area. Another common number seen in public listings is 205-372-1217, which may be a direct park office or host phone.)
  • Mobile Phone: +1 334-402-1606

When contacting the campground, it's advisable to specify your intended dates of stay, the type and size of your camping equipment (RV length, number of slides, towing vehicle), and whether you prefer a waterfront or off-water site. Given the positive feedback on the friendliness and helpfulness of the camp hosts and staff, you can expect a pleasant and informative conversation that will assist you in planning your relaxing Alabama camping experience. Reservations for US Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds are typically made through Recreation.gov, so it's a good idea to check that platform for availability as well.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Jennings Ferry Park Campground is an exceptional destination perfectly suited for Alabamians seeking an enriching and accessible outdoor experience right in their home state. Its unique blend of natural beauty, thoughtful amenities, and friendly atmosphere makes it an ideal retreat for various types of campers.

Firstly, its location offers the best of both worlds. While nestled in the peaceful, scenic Black Belt region along the Black Warrior River, it remains remarkably accessible from major Alabama cities via I-20/59. This means that a tranquil riverside escape is just a manageable drive away for residents of Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, or Montgomery, allowing for spontaneous weekend trips or extended vacations without the hassle of long-distance travel. For locals, finding such a serene natural haven that doesn't require a full day of driving is a significant advantage.

Secondly, the campground's dedication to cleanliness and visitor comfort truly stands out. Reviews consistently praise the "immaculate" facilities, including "clean hot showers" and "well-maintained" grounds. This commitment to hygiene ensures a pleasant and worry-free stay, a top priority for any camper. The spacious, level sites, especially those designed for "big rigs," remove common anxieties for RV owners, making set-up easy and allowing more time for relaxation. This attention to practical details speaks directly to the needs of Alabama's camping community.

Furthermore, the genuine warmth and helpfulness of the camp hosts and staff are a consistent highlight. Going "over and above the top," as demonstrated by instances like bringing firewood to cold campers, creates a welcoming and supportive environment. This authentic Southern hospitality makes visitors feel like valued guests, fostering a strong sense of community and making Jennings Ferry a place where locals feel truly at home and eager to return.

Finally, the array of recreational opportunities caters to a wide range of interests. The excellent fishing on the Black Warrior River, the scenic nature trail for walking and birdwatching, and the convenience of a boat ramp provide ample activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're seeking active adventure or quiet contemplation by the water, Jennings Ferry offers it all. This diverse appeal, combined with its accessibility, high standards of maintenance, and friendly service, firmly establishes Jennings Ferry Park Campground as a premier and highly suitable camping destination for Alabamians looking to make lasting memories in their beautiful state.

Customer Reviews

4.0
205 reviews
K
Kathy Smith
Jan 06, 2025

Beautiful campground with nice large sites, especially the back-in sites by the water. Great for big rigs that are towing! We were there in early January, it was cold and a little rainy but still worth the stay. There were several other campers there too, even with the cold. We have Starlink and the reception wasn't too good because of all the trees but it helped with internet and streaming. You can get a few TV stations with your antenna, better than nothing. Camp host was very friendly! We'll be back😁

D
Duane Yoch
Jan 24, 2025

We absolutely love this park what a great experience. The staff was over and above the top. Very friendly people, it was very cold. And they brought us some firewood, very much appreciated., the bathrooms were very clean and while maintained and nice hot showers.

E
Elise Ott
Jun 02, 2024

This was a cute place to spend the night on our road trip! It was easy to level our camper. The restrooms were clean and had hot showers, and they weren’t crowded. The camp host was so sweet and even guided us to our campsite on her bike!

Y
Yarn Nutt
May 14, 2025

This is a great place to stay. There are fishing & boating areas. Otherwise you can just relax and enjoy the views. Sites are nice and shady with water & electric. There is a dump site near the entrance.

P
Peter
May 18, 2025

Prettiest campground on our trip from New York thru Tennessee, Arkansas, and Texas. Caroline, our host, met us at the gate, led us to our site on the water while giving a tour so we knew where things were, eg. dump site, bath house, etc. All sites are large, some are pull through if needed, thoughtfully set up. Looking forward to going back