Lakeview Campground Loop

For those in Alabama who appreciate a blend of outdoor adventure, historical immersion, and natural beauty, Lakeview Campground Loop at St. Stephens Historical Park presents an exceptional opportunity. Nestled in St. Stephens, this campground offers more than just a place to park your RV or pitch your tent; it's an invitation to explore a significant piece of Alabama's past while enjoying the tranquility of its present.

Lakeview Campground Loop is a key component of the larger St. Stephens Historical Park, a unique destination that served as the Alabama Territorial Capital and boasts a rich history dating back to Spanish and American forts. This combination of cultural heritage and abundant natural resources creates a distinctive camping experience that appeals to a wide range of visitors, from history buffs to nature enthusiasts and families looking for a memorable getaway.

Whether you're planning a short weekend escape or a longer vacation, Lakeview Campground Loop provides the necessary amenities and a peaceful setting for relaxation. Its connection to the expansive historical park ensures that there's always something to do and discover, making every visit a fresh adventure. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to Lakeview Campground Loop, highlighting its prime location, the services it offers, its unique features, and why it's such a suitable destination for Alabamians seeking an enriching outdoor experience.

Location and Accessibility

Lakeview Campground Loop is strategically located within the scenic St. Stephens Historical Park at HX56+23, St Stephens, AL 36569, USA. St. Stephens is situated in Washington County, Alabama, approximately one hour north of Mobile. This makes it a convenient drive for many residents across the southern and central parts of Alabama, allowing for easy weekend trips or extended stays without excessive travel time.

The park's address, including the specific campground loop, is well-marked and accessible from major roadways. While detailed driving directions from specific cities are not provided here, its placement within a historical park suggests well-maintained roads leading to the campground. For RVers, accessibility is often a prime concern, and being part of a well-established historical park generally means ample space for maneuvering and parking larger vehicles.

Being part of St. Stephens Historical Park is a significant advantage, as it means campers are immediately immersed in an area rich with both history and natural beauty. The campground is described as being "nestled into the edge of the woods on the bluff high above the lake," offering picturesque views and a serene environment. Its proximity to the park entrance and other key attractions within the park ensures that everything you want to explore is just a short walk or drive away, maximizing your time for enjoyment and minimizing travel logistics.

Services Offered

Lakeview Campground Loop provides a range of essential services and amenities designed to ensure a comfortable and convenient camping experience for its guests. The focus is on providing reliable hookups and facilities that enhance the outdoor stay.

• RV Campsites: Lakeview Campground features 18 full hook-up sites, accommodating both 30 and 50 AMP connections. This makes it suitable for a wide variety of RVs, from smaller travel trailers to larger motorhomes. Some sites are noted to have "beautiful views" over the quarry lake.

• Tent Camping: While primarily an RV campground, St. Stephens Historical Park also offers dedicated tent camping sites in other areas of the park, suggesting a variety of options for different camping styles.

• Bathhouse with Showers: The campground boasts a "full bath house with showers," providing clean and accessible facilities for personal hygiene, a crucial amenity for any campground.

• Laundry Facility: A convenient laundry facility is available within the Lakeview Campground, which is particularly beneficial for campers on longer stays, allowing them to refresh their wardrobe.

• Potable Water: All RV sites are equipped with water hookups, ensuring a readily available supply of fresh, potable water.

• Sewer Hookups: Full hook-up sites include sewer connections, providing the convenience of direct waste disposal from your RV.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: While not explicitly detailed for every site in Lakeview, most improved campsites in state parks and similar facilities typically include picnic tables and fire rings or grills for cooking and gathering.

• Park Store: St. Stephens Historical Park features a camp store, where campers can likely purchase essential supplies, firewood, and possibly rent recreational equipment.

• Sanitary Dump Station: For RVs that do not have full sewer hookups or for those leaving the park, a sanitary dump station is available.

These services collectively ensure that campers at Lakeview Campground Loop have access to modern conveniences while still enjoying the natural surroundings.

Features / Highlights

Lakeview Campground Loop's appeal extends far beyond basic amenities, offering a variety of features and access to park highlights that create a rich and engaging experience for visitors.

• Historical Significance: As part of St. Stephens Historical Park, campers have direct access to a site of immense historical importance. This includes exploring the grounds of a former Spanish fort, an American fort, and the original Alabama Territorial Capital. Interpretive trails and exhibits help visitors delve into the lives of early settlers.

• Quarry Lake with Swim Beach: A standout feature is the 70-acre quarry lake, which boasts a man-made swim beach. This provides a refreshing opportunity for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the water, with both shallow and deep areas available.

• Boating and Fishing Access: The park offers a convenient boat launch into both the Quarry Lake and the Tombigbee River, providing excellent opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and other water activities. The lake itself has been stocked, promising good fishing prospects.

• Extensive Nature Trails: Over 15 miles of scenic trails wind throughout the park, perfect for hiking, walking, and even horseback riding (the park does not provide horses, but stalls can be rented). These trails offer peaceful respites and opportunities for wildlife viewing, skirting the Tombigbee River and rising above the Quarry Lake.

• Disc Golf Course: For those seeking a fun and active outdoor challenge, the park features an 18-hole disc golf course that winds through the historical district. Discs are available for rent at the park store.

• Playground: Families with children will appreciate the fort-style playground, offering various activities for younger campers.

• Kayaking and Watercraft Rentals: As of March 2024, kayak rentals are available, allowing guests to easily explore the lake and river by water.

• Proximity to Nature and Wildlife: The diverse habitats surrounding the campground offer opportunities for birdwatching and observing local wildlife.

• Scenic Views: Being "on the bluff high above the lake," many sites within Lakeview Campground Loop offer beautiful vistas of the water and surrounding natural landscape.

These features collectively make Lakeview Campground Loop a dynamic destination where historical exploration, active recreation, and peaceful relaxation can all be enjoyed.

Promotions or Special Offers

St. Stephens Historical Park, which encompasses Lakeview Campground Loop, does publish its pricing for RV sites. While specific "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional sense (like flash sales or loyalty programs) are not explicitly detailed in publicly available information, their pricing structure does offer inherent value for longer stays.

Current RV Campground Pricing (as of available information):

• 30 AMP HookUp: $30 per night, $180 per week, $575 per month.

• 50 AMP HookUp: $35 per night, $210 per week, $675 per month.

These weekly and monthly rates represent a significant discount compared to nightly rates, effectively acting as an ongoing promotion for those planning extended visits. For example, staying for a month on a 50 AMP site at the monthly rate saves approximately $375 compared to paying the nightly rate for 30 nights ($35 x 30 = $1050 vs. $675). This makes it highly appealing for long-term campers or those seeking a seasonal base.

It is always recommended to check the official St. Stephens Historical Park website or call them directly for the most current pricing, availability, and any potential new offers that may arise seasonally or for specific events.

Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries about specific site availability, or any other questions regarding Lakeview Campground Loop and St. Stephens Historical Park, you can use the following contact details:

• Address: HX56+23, St Stephens, AL 36569, USA (within St. Stephens Historical Park)

• Park Office Address: 2056 Jim Long Road, St Stephens, AL 36569

• Phone: (251) 247-2622

The park office is typically open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. Messages left after hours are usually returned the following day during office hours. Reservations can also be made through the park's official website. It is highly advisable to make reservations, especially for RV sites, given their popularity and the distinct appeal of the park.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

Lakeview Campground Loop, nestled within the expansive St. Stephens Historical Park, is an ideal destination for Alabamians seeking a diverse and enriching outdoor experience close to home. Its suitability for local users stems from a compelling combination of accessibility, comprehensive amenities, and a unique blend of recreational and educational opportunities.

For Alabama residents, the convenience of reaching St. Stephens is a major draw. Located just about an hour north of Mobile, it provides an easily accessible escape for a weekend getaway or a longer family vacation without requiring extensive travel. This proximity means less time on the road and more time enjoying the park's numerous offerings.

The campground itself is well-equipped to handle various camping preferences. With 18 full hook-up RV sites providing both 30 and 50 AMP connections, as well as essential facilities like a bathhouse with showers and a laundry facility, it caters to the practical needs of RVers. The availability of weekly and monthly rates offers an attractive financial incentive for locals considering extended stays, allowing them to truly immerse themselves in the park's environment and explore the surrounding area at a leisurely pace.

Beyond the camping infrastructure, the true allure for Alabamians lies in the wealth of activities and features within St. Stephens Historical Park. This isn't just a campground; it’s a living museum and a recreational paradise. Locals can spend their days exploring Alabama's first territorial capital, hiking over 15 miles of scenic trails, or enjoying water activities on the beautiful 70-acre quarry lake with its sandy swim beach. The opportunity to fish, kayak, or even play a round of disc golf within a historically significant setting adds layers of enjoyment that few other campgrounds can offer.

For families, it offers both educational opportunities and fun recreational outlets. For those seeking quiet contemplation, the peaceful setting "on the bluff high above the lake" provides a serene backdrop for relaxation and connection with nature. Lakeview Campground Loop truly embodies the spirit of Alabama's outdoors, blending historical significance with modern camping comfort, making it an excellent choice for any local looking for their next great adventure.