CAMPGROUND-LAYOUT MAPS
Each profile contains a detailed map of campground sites, internal roads, facilities, and other key items.
CAMPGROUND ENTRANCE GPS COORDINATES
All 50 of the profiles in this guidebook include a box showing the GPS coordinates for each site entrance. The intersection of the latitude (north) and longitude (west) coordinates orients you to the entrance. Please note that this guidebook uses the degree–decimal minute format for presenting the GPS coordinates. Example:
GPS COORDINATES N32° 58.693' W85° 13.272'
To convert GPS coordinates from degrees, minutes, and seconds to the above degrees–decimal minutes format, the seconds are divided by 60. For more on GPS technology, visit usgs.gov.
WEATHER
The weather in Alabama is as distinctive as its environment. Along the Gulf Coast you’ll experience a subtropical climate, while to the north cold and snowy winters are common. But of course, weather isn’t that cut-and-dried.
Average temperatures in the north range from 46°F in January to 80°F in July. On the coast the temperatures range from 52°F in the winter to 85°F in summer. Yes, the coast does experience cold snaps of below 30°F in the winter, sometimes even below zero, but they’re usually short-lived and last only a day or two.
Overall the weather across the state makes it a pleasure to camp out any time of the year, but there are a few caveats. Being in a subtropical environment you can expect extended days of high heat and humidity throughout the summer. This makes for a deadly combination and a heat index that easily soars over 100° many days throughout the summer.
Alabama is particularly prone to a couple of big weather issues in the summer. Because of the heat and humidity, the state experiences extremely dangerous pop-up summertime thunderstorms. These squalls can drop 2 or more inches of rain in less than an hour and be accompanied by dangerous lightning and, in the north, tornadoes.
The other is hurricane season, which generally falls between May and November. Even though Alabama has a relatively small strip of land along the Gulf of Mexico, the area has seen devastating storms in the last decade, including Ivan, Dennis, and, of course, Katrina. And even though a hurricane afflicts the most wind and water damage along the coast, areas hundreds of miles away can still feel its effects. As a matter of fact, most injuries and deaths resulting from a hurricane occur well inland from flooding. Be sure to check for severe weather updates with the National Weather Service and local news outlets regularly during the summer, no matter what part of the state you travel.
FIRST-AID KIT
A useful first-aid kit may contain more items than you might think necessary. These are just the basics. Prepackaged kits in waterproof bags (Atwater Carey and Adventure Medical make them) are available. As a preventive measure, always take along sunscreen and insect repellent. Even though quite a few items are listed here, they pack down into a small space.
Ace bandages or Spenco joint wraps
Adhesive bandages, such as Band-Aids
Antibiotic ointment (Neosporin or the generic equivalent)
Antiseptic or disinfectant, such as Betadine or hydrogen peroxide
Aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), or ibuprofen (Advil)
Benadryl or the generic equivalent, diphenhydramine (in case of allergic reactions)
Butterfly-closure bandages
Emergency poncho
Epinephrine in a prefilled syringe (for severe allergic reactions to bee stings and so on)
Gauze (one roll and six 4-by-4-inch compress pads)
LED flashlight or headlamp
Matches or pocket lighter
Mirror for signaling passing aircraft
Moleskin/Spenco 2nd Skin
Pocketknife or multipurpose tool
Waterproof first-aid tape
Whistle (it’s more effective in signaling rescuers than your voice)
FLORA & FAUNA PRECAUTIONS
Poisonous Plants
Poison ivy and poison sumac thrive across the Southeast. Some people have reactions to these plants while others don’t. Your best bet is to not take the chance and avoid them by learning how to identify them.
Ever hear the old adage “leaves of three, let it be”? Poison ivy can be either a thick vine clinging to trees or a ground cover. The plant is easily identifiable by its three leaflets.
If you happen upon a poison sumac tree in the forest, you might think that it would look very nice as an ornamental plant in your home—don’t go there! The tree itself grows 25–30 feet tall, has a 5-inch-diameter trunk, is covered with broad leaves with each leaf containing 7–13 leaflets, and is adorned with groupings of small white berries that birds love. Sumac is found in wet marshes, forests, and swamps, and because of this, the plant is found only in the lower two-thirds of the state and is virtually nonexistent from the Mountain Region north.
What makes these plants so irritating is the oil in their sap, called urushiol. Usually within 12–14 hours after contact, a rash begins to develop with raised lines, sometimes blisters, and a terrible itch.
If you have these symptoms, don’t scratch the infected area. Wash and dry the rash thoroughly, then apply calamine lotion or a similar product that will help dry it. If itching or blistering is severe, seek medical attention. And remember, oil-contaminated clothes, pets, or hiking gear can easily cause an irritating rash on you or someone else, so wash not only any exposed parts of your body but also clothes, gear, and pets.
Mosquitoes and Yellow Flies
You can’t escape them. They can be found everywhere from north to south Alabama. Mosquitoes are literally after your blood, and while it’s rare, they can infect humans with the West Nile virus. Culex mosquitoes, the primary variety that can transmit West Nile virus, thrive in urban rather than natural areas. They lay their eggs in stagnant water and can breed in any standing water that remains for more than five days. Most people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms, but some may become ill, usually 3–15 days after being bitten.
Anytime you expect mosquitoes to be buzzing around, you may want to wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves, long pants, and socks. Loose-fitting, light-colored clothing is best. Spray clothing with insect repellent. Remember to follow the instructions on the repellent and to take extra care to protect children against these insects.
Another nuisance in the South is yellow flies. These yellow-bodied insects live in shady, humid areas along the edges of rivers, creeks, streams, and forests. Like the mosquito, yellow flies are out for a little blood, and once one bites you, expect the crew to join in. You could find yourself with 20 or 30 yellow flies attacking at one time.
Unlike the mosquito their bite is fierce. While they can bite any part of the body, they mainly focus on the head, neck, and shoulders, and once they have your scent, they are almost impossible to get rid of. The best way to avoid them is to stay in sunny open areas. If you are on the move, for example hiking, move at a fast jog. And unfortunately, insect repellents have little effect on yellow flies.
Snakes
More than 50 species of snakes call Alabama home, but only 6 are venomous (poisonous): the copperhead, eastern