Conecuh National Forest Guide
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Conecuh National Forest is an 83,000-acre forest that sits along the Alabama-Florida state line. The area offers boating, camping, hiking, fishing, horse trails and swimming. The forest has two recreational areas: Open Pond Recreation Area and Blue Lake Recreation Area. In addition, Conecuh National Forest includes the Leon Brooks Hines Public Fishing Lake, the Conecuh Shooting and Rifle Range and a 20-mile trail that was built by the Youth Conservation Corps.
Camping in Conecuh National Forest
The best way to camp in Conecuh National Forest is by camping in an RV. The convenience of having your own home on wheels allows you to bask in nature while having the luxury to return to a private space that is all your own. Renting an RV from RVshare gives you the best of both worlds. You have all of the convenience of an RV without the cost of ownership and upkeep.
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Open Pond Recreation Area
The Open Pond Recreation Area lies within Conecuh National Forest. This campground offers water and electrical hookups, facilities for the disabled and bathhouses with hot and cold running water. Open Pond Recreation Area campers will find that each of the developed campsites has barbecue grills, a fire ring and a garbage disposal area. There are also picnic tables for those days that you want to enjoy your meals in the great outdoors. This campground is open year-round. Fees range from $8 to $16 per night.
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Middle Creek Campground
This newly developed campground offers electrical hookups, water hookups and on-site sewage. RVers pay $26 per night, $156 per week or $416 per month for those extended trips. Middle Creek Campground is surrounded by Conecuh National Forest from its spot in the small town of Wing, Alabama.
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Brewton RV Park
A short drive from Conecuh National Forest is Brewton RV Park. Located near Brewton, Alabama, Brewton RV Park is a good option for campers who want to spend their days exploring a national forest while also enjoying the quaint charm of small-town America. Brewton RV Park offers 44 sites with electrical hookups, water, and on-site sewage. This RV park also has a laundromat, horseshoe game sets, and picnic tables. The cost is $25 for daily camping. Weekly campers will pay $135 for 30 amps or $150 for 50 amps. Monthly visitors will pay $375 to $425.
RV Rentals Near Conecuh National Forest
Conecuh National Forest Hiking Trails
Getting up close and personal with a national forest is best done on a hiking trail. The Conecuh Trail was begun by the Youth Conservation Corps in 1976. Each year, the YCC would add to the trail until it reached the full 20-mile span that exists today. Visitors can tackle the entirety of the Conecuh Trail, but many will want to choose one of the smaller loops instead.
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Blue Spring Loop
Hikers trek through the forest until they reach the Blue Spring. This natural spring is fresh, cold, and beautiful. Hikers will find plenty of pine and oak trees. They may encounter some wildlife during a daytime hike.
Length: 6.3 miles
Intensity: Intermediate
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Lake Shore Loop Trail
This mostly flat and easy trail takes hikers along the shores of the lake, just as its name suggests. This is a great trail for those who want to get out and stretch their legs but may have some issues with hiking for extended periods. Parking is located alongside the trail.
Length: 2.3 miles
Intensity: Easy
Activities in Conecuh National Forest
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Identifying Flora and Fauna
Though all of Conecuh National Forest is rife with flora and fauna, the Open Pond Recreation Area is the ideal spot for those who enjoy spending their days viewing plants and animal life. One of the plants you may see at Conecuh National Forest is the carnivorous pitcher plant.
Animals of many types are also present. This is particularly true of reptiles and amphibians who thrive in the warm weather and wet habitat. Some critters you may encounter include cottonmouth and copperhead snakes, both of which are venomous and abundant.
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Fishing
Fishing is welcome at Conecuh National Forest in the Blue Lake Recreation Area, the Leon Brooks Hines Public Fishing Lake and the Open Pond Recreation Area. All fishing in ponds and lakes requires an Alabama fishing license. The Leon Brooks Hines Public Fishing Lake is the most popular spot for fishing in Conecuh National Forest. It is open to anglers who want to catch bass, catfish or bream. Boats and gear can be rented at the lake.
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Geocaching
Geocaching remains a popular way to experience nature while finding and seeking treasure. There are treasures to be found within the national forest for those who dare to look. Geocachers do recommend that great care is taken in some areas during hunting season or in warm weather when snakes and alligators may be present.
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Bird Watching
Bird-watching is particularly popular here as the National Audubon Society has declared the forest as an Important Bird Area. The forest is home to a red-cockaded woodpecker colony. Ornithologists can also look out for barred owls, wild turkeys, yellow-billed cuckoos, wrens and bobwhites.
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Stargazing
The lack of artificial light, except for a few scattered lanterns at the Open Pond Recreation Area campground, provides the perfect atmosphere for stargazing. Stargazers may be able to see the Milky Way, the M33 galaxy and the M31 galaxy. Occasionally, gegenschein nebulous light and the zodiacal band are seen here.
How to get to Conecuh National Forest
Address: 1119 Forest Area Road, Kinston, AL, 36453
Fee: Per vehicle, Open Pond day-use $3.0
Fee: Per vehicle, Blue Lake day-use $3.0
Blue Lake is open from April 1 through October 31. A valid Alabama hunting license, a Wildlife Management Area License or a Wildlife Heritage License is required to use the shooting range.
Fee: Campsites $8.0
Campsites are available from $8-$16 a day.
Fee: Unknown
Traveling in an RV is a great way to visit Conecuh National Forest. You can go fishing, hiking, swimming or stargazing while enjoying a comfortable camping experience.