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
Whether you choose to camp within the forest or at nearby private campgrounds, plenty of options are available.
Campgrounds in Conecuh National Forest
$16 per night
Private Campgrounds Near Grand Mesa National Forest
Situated in Alabama, these private campgrounds combine convenient access to Conecuh National Forest with the comfort of modern amenities. Perfect for families and solo adventurers, they offer an excellent base for exploring the area’s natural beauty.
$40.50 per night
$25 per night
$20 per night
$66 per night
$40 per night
FOB Pelican at Little Pelican Bayou
$85 per night
$20 per night
Apple Hill Cabins and Camp Ground
$20 per night
$28.50 per night
Larry & Sheila's Blackwater Getaway
$30 per night
Budget-friendly Campgrounds
$10 per night
$13.5 per night
$11.05 per night
$16 per night
$10 per night
You can find the nearest dump stations to ensure your RV trip stays stress-free and enjoyable.
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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
Explore the various hiking trails in Conecuh National Forest, from long walks to challenging treks.
Easy Hikes for Beginners
Distance: 7 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.8 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Conecuh Trail South Loop via Open Pond Trailhead
Distance: 8 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Challenging Trails for Hikers
Distance: 6.3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 15.1 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
South Conecuh to Open Pond Trail
Distance: 16.7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Lakeside Trails
Distance: 2.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
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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
Here are some interesting things to do in Conecuh National Forest.
Nature Viewing: Explore the Open Pond Recreation Area, where the carnivorous pitcher plant thrives among diverse flora and fauna. Watch out for reptiles like cottonmouth and copperhead snakes in their natural habitat.
Fishing: Fish at Blue Lake, Leon Brooks Hines Public Fishing Lake, or Open Pond Recreation Area with an Alabama fishing license. Catch bass, catfish, or bream, and rent boats or gear at Leon Brooks Hines Lake.
Geocaching: Embark on a geocaching adventure in Conecuh National Forest, but stay cautious during hunting seasons and warm weather when snakes and alligators are active.
Bird Watching: Spot rare birds in this Important Bird Area, including red-cockaded woodpeckers, barred owls, and wild turkeys, perfect for avid bird-watchers and ornithologists alike.
Stargazing: Enjoy crystal-clear night skies at Open Pond Recreation Area, where you can see the Milky Way, M31 and M33 galaxies, and even zodiacal light phenomena.
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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
By Car
From Andalusia: Drive south on US-29 for approximately 20 miles to reach the forest's main entrance.
From Mobile: Travel east on I-65, then take Exit 93 onto US-84 East for about 50 miles to the forest area.
From Pensacola: Drive north on I-110 and merge onto US-29 North for about 65 miles to reach the forest.
By Air
The nearest airports to Conecuh National Forest are:
Pensacola International Airport (PNS): This is the closest major airport, located approximately 65 miles south of the forest.
Mobile Regional Airport (MOB): Situated about 90 miles southwest of the forest, this airport offers additional flight options.
Seasonal Restrictions
Seasonal Restrictions in Conecuh National Forest ensure both visitor safety and forest preservation. During the late fall and winter months, several forest roads may be temporarily closed due to wet weather, as heavy rains can lead to muddy conditions and potential road damage. Specific hunting seasons and designated dates for various game animals are also observed, including regulations on methods like decoys. To stay informed, visitors are encouraged to check the latest updates on road closures and seasonal restrictions by contacting the forest office or visiting their official website before planning their trip.
Fees in the Conecuh National Forest
Fees in Conecuh National Forest vary depending on the activity and location.Open Pond Campground offers overnight stays at $16.00 per night for sites with hookups and $8.00 per night for those without. Day-use fees are affordable, with Open Pond Day Use and Blue Lake Day Use areas charging $3.00 per vehicle. These fees provide access to the forest's amenities, ensuring a budget-friendly experience for outdoor enthusiasts.