Fees range between $32 for standard electric sites and up to $75 for group tent-only areas. Additional charges include reservation fees and fees for...
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Standard Site Fee$32.00
Hookup Site Fee$54.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$75.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
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Clear Creek Recreation Area, 8079 Fall City Road, Jasper, AL, 35503
Clear Creek (Al)
Clear Creek Recreation Area, 8079 Fall City Road, Jasper, AL, 35503
Nearby places
Jasper: 13 miles, approximately 30 minutes
Double Springs: 12 miles, approximately 25 minutes.
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies available in Jasper, AL, approximately 13 miles away.
Driving directionsFrom Jasper travel approximately 5 miles north on State Road 195 to Manchester, then 8.5 miles north on County Road 27 to the campground entrance. From Double Springs travel approximately 12 miles south on State Road 195 to Lamon Chapel Road, then turn left on County Road 27 for 2 miles to the entrance.
Accessible via paved roads, travel involves state and county roads. No seasonal closures reported.
About Clear Creek (Al)
Clear Creek Recreation Area offers 102 campsites along Lewis Smith Lake in the Bankhead National Forest, with sites for tents, RVs, and groups. Sites run $32-75 per night and include electric and water hookups, showers, and a dump station. The campground sits near the Sipsey Wilderness, known for its sandstone cliffs and waterfalls, and provides lake access for boating, fishing, and swimming.
Clear Creek Recreation Area accommodates a range of camping styles, including RV, tent, and group camping. Sites are designed to cater to both individual campers and larger groups.
Historical Significance
The campground sits within Bankhead National Forest and borders the Sipsey Wilderness, locally called 'The Land of a Thousand Waterfalls.' Nearby landmarks include Pine Torch Church and the Houston Civil War Jail, remnants from the area's pioneer and Civil War history.
Weather and SeasonsFall brings the best conditions, with daytime highs in the 55-75°F range during October, crisp mornings, and low humidity. Waterfalls and creek flows stay scenic after summer rains, and the hardwood forests turn crimson, gold, and amber. The lake quiets down for late-season boating and fishing. Summer sees higher use and occasional afternoon showers. Crowds thin in fall compared to summer weekends, though October weekends can still be busy.
ElevationThe campground's strategic positioning within Bankhead's rolling terrain creates a diverse landscape of gentle slopes and hidden hollows, perfect for exploration and discovery around every bend.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits at 577 feet elevation where the Appalachian Plateau meets the Cumberland Plateau, creating varied terrain of sandstone cliffs, hardwood forests, and lakefront. The nearby Sipsey Wilderness features waterfalls carved through moss-covered gorges and rock formations shaped by centuries of water flow. Mountain laurel clings to rocky outcrops while towering hardwoods fill the valleys. Sites have plenty of shade from mature trees, and the lake offers clear water for recreation.
Geological RegionClear Creek sits at one of Alabama's most fascinating geological crossroads, where the ancient Appalachian Plateau meets the Cumberland Plateau and brushes against the Coastal Plain. This unique convergence has created a wonderland of sandstone cliffs carved by millennia of water flow, resulting in the spectacular waterfalls and rock formations that make the Sipsey Wilderness famous. The diverse geology supports an incredible variety of plant life, from mountain laurel clinging to rocky outcrops to towering hardwoods that thrive in the rich valley soils.
Scenic ViewsMany sites offer lake views or are lakeside, providing tranquil and scenic experiences.
Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer hotel-style lodging, but it provides options for RV, tent, and group camping.
Programs & ActivitiesSeasonal interpretive programs are available, focusing on the natural and cultural history of the area.
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What Campers Say
4.18
Satisfactory
Based on 720 reviews
258 Google reviews
Most mentioned
cleanspacioussites
"Reviews for Clear Creek Recreation Area are mixed, with some visitors praising the natural beauty, spacious sites, and variety of activities, while others criticized the limited availability of bathhouses, strict enforcement of rules, and staff attitudes."
Fall brings the best conditions, with daytime highs in the 55-75°F range during October, crisp mornings, and low humidity. Waterfalls and creek flows stay scenic after summer rains, and the hardwood forests turn crimson, gold, and amber. The lake quiets down for late-season boating and fishing. Summer sees higher use and occasional afternoon showers. Crowds thin in fall compared to summer weekends, though October weekends can still be busy.
Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Overview: 'Fall brings the best conditions' with cooler weather, foliage and scenic waterfall flows.
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Open starting mid-March; waterfalls and trails are scenic after spring rains and warm temperatures return.
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5
Busy peak season with beach, boating, family activities and on-site programs—high activity value.
Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended
Campground is closed from Oct 31 to Mar 13; winter season not available.
Planning Tips
Peak Season: March 14 - October 30, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from March 14 to October 30 annually.
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in is at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay allowed is 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Single sites accommodate up to 6 people and two vehicles. Double sites allow up to 12 people and four vehicles.
Groups
Two group camping areas are available by reservation, accommodating up to 25 tent campers each. These sites share a bathhouse with showers and flush toilets.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive camping is not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutFour paved loops. Bear, Fox, Hoot Owl, and Fawn. Hold RV, tent, and group areas. Single sites accommodate up to six people and two vehicles, while double sites fit twelve people and four vehicles. Sites are level and spacious, though some RV campers note slope challenges on certain spots.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via the Recreation.gov website or mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilityLimited walk-up availability; details not provided explicitly.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations before the check-in date incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's fee for late cancellations.
AccessibilityAll facilities, including campsites, bathhouses, and picnic areas, are wheelchair accessible.
Site SizeSites are described as spacious and level, accommodating up to six people and two vehicles for single sites, and up to twelve people and four vehicles for double sites.
PrivacyThe sites are well-shaded, with plenty of trees providing privacy. Most users praised the seclusion, though some noted that busy weekends could feel more crowded.
Total Campsites102 campsites
Recommended SitesFor water views, consider sites 5, 12D, 14D, 17, and 18 in Fox Loop or lakeside sites in Hoot Owl Loop.
Best CampsitesSites on Hoot Owl and Fox loops get recommended for proximity to the lake and spacious layouts. Reviewers suggest choosing sites close to the water for better views and access to activities.
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The Clear Creek Recreation Area offers a wide array of amenities designed to enhance the camping experience for visitors. Among these are 102 RV campsites with water and electrical hookups, fire rings, picnic tables, and paved parking spurs. Each of the four campground loops is equipped with a bathhouse featuring flush toilets and showers. There is a day-use area with a swimming beach, bathhouse, picnic pavilion, and 53 family picnic units. Other features include a dump station, a boat launch with SST vault toilet, paved bike trails, and hiking trails. All facilities are wheelchair accessible. Multiple user reviews highlight the cleanliness and maintenance of the grounds, though some express dissatisfaction with limited bathhouse availability and strict site rules.
Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Group Sites
Activities you can enjoy
Clear Creek Recreation Area offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including swimming, hiking, biking, boating, and fishing. Interpretive programs are hosted during the summer, and there are basketball and volleyball courts, as well as a horseshoe pit. The location provides direct access to Lewis Smith Lake for water-based activities.
Hiking
The campground features two trails: the 2.5-mile Raven Interpretive Trail and the 1.5-mile paved bicycle trail. Reviewers highlighted the scenic beauty of the trails, mentioning waterfalls, rock bluffs, and abundant wildlife. One user described the Raven Trail as 'awesome' with 'caves, caverns, and rock outcroppings.'
Fishing
Lewis Smith Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for largemouth bass, striped bass, and crappie. A user stated, 'The lake is famed for its fishing and offers a unique experience even for sight-seeing.'
Swimming
The day-use area includes a swimming beach with safety measures like depth markers and emergency rings. While the beach is well-maintained, pets and grills are not allowed in the area.
Biking
A 1.5-mile paved bicycle trail connects the campground to the day-use area. The trail is described as suitable for casual bikers and families. A reviewer noted, 'The paved bike trail was a great hit with us.'
Boating
A year-round boat launch is available, providing access to Lewis Smith Lake. While the main boat ramp is well-equipped, some reviewers noted a lack of parking at smaller ramps.
Wildlife viewing
The area is rich in biodiversity. Reviewers noted deer sightings and bird-watching opportunities. The Bankhead National Forest's unique ecosystem adds to the wildlife viewing experience.
Beach activities
Activities include swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. The beach is described as clean and safe for families.
Cultural and Educational Programs
Seasonal interpretive programs are available, focusing on the natural and cultural history of the area.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Policies & Safety
Hazards & AlertsPotential safety concerns include steep site inclines, snake sightings, and ticks.
Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated fire rings only.
Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Emergency ServicesNearest hospital and emergency services located in Jasper, AL, approximately 13 miles away.
Trash & RecyclingCampers are required to pack out their trash and deposit it in dumpsters located near the dump station. No garbage dumpsters are available within the campground loops.
Water FeaturesAdjacent to Lewis Smith Lake, providing direct access to fishing, boating, and swimming.
Camp HostHosts are reportedly on-site but have received mixed reviews about their friendliness.
Cell CoverageUser reviews indicate limited cell phone reception. One reviewer noted, 'Intermittent cell phone coverage,' while another mentioned, 'Decent cell service with AT&T.' However, some users found the lack of cell reception a bonus for relaxation.
Clear Creek (Al) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Clear Creek Recreation Area are mixed, with some visitors praising the natural beauty, spacious sites, and variety of activities, while others criticized the limited availability of bathhouses, strict enforcement of rules, and staff attitudes.
Review Summaries
Based on 720 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors frequently highlighted the campground's cleanliness, scenic beauty, and recreational opportunities. A reviewer stated, 'This is a beautiful campground with lots of trees and spacious sites.'
Based on 720 reviews
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the closure of multiple bathhouses, which led to overcrowding, and the strict enforcement of rules regarding parking and site usage. One reviewer mentioned, 'The bathhouse...
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Based on 720 reviews
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend choosing sites close to the lake for better views and access to water activities. They also suggest bringing bikes to enjoy the paved trails and booking group sites for larger...
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Based on 720 reviews
Seasonal Insights
The campground is busiest during the summer, with families enjoying the beach and lake activities. Fall is praised for its colorful foliage and cooler weather, making it ideal for hiking and biking.
Based on 720 reviews
Camper Quotes
Examples of user quotes include: 'Great camping experience with clean facilities and lots of activities.' 'The staff was helpful, but the rules felt overly strict at times.' 'Beautiful lake views,...
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Based on 720 reviews
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 18 in the Fox Loop was noted for its proximity to the lake and scenic sunsets. One reviewer mentioned that Bear Loop is quieter and less crowded, making it ideal for those seeking a peaceful...
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Based on 720 reviews
Accessibility Features
Accessibility features are generally praised, with wheelchair-accessible facilities and paved trails mentioned positively. However, some users noted difficulty navigating the site due to limited open...
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Based on 720 reviews
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed in the campground but not on the beach. Some users appreciated the pet-friendly policy, while others expressed concerns about unleashed pets in the area.
Based on 720 reviews
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