Lakepoint State Park
Eufaula, Alabama
by
Norman W. Hildrum

Lakepoint State Park is located 7 miles north of Eufaula, Alabama just off SR 431 on the shores of Lake Eufaula. Lake Eufaula has more than 45,000 surface acres and is considered to be one of the best largemouth bass fishing lakes in the United States. Seven to ten pound bass are not uncommon.

This is another highly developed resort park that caters to most recreational activities including boating, fishing, water-skiing, swimming, golf, tennis, basketball, picnicking, and hiking. Of particular interest to us Yankees were the signs throughout the park which read "CAUTION - Alligators present, do not molest." Needless to say, we kept a close eye on our small dog. Accommodations include a very nice lodge and a great 244 unit campground. The well designed campground is divided into four separate loops each offering a slightly different ambiance. We camped in the Clark Loop which offered lakeside sites nestled in a stand of tall pines. This loop has good paved interior roads and camp spurs. Our site had electric (20/30 amp) and water hook-ups (Note: there is high water pressure in the campground and you want to be sure to use a flow regulator on your water intake). The shower buildings are very well designed and maintained. There is an activities building and many programs are offered. There is a small store, laundry, and dump station. Our cost was just $71.50 per week and that included our hook-ups (12/99). This is a winter destination for some campers and the park offers monthly rates around $250. For an additional $100 per month, you can play as much golf as you want, making this destination a SavvyCamper best buy. For more information on Lakepoint State Park contact the park office at (334) 687-6676 or visit the Alabama State Parks web site.

There are many things to see in the area and the city of Eufaula has a tremendous collection of historic homes and businesses dating to the mid-1800's. This city was untouched by the Civil War, which accounts for the large collection of historic buildings. A visit to nearby Providence Canyon State Park in Georgia is also recommended.

We were struck by the feeling that Providence Canyon State Park resembled Bryce Canyon National Park, but, on a much much smaller scale. Visitors can enjoy views from the rim trail, and backpackers can stay overnight along a back country trail. We saw an excellent video at the interpretive center and spoke with a ranger that explained, in more detail, how the massive ditches (the deepest being 150 feet) were caused by erosion due to poor farming practices in the 1800’s.