Looking to plan your next outdoor adventure? Wind Creek State Park should be at the top of your list! Stretching over 1,440 acres across the Lake Martin, Alabama shoreline, visitors are greeted with sweeping waterfront views and endless activities. Whether you are planning a family vacation or solo day trip, there is something for everyone to enjoy!
Check out our list of things to do at Wind Creek State Park:
TENT & RV CAMPING, AND LAKESIDE CABINS
One of the largest state-operated campground in the United States, Wind Creek State Park boasts 586 tent and RV campsites along with 20 sites in the Equine Campground. They come in a variety of water, sewer, and amp combinations along with the option to stay at any one of their 157 waterfront campsites or 39 newly renovated RV sites. Bathhouses are located throughout the campground along with 2 laundry facilities. There are also 7 rental camping cabins onsite as well.
Need to entertain the kids? No problem! Along with various playgrounds throughout the park, campers can also enjoy a variety of arts and crafts and educational programs hosted at the clubhouse. And be sure to pack your campsite decorations if you plan to stay in October! Every year Wind Creek State Park hosts their highly anticipated Fall Festival, filled with exciting events like the costume parade, campsite decorating contest, and of course – trick or treating! It is easily one of the most popular weekends on the campground and you usually need to book your site a year in advance.
Specific campsites can be reserved, but if they’re not reserved they’re available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you are hoping to see Lake Martin under the starry night sky, be sure to book your site well in advance of your trip as sites are known to go quickly during holidays and Summer months. You can make reservations by walk-up, calling the office, or via online here: Wind Creek State Park Online Camping Reservations
RENT A BOAT
Whether you are looking to get some fishing in or just enjoy a day on the lake with the family, the Wind Creek State Park Marina has you covered. They offer a variety of vessels to fit your needs, including Flat Bottom Jon boats, Bass boats, small pontoons, and large party pontoons. All rentals come complete with life jackets, a throw, and paddles as needed so you can just hop on in and enjoy the fun!
Rentals are on a first-come, first-serve basis so be sure to get to the marina early and secure your boat for the day.
Paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes are also available for rent at the park. You can find these items located at the Creem at the Creek outdoor restaurant.
FISHING
Lake Martin is known to have some of the best fishing in the state! And Wind Creek State Park is your public access to the waters. Crappie, bluegill, and striped bass are among the most popular species of fish anglers can expect to see when hitting the water.
Fishermen can drop their boats in from the Wind Creek boat launch or throw a line from the 210-foot fishing pier, which is open 24 hours. It is also the site for a number of local fishing tournaments and weigh-ins throughout the year, with stadium seating for family and friends to watch all the fun.
Live bait and tackle are available for purchase in the Country Store located at the marina, as well as Hunting and Fishing Licenses. The cost is $5 to use the Wind Creek State Park boat launch.
PACK A PICNIC ON THE BEACH
The sandy beach is the perfect place to unpack your float and soak up some sun! The private beach is located on Hodnett Drive, just past the Archery Range and Equine Campground. A bathroom facility is located at the main beach entrance and parking, making it easily accessible for guests.
Along with a stretch of soft sand to sink your toes in, the beach also includes a plethora of picnic tables, pavilions, and grills all along the shoreline. Feeling competitive? You will also find two sand volleyball nets to strike up a game with fellow beachgoers!
The beach is accessible for single-day guests as well as campers, creating the perfect spot for everyone to come and enjoy Lake Martin! Park day-use fees will apply to single-day guests.
CLIMB THE HISTORIC SILO
An iconic figure at Wind Creek State Park is the old, historic silo located near Hospice Point. It is said to have been the grain silo of a local farmer before the dam was built in the 1920s. Much of the farm was buried underwater when Lake Martin was created- however, the silo remained untouched. Over the years it has been utilized as a staff office building as well as a gift shop for the state park. It has since been filled in and currently serves as a unique sightseeing destination for campers and park guests to enjoy.
Visitors that seek the thrill of the climb to the top of the silo are rewarded with breathtaking views of the lake. Check out the video here to see the climb and check out the views-and be sure to add it to your Trip to Wind Creek bucket list for stunning photos and fun memories.
HIKE THE SCENIC TRAILS
Wind Creek State Park hiking trails offer guests a variety of beautiful terrain and unforgettable experiences. There are two main trails for hikers to choose from, the “Alabama Reunion Trail” and the “Campfire Trail.”
The Alabama Reunion Trail is a scenic loop, stretching approximately 3.8 miles long and bisected into two “sides” by highway 128. The North Side is roughly 1.95 miles long and the South Side is 1.8 miles. Hikers can expect to see an abundance of birds and wildlife among the picturesque woodlands, along with an old home site located on the North Side.
The Campfire Trail offers hikers the opportunity to see Lake Martin, with sections of stunning waterfront views as well as beautiful woodland terrain. This trail is approximately 1.8 miles long and rated as a moderate trail with notably steep areas. Three connectors stem from this trail, all approximately 1/5 mile long. Along with views of the lake, hikers can also expect to see a series of rock outcroppings and a small stream. You may even stumble across a fire pit or two!
Wind Creek State Park is also a part of the Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail. Situated amongst woodlands and Lake Martin waters, it offers visitors the unique opportunity to see Osprey and Bald Eagles throughout the year, as well as seasonal Ring-billed Gulls, Herrings, Red-headed Woodpeckers, and many more.
HORSEBACK RIDING TRAILS AND TOURS
Take a relaxing and scenic ride through the diverse state park trails! Riders can bring their horses for a day trip or camp overnight in one of the 20 sites available at the Equine Campground. These campsites are provided on a walk-up basis, as no reservations are taken at this time. The trails stretch over 30 miles throughout the park, providing each rider with a gorgeous variety of woodlands and lake views.
Horseback tours are also available through Rockin’ K Guided Trail Rides. They accept all riders from advanced to first-timers and offer 1 to 2 hour trail rides based on your comfort level and ability. Rides can be tailored to cover a variety of terrain, including the scenic Campfire Trail, and even a splash through the lake waters! All riders must be at least 8 years old. You can contact Rockin’ K Guided Trail Rides by phone or email for pricing and to schedule your ride.
Phone: 334-324-3537
Email: [email protected]
ZIPLINING
Breeze through the trees on the Screaming Eagle Adventures canopy zipline tour! With a total of 11 ziplines and 6 skywalks, it’s a thrilling adventure for guests of all ages. As zipliners are guided through the course, you can expect to see gorgeous views of the beach, lake waters, and of course – the treetops!
Beginners can choose Level One, which includes 8 zip lines and 5 aerial bridges while advanced visitors can choose the slightly more vigorous Level Two, which covers the full length of the zipline tour. With heights from 20 to 70 feet in the air and speeds reaching upwards of 35 to 40 mph, it will have you cheering for more as you glide throughout the course.
To top off your experience, Screaming Eagle Adventures also captures several of your memorable moments with complimentary photos.
Book your zipline adventure today! Find pricing and availability here.
And you can check out video from our ziplining adventure here.
GEOCACHING
Geocaching is a worldwide treasure hunt filled with hiking, tracking, and following clues to find secret containers that are hidden all around you. These containers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and oftentimes include small trinkets that you can swap out with one of your own. All geocaches include a log for you to sign when you find it, so don’t forget to bring your pen!
Wind Creek State Park is home to over 30 geocaches, which makes for continuous fun throughout your stay for children and adults alike. Download the Geocaching app for free to get started!
ARCHERY RANGE
Practice your shot and sight in your bow at the public Archery Range. This includes 3 targets in the Youth Range, distanced at 5, 10, and 15 yards; as well as 7 targets in the Adult Range, varying from 20 to 50 yards. Stadium seating is provided for spectators, so invite your family and friends to come and watch all the action!
To use the range you must have either a valid hunting license, Wildlife Management Area License, or a Wildlife Heritage License. Equipment is not provided, so be sure to pack your bow and arrows with practice tips. The archery range is free to use for campers, however, park day-use fees will apply to anyone not staying at the park.
MINIATURE GOLF
Hit 18 holes at the Wind Creek State Park Putt-Putt course! Each hole is creatively designed after local attractions, bringing to life fun characteristics and destinations on Lake Martin. Putters are available onsite for players of all sizes. The cost is $5 per player, or $3 for kids 13 and under. Park day-use fees will also apply to any non-campers.
CREEM AT THE CREEK
Top off your day by indulging in a pizza or treat the family to ice cream at Creem at the Creek! Open during the Summer months, you can catch a quick bite to eat at this outdoor restaurant located inside the park. Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are also available to rent at this location.
Whether you are looking for an exciting thrill or relaxing day on the lake, Wind Creek State Park has you covered! For more park information visit: Wind Creek State Park