Payne Lake Recreation Area

About

Payne Lake Recreation Area sits on the western edge of Talladega National Forest in Alabama's Oakmulgee Ranger District. The campground wraps around a peaceful 110-acre lake, providing campers with waterfront sites and easy access to fishing, swimming, and boating. The area is divided into two camping zones: the Eastside Camping Area with 8 primitive sites for those seeking solitude, and the Westside Camping Area with 18 more developed sites that can accommodate RVs and tents. All 18 westside sites have water hookups, and 7 of those also include electrical hookups. Every site comes equipped with a picnic table, fire circle, and tent or trailer pad. Two bathhouses with flush toilets and showers serve the campground, along with a dump station near the entrance. A swimming beach provides lake access, and a boat ramp allows watercraft with electric motors (gasoline motors must be tilted up). Payne Lake is open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. Check-in is at 2:00 PM and check-out is at noon, with quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. The base camping fee is $18 per night, with additional charges of $12 for water and electric hookups or $5 for water-only hookups. Cash or check payment is required.

Directions

From Brent, AL take State Hwy 5 South for approximately 5.7 miles, turn right onto State Hwy 25 South and travel for approximately 16 miles, turn sharp right onto County Road 71 for approximately 0.7 of a mile. Campground will be straight ahead.