Deerlick Creek Campground

We arrived at Deerlick Creek on our last leg of our two week vacation. Upon arriving I checked the website to see if they had laundry facilities and confirmed they did. Deerlick creek is about 30 minutes away from everything so imagine my surprise when at 6pm we had to drive into town because once again, a COE campground was only allowing their employees to use their laundry facilities.
This campground has about 5 camp host. All with their own person laundry facilities.
We got back to the campground at about 9pm and we’re starving and tired and still had to shower.
Due to this reason alone (2 out of 2 COE a campgrounds that advertised laundry facilities failed to mention that they were “closed due to Covid”, I’m assuming, it’s an easy excuse) we will never be booking a COE ran campground again.
The site itself was great, minus the poison Ivy literally EVERYWHERE. Being a mom of 3 little ones, I could barely relax because I was worried one of us would go home itching!
The bathrooms were ok, not spectacular yet not disgusting. Water pressure was great. Good amount of room in the shower and changing area.

The reason I booked Deerlick Creek was because I was playing in a Roller Derby game in Tuscaloosa. My husband read that they close the gates and lock them at 10pm. We were nervous we wouldn’t make it back in time before they locked us out. We were told to call the number if that was the case. It made me wonder, what happens if there is an actual emergency. Do they really lock the gate into the campground. These COE campgrounds need to get with the times and get a keypad lock gate, this is ridiculous. The game was 40 minutes away and we did make it back but I literally had to leave immediately after my game.

There really wasn’t much for us to do. Poison ivy was EVERYWHERE so I wouldn’t allow my family to go hiking off a paved path. There was only one short paved path that we took, and then walked to the “beach” which was super gross. Do people actually swim there?

I had SOME cell service but barely. The campground was quiet and the decks off the sites were beautiful. Overall I will probably never come back here or any other COE campground again.

With just a 30 minute drive to the University of Alabama, this campground is the perfect football season getaway! The grounds are very well kept. Bath houses are clean. It does get pretty dark at night. Which can make setting up a challenge if you arrive after the sun goes down (we did). We stayed in site 28 which was a great split level site close to the bath house. Lots of nice trails and a beach on the lake leave no shortage of activities. We’ll definitely be back. Roll Tide!

The drive from Tuscaloosa to Deerlick Campground was along winding roads through quiet neighborhoods. Setting up in the dark in the middle of a thunderstorm was a new experience, but we woke up a beautiful forest setting. Pull-through sites are paved and fairly level. Sunlight is filtered through tall pines and the lakeside spaces are incredible. The campground is close enough to Tuscaloosa to run into town for supplies and to stop by Archibald’s for BBQ Alabama style, but far away from the sounds of civilization.

This was our first time visiting Deerlick and we were very impressed. This is a very nice COE park. It rests on a bluff overlooking Holt Lake just outside Tuscaloosa. Far enough out to feel like your camping, but close enough to enjoy the shopping and restaurants of town.

All the sites appear to be mostly level, while some are more desirable than others. Many of the sites have decks and several have a water view. Sites 34 and 35 appeared to be the most desirable.

I would use caution booking any sites above 35 if you have a larger rig (more than 30ft). Very congested area with an extremely small turnaround. There is a swimming area and boat docks, but the trails to the docks are steep.

The bathrooms were clean and nice. The staff was very friendly and helpful. No sewage hookups, but there is an easily accessible dump station. We look forward to our next visit.

I don't think there is a bad site at this campground. Very spacious sites. Our particular site was a little closer to our neighbors than we would have liked, but most have a little privacy. Grounds are well maintained. Bathrooms are clean. Staff super friendly. Gorgeous hiking trails. Maneuvering may be a little tricky for larger rigs in some areas, so look at the map before you reserve. Our 20' Airstream had no problem. Loved our stay here!

We decided to spend the night here as we traveled northeast to Tennessee. We were not disappointed! Well taken care of. The sites are appropriately spaced, paved and level. The hookups were fine. The sunset was majestic! Saw deer on the way in. The roads to the campground and to the sites themselves were paved, and in great shape. Very quiet, and serene. Slept very well!

DATE OF VISIT = Oct. 2020...price reflects Access Pass discount...we originally booked #36 but if not for the helpful employee at check-in directing us to look around and choose another, we would've been SOL -- there were several gouges in the asphalt at #36 to attest to the fact that a large rig is NOT going to work there; the rez site does warn of the steep approach but also says the site length is OK for a larger rig, boo!...most sites have gorgeous private deck areas...the paved trails were great, and we walked/biked them several times...the trails through the woods or around the lake are either closed or poorly maintained/marked...free firewood offered...site lists laundry facilities, but the sign on the locked door said it was for employees only...didn't kayak, but should have...lots of OATV

Deerlick Campground is a hidden gem. We camped here for two nights on our way home after picking up our new fifth wheel in north Alabama. We lucked up by choosing this campground. It honestly reminds me of camping in the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. The staff here went out if their way to make sure we were taken care of. They offered free firewood since they had an abundance. We camped in site 23 with a 35’ fifth wheel. I had to maneuver the unit a few times to get it aligned where the slide would open, but the site is nice with a fire pit, picnic table, and grill. There’s 30 and 50 amp power and water hookup but no sewer. There is a dump station less than 300 yards from site 23. The bathhouse is directly across from site 23 as well. We’ve seen several deer along the roadway. Deerlick has plenty of trails and a couple of them are paved. We will definitely be returning to camp here