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This article initially ran in Spring Guide 2022. Copies are available at The Clanton Advertiser office, 1109 Seventh Street N in Clanton.

By JOYANNA LOVE | Managing Editor

Getting away from it all for a weekend is often a welcome idea, especially when it involves being outside in the spring time. Chilton County residents do not have to go far at all to find a relaxing RV camping destination.

Minooka Park near Jemison offers an “out of the way” feel close to home.

Upgrades to the 420-acre park in recent years have added amenities to the RV campground, while increasing the number of spots that are available.

Gerald Arrington said the renovations are nearing completion on the new campsites.

“All of the utilities are in place on the new camp sites,” Arrington said. “We have 18 new campsites (with) water, power and sewage.”

Landscaping and roadwork are being finalized on the new section.

This brings the total number of campsites to 37 full service sites. There are five additional sites that only have water and power.

Each site is a concrete pad and patio space with a fire ring.

“All of our power is 50- and 30-amp service,” Arrington said. “Campers/ motorhomes seem to be getting bigger and bigger, a lot of them require 50-amp service, so they all have 50 amp.”

Restrooms and a bath house are centrally located within the campground. A playground is also centrally located for the RV campers.

Minooka offers a variety of activities, including ATV trails, fishing, a walking trail around the pond, bird watching and scenic views.

Work has also begun on a recreational area that will include a basketball court and shuffleboard.

Minooka Park has become a popular weekend destination for locals and travelers alike.

“By far our busiest time is the weekend,” Arrington said. “… We have a lot of local campers that just want to get out of the house and go camping.”

Many also come from other states. Arrington said he has received calls from people in Texas, Iowa, Minnesota and Michigan interested in the RV camping.

“Most of those are short-term campers, they only stay a night or two, they are either going to the beach or going back home.”

To Arrington, the appeal seems to be “you are not that far away from everything, but when you get here, you feel like you are out in the country.”

“It stays relatively quiet, usually you will see deer and turkey out here,” Arrington said. “Different things draw different campers. Some come for the ATV trails. Some come to just relax and fish in the fishing lake.”

The fishing is primarily catch and release, and the lake is stocked with Largemouth Bass and Bluegill.

Many RV campers also like that the park is gated.

The ATV trails are large enough to be used by ATVs, dirt bikes and side-by-sides.

“Most of the riding trails are far enough away from the campground that you don’t get a whole lot of noise at the campground from people riding.

On weekdays when there are few ATV vehicles, Arrington said some of the trails are open to hikers.

Trail maps are available.

Prior to the expansion, there were weekends when Arrington had to turn people away because there were no more spots available.

“It’s not near as seasonal as it used to be,” Arrington said.

RV camping during fall and winter holidays has become popular.

In early March, spots start filling up.

RV camping sites are $30 plus tax a night with full hookup, and the weekly rate is $170 plus tax.

“With the camping, the only thing you pay any extra for is if you are bringing an ATV,” Arrington said.

RV campers are charged the equivalent of one day riding fee for use of the trail the entire time they are staying at Minooka.

Day rates for the trails are $20 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under. Extra riders are $5 per person. Many enjoy their first camping experience at Minooka so much that they become repeat customers.

To make a reservation, contact Arrington at 205-312-1376.