Black Warrior River · Hale County, Alabama
Jennings Ferry
A quiet, easygoing Corps of Engineers campground on the Black Warrior River. Peaceful, with genuinely good views and clean facilities — worth it for prepared, experienced campers. Just know the heat, bugs, and loud nights can make or break the trip depending on who you are and when you go. Kayaking is a quiet early- and late-hour pleasure — calm water and coves to explore, often with the place to yourself — just not an all-day paddling hub.
Worth the trip. The views are genuinely good and it's peaceful — worth it as long as you come prepared. Heat and bugs are very manageable if you're ready for them (we're tent campers, brought a fan, and were fine); the trip only gets rough if you show up unprepared. That's true whether it's your first trip or your fiftieth — bring a fan for the heat, put bug spray on early, and pack earplugs if you're a light sleeper, and it's a great, relaxing spot. Good for families (there's a kids' play area), RVers, tent campers, and anglers with a boat. Kayakers can enjoy a quiet, scenic paddle in the calm morning and evening hours — often with the water to themselves — it's just not an all-day paddling spot.
Best time visited: Late June (when we went) was very hot — not the best time. Go late April to early May, or in the fall (September–October). Peak summer is manageable but hot for experienced campers, and rougher for everyone else.
Full walkthrough video coming soon
We're putting together an honest, unedited walkthrough. Check back soon.
Boat ramp / launch
A paved concrete ramp, slightly steep but not bad — easy to launch both a kayak and a trailered boat.
- The ramp and water area were weedy at the time of the visit. It's a wild, outdoor setting; some other ramps are cleaner.
- The walking deck is old but stable — not new or well-maintained, but it does its job fine.
- Two sides to launch from — an inner, quieter "lake" side, and the main-river side where barges and ferries pass.
- Lots of parking near the ramp for trucks with boat trailers (about 20–25 vehicles).
Campsites
About 30 sites; all accommodate both tents and RVs, and essentially all have water and electric (50/30/20 amp).
- Site #28 (ours) had water, electric, a metal picnic table, a fire ring, and a lamppost.
- Plenty of trees around nearly all sites — good for tarps and setups.
- Spacing is decent — not cramped, not far apart (about 7.5–8 out of 10). Some sites are nicely secluded.
- Sites are clean and well-organized, and the camp hosts are good.
- Road-to-site spacing is comfortable.
Parking
- At a campsite — two cars fit easily.
- The tent pad is decent. Two tents gets a little tight, but there's room around the pad.
- At the boat ramp — a large paved lot for about 20–25 vehicles, with trailer space.
Restrooms
The campground restrooms have flush toilets, running water, and hot showers (2 showers, 2 toilets). Very clean and well-maintained.
- The separate restroom down at the boat ramp was closed.
Photos coming soon.
Water & surroundings
Two distinct bodies of water meet here: the main Black Warrior River on the WEST side of the campground (most boat and barge traffic), and a quieter body on the EAST side — lots of private property, less traffic, but higher current and wind.
- The water is muddy, not clear.
- The scenery is beautiful — very calm and peaceful, not much noise.
Getting there
On the Black Warrior River in Hale County, about 7 miles east of US-43 / AL-14. Roads to the campground are fully paved and suitable for cars, trucks, RVs, and trailers.
- Address
- Jennings Ferry Campground, 1001 Jennings Ferry Road, Akron, AL 35441
- From Demopolis
- ~15 min
- From Tuscaloosa
- ~1 hr
- From Birmingham
- ~1 hr 45 min
- Fuel · groceries · food
- Demopolis, Greensboro, and Eutaw
Photos coming soon.
Birding trail
A short loop, under about half a mile. Gravel surface, flat and easy, and well shaded under the trees.
- There are 3–4 sitting areas along the way with good views.
- We didn't spot many birds during the visit, but there are birds about — best times are morning and evening.
Know before you go
The high-value details. A little planning here saves a wasted drive — especially the strict gate and checkout times.
- Reservations
- Via recreation.gov
- Fee
- ~$26–28/night (booked a water + electric site)
- Gate hours
- Open 6 AM – 10 PM (CLOSED 10 PM – 6 AM)
- Check-in
- 4 PM
- Checkout
- 3 PM SHARP — strict, no late checkout
Photos coming soon.
Kids / play area
There's a children's play area with swings — a nice plus for families.
