Visitors to Wind Creek State Park have new amenities to enjoy, including five new Lakeside Cottages and long-needed upgrades to the campground.
Local government and tourism officials joined State Parks personnel Tuesday to cut a ceremonial ribbon and celebrate the upgrades.
“We’ve made it our mission to offer excellent amenities and a first-class experience for all of our visitors, and the upgrades here at Wind Creek State Park accomplish that goal,” said Chris Blankenship, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “Thanks to our partners in the Legislature and with the help of voters, we have the funding to make our State Parks better than they’ve ever been.”
Wind Creek has added five cottages, all of which have three bedrooms, three bathrooms and water views. In addition, the campground upgrades include expansion of RV pads, addition of 50-AMP power and greater ADA-compliant accessibility.
Many of the camping pads have been widened to accommodate today’s larger and technologically advanced RVs, and the improved electric service was a must for one of the state’s largest and most used campgrounds.
“Today’s RVs feature every possible modern convenience—everything from full-sized appliances to air conditioners,” Blankenship said. “We realize electrical upgrades are not the sexiest project to talk about, but we’ve learned that many RV owners simply won’t stay at a campground without adequate electrical service. That’s why 50 AMP service, which was once a luxury, and is now a necessity and an expectation.”
Funding for the upgrades came from the $85 million bond issue for parks approved by Alabama voters in 2022. Other major projects under way at Alabama State parks include construction of a new lodge at Cheaha State Park, a total renovation of Lake Lurleen State Park, and expansion of the campground at Gulf State Park, which was named one of the nation’s best RV parks in the country earlier this year.
Local government and tourism officials applauded the upgrades at Wind Creek State Park, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors annually to the Lake Martin area. The park often serves as visitors’ gateway to the lake.
“Wind Creek State Park is one of the true gems of the State Parks System, and those of us who live in the area understand how fortunate we are to be able to enjoy it whenever we want,” said state Sen. Clyde Chambliss, whose district includes the park. “It’s rewarding to see these fantastic upgrades and to know it will help more people enjoy the park.”
Campground reservations are open online at Alapark.com through the “Plan Your Alabama State Parks Adventure Online” portal, and park leaders encourage guests to make reservations in advance to secure preferred dates.
“We could not be more pleased with the addition of the new Lakeside Cottages at Wind Creek, as well as the campground upgrades,” said State Parks Director Mathew Capps. “We want people to stay, play and explore all of our State Parks, and these amenities give people another reason to visit Wind Creek State Park and Lake Martin.”
