Gunter Hill Campground is a US Army Corps of Engineers managed camping area and RV park located in Montgomery, Alabama. It features 142 personal RV areas surrounded by hickory and pine trees overlooking the Alabama River. It is a great camping location for experienced and inexperienced campers who long for open access to water-oriented activities such as fishing, boating, and kayaking.
It is renowned for being clean, serene, and peaceful, with respectable spaces between sites that provide essential privacy for campers. The staff are friendly, approachable, and found quickly ready to assist. Their facilities are maintained and well-kept, and the roads are asphalt and cement. In 2011, the camping ground closed certain areas for renovation to make way for full hookups, such as electricity, water, and sewage access. The park is 14 miles from Prattville, Alabama, and 251.1 miles from Tennessee.
Gunter Hill Campground: Nature and Climate for the RV Park
Credit to PA
The grounds are near Catoma Creek and the Alabama River’s backwaters, surrounded by hickory and pine forest. Because of its location, some low-lying sites can become flooded during strings of heavy rain days, but all in all, the region has a mild climate that is fantastic for outdoor activities all year round.
It is an excellent locale for fishing. The Alabama River is home to fresh and saltwater species, making it known for being a fisherman’s dream. The river is famous for the abundance of spotted, smallmouth, largemouth bass and catfish, and bluegill. Aside from bass, crappies are well known to inhabit the river’s Northern area, while saltwater fishes like redfish, flounder, and speckled trout are near the South. Further down, the lower Alabama River connects to Mobile Bay, making for a very scenic and beautiful boat ride.
Several campers online advised being careful of snakes and bringing insects and bug repellants, particularly ants and mosquitoes.
Location Details and Contact Information
| Address | Gunter Hill Campground is at 561 Booth Rd., Montgomery, Alabama. |
| Contact Info | +1 334-872-9554 / 877-444-677 |
| GPS Coordinates | 32°21’31.1″N 86°27’17.4″W |
| Google Maps | https://goo.gl/maps/bFnbJAaewQbeQuEX6 |
| Official Website | www.recreation.gov |
| Social Media | Fb.com/GHC |
How to get to the Gunter Hill Campground
- Coming from Interstate 65 in Montgomery, exit 167 to US Highway 80 West.
- Continue and then turn right on County Road 7 (the Cantelou Road).
- Follow the signs that will lead to the campsite.
Gunter Hill’s Rates:
- Anti Standard Electric $18.00
- Catoma Standard Electric $26.00
- Fee Increase 2021 Antioch Loop $26.00
Note: The rates shown do not reflect the discounts, taxes, or total charges.
Activities and Recreation in Gunter Hill
Camping
(©Iblinova/ freepik)
One of the most popular activities in the campground is, of course, camping. Trees and lush greeneries are strategically planted and landscaped to offer guests enough privacy to relax in their sites. With a nightly rate of $13, there is a significant space between areas that will allow campers to feel at home in nature, providing an escape from big cities like Prattville and TN in the state.
The campground areas, especially in the Loop Catoma, are big rig friendly, featuring two large loops: the Loop Catoma and the Antioch loop. The Loop Catoma is considered the newer camp area. It has electricity, water, sewer hookups with large concrete pads.
The Antioch loop is considered the older loop. There is more gravel in this area and less concrete. While online campers claim to prefer the Loop Catoma for setting up camp because of its easier access, the Antioch loop makes up for it through several campsites nearer to the river. It is also a fantastic path with a breathtaking view to explore via walking, jogging, or biking.
Boating
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The RV park is boat-friendly, with ramps provided for easy river access. Several water bodies connect to the Alabama River, each of them is picturesque in its rights. The Tallapoosa and Coosa rivers meet at the North, forming and connecting to the Alabama River from the North. Down South, the river merges with the Tombigbee River and flows into the Mobile and Tensaw rivers. This waterway discharges into Mobile Bay and then out to Mexico. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issues the Alabama River’s water discharge information and gauge height readings upon request.
If visitors can wake early enough to catch the sunrise, online campers call it an enthralling view to behold, while some consider it a national treasure itself. The sun’s rays will filter through the canopy of the trees and, in most cases, reflect on the river water as it rises.
Fishing
(©ksandrphoto/freepik/rate)
This campground makes a perfect base for master anglers and cane polers alike but is just as great for casual and inexperienced anglers.
The Alabama River is famous for being a fisherman’s haven with a significant variation for basses such as white bass, striped bass, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and spotted bass. Crappie and catfish are available in the area.
The largemouth bass is often near the river banks, hidden among creek mouths and fallen timbers. They can be found around backwater areas as well. Can also locate spotted bass along creek mouths and near rock piles and bluff banks. On the other hand, early spring is the best time to fish for crappie and large striped bass. In some channels, catfish, blue catfish, and flathead catfish are abundant.
The lower Alabama River also gives a home for other significant fish species such as the paddlefish, alligator gar, the Alabama darter, and one of the world’s most endangered species, the Alabama sturgeon.
Kayaking
(©prostooleh/freepik)
Multiple paths in the site lead to sandy river banks for easier kayak launch. Visitors should double-check their safety gears, kayaks, and paddles before going to the water. It is preferable to go in groups to make sure each member can look out for each other.
Biking
(©rawpixel.com/freepik)
The campground has wide roads that are interconnected. Most of the Loop Catoma paths are asphalt and cement, an opportunity for beginner and casual cyclers to gain more confidence in their skill. On the other hand, the Antioch loop has washed cement and gravel, providing a more significant challenge for more experienced cyclers. With the cool, clean air surrounded by nature, the trails will surely help freshen the mind and the body.
Facilities, Amenities, and Campsites
The site is open year-round, boasting 142 electric sites equipped with water hookups. Areas 1 to 75 are newly renovated, each having concrete pads and a proper sewer. Other amenities include clean and well-maintained flush toilets, shower areas, safe-to-drink water, dump stations, and laundry facilities. Family gatherings and parties are provided picnic shelters upon request.
There is also a basketball court in the RV park and a playground near the shower area.
Amenities
Credits to: BYS
There are plenty of amenities in the campground to enjoy. However, we highly suggest contacting the staff on their Facebook page to check if the specific amenity is still available.
Pull-through Sites
The pads in the Loop Catoma are spacious enough to allow even the large RV rigs into the area without disrupting the campers’ way of life.
Tent Areas
Each campsite has enough space to set up several tents comfortably, and this is especially important in 2020, moving forward, as this type of setup allows proper distancing between all inhabitants.
Electric Hookup, Water Hookup, & Sewer Hookup
The Loop Catoma sites have electricity available for 50, 30, 20, and 15 AMPs. Water is available in sites and sewer hookups to transfer the wastes out of your RV.
Restrooms, Showers, and Flush Toilets
Restrooms, showers, and flush toilets are kept clean and well-maintained as a proper reflection of their exceptional service and respect to the campers. There are also heaters to keep the water hot.
Pets Allowed
Pets are allowed within the campsite. While other animals are roaming, it is still preferable to leash pets to keep them safe. This discipline keeps them from wandering alone when unsupervised, reducing the chances of getting lost in the forest surrounding the site.
Grills
There is a grill area in the national park suited for people who love cooking and barbequing their food, which is a fantastic opportunity for you and your family to enjoy the great outdoors. And though different types of charcoal are available for purchase in local stores, you may bring your own
Picnic Table
There are picnic areas available in the compound, located in clearings. Some of them are found near bodies of water, overlooking the scenery.
WiFi
Campers left reviews online regarding signal coverage for ATT, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile are stable enough to have LTE coverage in the area.
Multi-Use Court
The Multi-Use Court is open for basketball and other physical activities that demand a significant space. It is perfect for team-building exercises.
Laundry Facility
The laundry facility has two washers and a dryer in a station. It costs a single dollar to wash and another dollar to dry each load.
Playground
There are two playgrounds available on the site, one in the loop Catoma and one for the Antioch loop. If you take care of playful children and decide to run around, there is no need to be too concerned about keeping them clean. The Showers in the national park is nearby.
Reservations and Health Concerns
Several operational changes are in effect in 2020 until further notice:
Reservations are made through their online webpage at recreation.gov or through the mobile app. Upon arrival, the staff will confirm and validate the registration at the gatehouse window. The site management prefers the reservations made at least two (2) days in advance.
The fee covers one camp unit and two vehicles. Group shelters are only open for campers, with an additional 2$ fee for non-campers. However, each site will only allow eight (8) party members due to the pandemic. At the same time, the shelter, the playground, and the laundry areas will be closed.
The campground will not issue discount passes. Campers can buy the passes through the website.
For additional on-site details and concerns, it is better to consult the attendants on duty. Their campground telephone number is (334) 269-1053.
Preparing for your journey: Best RV Items to bring on your visit.
The saying goes, it’s better to be prepared and ready than not to have planned at all. While the campground is undoubtedly among the most peaceful and well-kept Corps of Engineers camping grounds, we feel management can still improve the experience. The following items make for a good investment that is reusable in future trips.
Signal Booster – Signal boosters are electronically operated devices that enhance cellular network gains and signals like 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G. It works with all cellular devices and tablets, netbooks, and laptops.
Although the signal is available for ATT, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile, guests commonly review the locale itself has weak cell coverage. Most of the online campers talked about the difficulty in sending and receiving messages and connecting to WiFi. We feel like having a signal booster will go a long way. It is essential to keep in touch with the family if it is a personal trip and be able to reach out for help if the situation calls for it.
Oxidation Remover – The Alabama River by the campground gives an excellent opportunity to experience fishing or boating. Because your RV and boat will most likely be drenched by mud and water for the duration of your stay in the compound, we feel like it is best to bring oxidation remover to keep your recreational vehicle on top performance.
Be wary, though; there are a lot of factors that go into choosing the best oxidation remover for your RV, such as suitability (some solutions are excellent for cars but not as nice for your recreational vehicle; some will be great for your camper but might not help your boat), brilliance and shine (the solution should also be able to bring your recreational vehicle back to its original color, maintain it, and bring polish), the manner of application, and versatility.
Grill – After a long day of fishing and hard work, nothing beats being able to prepare your food and eat a hearty meal. Investing in a great portable grill will go a long way to ensure you will be consuming well-cooked meals in the future tailored to your taste.
However, grills, too, have a lot of factors you should consider, such as size (which is influenced by the number of portions for each person), the number of burners (which can significantly affect what kind of meal you will be able to cook and for how long; having more than one burner is essential if you have to cook large batches), temperature and gauge control (which is concerned with fire control, to not overcook your meal and to avoid fire-related incidents), maintenance (which lies in the cost and the amount of benefit you can get from the value you paid for it), and of course your budget. If a cheaper product can perform the same task, no one likes to spend too much on a more expensive grill and burner.
LED Lights – Electricity is available on each site, but that doesn’t mean the whole campsite is well lit. On the contrary, the only light sources are bathhouses and restrooms once the night sets. We feel it will be best to put up good LED Lights surrounding your campground to access it easier at nightfall. It can help locate your place easier after a lovely evening bath and make people aware of the occupied area.
Door locker – It is not about assuming people can do bad things to you while you are indisposed; sometimes, it assures that you and your family are safe at your most vulnerable. We feel getting the best door locker for your recreational vehicle can ensure you will sleep better and keep your more vulnerable possessions safe inside. This way, you wouldn’t have to spend more time worrying about your vehicles while busy with recreational activities in the morning.
Coffee Maker – One of the most notable features in Gunter Hill Campground is the sunrise over Alabama Lake. We suggest drinking coffee early during the chilly morning while watching the sun peek from above the horizon.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS AND OTHER ESTABLISHMENTS
Credits to: WP
The Civil Rights Memorial is an American memorial found in Alabama, built to commemorate the 41 Civil Rights Martyrs who died during the civil rights movement that spanned several decades. It honors the 74 uninscribed names dubbed ‘The Forgotten’ on the granite due to a lack of information regarding their deaths.
It also remembers those who were killed from 1954 to 1968. These dates are no coincidence; in 1954, the US Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in schools was unlawful, while 1968 was the year of Martin Luther King’s assassination. Maya Lin, an American architect and sculpture, created the memorial. She is also famous for making the Vietnam Veterans Memorial located in Washington, DC.
Lowndes Wildlife Management area
The Lowndes Wildlife Management area is near Gunter Hill Campground. It spans across 12,500 acres of land and offers prime hunting for hogs, whitetail deer, wild turkeys, as well as a variety of small game and waterfowl.
To be able to hunt in the area, requirements are as follows:
- Valid Hunting License
- Wildlife Management Area license
- Wildlife Management Area (WMA) permit or Outdoor Alabama (WMA) Check-in app
- Wildlife Management Area License valid in place of resident State Hunting and Wildlife Management Area.
- The Outdoor Alabama WMA Check in-app or Daily permit (required in areas like Coosa, Chocoloo, Boggy Hollow, Hollins, Jackson County, Little River, Swan Creek, James D. Martin Skyline, and the Mallard Fox Creek Wildlife Management Area)
Old Alabama Town is an assembly of restored 19th to 20th-century establishments depicting different architecture, lifestyles, and history, spanning from what used to be elegant townhouses to rural living. It details the lives of people who settled and helped develop central Alabama.
The structures span six blocks down the town of Alabama. The Landmarks Foundation administered it. Landmarks have since managed to acquire and restore around 50 buildings on-site to this date.
The Zoo, located in the Northside of Alabama, has humble beginnings; it started as part of a local community children’s Zoo and has grown into a premier American zoological facility. In 1991, the Zoo highlighted barrier-free, multi-species exhibits, and the Zoo divided into continental realms: America, South America, Asia, Africa, and Australia.
The Zoo also features the Mann Museum, which hosts over 275 wildlife exhibits, fresh and saltwater fish, insects, and reptiles found in North America. It is also home to over 70 mounted life-size exhibits and boasts their viewing experience. Visitors can enjoy the museum on three sides with special lighting. You can find further details on their website.
This area offers abundant single-track and double-track paths for walking, running, bicycling, bird watching, and photography. The loop will lead through a forest of hardwood, pine flats, meadows, a creek, and a picturesque lagoon, all the while watching wildlife in their natural habitats, such as wading birds and waterfowl.
This loop is in the Northeast of Montgomery, Alabama. It is adjacent to Lagoon Park, a well-developed area encompassing a softball complex that is one of the US’s premier softball facilities. Lagoon Park has several more amenities, including an 18-hole Golf Course, a 17-Court tennis complex, The Grill restaurant, Pete Peterson Lodge, a Vita course, playgrounds, and picnic shelters. For additional details, consider visiting their website.
Blount Cultural Park is a 300-acre land with numerous lakes, walking paths, gardens, and pavilions. The park is usually a venue for community, festivals, and family events. It is open daily for people of all age groups, but the private residences, gardens, and chapels nearby are only open through an appointment. Visitors can skateboard, run, and walk paths through gardens and lakes, theaters, and art museums.
The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts
Not far from the Cultural Park, visitors can drop by the Museum of Fine Arts.
It boasts 19th to 20th-century American paintings and sculptures, Old master prints, decorative arts, and Southern region arts. The museum was founded in 1930 with a mission to “collect, preserve, exhibit, and interpret art of the highest quality for the enrichment, enlightenment, and enjoyment of its public.” It is the oldest fine arts museum in Alabama and the first to be credited by the American Alliance of Museums.