Alabama River Lakes Campgrounds Named RV Life’s “Best of the Best”
Photo By Travis England |
The entrance sign for Prairie Creek Campground is shown at Alabama River Lakes in......read moreread more
Photo By Travis England | The entrance sign for Prairie Creek Campground is shown at Alabama River Lakes in Montgomery, Alabama, Jan. 14, 2026. Prairie Creek Campground was named one of RV Life’s Best of the Best Campgrounds for 2025, recognizing its scenic setting and visitor experience. (U.S. Army photo by Travis England) see less
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Alabama River Lakes Campgrounds Named RV Life’s “Best of the Best”
Montgomery, Al. – Prairie Creek Campground and Gunter Hill Campground at Alabama River Lakes were recently named RV Life’s Best of the Best Campgrounds for 2025, an honor voted on by campers and visitors. The recognition places both campgrounds among the top RV destinations nationwide and highlights the combination of natural beauty, well maintained facilities, and customer focused service that visitors experience during their stay.
Project manager Frank McIntosh said the recognition reflects the work of an entire team dedicated to provided quality recreation opportunities.
“Alabama River Lakes is proud to have Prairie Creek and Gunter Hill recognized as RV Life’s ‘Best of the Best’ Campgrounds for 2025,” McIntosh said. “This honor reflects the total team effort of our park managers, rangers, attendants, volunteers, and operations staff who work every day to provide safe, high quality recreation and a welcoming experience for our visitors.”
Located near Montgomery, Prairie Creek and Gunter Hill offer different settings but share a common focus on comfort, safety, and visitor satisfaction. Prairie Creek is known for its peaceful atmosphere, scenic views, and wildlife, while Gunter Hill is valued for its spacious campsites, privacy, and sense of community among campers.
Campground Coordinator Park Ranger George Hunter III said the recognition is tied to both the setting and the people who care for the parks.
“This recognition really comes down to our people and our place,” Hunter said. “Campers often describe Prairie Creek as a hidden gem because of its peaceful setting and natural beauty, and both campgrounds offer a welcoming experience from the moment guests arrive. Our staff and contracted attendants focus on customer service and creating a comfortable stay, which keeps campers coming back year after year.”
Visitors often comment on the cleanliness of the parks, the convenient location, and the attention they receive from staff throughout their stay.
Chief Ranger Kelli Little said ranger staff and volunteers play a major roll in maintaining that standard.
“Our ranger team works every day to keep Prairie Creek and Gunter Hill safe, clean, and well maintained for our visitors,” Little said. “Along with the support of our dedicated volunteers, they oversee daily park operations and help ensure guests have an enjoyable experience. This recognition shows that those efforts are being noticed by our visitors.”
For many campers, the first interaction they have with the park is at the gatehouse. Ms. Findley, a gatehouse attendant at Gunter Hill, said those first moments help shape a visitor’s experience.
“It really starts at the gatehouse,” Findley said. “When visitors arrive, we want them to feel welcome and know we’re glad they’re here.”
Findley said she has seen the campground’s popularity grow over her nearly 12 years at Gunter Hill, with reservations now filling months in advance. She believes the demand comes from spacious sites, privacy, and a clean, well maintained environment.
“We hear it all the time from visitors as they’re leaving,” she said. ”’We’ll be back.’ Seeing repeat campers tells us we’re doing something right.”
McIntosh said the recognition also reflects the broader mission of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide high quality recreation for the public.
“This recognition shines a spotlight on USACE and the local communities that support these parks,” McIntosh said. “It shows what can be accomplished when people work together to provide welcoming, well maintained recreation areas.”
As Prairie Creek and Gunter Hill continue to welcome visitors in 2025 and beyond, staff say their focus remains on providing a safe, clean, and enjoyable experience for everyone who visits.
