Bladon Springs State Park

Bladon Springs, which began as a privately-owned spa in 1838, drew visitors from all corners of the country who sought the therapeutic benefits of its four mineral wells.

In 1846, a grand Greek Revival hotel was constructed to accommodate the growing number of guests.

This health retreat earned the nickname “Saratoga of the South” and continued to operate even during the Civil War.

In 1934, the State of Alabama purchased the property and transformed it into a state park.

Bladon Springs State Park welcomes visitors every day of the week, with operating hours from 8 a.m. until sundown. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the Choctaw County office.

NATURE | Bladon Springs State Park

Though the resort hotel has disappeared, Bladon Springs State Park continues to offer visitors a serene rural experience.

The park is characterized by its peaceful and tranquil forested environment, making it an ideal spot for camping and observing wildlife.

Bird enthusiasts will particularly appreciate Bladon Springs, as it is a designated stop on Alabama’s Black Belt Birding Trail. Expect to encounter a diverse array of songbirds, woodpeckers, and raptors in this natural haven.

The park features both day-use activities and and overnight accommodations. Several picnic pavilions, walking trails and a playground provide public enjoyment. The campsites can be rented by contacting the Park Manager at 205-574-0937.

Bladon Springs State Park is conveniently situated, with nearby attractions including Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge, the Red Hills Forever Wild Tracts, and Coffeeville’s Trade Days in Alabama.

Additionally, for dining and shopping in the Mobile area, which is approximately an hour to the south, the park provides an ideal base for exploration.

Whether you choose to visit for a brief few hours or plan to stay overnight beneath the starry skies in this historic park, you’re sure to relish your time in this serene and secluded locale.

The park features a picnic area equipped with tables and grills, creating a tranquil spot for relaxation, where your children can enjoy the nearby swings and slides. Additionally, the park offers three spacious pavilions that can be rented for larger gatherings and special events.

Bladon Springs State Park, situated along the Alabama Black Belt Birding Trail, offers an excellent opportunity for a few hours of birdwatching.

In this area, you’ll easily spot Northern parulas, yellow-throated warblers, orchard orioles, white-eyed vireos, eastern bluebirds, wood thrushes, and woodpeckers.

Whether you’re exploring the park or camping overnight, you can also expect to encounter many squirrels, deer, raccoons, wild turkeys, and possibly even a beaver.

For additional wildlife viewing, the nearby Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge provides a natural habitat for native wood ducks and offers a fantastic place to visit and explore.

Covering approximately 4,218 acres, it encompasses lakes, creeks, and woodlands teeming with nature and wildlife, including alligators.

Another excellent destination for wildlife enthusiasts is the Red Hills Forest. This 5,000-acre preserve features woods, rocky streams, and wildflowers, making it a popular spot for both birdwatching and hunting.

Bladon Springs Park offers 10 campsites equipped with water, electricity, and sewer connections, in addition to picnic tables and grills.

Restrooms are conveniently distributed throughout the park, although a bathhouse is not available on-site.

For those seeking additional camping options, Service Park Campground in Coffeeville provides an additional 32 campsites, both modern and primitive, with adjacent bathhouses.

This smaller recreational area is located less than 5 miles away and boasts a boat launch, granting access to activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing on Coffeeville Lake.

While you’re in the vicinity of Bladon Springs, there are several other local attractions worth considering:

• Saint Stephens State Forest:

Located at 2056 Old St Stephens Road in St. Stephens, this public recreation area offers a range of amenities. You’ll find campsites, cabins, boat rentals, an 18-hole disc golf course, horseback riding trails, regular hiking trails, and a picturesque lake.

The old quarry lake features a sandy beach, providing opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing.

Notably, this historical park also hosts an active archaeological dig site, preserving the original town of St. Stephens (1799-1829) for future historians to explore.

• Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge:

Situated at 509 Wildlife Road in Gilbertown, this expansive wilderness area is just a mile away from Bladon Springs State Park.

It offers additional opportunities for boating, fishing, hunting, birdwatching, camping, and hiking, making it a fantastic complement to your outdoor adventures.

Service Park is a compact recreational area located just under 5 miles from Bladon Springs State Park, found at 451 Service Park Road in Coffeeville.

This charming park is nestled along the shores of Coffeeville Lake, which happens to be the third-largest lake on the Black Warrior-Tombigbee Waterway.

Visiting this park for the day is free of charge, making it an ideal pit stop for a day of lakeside enjoyment. Bring along your kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or any other watercraft of your choice and relish the serenity of the lake.

You can also try your hand at fishing for catfish, perch, bass, and bream from either your boat or the shoreline.