Ah Mobile County, one of our favorite places to stay thus far and certainly worth another visit. Here is some information on the last time we visited.
Sites: Having a larger rig meant that we were found in a different row in the same area. Although there was no ant pile this time around, we did find some bad luck with the pad not being level. Although we were able to adjust to suit our needs, it was a little cumbersome to set up.
Staff: Ironically enough, after about two years since the last time we visited, the staff actually remembered us. They were just as friendly as ever, and led to a bit of an interesting banter when checking out to receive our site deposit.
Amenities: This was probably the most disappointing part of the return trip. We previously quipped about comparing other parks to if only half the amenities were there, and that was the case this time. The laundry facility was closed down, along with the platform walk. We remember it was starting to deteriorate a little bit, and must have reached a dangerous point. We really hope that Mobile County is able to fund repairs of these in the future, even if they have to seek a grant, because it was one of our favorite things to do.
Overall, despite what we saw this time around, we probably wouldn't change the rating on this campground, if only for the unchanged price and the staff. Not to mention, just like last time when escaping an uncomfortable situation, this was once again a proverbial "breath of fresh air". One of the staff members joked about seeing us again in a couple years, and that may just happen if we're back in the area.
Welcome back for another round of disc golf!
We're coming to you from the city of Satsuma, Alabama at Steele Creek Lodge and Park for our match. Steele Creek is a free-to-enter city park north of Mobile with a newly opened boat launch ramp at the time we were there. This is a nine-hole course that is fairly flat in elevation but a signifcant tree challenge. No official maps exist (only a superimposed satellite image), and tee 1 was not marked, but there are clear paths to lead the way to each tee and hole that are otherwise marked well. The tees are not concrete.
This match saw all 9 holes played, with only one starting marker for each. Previous descriptions for equipment apply, and there was no pup along for the journey. We agreed to start hole 1 near a mailbox and electrical plug because the tee wasn't marked. How did this one go?
Course Result:
His Holes: 4
Halved: 2
Her Holes: 3
Course Record: Him 5 - 2 - 3 Her
Holes Record: Him 29 - 23 Her
After hole 1 was halved, she ran into terrible tree luck that led to him taking a three hole lead. She started to pull it back after a fabulous tee-off with him not aiming well, though it was short lived with a halve and him winning hole 7. She pulled it back in holes 8 and 9, including a near-lucky long shot for a 3, but it was too little, too late, as the early lead was insurmountable. The shot total ended with him having a 44-47 edge, though there is no information on what "par" for the course is.
Looks like he's starting to pull away; can she turn the tide? Until the next course, remember to Follow Your Internal Compass.
Trip number eight saw yet another stay-over. This time, we found ourselves at Mobile County's River Delta Marina and Campground. Situated in Southern Alabama, this publicly-owned park served as a haven for us for three nights as we planned our next move for the winter.
Grounds: The park is located a few miles off Exit 22 of Interstate 65. Those who are using paper maps from a leading national brand should take warning, as this exit may not show even on the most recent maps, but it is there. The signage on the road only speaks of a marina and welcome center which can lead to slight confusion, but it is the same place. The city of Saraland is nearby for re-supply and restaurant opportunities.
Sites: There are 60 RV sites with full hook-ups, assorted between back-in and pull-through, along with a few cabins. There is a 30-day limit for stays. When reserving, credit and debit cards are not accepted, and there is a refundable cash-only deposit related to the state of the site. Many of the campsites are right next to the busy highway, which can be heard throughout the night. No map of the sites was available, but was easy enough to figure out. Each site is primarily grass, but there is small-to-medium gravel for the rig parking. Alcohol is strictly forbidden, but they permit it kept exclusively within your camper, as it is understood that some full-time RVers will carry it with them. An ant colony greeted us at the water spigot when going to hook, and the spigot is low to the ground, meaning a water filter needs to be placed rig-side.
Staff: The staff, although with an uncomfortable physical presentation inside the office, was generally friendly. Maintenance was helpful and kept the park in great condition, There was a security guard at the gate to handle check-ins and entrants when no one was at the office. Workers are government hired.
Amenities: If you enjoy boating, you're going to enjoy staying here. At the entrance to the park are prominent boat launches for both campers and day users to be able to spend time fishing or just relaxing on the river. Even if you don't have a watercraft, or being on the river isn't your thing, take a walk along the quarter-mile spur, a raised, platformed nature trail to view the delta, along with a houseboat presumably for fish cleaning, and maybe a few alligators. A small pond with fountain exists near the campsites, where you can see snapping turtles, and some patrons also enjoy fishing. Laundry facilities are found within the bathhouse at a reasonable price, and there is a pool and swing set to complete the set of things to do at the park.
Atmosphere: With the way our previous trip abruptly ended, we really needed a place to relax. This was certainly an easy-going place. Although very much a public park, it seemed like the quintessential southern home in the countryside. Although the rule signage was bordering excessive, which one would come to expect in a government owned site, it was a nice place to take a break near the start or the end of what could be a long journey to or from the Gulf of Mexico.
Overall, River Delta Marina and Campground receives an 8 out of a possible 10 rating. Despite all the site issues we had, along with what seemed like an attack of the ants, the saving grace for this park is the price. For what you get, what you pay is unbeatable. Even if only half the amenities were there, it would still give midwestern campgrounds a run for their money, and it's only an hour from a popular seashore. This is a good spot for a paid dock or even a short-term stay, but we would probably only stay again for as long as we did or shorter, hopefully with a different site.
Are you wanting to head west from a visit to Florida? Do you think you might not make it to the popular tourist destinations? Perhaps you should give Southern Alabama a try.
Situated along a small portion of the Gulf of Mexico is the panhandle of Alabama. Prior to its statehood, this area was once part of West Florida, alternating between English, Spanish, and independent control before eventually becoming an American territory. While in Alabama, visit the port city of Mobile along the bay of the same name, or head south to visit Gulf Islands National Seashore. Those loving the beaches and fishing will want to visit places such as Orange Beach, Palmetto Beach, or take the trek to Dauphin Island, seeing historic Fort Gaines.
If you're one that prefers to be more inland, yet you're a history buff, Southern Alabama has something for you. While the United States was busy fighting the War of 1812, its southern territories were in a bit of a quarrel themselves, the Creek Indian War. Starting as a civil war between the Creek and Cherokee nations, the American, British, and Spanish governments fueled the fires in an attempt to win control over the territory. Drive up to the small town of Tensaw and through the residential area to visit Fort Mims. This was the site of a massacre during the war, where the Creeks invaded a poorly defended fort, killing hundreds of innocent villagers in the area. Re-enactments and commemorations of the tragic event are held annually, with the grounds free and open to the public. If war history isn't your cup of tea, head to Stockton and visit Baldwin County Bicentennial Park. Honoring the 200th anniversary of statehood, this park contains an old homestead with a small schoolhouse to commemorate the state's first public school, along with a small church, nature trail, and veterans memorial.
Perhaps you aren't convinced to make a stop, and just want to drive by. The highway system in and of itself is quite impressive. Alabama features many long causeways traversing its vast swamp lands, allowing wildlife to continue living in these conserved areas. Between Creola and Stockton, take a drive across the awe inspiring General W. K. Wilson Jr. Bridge as it crosses three rivers with a waterway between the vehicle rights of way. Even if you want to just head west along the gulf, go across the Jubilee Parkway and through the George Wallace Tunnel as you approach Mobile, crossing both the bay and river.
Wherever your internal compass tells you to go, be sure to take some time to enjoy the Alabama Panhandle. Perhaps you may just find something for you.
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