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.
Some of our loyal viewers may be surprised to read that our first workamping trip, and what was supposed to be a long term stay, is already over. What gives? It's quite the story.
We were supposed to be spending the entire winter season workamping in Florida. It was an absolutely beautiful view right on the Gulf of Mexico, with laid back hosting and a great customer base. We were very fortunate to make a few good friends along the way, including our original supervisor who hired our services. Then came one of the great curve balls of business: A change in management. As the park is corporately owned, this isn't all that much of a surprise, since turnover happens in business all the time. However, responsibility for the campground abruptly changed in a hostile takeover, planned even before the "big wigs" arrived. A change in the expectations of the camp hosts followed, increasing hours and duties without any sort of additional compensation in return. Coupled with how some of those in the adjusted positions addressed us, as well as took "aggressive actions" against persons at the park and sometimes just on a whim, we knew it was not only our time to leave, but we would have to do so in the middle of the night to avoid destructive confrontation.
One great quotation we always carry with us is, "There is light even on the darkest nights." The last days of our first foray into workamping were quite dark. We won't go into details, but will say a number of the happenings in our final days of traditional home and salaried living were coming back to us. Many people live on the road to improve their own personal health and well-being. Our light, however, always exists, both in our hearts and on the highway. We can simply pack up and move towards that light. Sure, breaking contracts can have a negative connotation to come with it, but if the terms are going to change from our initial agreement, the original contract is void.
We aren't quite sure where we'll end up next. There are still a few more winter opportunities we're exploring. Although most of the RVing ways are done months in advance, cancellations come up all the time. Whatever happens, this entire adventure, as we always say, is about following our internal compass. Never let anyone place unbreakable chains upon you. And even if you see the chains, know that you always have the power to break them. Sure, you may see barriers, but these hurdles can always be overcome, one way or another. It may not happen overnight, and it will be arduous, but it is something you can do. As the late Jim Valvano once said, "Don't ever give up."
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