Lake Lurleen is a part of Lake Lurleen State Park, a recreation area located on Highway 82 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
This big lake (one and a half miles long and a half-mile wide) was artificially created in the middle of the 20th century when the state bought the park area and constructed a dam there. For about fifteen years, this lake was called Tuscaloosa County Public Lake and then it got its new name after Lurleen Wallace, the first woman governor of the state.
Now the park and the lake are a well-maintained recreation area with amenities and tourist facilities, used for boating, fishing, swimming, picnicking, hiking, and mountain biking.
Swimming Conditions
The sandy beach on Lake Lurleen is a good place for sunbathing and swimming. Nevertheless, note that there are no lifeguards, so you should be careful and keep a close eye on children. There are some safety restrictions to minimize the risk of injuries and drowning. Thus, you are not allowed to swim outside the roped-off area, from bridges, or from boats.
Outdoor Activities
There are fishing piers, boat rental services, and boat-launch areas. Many people come here for a good catch of bream, crappie, largemouth bass, and catfish – fishing is one of the most common activities on Lake Lurleen.
Another one is hiking. There are more than 20 miles of hiking and biking trails from easy to moderate as well as more than 90 well-maintained camping sites on the shore. There are also picnic areas and playgrounds.
There is plenty of recreational opportunities on Lake Lurleen, and you’re likely to find the ones that suit you, regardless of whether you come alone, or with your family, or in a company of friends.
Campsite Amenities
The park has 91 campsites overlooking the picturesque lake. The campsites are modern and include all necessary amenities like water and electric hook-ups and sometimes even drain connections. There are also convenient bathroom facilities located throughout the park territory.
Lake Lurleen Park is quite popular with tourists, so it’s highly recommended to make reservations for weekends and holidays if you want to come on these days and ensure you’ll have a campsite.
Picnic Areas
There are dedicated picnic areas with grills and picnic tables in the park. It is prohibited to cook in other areas such as the beach, parking lot, or beach pavilion (which cannot be reserved and is available on a first-come-first-serve basis).
Dog Policies
If you’re a dog owner, you should know that pets are welcome on the park territory and in the campground area if they’re leashed. Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the beach and adjacent areas – just be careful and pay attention to special signs indicating pet areas.
Driving Time
- 1 hour 10 minutes from Birmingham, AL
- 2 hours 10 minutes from Montgomery, AL
- 2 hours 40 minutes from Huntsville, AL
Hotels and rentals
If you're considering staying for one or even a few nights, there are plenty of options available near the beach. Chose your preferred accomodation type and your favourite room provider:
- Nearby rentals from VRBO.
- Nearby rooms and properties from Booking.com.