Life Is Better On The Water
Life Is Better On The Water
The campgrounds are usually open from Mid-March until Mid-October, however some years certain campgrounds may be open a longer or shorter period of time depending on use and other factors.
You may call the individual campground or the BCDA office for more information.
Note: Camp Managers are away from their campgrounds on Mondays, occasionally Tuesdays,
if Monday was a state holiday. If you wish to rent a campsite on Monday and the camp store is closed,
please call the camp manager or the BCDA office for assistance.
***Camping on BCDA/TVA property is prohibited in all areas other than at designated Campgrounds***
The four lakes (Cedar Creek, Little Bear, Upper Bear, and Bear Creek) are rated among some of the cleanest recreational waters in the South. The lakes have produced smallmouth bass over 5-lbs. and largemouth bass over 15-lbs. Persons between the ages of 16 and 65 must have a user's permit to take advantage of the lakes and related facilities.
In the late 1960's, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) began construction in Northwest Alabama on what is known as the Bear Creek Water Control Project. The project was overseen and is now controlled by the Bear Creek Development Authority or BCDA. Over the years, there have been 15 public use areas developed by the BCDA.
The Bear Creek Water Control Project is a system of four lakes and their surrounding woodlands near Russellville, Alabama, offering trophy fishing, boating, sand beaches, group pavilions, designated swimming areas, hunting, developed camping, picnicking and hiking. A 30-mile canoe float stream is located between Upper Bear and Big Bear Reservoirs. The five campgrounds are open Mid-March through Mid-October and the lakes are open year round.