🌤 Weather at Frank Jackson State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50–88 °F | 72–94 °F | 48–90 °F | 41–67 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Andalusia Opp Airport, 7 mi away, elevation 310 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Activities
This well maintained and clean park is popular year round but especially during the warmer months. The lake and wooded park provides a refreshing escape from the heat and a chance to swim, boat, fish and camp out. The park also features 2 large pavilions, scattered picnic areas and a new gazebo and garden area that is ideal for weddings and large gatherings. And a new playground provides extra entertainment for the little ones. Whether you visit for the day or spend the night listening to the peaceful waves of the lake you’ll thoroughly enjoy your time spent at this serene and beautiful park. Here are some of the activities that await you at Frank Jackson State Park:
Fishing at Frank Jackson State Park
Fishing is probably the main attraction at Frank Jackson State Park, especially in April when the park holds their annual bass fishing tournament. The lake is specially stocked and managed for prime freshwater fishing so bass, catfish, bream and crappie are abundant in these waters. Fish from boat, shore or pier. An ADA fishing pier is located at the northwest end of the dam and is accessible from highway 42. Remember to pick up a fishing license before heading to the park. Licenses can be purchased online here.
Boating at Frank Jackson State Park
Bring your canoe, kayak or paddle boat for a nice relaxing day on the lake. Launch ramps are conveniently located in the beach area. If you don’t have your own boat you can rent one at nearby Blackwater Canoe. They have rentals of tubes, canoes and kayaks available.
Swimming at Frank Jackson State Park
The lake can be easily accessed from the grassy beach area. Or walk across the boardwalk to the island and swim. Just be aware of wildlife, especially snakes and alligators.
Trails at Frank Jackson State Park
More than 3 miles of trails are located inside of Frank Jackson State Park. Most of this trail system, part of a trail masters project, is considered easy walking. A boardwalk bridge leads from the boat ramp near the parking area out to the island (a unique feature inside of the park). Another short walking trail loops around the island and provides limited access to the shoreline. Each of the park trails is named after a flower, such as the Magnolia Trail, which is an easy mile long loop. Check out the educational kiosk located at the trail entrance. It provides information on the birds and small mammals which may be seen in the park. Looking for more trails to explore? Take a drive over to nearby Conecuh National Forest.
Scarecrows in the Park at Frank Jackson State Park
During October and November the trails at Frank Jackson State Park are lined with decorative scarecrows. These scarecrows are proudly handmade by local individuals, schools, organizations and businesses. Definitely worth the visit to check them out!
Wildlife at Frank Jackson State Park
At the entrance to the trails you’ll find a kiosk with information on the wildlife that you may encounter at the park. Some you may come across are deer, squirrels, raccoons, snakes and alligators. You’ll also see many species of birds, especially waterfowl and shorebirds. A great place for wildlife viewing is from the pedestrian bridge. From here you can see above and below (wetlands).
Camping at Frank Jackson State Park
Frank Jackson State Park has 32 lakefront RV campsites with full hookups and cable tv. Tents are allowed on these sites and 3 of the sites are handicapped accessible. Another 8 tent only campsites are available along with space for hammocks. And a modern bathhouse is conveniently located nearby. Cabins are also available to rent for overnight stays in the park. These cabins have 3 bedrooms, full kitchens (including utensils), satellite television, central heat and air conditioning. Plus each has a grill and picnic table right outside. You will need to bring your own pillows and bed linens.
Pets at Frank Jackson State Park
Pets are allowed but must be leashed and cleaned up after.
Attractions Near Frank Jackson State Park
Florala State Park is practically next door (514 Lake Shore Dr). This small lakeside park offers more of what is already available at Frank Jackson State Park – swimming, fishing and boating. And they have paddle boat rentals. Conecuh National Forest is made up of 83,000 acres along the Alabama-Florida line, and is full of longleaf pines, shallow ponds and bogs and lots of wildlife. Activities include hunting, camping, fishing, hiking and picnicking. Boll Weevil Monument is located at 101 Main St in Enterprise. This prominent landmark is dedicated to the boll weevil insect for its profound influence on the area’s agriculture. After you visit this unique monument stay in Enterprise for some shopping and good food!
Park Location
Frank Jackson State Park 100 Jerry Adams Drive Opp, AL 36467 Phone: 334.493.6988 1-800-252-7275 Website Reservations
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Frank Jackson State Park:
Explore More Alabama State Parks
Frank Jackson State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Alabama. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Alabama guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Florala State Park (within about an hour’s drive) and Lake Jackson RV Park at Florala (within about an hour’s drive).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Frank Jackson State Park
Park policy: Alabama State Parks publishes the list of parks with designated dog-friendly cabins, chalets and lodge rooms, and Frank Jackson is not on it, while the same rules state dogs are not allowed in non-dog-friendly cabins. If you are travelling with a dog here, book a tent or RV site rather than one of the park's camper cabins.
- Pets allowed?
- Dogs allowed in the campground; Frank Jackson has no dog-friendly cabins
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Dogs must be crated, caged or on a leash no longer than 6 feet (or otherwise under physical restrictive control) at all times.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Dogs are not allowed at park beaches or swimming pools, or in any non-dog-friendly building.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Only designated dog-friendly lodges, cabins, chalets and cottages accept dogs; a $30 per night fee per dog applies (Gulf State Park instead requires a $150 non-refundable deposit), and dogs left in a cabin must be crated.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; $30 per dog per night in dog-friendly lodging (Gulf State Park: $150 non-refundable deposit).
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Gulf State Park has a dedicated Dog Pond off-leash swim area at Lake Shelby; dogs left unattended over 30 minutes may be confiscated.
- Dogs & wildlife
- ADCNR's statewide alligator guidance warns that pets near the water often attract an alligator's interest — keep dogs leashed and away from the shoreline.
Are dogs allowed at Frank Jackson State Park?
Dogs allowed in the campground; Frank Jackson has no dog-friendly cabins.
Beyond that, Alabama’s statewide rules apply.
Rules verified July 2026 via alapark.com. More: Alabama state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
🐻 Wildlife at Frank Jackson State Park: What to Watch For — and Watch Out For
Worth watching for: A pedestrian bridge spanning a section of Lake Frank Jackson serves as the park's wetland wildlife viewing area, where various birds, fish and other animals are regular sights. The 1,000-acre lake is stocked with bass, bream, crappie and catfish, making the fishing pier and shoreline good spots to watch feeding activity in the aquatic vegetation.
Watch out for: Alabama's state wildlife agency notes alligators are fairly common in Coastal Plain lakes and rivers across south Alabama, where the park lies. Statewide ADCNR guidance: observe and photograph alligators only from a distance, never feed them (dangerous and unlawful in Alabama), avoid swimming between dusk and dawn when alligators are most active, and put fish scraps in the garbage rather than the water.
Are there alligators at Frank Jackson State Park?
Yes — see above for where they occur in the park and how to behave. Sightings are a normal part of a healthy park; incidents are rare when visitors keep distance and store food properly.
Wildlife information verified July 2026 via alapark.com.
Park Location
Plan your gear for Frank Jackson State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
