🌤 Weather at Claude D. Kelley State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 49–86 °F | 71–92 °F | 47–88 °F | 39–65 °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 Atmore, 6 mi away, elevation 300 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🌲 Little River State Forest — the former Claude D. Kelley State Park, now owned by the Alabama Forestry Commission
Claude D. Kelley State Park no longer exists under that name. The Alabama Forestry Commission describes Little River State Forest as formerly known as Claude D. Kelley State Park. The Claude D. Kelley Recreational Area inside the forest is operated for the Commission by Ikner Outdoor Management Services.
Closed for repairs (as of September 2026): The Forestry Commission lists the Claude D. Kelley Recreational Area as closed until necessary repairs and improvements are made. Call ahead before you go.
About Little River State Forest
Little River State Forest lies between Monroe and Escambia counties in south Alabama, near Atmore, and covers about 2,100 acres of longleaf pine forest. The land was deeded to the Forestry Commission in the early 1930s, and the Civilian Conservation Corps arrived in 1934 to build a public park. The office building, a cabin, the pavilions, the Gazebo Trail and the 25-acre lake with its iron-stone spillway date from that work. The park’s coordinates are 31.2564, -87.4978.
Things to Do
When the recreation area is open, the Forestry Commission lists hiking, camping, fishing, swimming in the lake and horseback riding, with boats for rent by the day and paddle boats by the hour. Six pavilions can be rented for the day, and cabins and pavilions are reserved at the park office. Trailer sites have water and electric hookups. A limited hunt for hunters with disabilities runs under rules of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Claude D. Kelley still a state park?
No. The site is now Little River State Forest, owned by the Alabama Forestry Commission, and the Claude D. Kelley Recreational Area is run by Ikner Outdoor Management Services.
Is the Claude D. Kelley Recreational Area open?
As of September 2026 the Forestry Commission listed it as closed until repairs and improvements are finished. Call the forest’s work unit at (334) 850-5666 before you visit.
More parks nearby: Historic Blakeley State Park and Meaher State Park are the closest Alabama state parks in our guide.
Source: Alabama Forestry Commission, Little River State Forest & Claude D. Kelley Recreational Area, as of September 2026.
Park Location
Plan your gear for Claude D. Kelley State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
