Paul M. Grist State Park
Peaceful 100-Acre Lake Park Near Selma on the Alabama Black Belt Birding Trail — 11 Full-Hookup RV Campsites With Lake Views and 50-Amp Electric, Primitive Tent Camping Areas in the Forest, 100-Acre Lake Stocked With Largemouth Bass Bluegill Sunfish and Channel Catfish, Electric Trolling Motors Only (No Gasoline Motors Permitted on the Lake), Boat Launch and Seasonal Boat Rentals Available, 15 to 20 Miles of Hiking Trails Through Forest and Lakeside Terrain, Designated Swimming Area, Covered Picnic Pavilions for Group Events and Family Reunions, Near Historic Selma Civil Rights Sites and Old Cahawba Archaeological Park, Valley Grande Dallas County Alabama Black Belt Region
Paul M. Grist State Park is a state park with a 100-acre stocked lake near Valley Grande, approximately 17 miles north of Selma, Dallas County, Alabama, managed by the Dallas County Commission in partnership with Alabama State Parks. The park features 11 modern RV campsites with full hookups (water, sewer, 50-amp electric service) with lake views, primitive tent camping areas in the surrounding forest, a 100-acre lake stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, and channel catfish, electric trolling motors only — no gasoline motors permitted on the lake (creating a uniquely quiet fishing experience), a boat launch and seasonal boat rentals, 15 to 20 miles of hiking trails through forest and lakeside terrain, a designated swimming area (at your own risk), covered picnic pavilions for group events and family reunions, and recognition as a site on the Alabama Black Belt Birding Trail with excellent birding for woodland and lakeside species.
Paul M. Grist is a hidden gem in the Alabama Black Belt — the 100-acre lake is quiet and uncrowded because no gasoline motors are permitted, creating a peaceful fishing and paddling environment that’s rare in the Southeast. The bass fishing is excellent.
The park’s location near historic Selma makes it an ideal base for visiting Alabama’s civil rights landmarks, including the Edmund Pettus Bridge, the National Voting Rights Museum, and Old Cahawba Archaeological Park — Alabama’s first permanent state capital.
Things to Do
- Fishing — 100-ac lake: bass, bluegill, catfish
- Camping — 11 full-hookup RV (50A) + primitive tent
- Boating — electric motors only, rentals available
- Hiking — 15–20 miles of trails
- Swimming — designated area
- Birding — AL Black Belt Birding Trail site
- Nearby — Selma, Edmund Pettus Bridge, Old Cahawba
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Valley Grande, ~17 mi N of Selma, Dallas Co, AL |
| Lake | 100 acres — bass, bluegill, catfish |
| Camping | 11 full-hookup RV (50A) + primitive tent |
| Motors | Electric trolling only — no gas |
| Trails | 15–20 miles |
| Managed By | Dallas County / AL State Parks |
| Phone | (334) 412-0008 |
| Coordinates | 32.5333° N, 87.0500° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Paul M. Grist SP — 1,080 acres on a 100-acre lake. The park’s lake, longleaf pine forest, and creek support white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and largemouth bass.
Nearby Attractions
Selma — 15 miles south — site of the Selma to Montgomery marches (1965 Civil Rights movement). Dallas County — surrounding.
Can you use a gas motor at Paul M. Grist State Park?
No — only electric trolling motors are permitted on the 100-acre lake at Paul M. Grist State Park near Selma, Alabama. This creates a uniquely quiet fishing and paddling experience. The park offers 11 full-hookup RV campsites (50-amp electric, water, sewer) with lake views, primitive tent camping, fishing for bass, bluegill, and catfish, a boat launch and seasonal rentals, 15–20 miles of hiking trails, a swimming area, and covered pavilions. Recognized site on the Alabama Black Belt Birding Trail. Near Selma civil rights sites and Old Cahawba. Reservations: (334) 412-0008.
Last updated: May 2026
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