Lake Wedowee Life Magazine

Island Camping On Lake Wedowee

Last Updated 2/17/2025Posted in The Lake, Wedowee


Imagine falling asleep under a canopy of pines, dogwoods, and oaks, listening to the distant sound of chirping birds and waves slapping against the shore. You peek out of your tent and fill your lungs with a breath of fresh morning air. You are planning your day starting with a cup of campfire coffee along with bacon and eggs over a crackling campfire. Where are you? You are camping on an island at Lake Wedowee.

Lake Wedowee has several islands along its 9,870 acres and they are great for tent camping! There are no reservations needed and no fees to pay. The islands are on a first come first serve basis. This is primitive camping at its best!

The islands are sprinkled all throughout the lake - accessible only by water - and are excellent spots to sit back and relax for the day or the weekend. There are blue signs posted at the shoreline where camping is permitted. They state “Please leave it better than you found it.” The shoreline can be misleading so make sure it's an island before you pitch your tent. Refer to the Randolph County GIS to make sure you are not trespassing. https://www.alabamagis.com/Randolph/

There are no facilities on the islands. So, being prepared will make your camping adventure more enjoyable! Here are a few tips to help. Choosing the right tent is the first step. A dome tent is the most popular and offers the most versatility and room. Sleeping bags and sleep pads keep you warm and comfortable. With today’s battery powered devices, you can bring a portable air pump and blow up an air mattress to ensure a better night's sleep. Don’t forget your pillow! For summer camping, a shade tarp can be invaluable for keeping your campsite cooler throughout the day. It can also help with rain! Portable chairs and maybe a hammock for relaxing. A well-lit campsite is crucial for safety and convenience when the sun goes down. Headlamps, flashlights and battery powered lanterns are good choices. If you are staying a couple of days, bring a few extra batteries.

If you plan on cooking, you can bring a portable Coleman’s stove, a portable charcoal grill or you can cook over an open fire. More about fire later. Plan your meals carefully! Don’t forget your pots, pans, cups and utensils for cooking and making campfire coffee.

How to Make Campfire Coffee

Campfire coffee is easy to make. All you need is a pot, water, campfire and coffee. Fill your pot with fresh water and place it over the hot coals - not the fire. When the water starts boiling, remove it from the coals and add your desired amount of coffee(one to two scoops of coffee to one cup of water.) Stir the mixture together and let it steep for 2 to 4 minutes. Remember there will be ground coffee in the bottom of the pot so pour your cup of coffee carefully. If you need a faster way for your morning cup, bring single-serving coffee bags or a percolator.

You will need to bring a cooler to keep your perishables fresh and cold and fresh water for cooking and cleaning.

Sitting around a campfire roasting marshmallows is a favorite campsite memory for most. Yes, you can have fires on the island. It’s important to keep the fire contained, find some rocks to make a “fire ring,” and a bucket of water close by to extinguish the fire when you leave. Note - you might need to bring some firewood.

Don’t forget to pack a first aid kit, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

Now for the question on everyone’s mind: where or how do you “relieve yourself?” Find a private spot as far away from the water as possible. Dig a hole about 6 inches deep...cover the waste with dirt — do not put the paper products in the hole! — Take it with you when you leave the island! Another option is to bring a portable camping toilet but you still need to take everything back with you. Use hand sanitizer to clean your hands. Respect the land and lake, take your trash with you when you leave! Keep the area clean for the next family that camps!

While you are on the island take the time to explore... look for wildlife, listen to the sounds of nature, try your hand at fishing or skipping rocks, take a dip in the lake, or just enjoy the quiet time with your family and friends. Remember “Leave it better than you found it” and if you bring it on the island take it back with you!

Story by Tammy Lovvorn


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