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Demopolis Lake

Boat Ramps
11
Access Points
11
Campsites
3

Demopolis Lake is a 10,000-acre reservoir located near Demopolis in Marengo County, Alabama. As the second largest lake in the Black Warrior-Tombigbee system, it extends 48 miles up the Black Warrior River and 53 miles up the Tombigbee River. The lake offers diverse paddling opportunities with its expansive waters and numerous creeks and inlets to explore.

Access points include Foscue Park Campground, which provides a boat ramp and dock, as well as RV sites, bathhouses, and laundry facilities. Forkland Park Campground, located on the Tombigbee arm, offers campsites with views of Rattlesnake Bend, a 12-mile oxbow loop of flat water free from barge traffic. Additional public access areas with bank and boat access are available throughout the reservoir.

Paddlers can explore several notable areas. Runaway Branch and Backbone Creek offer hauntingly beautiful swamps, while Spidle Lake provides excellent flat-water paddling and bird-watching opportunities. The confluence of the Black Warrior and Tombigbee rivers near historic Demopolis adds cultural interest to the paddling experience.

Fishing is a major draw, with largemouth bass, crappie, hybrid striped bass, and bream being popular catches. Creeks with woody cover and weed beds are particularly good for summer bream fishing. The tailwater areas below Warrior Dam and Gainesville Dam are known for hybrid striped bass, catfish, and drum fishing.

While specific paddling regulations are not mentioned, it's important to note that the lake is also used for commercial barge traffic. Paddlers should exercise caution and be aware of larger vessels, particularly in the main channel areas.

The lake's surroundings offer excellent hunting opportunities on public lands managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, though separate permits are required for each area.


Water access, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Demopolis Lake. Uncover great paddling access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. PaddleWays's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

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TOMBIGBEE R AT HEFLIN L&D NR GAINESVILLE, AL

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