West Alabama | Greene | Best Seasons: Fall | Spring
Forkland Campground, one of the numerous Corps of Engineers recreation areas along the Black Warrior River has several characteristics in common with similar locations: a substantial body of deep water, a boat ramp or ramps, a picnic area, restroom facilities, and mature trees in the public use area that present an open, park-like look. The Recreation Area and Campground is located on a high point of land between McConnico Creek and Demopolis Lake. Expect to see the usual birds of riparian woodlands: many Northern Parulas, Yellow-throated Warblers, Prothonotary Warblers, Acadian Flycatchers, and Eastern Bluebirds. You’ll find various swallows over the water and waders around the lake – primarily Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets throughout the year, Green Herons from spring to fall, and Little Blue Herons, White Ibis, and Snowy Egrets in summer and fall. Examine the trees in and over the water for Anhingas, and scan the skies for Osprey, Bald Eagles, and in late spring and summer, Wood Storks and kites. Scan the water for unexpected birds, including gulls and terns in winter.
In the dense woods of the northwestern corner, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has constructed a nature trail winding its way to the banks of Demopolis Lake. The trailhead is located across from the gatehouse. Hooded Warblers, Wood Thrushes, a few Kentucky and Black-and-white Warblers may be observed along with Red-eyed Vireos in the canopy trees.
It is imperative to spend a little time working the entrance road to the recreation area. The mile-and-a-quarter River Road is mid-succession pines with little mid-story and a shrubby understory. This presents an excellent habitat for Prairie Warblers, Yellow-breasted Chats, White-eyed Vireos, Summer Tanagers, Yellow-billed Cuckoos, Great Crested Flycatchers, Gray Catbirds (most common from fall through spring), and Field Sparrows.
GPS: 32.6268205 -87.883098
Forkland Campground
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) (Mailing address)
Black Warrior and Tombigbee Lakes
34 Resource Management Dr.
Demopolis, AL 36732-1546
334-289-3540
From the intersection of US 80 and US 43 in Demopolis (Marengo County – food, fuel, and lodging available), proceed north on US 43 for 10.6 miles, turning left at the signage for Forkland Campground, onto River Road. In a further 1.3 miles, turn left at the sign and enter the gate of the recreation area.
Amenities Available: Boat Launch, Camping (tent/RV), Gravel or Dirt Trails, Picnic Tables, Restrooms
Nearby Sites
Backbone Boat Ramp
Backbone Boat Launch sits the banks of a creek which flows into Lake Demopolis and across from a flooded cypress slough. This small site may be easily birded in less than an hour. Prothonotary Warblers, Redstarts, Northern Parulas, and Yellow-throate …
Old Lock 7 Complex, West Damsite Park
There are two sections to this recreation area. To the south is a more park-like development with a camping area and a few picnic tables. The northern section is a parking lot overlooking the river and a boat ramp. A general mix of woodland songbirds …
Runaway Branch Park
Runaway Branch Park has two segments – called RP I and RP II – that bound the same body of water from the east and west. Expect the water to draw spring and fall migrants and riparian-type breeding birds. Look for both kites and Wood Storks in summer …