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Moundville Archaeological Park
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142 Posts
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May 17, 2013 - 10:08 am
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Just got back from a 3-day camping trip to Moundville Archaeological Park. We had a fabulous time. All the lights worked on the PUP, no problems raising the roof, and DH felt fine the entire trip. (First camping trip since the GA Fall Rally in 2012)
The park is beautiful, very rustic. It's owned, and run, by the University of Alabama. The rules are very laid back. Actually, almost too laid back. I really didn't feel as safe as I'd like. The front gate was out of order, so the University couldn't lock it up at 9pm as advertised. They claimed that security patrolled at night, but I never saw anyone. On our first night there, a couple of cars pulled up in front of the only bathhouse, and were parked out there for well over an hour. I walked up to use the facilities, and couldn't get the door open. I heard voices in there, and I knocked, (there are several toilet and shower stalls) and a voice said 'come in' so I shoved the main door open. There were clothes strewn all over the sink and floor, and a woman was blow-drying her hair.  (Another person was in shower stall) I used a toilet, and went to wash my hands. I had to wash a pile of cigarette ashes down the sink, and I commented on this. The person denied smoking in there. I asked where they were staying and the woman at sink said "in a tent over there" and pointed toward primitive. When I left, I looked in that direction and there were no tents. I later observed both vehicles pulling out of the campground. Hmm.
Later, I noticed that the shower stall that was occupied on previous visit was filthy. A disgusting washrag and a used razor was on bench. Soap scum everywhere. If I had gloves I would have cleaned it up myself, but I wasn't about to touch the mess with bare hands. This stall stayed this way for our entire visit. Ugh. I complained about the situation at the office on our way out.
On a good note, the Park is beautiful. There is an awesome museum and wonderful walking paths throughout. The mounds are beautiful. And although our parking pads were dirt and gravel, and not well defined, they are level. And there are many trees for shade.
So, bring some form of personal protection. (We had our huge black lab-lol) and enjoy.  🙂

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235 Posts
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May 17, 2013 - 7:53 pm
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Hmmmm,  sounds like a transient found their way to the bath house.  After that review, Pat, I don't know if I would camp there.  I'm big on locked gates after hours. Sure like my security when I'm camping.  Maybe that would be a nice day trip to visit the area.  Hope ya'll can make it to the Fall rally in September!

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May 18, 2013 - 1:38 pm
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Yes, I'm thinking that at one time, it was a family campground. But I'm not so sure I would call it that these days. I might send a letter to the University. Our 8 yo GS and his Dad were with us, and they had a truly super time, but I was concerned, especially when GS went to bathhouse at night. My DH and I walked through the primitive area, and it was trashed from previous campers and never cleaned up. I couldn't help but wonder if there was some prostitution and drug-dealing going on back there. Such a shame.

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May 19, 2013 - 12:07 am
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That is a shame...........complaints should be made and hopefully someone will look into it, to get things cleaned up.

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