Cowford Campground, at 8700 Cowford Road, offers 52 campsites on or near the Tennessee River in Limestone County.

By Lora Scripps

lora@athensnews-courier.com

Camping rates at Limestone’s Cowford Campground could increase starting Oct. 1.

The County Commission is set to vote Monday on a proposal to raise rates from $19 to $24 per day, from $120 to $125 per week and from $320 to $330 per month. Campers would continue to pay the 5 percent lodging tax.

Cowford is situated on federal property leased at no-cost from the Tennessee Valley Authority and is jointly operated by the County Commission, city of Athens and the Limestone County Parks and Recreation Board.

County Administrator Pam Ball said the proposed increase would help augment money appropriated each year by the city and county. So far this year, the city has allotted $13,000 for the park, Ball said. The county has set aside $25,000.

Ball said the rate increase would allow the campground to become more “self-sustaining” in years to come.

Even with an increase, Cowford rates would still be lower than most campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, according to online research.

Limestone County Recreation Director Mike Nave said the campground doesn’t have as much to offer as some campgrounds but he does believe Cowford Campground has a nice setting and offers a lot to fisherman and those who just want to enjoy the outdoors and get away from the house.

“It’s a cozy place,” he said.

Nave said the campground has enjoyed a good year.

“I don’t anticipate any problems with the increase,” he said. “We will see.”

Camp amenities

Cowford Campground, at 8700 Cowford Road, currently has 52 campsites with 26 of those sites located on the Tennessee River within the Round Island Recreational Area, which is part of the North Alabama Birding Trail.

The campground offers pull-through gravel sites with water, sewer and 30/50-amp electrical service. Tent camping is not permitted. Cowford Landing offers swimming, fishing and boating to campers as well as a beach area, boat launches and a floating pier.

The campground also has a climate-controlled, handicapped-accessible bathhouse and laundry room.

The park, which is open year-round other than a few weeks during the Christmas holidays when it undergoes annual maintenance, is patrolled by the Limestone County Sheriff’s Department, the Athens Police Department and TVA security.