Trifter

Fort Toulouse has a rich history with many different cultures having settled in the area.  However, today it functions more as a great place to go camping.  If you’re a history buff, you can buff up your information at the on-site museum.  The Fort was established in 1717 by the French as a sort of buffer between the French and English colonies.  A lot of battles took place there,  but mainly it was between Native Americans and the invading armies. I visited the area in the spring of 2008 ( I arrived in Prattville Alabama, a few miles south of the fort, the day of the tornado on 2/17/08).

My Nephew Steve trying to make contact.

There is a grand mix of restoration and fabrication.  Much of the original fort has been ravaged by both man and nature.  However, the local historical society has helped with some re-construction and fabrication.

Fabrication of original garden areas by Fort personnel.

That cannon is quite real.

Garrison

This chimney was part of an original structure (My nephew is 6 foot tall).

I am not a history buff and in fact the only reason I went to the fort was to investigate its potential for camping. I was getting restless in Prattville and decided I needed to find some forest to camp in.  Well, it can be done, but only in National Parks.  Having spent most of my life in the Rockies I was use to a lot of National Forest where you could just wander through endless forests of tall pines.  Not so in Alabama: here almost all land is private and if you start wandering across the country side you get into trouble in a hurry.  Fort Toulouse was an opportunity for me to get out a bit.  Unfortunately I left Alabama before having a chance to camp at Fort Toulouse.  However on this particular spring day of discovery I did get some nice photos of the camping areas.  And let me say, the camping there is sort of like camping in a park.  If your looking for an easy spot, this is it!

Tent Area

The entire park is really well kept, and the scenery is classic old south.

Fishing is just past the tent areas.

Super clean restrooms

And plenty of RV sites. These are mostly back in sites.

Fort Toulouse is a really nice camp ground.  It is great for family gatherings, fishing or just a nice quiet spot to reflect.  If you happen to be in the area do consider it for a visit. You will not be disappointed.

The Journey Continues

Jill and Nevyn Campanella
Alamogordo New Mexico

aka: Woodland Star