MOBILE, Ala. – It is time to begin thinking about your summer outings, not only for the holiday weekends, but for your family vacations as well. With skyrocketing fuel prices beach goers do not have to travel far from home. They can have a great adventure at Bay Springs Lake.
Hours of Operation
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bay Springs Site Office announces Old Bridge Beach & Piney Grove Beach will open for the season May 1. The summer hours of operation will be daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Water Safety
“Lifeguards are not provided at the beaches, so parents please watch your children. Upon arrival please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the water depth markers and the water safety equipment,” USACE Park Ranger Steven Koon said. “A limited number of loaner lifejackets are available for visitors at no cost on a first come basis at both beaches. Parents are encouraged to bring and use Coast Guard approved jackets.”
Nominal Fee
The entrance fees are $4 per vehicle with up to 8 people in the vehicle. If a vehicle has more than eight passengers over the age of 12, there will be a fee of $1 for each additional person over the age of 12. The fee is $1 for persons that walk-in or bicycle in. Children under 12 get in free. Fee for Golden Age/Access or America the Beautiful Senior/Access cardholder is half price. A $30 Annual Day Use Pass allows entrance at no charge. Annual Passes can be purchased at the beaches, Piney Grove Campground, or at the Bay Springs Site Office.
Reservations
Pavilions at Old Bridge Beach will no longer be available to rent for exclusive use. The tables under the pavilion will be available individually on a first-come, first-serve basis. This should allow adequate space for all users to remove small children from the heat if needed. Reservations will be taken for the pavilions at West Damsite Picnic Area, Piney Grove Picnic Area and Piney Grove Beach.
Additional Information
Bay Springs Lake is located on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, affectionately known as the Tenn-Tom. The Tenn-Tom is 234 miles long and runs from Yellow Creek Port near Picwick Lake to Demopolis, Alabama. It has 10 lakes, made from 10 locks and dams that allow for a shorter navigational route from the interior United States to the Gulf of Mexico.
The Tenn-Tom has 3 major functions – Navigation, Wildlife Mitigation and Recreation. Navigating the Tenn-Tom as opposed to taking the Mississippi river saves companies over 800 miles to the Coast and about $130,000,000 annually. The Wildlife Mitigation Program, which includes over 70,000 acres of land on the Tenn-Tom and another 100,000+ acres at other areas, provides wildlife opportunities for everyone, whether it is bird watching or deer hunting. Last but certainly not least, the Recreation Program provides opportunities for boating, picnicking, swimming and camping.
For questions regarding recreational opportunities including camping contact the Operations Manger’s Office at 662-423-1287 or our webpage at http://www.sam.usace.army.mil/TennTom/GenInfo.html.