Mobile County Commission Purchases Escatawpa Hollow Campground

Posted on: Jan 31st, 2019 | News and Announcements

Mobile County Commission Purchases Escatawpa Hollow Campground The Mobile County Commission approved the purchase of the Escatawpa Hollow Campground for $715,000 at its meeting Mon., Jan. 28. The 45-acre campground is located on the Alabama/Mississippi state line off Moffett Road, on the south side of U.S. 98. Plans are to improve the campground to add more camp sites, walking trails, river access and other features. The purchase will be funded through Mobile County's Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) Public Access Acquisition Project. The money is generated from federal oil and gas leases in Alabama's offshore waters. GOMESA funds are authorized for coastal protection, conservation, restoration and hurricane protection, as well as mitigation of damage to fish, wildlife or natural resources. "This is a great project for Mobile County," said Commission President Connie Hudson, who championed the project. "I'm very happy about this opportunity to expand recreational and water access to all of our citizens." The purchase of the park will enhance the county's planned countywide Blueway paddling trail, with the Escatawpa segment allowing canoe and kayak enthusiasts to paddle from northwest Mobile County to Moss Point, Miss. The Blueway Trail is being funded by RESTORE Act money generated from the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster. The new county campground and park will give outdoor enthusiasts another camping venue in addition to Chickasabogue Park, located near Saraland. Commissioner Merceria Ludgood praised the purchase saying, "We've been trying to buy this property almost as long as I've been on the Commission. I'm glad we were finally able to do it. It's an important resource for Mobile County." The purchase will be completed after final legal review.