Pickwick Lake runs up the Tennessee River into northwest Alabama, with Lauderdale County on the north bank and Colbert County on the south, as far as Wilson Dam at Florence.
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Local businesses that help keep this guide free. 3 spots on the Alabama side, all 3 open.
Marinas
At the upper end of the lake.
Florence Harbor Marina
Full-service marina in McFarland Park with transient dockage, gas and diesel, pump-out, repair and pontoon rentals.
Where to eat
On the river in Florence.
River Bottom Grille by Stanfield's
Casual restaurant on the water at the marina: seafood, burgers and steaks. Tuesday to Saturday; check winter hours before you go.
George's Steak Pit
Hickory-grilled steaks, dinner Tuesday to Saturday. Reservations recommended.
The Red Clay Table
Southern lunch and dinner in downtown Sheffield. Closed Sunday.
Box Car Cafe
Downtown Sheffield breakfast and lunch, from 6am.
JJ's
Country diner, breakfast through dinner, from 5am. Closed Sunday.
360 Grille
Revolving restaurant at the top of the hotel, overlooking the river. Dinner daily, lunch Wednesday to Sunday.
Swampers Bar & Grille
Casual Southern food from breakfast to dinner, with live music in the evenings.
Where to stay
Waterloo, Sheffield and Florence.
Waterloo Lodge
Eight two-bedroom cabins with full kitchens, near the Waterloo boat ramps.
Renaissance Shoals Resort & Spa
Full-service resort hotel on the river below Wilson Dam, with a spa and two restaurants. Formerly the Marriott Shoals.
Clarion Inn Sheffield
Hotel with a restaurant, pool and free breakfast.
Hampton Inn Florence-Midtown
Chain hotel on Highway 72 with free breakfast.
GunRunner Boutique Hotel
Small themed hotel in downtown Florence.
Where to camp
County, city and private campgrounds.
Brush Creek Park
County park on the river with RV pads and primitive tent sites. Water only, no electric; dump station. Camping runs late March to mid-October.
Sweethaven RV Park
32 RV sites with full hookups, daily and monthly.
Hart's RV Park & Campground
RV park on the lake at Waterloo, short and long term.
Colbert County Rose Trail Park
County RV and tent campground on the lake. Open March to September.
Second Creek Recreation Area (TVA)
Free primitive camping and boat access on TVA land.
McFarland Park Campground
City-run riverside RV campground, by reservation only. Can close on short notice for flooding.
Boat dealers
In the Shoals.
Shoals Outdoor Sports
Dealer for Bennington, Caymas, Lowe, Bayliner, Stingray and Hurricane, with service and parts.
Tracker Boating Center
Dealer for Tracker, Sun Tracker, Nitro, Ranger and Tahoe boats.
Gas and groceries
Waterloo, Cherokee and Sheffield.
Dollar General
The store in Waterloo for groceries and basics. Daily 8am to 10pm.
Dollar General
Groceries and basics on Highway 72. Daily 8am to 10pm.
Dollar General
One of three Sheffield stores.
Sheffield Foodland
Full grocery in Sheffield.
Boat ramps and parks
Public access on the Alabama side.
Colbert Ferry
National Park Service day-use area on the river: boat ramp, picnic area and restrooms.
Waterloo Landing
Trail of Tears historic site where Cherokee detachments boarded steamboats in 1838.
Edith Newman Culver Memorial Museum
1872 house museum with Native American and Civil War collections. Closed for winter from October to May; call ahead.
Things to do
Off the water.
Muscle Shoals Sound Studio
Guided tours of the 1969 studio, hourly from 10:30 to 3:30.
FAME Recording Studios
Working studio with tours on weekdays and Saturdays.
Ivy Green, Helen Keller Birthplace
Historic home museum. Monday to Saturday 8:30 to 4.
McFarland Park
City park on the river with boat ramps, fishing piers, a paved trail and picnic shelters.
Run a business on the Alabama side?
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