Shark Tooth Creek

Howdy, Alabamians! Get ready for an adventure unlike any other right here in our state at Shark Tooth Creek, located in Aliceville. This isn't just a campground; it's a unique outdoor experience where you can unearth millions of years of history, literally. Imagine spending your days sifting through creek beds to find genuine fossilized shark teeth, all while enjoying the peace and quiet of a well-maintained campground. If you're a family looking for an educational yet thrilling getaway, a scout troop planning an unforgettable outing, or simply an individual curious about Alabama's ancient past, Shark Tooth Creek promises an engaging and memorable trip.

Nestled on a rural farm, Shark Tooth Creek offers a rare opportunity to connect with a prehistoric past, hundreds of miles from the modern coastline. It's believed that about 70 million years ago, a large part of Alabama was covered by a shallow sea, and Aliceville was once a barrier island where shark teeth eventually washed ashore. As the creek continuously flows and shifts, new teeth are unearthed, making every visit a fresh treasure hunt. Visitors consistently rave about the experience, especially praising the welcoming and fun-loving owner, "Mr. Ken," who goes above and beyond to ensure everyone has a fantastic time, particularly the children. His knowledge and enthusiasm truly bring the fossil hunting to life, making it an enriching experience for all ages.

While the primary draw is undoubtedly the thrilling hunt for ancient teeth and fossils, Shark Tooth Creek also offers basic camping amenities and other activities that complement the fossil-finding adventure. It's a testament to Alabama's diverse and surprising natural attractions, inviting locals to discover a piece of history right in their own backyard.

While the concept of finding shark teeth so far inland might seem surprising, its location is due to Alabama's ancient geological past when much of the state was covered by a shallow sea. The property itself is on a rural farm, ensuring a peaceful and natural setting away from urban noise.

Access to Shark Tooth Creek is typically by appointment only, which helps manage crowd sizes and ensures a more personalized experience. Visitors generally drive to a designated pavilion area on the property, and from there, may board an open-air "Shark Tooth Creek Express" (often a hayride-style trailer) for a short, scenic ride down to the creek itself. This controlled access ensures safety and efficiency, particularly for groups. Aliceville is accessible via Alabama State Route 14, connecting to larger highways and interstates within the state, making the drive from various parts of Alabama feasible for a day trip or an overnight camping adventure. While remote enough for a true natural escape, it's not so isolated that it becomes inconvenient for local travelers to reach.

• Shark Tooth and Fossil Excursions: The primary service is guided fossil hunting tours in the creek. These tours are typically led by the owner, Mr. Ken, who provides an engaging talk about the area's geology and helps visitors find teeth.
• Camping: Basic camping facilities are available for overnight stays, allowing visitors to extend their adventure. This includes tent camping and potentially limited RV space, though it's advised to confirm specifics.
• Basic Toilet/Shower Setup: For campers, basic restroom and shower facilities are provided, ensuring essential comfort during your stay.
• Fire Pits: Each camping spot (or designated areas) includes a fire pit for campfires, enhancing the traditional camping experience.
• Group Accommodation: The facility is well-suited for groups such as Cub Scout packs, church groups, and educational field trips, offering a structured and fun experience for larger gatherings.
• Pavilion Area: A main pavilion area often serves as a meeting point, potentially equipped with cooking facilities and picnic tables for groups.
• Tour Transportation: For the fossil hunting, guests often ride the "Shark Tooth Creek Express" (an open-air trailer/hayride) down to the creek, adding to the adventure. Some visitors may follow in their own vehicles.
• T-shirt Prizes: The two to three visitors who find the most shark teeth during an excursion may receive a Shark Tooth Creek T-shirt as a prize.
• Take-Home Fossils: Visitors are typically allowed to keep a certain number of their favorite shark teeth found (e.g., 10-15 per person), providing a tangible souvenir of their unique experience.

• Fossilized Shark Tooth Hunting: This is the star attraction. Visitors can actively search for and find millions-of-years-old shark teeth and other marine fossils directly in the creek bed. The abundance of teeth ensures a high success rate, making it exciting for all ages.
• Engaging Owner/Guide (Mr. Ken): Praised by reviewers, Mr. Ken's enthusiastic and knowledgeable guidance is a major highlight. He provides educational context, helps children find teeth, and ensures a fun and memorable experience for everyone.
• Catfish Pond for Swimming: Beyond fossil hunting, the campground features a catfish pond where visitors can swim, offering a refreshing activity, especially during warmer months.
• Kids' Zipline: A zipline is available, described as not too steep or fast, making it enjoyable for younger children (up to around 10 years old) and adding another layer of fun for families.
• Educational Experience: The tours provide insights into Alabama's prehistoric past, explaining how shark teeth ended up so far inland, making it a valuable learning opportunity.
• Clean and Well-Maintained Grounds: Despite its rustic nature, reviews consistently mention the grounds are "really clean" and "well maintained," contributing to a pleasant camping environment.
• Peaceful and Calm Atmosphere: The campground offers a lot of "calm," providing a serene backdrop for both fossil hunting and relaxation.
• Suitable for All Ages: The activities, from fossil hunting to swimming and ziplining, are designed to be enjoyable for a wide range of ages, from young children to adults.
• Unique Souvenirs: The ability to take home the shark teeth you find is a significant draw, providing a personal and unique memento of your adventure.

Address: 24114 AL-14, Aliceville, AL 35442, USA

Phone: (205) 373-2605

Mobile Phone: +1 205-373-2605

Since visits are typically by appointment only, it is highly recommended to call the provided number in advance to schedule your tour and confirm availability for camping. This ensures you can secure your spot and receive any specific instructions for your visit, especially if you are part of a group.

Beyond the fossil hunting, the campground offers a welcoming and supportive environment, exemplified by the highly praised Mr. Ken, who ensures every visitor feels special and successful. The presence of a basic, clean camping setup means you can extend your fossil-finding mission into a multi-day family getaway. With activities like swimming in the catfish pond and a kid-friendly zipline, there's plenty to keep everyone entertained, fostering lasting memories for families and groups. It’s an affordable and accessible way to experience a piece of Alabama’s extraordinary natural heritage, offering a blend of education, adventure, and peaceful relaxation that makes Shark Tooth Creek an absolute must-visit for any local looking for an unforgettable outdoor experience.

Shark Tooth Creek

24114 AL-14, Aliceville, AL 35442, USA