Margaritaville at Lake Martin?

The big news at Lake Martin Alabama right now is Margaritaville. Some people are excited about it, and some people aren’t so sure. Either way, it’s one of the biggest development stories the lake has seen in years.

Before we go any further, let me make one thing clear. I have no affiliation whatsoever with Margaritaville or the developers. I’m an independent real estate agent here at Lake Martin, but this is big news, so I wanted to take a closer look.

What a Margaritaville Resort Actually Includes

When people hear the name Margaritaville, they often think of a restaurant or maybe an RV park. In reality, the concept is much bigger than that. Margaritaville developments typically combine lodging, dining, entertainment, and recreation into a resort-style destination.

One of the examples I looked at most closely was Margaritaville at Lake Lanier in Georgia. Since Lake Lanier is an inland freshwater lake like Lake Martin, it offers a useful comparison. The developments generally include RV sites, cabins, restaurants, pools, splash parks, and the Jimmy Buffett-inspired tropical atmosphere people expect from the brand.

The Proposed Location on Lake Martin

The proposed location sits at the end of Young’s Ferry Road near Alabama Power’s D.A.R.E. Power Park. The developers reportedly purchased approximately 59 acres for around $6 million in 2022. The site sits in the Young’s Basin area on the northeastern side of Lake Martin.

If you’re looking at a map, it’s north of Chimney Rock and east of the Kowaliga area. It’s also relatively close to Blue Creek and several of the lake’s major attractions. The location places it on a part of the lake that many people currently consider quieter than the southern end.

Why This Project Is Bigger Than Many People Realize

I’ll admit it—I like Jimmy Buffett. He’s from Mobile, went to Auburn, and if you’re from Alabama, it’s almost a sacrilege not to appreciate Jimmy Buffett a little bit.

The plans being discussed suggest this will be much more than a simple RV destination. Current discussions include an 80-room hotel, lakeside cabins, approximately 289 RV pads, and a Margaritaville-themed restaurant. That combination makes this look much more like a year-round destination than a seasonal campground.

People could arrive by road or boat, spend the day at the restaurant, use recreational amenities, and then head home. Others could stay overnight in the hotel, cabins, or RV sites. That’s a very different concept from anything currently operating on Lake Martin.

RV Sites, Pools, and Resort Amenities

From what I’ve heard, the RV pads may be sold individually to private investors. The numbers I’ve heard suggest those sites could sell for around $100,000 each, with Margaritaville managing the rental program.

If the project follows the model used elsewhere, these won’t function as long-term RV sites. The company typically maintains standards regarding the age and condition of RVs. The goal is to create a consistent resort experience.

The plans I’ve seen also include amenities such as a pool, lazy river, pickleball courts, and additional entertainment options. All of that points toward a destination designed to attract visitors throughout the year.

The Restaurant and the Boat Slips

One of the most talked-about elements is the proposed restaurant. The plans I’ve reviewed describe a roughly 10,000-square-foot restaurant with seating for approximately 300 to 400 guests.

The proposal also includes approximately 180 boat slips. That’s a significant number, and it’s one reason many people have questions about the approval process.

When projects involve marina facilities of that size, multiple agencies often become involved. Alabama Power would certainly have a role, but projects involving large numbers of boat slips can also require review through the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission because FERC licenses Martin Dam.

Why Some People Support It and Others Oppose It

Like most major developments, Margaritaville has supporters and critics.

Groups such as the Lake Martin Hobos have publicly expressed concerns about the proposal and encouraged residents to voice opposition. At the same time, I’ve talked with other people who are extremely excited about the project.

Some residents near the proposed site worry about how it could change the area. Others see it as an exciting addition that could bring new amenities and opportunities to Lake Martin. Opinions are all over the spectrum.

How Could Margaritaville at Lake Martin Affect Property Values?

The biggest question I get is how Margaritaville might affect property values.

I think there will absolutely be impacts. First, there will almost certainly be increased road traffic along Young’s Ferry Road. There will also likely be increased boat traffic because hundreds of RV sites, rental cabins, hotel guests, restaurants, and boat slips will bring more people to the area.

That additional activity will probably be felt most immediately in Young’s Basin. Over time, however, some of that increased boat traffic could spread throughout other parts of the lake as visitors head toward destinations like Chimney Rock, Acapulco Rock, and Kowaliga.

The Pros and Cons for Nearby Property Owners

The areas closest to the development, including Sandy Creek and nearby coves, will likely experience the biggest changes. More boat traffic could be viewed as a negative by homeowners who currently enjoy a quieter environment.

On the other hand, many people place a premium on being close to restaurants and amenities. We’ve already seen examples of this around destinations like The Social in Kowaliga Bay and The Landing at Harbor Pointe in StillWaters.

Some owners appreciate being able to say they’re close to popular destinations. That’s one reason it’s difficult to predict exactly how values will respond. We simply haven’t seen a project of this scale on Lake Martin before.

Why This Development Is Different

Lake Martin has certainly seen new development over the last several years. Communities such as Magnolia Cove, The Hideaway, and other newer neighborhoods have added homes and residents to the lake.

The difference is that those projects are primarily residential. Margaritaville combines hotel rooms, cabins, RV sites, restaurants, recreation, and commercial activity into one mixed-use development.

We also don’t currently have a true waterfront hotel on the shores of Lake Martin. That’s another reason this proposal stands apart from previous projects.

Could It Change the North Side of the Lake?

One thing that stands out to me is the location.

Just across Young’s Basin sits The Heritage and the new Wicker Point golf course development from Russell Lands. The proposed Margaritaville location places a major commercial destination directly across from some of the newest luxury development on Lake Martin.

Many people think of the north side as the quieter side of the lake. Friends of mine who live there certainly do. If Margaritaville moves forward, increased activity on that side of the lake seems likely.

Whether that change ultimately helps values, hurts values, or balances out over time remains to be seen. We simply don’t have a Lake Martin example to compare it against.

Is It Actually Going to Happen?

I’ve had a lot of people ask whether this project is really going forward.

The honest answer is that I don’t know. I’m not a lawyer, I’m not on a county commission, and I’m certainly not associated with Margaritaville.

Based on my understanding, I think there’s a good chance it moves forward. That said, plans can change, approvals can change, and projects can evolve over time. If people with more direct knowledge want to correct me, I’m always willing to learn.

What Comes Next?

Right now, Margaritaville remains one of the most interesting questions facing Lake Martin. It could become a major destination that changes how people experience the lake. It could also evolve significantly before construction ever begins.

If history tells us anything, Lake Martin will continue to grow and change. Whether Margaritaville becomes part of that future remains to be seen.

For now, I’m interested to see what happens next.

If you have questions about real estate on Lake Martin, then please give me a call at the number on the top of this page. You can also reach me through email or my CONTACT PAGE. I look forward to talking with you.

For more blogs about new developments on Lake Martin, visit the links listed below:

Kowaliga Boat Ramp Expansion

Lake Martin Market Report for 2025