Camping sites near Anniston, Alabama range from primitive backcountry areas to developed facilities with varying levels of amenities. Talladega National Forest offers several primitive camping options at lower elevations while Cheaha State Park sits at 2,407 feet, Alabama's highest point. Most primitive sites cost $3-5 per night, while developed campgrounds typically range from $16-30 depending on amenities and hookup availability.
What to do
Hike the Pinhoti Trail: Access this long-distance trail connecting to the Appalachian Trail from multiple camping areas. "So this is one of my favorite places in all of Alabama to go camping. We recently did a one night backpacking trip with 2 close friends where we started at the Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area and hiked to join the Pinhoti trail then headed south before looping back around," notes a visitor to Cheaha State Park.
Explore waterfalls: Several accessible waterfalls exist within short hiking distances from campgrounds. At Cheaha Falls Campground, "You can scrabble along the steep slope and have a wonderful space to set up a hammock, dip your toes, or even go for a swim if the day is hot enough and the water level high."
Mountain biking: The Chief Ladiga bike path extends to the Georgia line. At Michael Tucker Memorial Park, "The trail itself goes all the way to the Georgia line and is an incredible and well-maintained bike path."
Fishing: Many campgrounds offer lake access for fishing. At Greensport RV Park, "I've been boating and fishing. There's plenty to do. Don't forget crappie fishing is just around the corner."
What campers like
Seclusion and quiet: Many campers appreciate the remote nature of certain campgrounds. At Turnipseed Campground, "We were there April 25-28, 2019. During Thursday and Friday it was mostly empty. Saturday night it was half full. Peaceful, clean, nice hiking."
Limited connectivity: The lack of cell service is often viewed positively. At Coleman Lake Rec Area, "Coleman Lake is in the Talladega National Forest and very remote. There is no cell phone service at all. We have been camping here all my life. It is one of my favorite campgrounds."
Affordable pricing: Many primitive sites offer low-cost camping. According to a Turnipseed Campground visitor, "Beautiful camp sites well maintained and only 5$ a night."
Water features: Creeks and lakes enhance the camping experience. Pine Glen Recreation Area campers note, "Shoal Creek runs right past the campground, giving a pleasant white noise at night, and it is situated in a glen of pine trees."
What you should know
Unpredictable water access: Water sources at primitive sites aren't always reliable. At Pine Glen Recreation Area, one visitor noted, "First of all, a lot of sites were underwater. Not the campgrounds fault it had been rainy, just saying. However, the fact that all the water faucets were inoperable is another thing. Very disappointing."
Road conditions: Many sites require driving on dirt or gravel roads. A Pine Glen visitor warned, "The drive in is 8 miles in on an unpaved, backcountry road with varying inclines on slippery mixture of clay and gravel through hunting recreation area. We were in a Ford Explorer. Everybody else was in trucks. Good for them."
Limited facilities: Most primitive sites offer only basic amenities. At Turnipseed Campground, "There is no running water or showers but there is an outhouse. Nice place to disconnect from everything."
Seasonal limitations: Some campgrounds close during winter months. Coleman Lake and Turnipseed operate from March through December, while other sites remain open year-round.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several sites offer swimming in natural settings. At Scenic Drive RV Park, families can access nearby swimming areas: "There is a Beach area and playground in the day use area."
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. A visitor to Greensport RV Park and Campground notes, "Playground for the kids, dog park, swimming pool, boating and fishing."
Educational activities: Some parks offer ranger-led programs. One camper mentioned, "The staff hosted several educational activities and were extremely helpful and informative."
Holiday celebrations: Some campgrounds organize special events. One Coleman Lake visitor shared, "I camped there on Halloween with my grandkids. My Frankie's dressed in costume for me but the camp host saw them and made a point of inviting them for campground trick or treating. Almost every camp site gave candy and the kid turn out was impressive."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Some RV sites have limitations on size or orientation. A Scenic Drive RV Park visitor observed, "Open space RV site with places to park and hookup and an office where you can check in and pay for your site. They have a range of sites and a nice atmosphere."
Highway noise: RV parks closer to town may experience traffic noise. A reviewer noted, "Easy to find. Right off the interstate, (close your windows,) super helpful & friendly host. Large Drive-thru sites with full hookups. Nice after a long day driving."
Hookup quality: Electric service quality varies between campgrounds. At Greensport RV Park, a camper noted, "We did have some issues but I was able to verify with the grounds electrician that the low voltage issue was due to Alabama electric and not the camp ground."
Leveling needs: Some sites require additional effort for leveling. A camper at Greensport RV Park mentioned, "The upper portion has trees, but it's not super level so be aware."
