Cheaha State Park is situated at Alabama's highest point, 2,799 feet above sea level. The surrounding Talladega National Forest creates a protected area where trails wind through mature pine forests that remain cool even during Alabama's hot summers. Campers experience temperature differences of 5-10 degrees cooler at Cheaha's elevation compared to surrounding lowlands, making glamping close to Ashland, Alabama particularly comfortable during summer months.
What to do
Hiking the Pinhoti Trail: Pine Glen Recreation Area serves as an access point to the Pinhoti Trail where "plenty of good sites with adequate water make it a good backpacking adventure for beginners," according to Anna R. The trail runs directly through the campground, providing immediate access to wilderness hiking.
Swimming in Lake Martin: Wind Creek State Park offers family-friendly swimming areas with designated beach zones. "The lake makes it all worth it!" says Jenni O., who visited with children. The park features a swimming platform and clean beaches approximately 45 minutes from Ashland.
Exploring historic sites: Near Cheaha State Park, visitors can discover unexpected historical treasures. As one camper noted, "There is an old crashed airplane up there, off a trail. Google before you go and see if you can find directions!" This unusual site provides a unique hiking destination beyond the standard nature trails.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Pine Glen Recreation Area offers widely-spaced camping areas. Alex K. describes it as "open with little underbrush, but the sites are spaced out enough to have some privacy." Sites cost only $3 per night, making this one of the most affordable camping options near Ashland.
Easy access to water: At Wind Creek State Park, many campsites sit directly on Lake Martin. Romeo M. notes that "If you're looking at the map you'll see that some sites are full hook-up and some are not. We stayed in C section with full hook-ups." The waterfront sites allow campers to fish or launch kayaks directly from their camping spot.
Natural swimming opportunities: Families appreciate the swimming areas at Lake Martin. "Beach was clean with plenty of space. Park was there too. My kids loved the diving platform," writes a Wind Creek visitor. The supervised swimming areas include shallow sections for younger children and deeper zones for more experienced swimmers.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies drastically throughout the region. At R. Shaefer Heard Campground, "Verizon was weak over most of the property, talk and text ok but data not so much," reports one camper. This limited connectivity extends throughout much of the Cheaha wilderness area.
Weather fluctuations: The elevation at Cheaha creates distinct microclimates. Summer thunderstorms develop quickly, particularly during afternoon hours between 2-6pm. Temperatures drop significantly after sunset, with evening temperatures often 15-20 degrees cooler than daytime highs.
Water availability concerns: At Pine Glen, several campers report issues with water sources. One visitor noted "all the water faucets were inoperable" during their stay. Another mentioned "no potable water" on site. Campers should bring ample drinking water supplies when visiting this primitive camping area.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly trails: Bohamia offers accessible hiking options suitable for children. A recent visitor mentioned "Beautiful scenery and perfectly clean grounds, water areas are fun and safe, lots of privacy and plenty of room to explore." Their trail system includes shorter routes specifically designed for younger hikers.
Wildlife education opportunities: The Amity Campground features "a nature trail within the campground that leads to a marsh where there are duck, owl, and bluebird nest boxes," according to Dorraine S. These natural areas provide opportunities for children to observe wildlife in protected habitats.
Structured activities: Some campgrounds offer organized programming for children. At Wind Creek State Park, families can find "playgrounds throughout the campground, trails from 1 mile long to 15 miles long that can be utilized by horse, bike, or on foot," as described by Romeo M. The varied recreation options keep children engaged throughout multi-day stays.
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: At Amity Campground, RV campers should research specific sites before booking. One camper advised, "Our site was nothing like pictured on the website, so we were unable to set up like we wanted to. The fire ring and picnic table were not near one another." Calling ahead to confirm site layouts helps avoid surprises.
Length restrictions: Many campgrounds in the Cheaha wilderness have size limitations for vehicles. Steve G. observed that "The park is spread out so that each loop is so far from the others you can't hear or see them. The roads are in great shape." Despite good roads, turning radiuses can be tight in some camping areas.
Seasonal considerations: Most glamping facilities near Ashland, Alabama operate year-round, but amenities change seasonally. A camper at Wind Creek noted, "This campground is a better place for the summer not much to do in the winter. It's a place for swimming, fishing, and boat riding." RVers should check which facilities remain open during planned travel dates.
