Searching for a tent camping spot near Choccolocco? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Choccolocco, Alabama's most popular destinations.
Enjoy nature at its best especially during the fall when mother nature dazzles you with an array of vibrant colors. This__ primitive camp is located near the Cheaha Wilderness Area and offers camping and hiking. Turnipseed Camp has sanitary facilities.
Follow the Cave Creek Trail until you reach the Pinhoti connector, and hang a right to take the Pinhoti Trail northbound. Look for a sign that points to McDill overlook, and follow a side trail for the last quarter mile. Along this side trail you’ll pass the wreckage of a small plane that supposedly crashed back in 1972. Look for blue and white pieces of the plane off the trail to your right. Keep going and you’ll eventually come to a campsite that would comfortably fit 3 or 4 tents, only about 100 yards shy of the overlook. Camping in this area is a great option because you’re close to the cliffs, but protected from the wind. There are also a few spots right at the cliffs that are big enough for a small tent or hammocks and have better views, but are a bit breezier. The boulder cliffs are an awesome place to hang out at sunset or for stargazing, just remember to keep a headlamp on you!
Start hiking at Cheaha Trailhead, located at the far end of a parking area just before you get to Cheaha State Park on Highway 281. Follow the Cave Creek Trail until you reach the Pinhoti connector, and hang a right to take the Pinhoti Trail northbound. Look for a sign that points to McDill overlook, and follow a side trail for the last quarter mile. Along this side trail you’ll pass the wreckage of a small plane that supposedly crashed back in 1972. Look for blue and white pieces of the plane off the trail to your right. Keep going and you’ll eventually come to a campsite that would comfortably fit 3 or 4 tents, only about 100 yards shy of the overlook. Camping in this area is a great option because you’re close to the cliffs, but protected from the wind. There are also a few spots right at the cliffs that are big enough for a small tent or hammocks and have better views, but are a bit breezier. The boulder cliffs are an awesome place to hang out at sunset or for stargazing, just remember to keep a headlamp on you! The next day, backtrack the quarter mile and continue on the Pinhoti back towards Cheaha State Park. Several rocky outcroppings provide some good views along the way.
Warden Station Horse Camp offers 30 miles of trail through the scenic Talladega National Forest. Its central location is convenient for hunters and horseback riders. Nearby attractions include the Choccolocco Wildlife Management Area and four loop trails for hiking and picnicking. There are 45 primitive campsites for small RVs and tents. The area, which is open for primitive camping is near Coleman Lake Recreation Area. Mountain biking opportunities are available.
Dispersed backcountry sites
Not far from Cheaha State park is Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area. This 17-acre lake is tucked into a pastoral valley of peacefulness. Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area offers sanitary facilities, hiking, picnicking, fishing and the Chinnabee Silent Trail connects the campground to Cheaha Wilderness. Lake Chinnabee is an ideal spot to enjoy nature for daytime recreation.
Guide
Cheaha was such a pleasant surprise. More like a resort, this park had tent camping, RV camping, a pool, a lake, cabins, a playground, and a restaurant with a view. We had a little trouble with the upper tent sites not being level because we have a roof top tent, but we were able to switch our site to one that was more level without much hassle. The views were just amazing, and it was lovely to have access to a pool.
Legend
I had read about the mill and covered bridge, and we had planned to visit after leaving Cheaha State Park but we didn’t know there was also a campground. I looked for someone to talk with but did not see anyone out and about at 10 am on a Sunday (even though the park was open and many of the sites were occupied). The park itself is open Wednesday – Sunday, 9 am – 5 pm (although the website says 10 am). The admission price for the park listed on the website was $3 but had increased to $5 per person (payment is on the honor system if not staffed). I called later to find out if the camping rates had also increased and yes, they had. There is a choice of primitive tent camping ($15), tent sites with lights ($15), or camper pads ($30); the camper pads are FHU. The sites all appeared to be level and many of them (primarily the tent sites) are on or close to the river.
The restrooms were dimly lit and not the best but doable.
Canoe rentals are available (assuming only on days when the park is open) for half days: $5/hour, $15/half day, or $25 for a full day. The entrance sign also advertises disc golf.
Note that there are railroad tracks running through the park, but no trains went by when we visited so not sure how active they are (given our track record with trains and campgrounds, likely one would go thundering through at 3 am!)
Even though we visited when the park was supposedly open, I could not find anyone to talk to so this review is based on my observations and a follow-up phone call.
GuideBeen tent camping here since 1997 and it continues to get better every visit!
Traveler
Went tent camping at the pioneer campsite - for larger groups (35-40) but smaller groups can reserve too - we only had 4 people. Pioneer is up the hill from the main Rv campground and there is a little trail you can drive up - a car can make it but recommend a truck. Pioneer is spacious and all to yourself. Main campground is pretty close together but you can tent camp there too. Played putt putt and walked the trails - clean campground with nice staff/host.
TravelerHad a great time we primitive tent camped toilets where very clean non drinking pump close by. Will be back soon
Guide
Beautiful bottoms for tent camping. Very primitive but fun. Loved walking the river bank looking for drift wood.
Scout
we stayed in a tent site in dec '22'' , the sites are very close together and the tent site we were on hardly had enough space for our 3 person backpacking tent . there are fire pits, grills, and tables available on each site as well as water . we appreciated the security gate and extremely clean and heated bathhouses with showers . the park has a nice playground and a pool we were unable to try during the winter months . the campground is very close to town and as so expect alot of noise from traffic
Scout
I love the separate tent & RV campsites. The tent sites are decent size and there is some wooded space between each one so it felt quiet and semi-private. The only downfall was that we had to move a lot of golfball-size rocks out of the way to set up our tent, and we inevitably missed a few, but otherwise it was great! The bathrooms were pretty clean and there is even a laundry facility. The tent sites have electricity, too. My kids enjoyed biking around the camping loop and we did some geocaching. For the price ($15/night), this is a pretty great place to camp.
Guidehas clean bathrooms (showers, toilets, water), wonderful hiking trails, RV and tent sites, nice park store, excellent park hotel, beautiful views
RangerThe highest point in Alabama, this park has some stunning views, especially from the Pulpit Rock trail (an easy—except for the first steep decline—and relatively short hike from the road). We stayed in the hotel, which was fine for the cost (but did lose electricity for several hours). The campground was quiet in mid-December, but the sites on the outer ring looked pleasant. Would definitely love to come tent camping here again in the fall or spring.
RangerMy husband and I tent camped at Cheaha State Park in February,2019 as part of our quest to hike the highest point in every state. This park is probably much better for those not tent camping. First the store and staff are AWESOME! We had to change our stay to one night vs two due to the upcoming storm, no, problem. The hiking trails are great and the views are awesome. I think we were the only tent campers in the park. The actual site had no level ground to pitch our tent, we even tried a separate site since we were the only ones there, but no luck. The bathrooms had no shower, otherwise nice. The highest point is actually in the park, so it wasn’t much of a hike, but there is a nice tower and a museum that has much of the history of CCC. There are Pavillions and a restaurant on site. We couldn’t decide between 3 and 4 stars, but for tent campers we chose 3 due to reasons stated.
GuideFriendly neighbors, nice comfort station with bathrooms, showers, laundry and a little free library. Lots of level tent sites next to pavilions with playground equipment. Very calm and quiet park ❤️
Traveler
Did some tent camping brought my inflatable fishing boat fish the river caught about eight bluegill and a couple Bass campsite has a fire pit and a grill and the bathroom is fairly close a wonderful experience will be doing this again real soon
GuideRV and tent sites, pool, clean bathrooms (running water, showers, toilets), close to gas stations, food, and a dollar general smaller sized campround. the falls makes it worth the stay. easy gravel walking/biking trails. Trails around and beneath the falls.
Legend
This is a really great option super close to the racetrack. The facilities are really nice and the staff takes great care of the space. They even have a dog run to let your pets run around. I don't know if it would be my first choice if I were tent camping but with an RV it is a wonderful place to stay.
TravelerNice big spaced out spots, that offer full hook ups. Friendly staff, good hiking trails, creeks for kids to play in. Pull through and back in paved sites. They also offer tent sites.
Cons - have to call to book, weekend campers destroyed bathhouses, and lack of cleaning crew
Scout
The tent campsites were nice and close to the river. Next time I go, I would like to try the platforms next to the river. Everything was clean and well kept. The trails needed some work.
Legend
This is a classic RV campground that is along the Coosa River and provides easy access for launching a boat. Although they don't allow tent camping they have nice amenities for those traveling in an RV or other campervan. Overall, the rates are very reasonable and the location is great. There is not a lot of privacy but it is an ok trade for having such easy access to I20.
Guide
Well maintained clean campground. Trails close by, beautiful creek runs through although not all sites have access because of high banks. Clean bath house but no power at sites. Large sites if you have a group (reservations for groups of 20 or more other wise first come first serve. Used mostly by bike riders on the trail. We tent camped but travel trailers are welcome and plenty of room. We have Verizon phones and service is there but weak.
Traveler
Great property and campground. A few RV sites, tent sites and all setup with privacy. Lots of land to explore and run around. About 45 minutes from Cheaha State Park which is very beautiful with lots of hiking and biking to do. John the host is very accommodating and takes great pride in this gem of a campground he has. We will be back!
GuideThis place is a great place for family reunions or birthday parties. They even do Easter egg hunts every year. Also, for those that are into Geocashing, there are a few you could find here. This place has some nice trails and plenty of pavilions for large groups. You can tent camp or bring your RV. They have access to the Chattahoochie River for kayaking and fishing as well. This is a beautiful and quite place to enjoy some time in the sun.
TravelerWe are staying for Memorial Day weekend. It’s our first time here and it’s really not that bad! Easier to navigate in my opinion that others say. Staff is really nice and welcoming. The sites are a little tighter than most places. Especially in the RV section. We are tent camping and have plenty of room. Make sure you find the trail to get down to the falls. It’s a tough one but it’s one of the easier ones I’ve been on. Well worth it.
Legend
This is a really great place to rock climb! They have RV hookups, tent camping and primitive camping! I reccomend to try and camp under an overhang! It's just really cool. There's also a really easy climb to overlook Weiss Lake! We were literally among the clouds! The park also offers a bath house which was very clean and even heated in the winter! There is a really nice park and pavillion with picnic tables too that the kids played in and we had lunch!
ScoutThe primitive sites (for tents) were a bit close and not as private as I like.
They offer platform camping and those sites seem a bit more secluded (and are in a separate area from the tent sites).
There are 4 cabins available to reserve and they have great amenities (running water, electricity)
We looked at them once there and think next time we will do this with the kids.
2 rangers live in the park full time and there is a large welcome center/ gift shop with basics for sale should you forget anything.
GuideIt’s a decent park. We camped on the raised platforms by the river. The other campgrounds are away from the river back in the woods. The tent sites are a bit too close together for my liking. The facilities are taken care of and kept up, but my idea of hiking is a bit more than just a walk through the woods- not a whole lot of elevation change on the trails, as you are not in the mountains. I would stay there again, though.
Traveler
First time here. Clean camp, clean restrooms, great scenery. Main two loops are really for campers/RVs and are really close together with little privacy but have water and electricity. We ended up checking out the “overflow” area - didnt know it existed - and those campsites are more primitive, no water or electricity but have fire rings and pea gravel. Overflow is more spacious and private. Our spot was right above the lake. Main two loops are $16 and overflow is $6. The overflow is on the right as you pull in the campground - some people had campers up there but definitely the spot if you are tent camping. Had a great time, will return!
GuideIt was awesome. The trails are well marked and easy to follow. The river is beautiful and the overlook towers were a nice touch. Being able to lay in the hammock right next to the water was perfect. The campsites are flat and easy to get in and out of especially with large 5th wheel campers. The tent sites can be right up front or just off the beaten path. I really appreciate the choice. The picnic areas are perfect for the whole family and the boat ramp is well maintained. I will be a frequent visitor.
Tent camping near Choccolocco, Alabama, offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. With several well-reviewed campgrounds in the area, you'll find the perfect spot to set up your tent and unwind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Choccolocco, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Choccolocco, AL is Turnipseed Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 16 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 29 tent camping locations near Choccolocco, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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