Coleman Lake Recreation Area serves visitors in the Talladega National Forest, approximately 30 miles from Delta, Alabama. Located at 1,200 feet elevation, the recreation area experiences milder temperatures than surrounding lowland regions, with summer highs typically 5-8 degrees cooler than nearby urban centers. The campground operates seasonally from March through December, with campsite fees ranging from $6-16 depending on hookup availability.
What to do
Trail access: The Coleman Lake area offers direct access to numerous trails including the Pinhoti Trail. According to one visitor, "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. The Pinhoti Trail that extends from south Alabama to north Georgia goes right beside the lake and is a great section hike" (AMANDA D. at Coleman Lake Rec Area).
Fishing opportunities: The lake at Coleman Lake Recreation Area provides productive fishing with minimal crowds. "This is a great camping spot with a beautiful lake. The trail around the lake was perfect. Caught 3 bass in the lake. You can't beat the price" (Jason G. at Coleman Lake Rec Area).
Boating activities: West Point Lake at R. Shaefer Heard Campground offers diverse water sports options within 40 miles of Delta. "My family and I camp here often! West point lake is a great place to fish, swim, and yes even boat, but what we enjoy the most about this place is that you can fully enjoy water skiing, Jett skiing, but you can also enjoy a nice paddle in a kayak or canoe" (Jamie H.).
What campers like
Family-friendly environment: Many campers appreciate Coleman Lake's atmosphere for family gatherings. "This is an incredibly family forward campground. 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" (Evan S. at Coleman Lake Rec Area).
Water access: Sites with direct water frontage are highly valued at nearby recreation areas. "Just got home from a great weekend at LTP. Sites are nice we were at site 11 pull thru with full hook up. Splash park was fun and clean for the kids as well as really nice walking trails we enjoyed" (Andy M. at Little Tallapoosa Park).
Value for money: Campers consistently mention the affordability of camping near Delta. "Popular campground with 39 sites, water & electric, flush toilets and shower. $16/nt. Overflow area has no hookups. Lake is pretty and fish are accommodating. We had site #30, and did not feel crowded at all despite the campground being full" (David M. at Coleman Lake Rec Area).
What you should know
Horse camping options: Several equestrian campgrounds near Delta, Alabama provide facilities specifically for riders and their horses. At Little Tallapoosa Park, "Great RV park that is owned and ran by the county. We stayed in the horse camp section because the RV area was full. They use the horse camp area as overflow. Plenty of space there with power and water" (Hollis K.).
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds in the Talladega National Forest area have poor to no cellular reception. "Great camping option for first come. Glad to get plenty of options for sites. Long drive in. Hosts were great and even deliver firewood to your site. Clean bathrooms, showers, and overall campground" (Wendy L. at Coleman Lake Rec Area).
Gate closure times: Many campgrounds in the area implement strict gate closure policies. "The gate is locked shut from 10 PM to 8 AM, no exceptions unless the elderly host personally deems your emergency worthy. Installing a simple keypad would save everyone time and dignity" (Denis P. at R. Shaefer Heard Campground).
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Several parks offer play facilities for children. "This 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" (DeWayne H. at McIntosh Reserve Park).
Swimming areas: Water features vary significantly between parks. "This is a family-friendly campground. The quiet is nice, however all lights were out by 9, which was a little early for me and my group. Nice bathhouse and good amount of space for each site. It was also nice being right by the lake" (Jess N. at Coleman Lake Rec Area).
Space between sites: Some campgrounds offer more privacy between sites than others. "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" (Sarah F. at Little Tallapoosa Park).
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: RV campers should research site specifications before arrival. "Make sure you use Highway 78 to enter. Google Maps will send you on a 11.5 mile mountain trail (Dugger Mountain Road) that is a dirt 2 track over the mountain...an interesting trip with a camper. The campground is very well maintained. The bath house is very clean and up to date. Sites are level and we'll spaced" (Micheal S. at Coleman Lake Rec Area).
Hookup availability: Full hookup availability varies widely between campgrounds. "Tent camping with family during Hurricane evacuation. Beautiful park, numerous bath houses, laundry, camp store, playgrounds, mini golf, and so much more. Secluded campground with RV and tent sites right on Lake Martin" (Kim T. at Wind Creek State Park Campground).
Accessibility considerations: Site access can be challenging at some locations. "Reserved out spot long in advance to get a spot on the lake, please do like all campgrounds all sites are not created equal. Most all are concrete pads and level but if your camper is over 25' or so length may cause a problem" (Ward at R. Shaefer Heard Campground).
