1 campground with availability this weekend
Talladega National Forest provides several tent campsites near Delta, Alabama, with options ranging from established campgrounds to backcountry sites. Turnipseed Campground offers primitive tent camping with basic amenities like fire rings and pit toilets, while Cheaha Falls Campground provides tent-only sites near water features. The Pinhoti Trail corridor contains multiple backcountry tent camping areas, including McDill Point and Blue Mountain Shelter, giving hikers access to ridgeline views and forested settings.
Most tent campgrounds in this area have minimal facilities, with many lacking drinking water. Campers should bring sufficient water supplies or plan to filter from streams when available. Primitive tent sites typically include established fire rings and cleared tent pads, though picnic tables are rare. The camping season generally runs from March to December, with some backcountry tent areas accessible year-round. Walk-in tent sites require hikes ranging from half a mile to several miles, with varying terrain difficulty. Fire restrictions may apply during dry periods, particularly in summer and fall.
Areas farther from trailheads offer deeper seclusion and less noise for tent campers. Many tent sites along the Pinhoti Trail provide excellent ridge-top views, particularly at McDill Point, which one camper described as "the nicest of all the campsites at Cheaha by far." The Cheaha Falls area features tent sites situated near water, offering cooling options during hot summer months. Hammock camping is popular at many locations due to abundant trees. Backcountry tent sites vary in size, with some accommodating solo hikers while others can host small groups. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, spring visitors benefit from wildflower displays and cooler temperatures, with one camper noting the area is "magical when the plants are blooming and all the wildlife is out and exploring."
"Pit toilet, no water, critter proof trash cans. First come first serve. Cash box available to pay. We had cell service. Used 10' trailer/ camper. No hookups or running water."
"Only about a dozen sites, most to partial shade (it's in the forest), plenty of downed pine not far. Sites are positioned well and decent for tent or something like a motorcycle camper."
"One of the great backpacking loop within the Cheaha wilderness is the skyway trail and the Cheaha Falls Campground is my favorite place to stay while doing it."
"This walk in campsite is right next to the waterfalls. Tons of exploring can be done around camp or you could extend the trails and explore Devils Den Falls as well!"
"Like many sites along this section of the Pinhoti it is right off the patch and provides a large space to set up your tent with a nice campfire ring in the center."
"This is one of my favorite trails to camp on in Alabama and living in Birmingham it is not too far of a trek to get here. We often take people on this hike if it is their first backpacking trip."
"The site is pretty primitive and doesn’t have any hookups but it is fairly large and has plenty of space to cook. There are some premade rock fire pits that are perfect for an evening cook out."
"Park at the Cheaha trailhead directly off of highway 281 and there find the beautifully built entry way. Hike in about 1 min then turn right and head up the hill."
"My wife and I recently got a chance to escape all the craziness of COVID lockdown and take a socially distanced backpacking trip in Talladega National Forest."
"I stayed here 10-7-20 as a quick hike in, camp, hike out trip. I live fairly close. The site was close to the creek and had a fire ring. It’s farther off the trail so you have to be looking for it."
"My wife and I recently got a chance to escape all the craziness of COVID lockdown and take a socially distanced backpacking trip in Talladega National Forest."
"There is only protection on 3 sides and a slanted roof with a platform to sleep on."
"We passed through on our way to go backpacking deeper in the wilderness. The one major caution is to check the seasons that the site is open since it was locked up when we were there."
"I would suggest visiting either mid spring or summer so you can see the flowers and enjoy the high water levels or when it is hot you can go take a dip in the lake or one of the many waterfalls."
"There was ample water for pumping while there this time and I wanted to share that this is by far one of the best sites in the area for large groups."
"This site is a really great spot to stay if you are backpacking the loop alone or with a small group in a single tent or hammocks."
"The parking lot has a beautiful entrance archway then heads away from the road before splitting. Take your first right then when the trail splits again take another right."
GuideWell, another review from Hank and I about three weeks ago in October we stayed at McIntosh reserve in Whitesburg Georgia. We stayed for a week. They have no power, but we have a solar generator and a regular generator they have water Spicket spread out sporadically throughout the park, they do have restrooms and a shower house. Very nice park. Very nice host.
TravelerI’ve camped here multiple times. Great spot near the falls, just a short walk down the ridge. About 100 yards from the creek for water. Big enough for at least 3 hammocks.
ScoutThis is the kind of place that I wish I could find more often. I got lucky this time.
ScoutThis campground use to be a good hold over spot or a good spot for beginner campers. The homeless in the area have taken it over and have completely destroyed it. Trash all over the place and used needles and foils scattered about. The police routinely check this area as it has become a known hideout spot for wanted people. Would not camp here. Back when I was a kid we would ride our bikes and stay out there for days at a time. Not anymore. Would avoid
ScoutVery quiet,has porter potty in parking lot, cell service, free camping.
TravelerStayed a few nights at the top end of the primitive sites by the pond. Very nice and well kept campground!! From Easy trails that lead to the river and beautiful waterfalls to pond fishing with my girlfriend and dog. This place was met all of our needs.
Scout35$ a night for a tent
ScoutStayed 4 nights at Cheaha State Park in the Upper Improved Campground, using sites 2 and 42. Overall, it was a solid stay with great scenery and convenient access, but a few things kept it from being exceptional. Check-in was easy and straightforward, and the staff were friendly and accommodating. Both sites were easy to access, though not perfectly level, which is worth noting if you’re in a van or RV and don’t carry leveling gear. The sites included full hookups (electric, water, and sewer), along with a fire ring and picnic table, which made setup simple and comfortable. However, the sites are fairly close together, and the campground has a lot of trees and hilly terrain, so privacy is somewhat limited. We had mostly good weather aside from one rainy day, and there were some bugs and flies, especially during warmer parts of the day. The bathhouse had restrooms and showers, but cleanliness was inconsistent and could use more frequent upkeep. On the positive side, the location is the highlight. The park has a camp store at the entrance, plus great overlooks and hiking trails. It’s also a nice area for biking and exploring the mountain scenery. Would I stay again? Yes—but probably with tempered expectations. It’s a beautiful park in a great location, but for the price, the campground experience itself feels just okay rather than outstanding.
LegendThis is a typical park where not all sites are created equal. Some are paved, some are gravel. Some have 50 amp, some are 30-amp. Some are perfectly level and some have really steep grades. Some sites are pull-thru, some are back-in. Some are really long, some are much shorter. The roads in the campground are paved, free of potholes, and fairly easily navigable for big-rigs. All sites are pet-friendly and have water and electric. There are no sewer sites. Campsites 1-27 and 85-106 have 50-amp electric while the others are 30-amp. Some sites (40, 47, 50, 52, 65, 80, 84, 87, 89, 101) are “double-unit” (or buddy) sites which is reflective in the $60/night price. There are bathrooms scattered throughout the campground in each loop but there are only two shower houses in the entire campground. Sites 1-16 are perfectly level as are a few others. Reservations can be made online and the website has pictures and descriptions as well as length of site. The campground is very dark at night with the only lights being at the bathrooms. We love dark campgrounds where the moon and stars are bright. Unfortunately, numerous campers left their lights all night which we find really annoying. Our Verizon phone was very spotty and not reliable. We were able to use our portable Dish satellite to get television. There is a dump station located conveniently on your way out which is quite busy on Sundays at check out.
Tent camping near Delta, Alabama offers backcountry sites accessible via trails ranging from half-mile walks to multi-mile hikes. The Talladega National Forest sits at elevations between 600-2,400 feet, creating temperature variations that often run 5-10 degrees cooler at higher elevations than surrounding lowlands. Winter temperatures average 35-50°F while summer months typically reach 75-95°F with high humidity.
Hiking to plane wreckage: 1 mile hike from the Cheaha trailhead at highway 281. Take the right fork and follow the trail to McDill Point to discover remnants of a 1972 crash. "After building a fire, making dinner and roasting marshmallows, we sat to enjoy the most beautiful sunset and then the stars emerging into a brilliant light show," notes a camper at McDill Point Backcountry.
Bird watching: Spring migration provides excellent opportunities near Lake Chinnabee. "We saw so many birds and even found a nest that was built in a bush along the trail," reports a visitor at Cheaha Falls Shelter. Woodpeckers are common year-round while migratory species peak from March-May.
Swimming at multiple waterfall locations: Follow Chinnabee Silent Trail from the parking lot to reach cooling spots during hot months. A camper recommends, "Continue along the trail for a couple more miles to see the larger falls where you can climb down and get a much-needed swim in the hotter months." Access requires moderate hiking ability with some rock scrambling.
Affordability: $5 per night at many primitive sites provides budget-friendly options. A camper at Turnipseed Campground noted, "It's a beautiful well maintained campsite with huge lots!!! Quite, serene and a ton of hiking trails all over. Absolutely loved it and will return every chance i get. Oh and it's a whopping $5 a night the best bang for your buck I've seen yet!!!"
Varied terrain for different skill levels: The intersection of multiple trails creates options for beginners and experienced backpackers. "This is by far one of the best sites in the area for large groups. If you are coming with a church or boy scout group you can't beat the space that this site provides," explains a visitor to Pinhoti and Skyway Loop Intersection Campground.
Shelter options for poor weather conditions: Some backcountry locations offer three-sided structures. A visitor explains, "The shelter is situated at the top of the hill after crossing the falls and it has a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains." These provide protection during unexpected storms without requiring tent setup.
Water availability varies seasonally: Many sites lack reliable water sources outside spring months. At Blue Mountain Shelter, a hiker reports it has "a large area on the first floor where you could set up several sleeping bags and then there is an additional closed off area in the loft that is dark and dingy but very clean and perfect if the weather is ugly." Bring water treatment methods or carry extra supply.
Limited cell reception: Most backcountry areas have no service. "It's very nice to just drop five dollars in a box and go camp there are no attendants here. There is no running water or showers but there is an outhouse. Nice place to disconnect from everything," notes a Turnipseed Campground visitor.
Fire restrictions change seasonally: During dry periods, especially September-November, bans may be implemented. "We camped right by the enterance when you first come into the campsite, all other spots were full. I would say there are about 10 spots maybe less or more. Each site is spaced a good distance from the other," shares one camper, mentioning the importance of respecting site boundaries during busy periods.
Choose accessible sites: For younger children, select areas with shorter hikes in. "This is a cute car camping site that we have stayed at several times. It provides great access to hiking in Cheaha and is perfect as a home base for adventures in the area," recommends a parent about Turnipseed.
Spring visits offer wildlife viewing: April-May provides educational nature opportunities. "Went to the ranger station and they recommended us to this campground and since we have been here it's been very peaceful and quite and relaxing... We are the only 1s up here for the time being but there's some good walking trails that we hiked on was easy to make a hot meal with the fire ring was able to eat in peace saw some wildlife."
Pack for temperature swings: Higher elevations can experience 15-20°F day-to-night variations. "We had a great trip. There were only a few other campers at the campground and we were all spread out from each other. Even when the campground is full you will not be on top of other campers," notes a visitor at Turnipseed, emphasizing the space available for families to spread out gear.
Stick to improved campgrounds: Most tent sites in the area are unsuitable for RVs. "This campsite is definitely one of the nicer options if you aren't staying up at the peak or if the peak campgrounds are full. The fire pit here is really nice for a big fire on a winter night," explains a camper at Cheaha Falls Private Backcountry Campsite, pointing out that dispersed sites are best for tents.
Consider alternative campgrounds: One RVer notes, "I chose an RV spot so we had electricity and water. There were a mix of RVs and tents so we weren't alone in our choice. The restrooms and bathhouse were nearby and clean." For those requiring hookups, nearby state parks offer better accommodation than forest service sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Delta, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Delta, AL is Turnipseed Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 16 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Delta, AL?
TheDyrt.com has all 31 tent camping locations near Delta, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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