Dispersed camping sites near Fruithurst, Alabama provide access to the rugged terrain of Talladega National Forest where elevations range from 600 to 2,400 feet. The area features a humid subtropical climate with average summer temperatures in the mid-80s and winter lows in the 30s. Most primitive camping spots in the region have limited facilities and require campers to pack in water and pack out trash.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Coleman Lake Recreation Area offers a small lake where visitors can fish for bass. One camper reports, "Caught 3 bass in the lake. You can't beat the price."
Hiking trails: The Pinhoti Trail runs through Coleman Lake and extends from southern Alabama to northern Georgia. A visitor noted, "The Pinhoti Trail that extends from south Alabama to north Georgia goes right beside the lake and is a great section hike."
Kayaking and water recreation: Tallapoosa River RV and Outdoor Center provides water recreation options. A camper shared, "Had a blast kayaking. Great stop! Well kept sites."
Swimming options: John Tanner State Park includes a beach area for swimming during hot summer months. As one visitor mentioned, "We visited the 'beach' one day and the water was super warm."
Horseback riding: Warden Station Horse Camp offers designated trails for equestrians. A camper noted, "Horse trails are usually well maintained and marked which makes up for the super primitive camping."
What campers like
Disconnecting from technology: The lack of cell service in much of the area creates a true wilderness experience. A camper at Coleman Lake Rec Area observed, "This can certainly be seen as a positive."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain clean bathhouses. A camper at John Tanner State Park mentioned, "Bathhouses are kept clean. Has lots of paved walking trails, fishing, boating, sand beach/swimming, and mini golf."
Affordable rates: Most camping sites near Fruithurst, Alabama offer reasonable prices. One Pine Glen camper shared, "$3.00 per night or $1.50 per night with access pass. You will have to drive on dirt road to get here."
Waterfront sites: Camping areas along creeks and lakes are particularly popular. A visitor to Tallapoosa River RV noted, "Sites are right on the water and well cleared and maintained."
Well-spaced campsites: Pine Glen Recreation Area offers privacy between sites. One camper remarked, "Insanely peaceful and quiet. Even with a full campground the sites are all spaced far enough from each other that you won't hear your neighbors."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to primitive sites can be challenging. A visitor to Pine Glen warned, "The road in is long and pretty bumpy so be prepared for that."
Navigation challenges: Some GPS directions may be unreliable in remote areas. A Coleman Lake camper cautioned, "Make sure you use Highway 78 to enter. Google Maps will send you on a 11.5 mile mountain trail that is a dirt 2 track over the mountain...an interesting trip with a camper."
Water availability: Water sources at primitive sites may be unreliable. A Pine Glen visitor noted, "First of all, a lot of sites were underwater. Not the campground's fault it had been rainy, just saying. However, the fact that all the water faucets were inoperable is another thing."
Train noise: Yogi Bears Jellystone Park has railroad tracks nearby. One camper mentioned, "The only drawbacks are the loud train that runs through town that goes all day and all night, and the office closes at 6."
Reservation options: Many sites in the national forest are first-come, first-served. A Coleman Lake camper stated, "Not alot of paid spots with water electricity and first come first serve so no reservations. Plenty of dispersed throughout the area though."
Tips for camping with families
Holiday activities: Coleman Lake hosts special events during holidays. A camper shared, "I camped there on Halloween with my grandkids. My Frankies dressed in costume for me but the camp host saw them and made a point of inviting them for campground trick or treating."
Kid-friendly attractions: Jellystone Park offers numerous activities for children. A visitor reported, "They have a kiddie pool and a big kid pool, a jump pad and an inflatable slide, a nice playground, and a small arcade that's affordable."
Beach access: John Tanner State Park has a sand beach that appeals to families. A camper noted, "Has a Beach area and playground in the day use area."
Quiet hours enforcement: Be aware of noise policies at different campgrounds. One camper at Coleman Lake mentioned, "Only had one guest with many kids playing late into night, past quite hours (if any are posted), but we found out it was Fall break and kids were out of school all week."
Camp host assistance: Cane Creek RV Park is known for helpful staff. A visitor stated, "The new ownership is spot-on what you would hope for! Super responsive, great communication, and immediately fixes any issues."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Look for level spots and appropriate hookups. A Coleman Lake visitor advised, "Sites are level and well spaced. The bath house is very clean and up to date."
Pad surfaces: Different campgrounds offer various parking surfaces. A Jellystone camper noted, "They have gravel pads or pay a little extra for the deluxe concrete pad."
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary by campground. A Coleman Lake visitor mentioned, "Great campground with 39 sites, water & electric, flush toilets and shower. $16/nt. Overflow area has no hookups."
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds have sewer hookups. A John Tanner visitor observed, "Only reason for 4 stars is there is no septic, just a dump station."
Size limitations: Some campgrounds have restrictions on RV length. A Pine Glen camper advised, "Nice place to stay for a night or a week. Not good for large campers. No water or electric."
