Pine Glen Recreation Area offers primitive camping opportunities approximately 25 miles from Fruithurst, Alabama. The campground requires navigation of 5-8 miles of unpaved forest roads through a hunting recreation area. Sites cost $3 per night, with vault toilets available but no potable water or electrical hookups. Campers should prepare for potential isolation and limited cell service.
What to do
Hike the Pinhoti Trail system: The trail runs directly through Pine Glen Recreation Area, giving hikers immediate access to extensive hiking opportunities. "Pine Glen is my favorite campground in this region of Alabama... The Pinhoti Trail runs straight through the campground and provides hiking opportunities, and if you are willing to drive a little while there is a lot to do in the area," notes Alex K.
Mountain biking: Chief Ladiga Trail Campground provides access to a rails-to-trails path extending from Alabama into Georgia. "The Chief Ladiga Trail is a rails to trails bike path running from Piedmont, AL to the Georgia state line then continues almost to Atlanta as the Silver Comet Trail," explains Asher K., making it perfect for cycling enthusiasts.
Water activities: Multiple creeks flow through area campgrounds. At Cedar Creek RV & Outdoor Center, you can enjoy kayaking as one of the main activities. "This place is so quiet and peaceful. We fully enjoyed be able to relax by the creek and watch the water flow by," reports Katie D.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campsites at many locations offer good separation from neighbors. At Pine Glen Recreation Area, "the sites are spaced out pretty well" according to Bailey M., who adds that "Sites are spaced out pretty well. There's about 4-6 miles of gravel road leading up to the campsite."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and shower facilities. At Chattahoochee Bend State Park, "The bathrooms were cleaner than my bathroom at home," according to joey P., who also mentions, "The dogs loved the hiking and the river is beautiful with the fall colors."
Natural surroundings: The forested settings provide peaceful environments. "It is fairly remote and has few amenities. Shoal Creek runs right past the campground, giving a pleasant white noise at night, and it is situated in a glen of pine trees. It is open with little underbrush, but the sites are spaced out enough to have some privacy," describes Alex K. about Pine Glen Recreation Area.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Seasonal rain can affect camping conditions. Frank M. cautions about Pine Glen: "First of all, a lot of sites were underwater. Not the campgrounds fault it had been rainy, just saying." This highlights the importance of checking conditions before arrival.
Limited amenities: Most primitive sites have minimal facilities. "For $3 this campground was worth it all in all. Points to consider: -no potable water, -no electricity, -there are port a potties," explains Taylor about Pine Glen Recreation Area.
Road conditions: Access to some sites requires traveling on unpaved roads. "The drive in is 8 miles in on an unpaved, backcountry road with varying inclines on slippery mixture of clay and gravel through hunting recreation area. We were in a Ford Explorer. Everybody else was in trucks. Good for them," shares Taylor about reaching Pine Glen.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer specific amenities for children. At Yogi Bears Jellystone Park, "My kids loved the open activities at Jellystone! They bounced on the jump pad, went down the new bounce slide, enjoyed the playground, and the pools," reports Kasey M.
Educational opportunities: Historical sites provide learning experiences. At Sweetwater Creek State Park, "Make sure you go see Manchester Mill Ruins," suggests Mike K., offering families a chance to explore local history while camping.
Swimming options: Water features give children places to play. "The kids love the lake and the pool, and there is an easy walk on a boardwalk with amazing views at the end on days when the kids don't feel like hiking," shares Bethany M. about Cheaha State Park.
Tips for RVers
Site selection: Choose camping spots based on vehicle requirements. At McKinney Campground, "We always stop here on our trips down to florida and we always stay a couple days as we love to get a waterfront site and they are nice, clean sites with lots of shade and pet friendly," recommends Robin M.
Hookup availability: Confirm utilities before booking. "Nice campground with full hookups. Short hikes to fantastic views. Also a pool and playground. Top of my list to visit again," notes Dianna B. about Cheaha State Park's Upper Improved Campground.
Accessibility considerations: Evaluate road conditions for larger vehicles. "The road in is long and pretty bumpy so be prepared for that," warns one camper about Pine Glen Recreation Area, indicating RVers should research access routes before committing to remote glamping sites near Fruithurst, Alabama.
