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Larry M.
Scout
ScoutBohamia
This is the kind of place that I wish I could find more often. I got lucky this time.
Tent Camping near Millerville, AL
2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Tent campers in the Talladega National Forest near Millerville, Alabama have access to several backcountry and primitive tent camping options, ranging from free primitive sites to low-cost campgrounds like Turnipseed, which charges $5 per tent on a first-come, first-served basis. Hollins Hunting Camp provides dispersed tent camping areas with more privacy. Both locations serve as gateways to trail networks including the Pinhoti Trail and Skyway Loop systems.
Tent sites across the region vary significantly in accessibility and features. Most established sites include fire rings and cleared tent pads, though campers should bring all necessary water as few locations offer potable sources. Primitive tent areas like those along the Pinhoti Trail require hikers to pack in supplies. The region's campgrounds typically operate from March through December, closing during winter months. A camper noted, "This has a good road and decent open spots to set-up. Overlanders will be the most happy. Open areas have tall grass, but some have enough pine needles to make for better ground camping."
Backcountry tent camping locations offer varying degrees of solitude and natural beauty. Areas along the Skyway Loop trail provide ridge-top views and multiple primitive tent sites, though water access can be limited, especially during drier months. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, "The site has a firepit and flat area for a tent like most but is more overgrown so you might be better off with a hammock." Tent campers particularly enjoy the Cheaha Falls area and McDill Point Backcountry sites, which provide both hammock and tent options. Most primitive tent sites are free, while established campgrounds like Turnipseed charge minimal fees. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, making these tent camping destinations ideal for those seeking to disconnect in nature.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Millerville (33)
1. Wind Creek State Park Campground
"Clean campsites with power and water and fire rings, near by bait store that sells a lot more than just bait. The park rangers and staff are here help and friendly."
"Tent camping with family during Hurricane evacuation. Beautiful park, numerous bath houses, laundry, camp store, playgrounds, mini golf, and so much more."
366 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
2. Turnipseed Campground
"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."
3. Cheaha Falls Campground
"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!"
4. Bohamia
"Stayed a few nights at the top end of the primitive sites by the pond. Very nice and well kept campground!!"
"Services are great some cabins and tents having ACs, but primitive camping allowed as well. Great showers and bathhouse with filtered drinking water option that I used daily."
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $99 / night
5. Hollins Hunting Camp
"I got in around 8 and there were only a couple people here, lots of space and easy to find a private spot. Hardly any bugs, no amenities"
6. Pinhoti Trail Backcountry Campground — Cheaha State Park
"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."
7. McDill Point Backcountry — Cheaha State Park
"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."
8. Pinhoti Campsite near Clairmont Gap
"Perched along the ridge of the Pinhoti Trail, just south of Adam's Gap, this backcountry campsite promises a rewarding wilderness experience."
9. Oak Mountain State Park Campground
"Although the first few tent sites on the B-side are located right off the road, they're set back far enough that they feel pretty secluded with plenty of trees to give a slight sense of privacy."
"Oak Mountain State Park is Alabama’s largest state park. Located just outside of Birmingham, it’s easy to escape to nature without being too far off the beaten path. This park is HUGE!"
4 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
10. Cheaha Falls Shelter
"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."
Drive Time
- 55 min from Anniston, AL
- 1 hr 2 min from Auburn, AL
- 1 hr 15 min from Birmingham, AL
- 1 hr 21 min from Gadsden, AL
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Millerville, AL
59 Photos of 33 Millerville Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Parksland Retreat - Clothing Optional
BohamiaM
Turnipseed Campground
Cheaha Falls Campground
Cheaha Falls Private Backcountry Campsite
Talladega National Forest Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area
McDill Point Backcountry — Cheaha State Park
Pinhoti Trail Backcountry Campground — Cheaha State Park
Wind Creek State Park Campground
Weogufka State Forest Flagg Mtnm
Oak Mountain State Park Campground
Tent Camping Reviews near Millerville, AL
544 Reviews of 33 Millerville Campgrounds
Phillip F.
TravelerBohamia
Mini wonderland
Stayed 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.
- JJeremy H.
GuideOak Mountain State Park Campground
Good Weekend Spot
Oak Mountain State Park is a great spot for a weekend tent camping trip. The campground is convenient, the park is beautiful, and there’s plenty to do during the day, especially if you enjoy hiking, biking, or just spending time outdoors. For a two- or three-night trip, I think it’s a really good option. That said, I’m not sure I would want to stay much longer than a weekend. The campground works well as a home base for exploring the park, but for an extended camping trip, I’d probably look for somewhere a little more scenic, secluded, or relaxing. Overall, I’d definitely come back for a weekend getaway. Oak Mountain has a lot to offer, and it’s an easy place to get outside without having to plan a major trip.
- LLaura H.
RangerOak Mountain State Park Campground
Awesome place!
Spacious sites. Well maintained facilities. The hiking is wonderful. Wish we would have stayed longer.
Hello K.ScoutYellowHammer RV Campground
Significant Upgrade from a rest area
This immaculate campground/manufactured home seller is easy off I65 and easy back on. Has laundry, playground, dog park, showers, restrooms, tv lounge vending machines, wifi, AND FULLhookup. Enjoyed one night.
Would definitely stay again.
Birdy B.ScoutUpper Improved Campground — Cheaha State Park
Enjoyable Stay
Stayed 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.
- TTroy S.Scout
Oak Mountain State Park Campground
Great campground
Very nice campsites, great facilities, WiFi strength excellent and plenty of things to do.
David W.GuideChilton County Minooka Park
Nice Campground (bathrooms need attention)
Stopped in late for an overnight on our way to Gulf Shores. Nice level concrete sites Seems secluded…for a non dispersed campground. The bathrooms however were terrible. One non -functional One over flowing and clogged One has a line as if you were at a rock concert with only porta johns.
Pretty sad for a $45 fee.
Hopefully they get that figured out and we can make it a regular stop when headed south
Nancy W.
LegendR. Shaefer Heard Campground
Nice COE Campground
This 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.
Guide to Millerville
The Talladega National Forest surrounding Millerville, Alabama sits at elevations ranging from 600 to 2,400 feet, creating varied camping terrain across its mixed pine and hardwood forests. Primitive backcountry sites in this region experience temperature fluctuations of 15-20°F between day and night, especially along higher ridgelines. The forest's southeastern location means humidity can reach 80-90% during summer months, particularly near water features.
What to do
Hiking on Pinhoti Trail: Access this long-distance trail from multiple primitive camping areas near Millerville. "Explore as many trails as you can, especially the Pinhoti trail. There is a ton of diversity in this area, including lovely plants, geology, animals, and deep almost completely undisturbed wilderness," notes a camper at Turnipseed Campground.
Waterfall swimming: Cool off at several falls within hiking distance of camping areas. "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," reports a visitor to Cheaha Falls Private Backcountry Campsite.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings offer best wildlife spotting opportunities. "We saw and heard a lot of birds and wildlife here," mentions a camper who stayed at Turnipseed, while another noted, "Saw some snakes, evidence of bear."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many primitive camping areas offer good separation between sites. At Hollins Hunting Camp, a camper noted, "I got in around 8 and there were only a couple people here, lots of space and easy to find a private spot."
Ridge-top views: Several camping areas along the Skyway Loop provide elevated views. At McDill Point Backcountry, a visitor shared, "The views from this campsite are truly incredible, especially if you are lucky enough to have a clear sky for sunrise/sunset."
Low costs: Many primitive sites have minimal or no fees. "Beautiful camp sites well maintained and only $5 a night," reported a Turnipseed Campground visitor, while another added, "Where else could you stay for $5 a night other than backcountry?"
What you should know
Water access challenges: Bring all needed water for ridge-top sites. For Pinhoti Campsite near Clairmont Gap, a camper advised, "Be sure to bring an ample supply of water for this section of the trail, as there are no reliable water sources nearby for refilling."
Winter closures: Most established campgrounds close from December through February. A visitor noted, "It was actually closed for COVID when we were there but I believe that it is now reopened. I would definitely check online to make sure it is open before planning to camp here."
Cell service limitations: Coverage is minimal throughout the region. "Perfect way to escape from society completely," mentions a Turnipseed camper, while another appreciated the area as "a nice place to disconnect from everything."
Tips for camping with families
Short waterfall hikes: Several family-friendly waterfall trails exist. At Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area, a visitor shared, "The short hike to the gorgeous falls is perfect for the kids. While you can continue on for miles if you wish, we prefer to stay at the water and climb the little falls."
Educational wildlife opportunities: The forest offers various wildlife learning experiences. "Saw some snakes, evidence of bear. Has access to the Pinhoti Trail," noted a family at Turnipseed, showing the educational potential for children.
Weather preparation: Temperature shifts can be significant. A visitor mentioned, "We have been there at every season of the year and it is always beautiful," suggesting bringing layers for children as temperatures can drop rapidly after sunset.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access: Most primitive sites aren't suitable for larger vehicles. A Turnipseed camper advised, "Best for tent and van camping. Maybe a tiny RV," while another clearly stated, "I would not go here in an RV."
Size restrictions: Smaller campers and vans fare better. "Each site is spaced a good distance from the other," noted a visitor to Turnipseed, but added that sites are "positioned well and decent for tent or something like a motorcycle camper."
Alternative parking: Consider base camping with day trips. "It provides great access to hiking in Cheaha and is perfect as a home base for adventures in the area," shared a visitor about the best tent camping near Millerville, Alabama, suggesting RV owners might park at designated areas and explore via day hikes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Millerville, AL?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Millerville, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Millerville, AL is Wind Creek State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 47 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Millerville, AL?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Millerville, AL?
TheDyrt.com has all 33 tent camping locations near Millerville, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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