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Larry M.
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ScoutBohamia
This is the kind of place that I wish I could find more often. I got lucky this time.
Tent Camping near Ashland, AL
2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Tent campgrounds in the Talladega National Forest near Ashland, Alabama offer primitive camping experiences along scenic hiking trails. Turnipseed Campground provides affordable tent sites at $5 per night on a first-come, first-served basis, while backcountry options like McDill Point and Cheaha Falls offer more remote experiences for hikers seeking solitude. Most sites are concentrated along the Pinhoti Trail system, providing tent campers with ridge-top views and access to waterfalls within the Cheaha Wilderness area.
Most backcountry tent sites in this region feature established fire rings and flat areas for 1-2 tents, though bringing hammocks is often recommended due to abundant trees and sometimes uneven terrain. Water access varies significantly by location and season, with many primitive tent sites having no reliable water sources nearby. One camper noted, "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." Basic amenities like vault toilets exist at designated campgrounds such as Turnipseed, but backcountry tent sites typically have no facilities. March through December is the primary camping season, with some areas closing during winter months.
The tent camping experience in Talladega National Forest rewards those seeking seclusion and natural beauty. While drive-in tent sites at Turnipseed offer accessibility, the most scenic tent campsites require hiking in along trails like the Skyway Loop and Pinhoti. According to one visitor, "This backcountry campsite along the Pinhoti Trail offers a chance to immerse yourself in the wilderness and enjoy stunning ridge-top views." Many backcountry tent sites are situated at scenic overlooks or near water features, providing unique experiences not available to vehicle-based campers. Spring brings wildflowers and flowing water to enhance the camping experience, though summer humidity can be challenging. Several primitive tent sites along the ridge offer protection from wind and weather, with natural rock formations creating sheltered camping spots for those who know where to look.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Ashland (34)
1. 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."
2. 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!"
3. 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."
4. 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
5. 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."
6. 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
7. 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."
8. Cheaha Falls Private Backcountry Campsite
"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."
9. Talladega National Forest Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area
"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."
10. Small Skyway Loop Campground
"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."
Drive Time
- 50 min from Anniston, AL
- 1 hr 5 min from Auburn, AL
- 1 hr 17 min from Gadsden, AL
- 1 hr 18 min from Birmingham, AL
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Ashland, AL
36 Photos of 34 Ashland Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Turnipseed Campground
Cheaha Falls Campground
Cheaha Falls Private Backcountry Campsite
McDill Point Backcountry — Cheaha State Park
Talladega National Forest Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area
Pinhoti Trail Backcountry Campground — Cheaha State Park
Parksland Retreat - Clothing Optional
BohamiaM
Wind Creek State Park Campground
Weogufka State Forest Flagg Mtnm
Bush Head Shoals ParkC
Tent Camping Reviews near Ashland, AL
446 Reviews of 34 Ashland 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.
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.
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.
Phillip H.
GuideUpper Improved Campground — Cheaha State Park
Highest Point high marks
Bathhouses clean but worn. Our site was level but many are not. Construction at the entrance. Road into the park is up and down with curves and some steep grades. WiFi and ATT signal were nonexistent at our site. Hiking was really good.
Rusty R.GuideColdwater camp and cabins
Cute Campground with great views
Great nature feel to the campground with mountain biking trails leaving directly from the campground. The RV sites are pretty level and have nice hookups. The tent sites look like they all have tent decks and the cabins look to be new. The only surprise is the driveway in is paved but required me to use 4-wheel low in order to pull my rv up the last part of the hill. (It was raining, but be aware it gets quite steep)
- Rusty R.Guide
Time Away RV Resort
Doesn’t Allow Custom Trailers
They are another park that doesn’t allow custom trailers. This growing trend is a shame. I understand they don’t want “junky” RVs but to just ban all custom builds is so pretentious. Check Terms before you book.
kelsie S.TravelerColeman Lake Rec Area
Great place for tents and campers!
We had a great time! Campsites are spaced out JUST enough for a little privacy. Short walk from our site to clean, warm bathhouses!! Sites in the main campground have power hookups and water spigots. Lake access is limited from the campground, there are only 1 or 2 “lake view” sites. Fishing was limited, lake is very grassy. Loop around the lake was beautiful. The “overflow” campsites were more spaced out and private but do not have shower house or power/water hook ups.
Marvin L.GuideCheaha Falls Shelter
Great time in the rocks
Great place for bouldering and repealing. The trails rock filled hiking trails all levels
Guide to Ashland
Tent camping in Talladega National Forest ranges from 1,000 to over 2,600 feet in elevation, offering varied terrain and forest cover. Most primitive sites require a short hike, typically 0.5 to 2 miles from trailheads, and feature established fire rings but minimal other amenities. The best camping season runs from mid-March through October when temperatures range from 45°F at night to 85°F during peak summer days.
What to do
Hike to plane wreckage sites: Several hiking trails near McDill Point Backcountry pass by an aircraft crash site. "Just past McDill, there is a side trail that takes you to debris from a 1972 plane crash site," notes camper Nancy C. The wreckage serves as an unofficial landmark for hikers heading toward the point.
Visit Cheaha Lake: Located within a short drive of most campgrounds, this small lake provides swimming and fishing opportunities during summer months. One visitor at Cheaha Falls Campground mentioned, "We enjoyed the playground and the lake with the kids. This is a place we will be back for sure."
Explore CCC historical structures: The Civilian Conservation Corps built several structures in the area during the 1930s. A camper observed, "There is a camp store onsite along with various museums and buildings built by the CCC. The staff hosted several educational activities and were extremely helpful and informative."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently mention the spacing between sites at Turnipseed Campground as a major advantage. "Each site is spaced a good distance from the other," notes Peg W. Another camper adds, "Even when the campground is full you will not be on top of other campers."
Rock formations for shelter: Natural rock features throughout the backcountry provide wind protection and make for excellent hammock camping spots. One camper at Pinhoti Trail Backcountry mentioned, "The most stunning vistas await you right after completing the climb up from Clairmont Gap. These panoramas make the somewhat challenging trek worthwhile."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings offer the best chances to spot wildlife. A visitor noted, "We saw and heard a lot of birds and wildlife here! 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."
What you should know
Water sources unreliable: Many backcountry sites require carrying all water. A hiker at Pinhoti Campsite warns, "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."
No reservations available: Most tent sites operate on first-come, first-served basis. "It's very nice to just drop five dollars in a box and go camp there are no attendants here," explains one Turnipseed camper.
Limited cell reception: Prepare for disconnection in most camping areas. One camper at Pinhoti and Skyway Loop Intersection Campground mentioned, "No cell reception at lower campground (and spotty in general, but in all honesty this is more a PRO unless you have work or other obligations)."
Hunting seasons affect camping: During fall and winter hunting seasons (October-January), some areas have increased hunter presence. "As the name implies, it is used heavily by hunters," warns a camper about certain areas.
Tips for camping with families
Start with shorter loops: For families with younger children, begin with trails under 3 miles. A parent 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."
Consider nearby amenities: Some tent sites offer better access to facilities. A visitor to Cheaha Falls Private Backcountry Campsite noted, "The site we stayed at is in the area of Cheaha falls but is behind a couple of other campsites in its own secluded area. You just follow the river upstream to get there."
Plan waterfall visits: Schedule waterfall hikes when water levels are highest. "In springtime everything is magical when the plants are blooming and all the wildlife is out and exploring. Also, make sure to continue along the trail for a couple more miles to see the larger falls," recommends a camper.
Tips from RVers
Small RVs only: Most camping areas have limited access for larger vehicles. At Bohamia, visitors found better options: "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."
Best RV alternatives: When tent camping isn't ideal, look for alternative accommodations. A camper advised, "I would not go here in an RV," about Turnipseed, while another mentioned, "This is a cute car camping site that we have stayed at several times. It was actually closed for COVID when we were there but I believe that it is now reopened."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Ashland, AL?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ashland, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ashland, AL is Turnipseed Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 16 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Ashland, AL?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Ashland, AL?
TheDyrt.com has all 34 tent camping locations near Ashland, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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