Cheaha State Park sits at 2,407 feet above sea level, making it the highest point in Alabama. The surrounding Talladega National Forest offers diverse camping options within a 30-mile radius of Lineville. Winter temperatures average 30-50°F, while summer ranges from 70-90°F with higher humidity.
What to do
Hiking trails: Pine Glen Recreation Area provides excellent access to the Pinhoti Trail. "We hiked the back country here and lots of good sites with adequate water make it a good backpacking adventure for beginners," notes Anna R. The trail connects to multiple overlooks throughout the region.
Fishing spots: Wind Creek State Park offers shoreline fishing opportunities along Lake Martin. "This is a great family campground with a boat launch on lake Martin. Good swimming, adequate shade," mentions Anna R. Bank fishing is productive year-round, especially for bass and crappie.
Wildlife viewing: The Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail runs through Amity Campground, offering chances to spot native birds. "There is a nature trail within the campground that leads to a marsh where there are duck, owl, and bluebird nest boxes. There's a good chance you'll see turtles and frogs," reports Dorraine S.
Water activities: Beyond swimming, Wind Creek State Park offers boat rentals. "At the Creem Shop (they sell ice cream, burgers, etc) you can rent pedal boats and canoes. They have a zip line and tree line adventure course, mini-golf, a beach area for swimming, and plenty of fishing spots," shares Romeo M.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Camping at Amity Campground provides spacious waterfront sites. "The lots are hugh. most are on the water. Some sites are so private you'd think you are alone. The park is spread out so that each loop is so far from the others you can't hear or see them," explains Steve G.
Fall camping: Upper Improved Campground at Cheaha State Park offers excellent seasonal experiences. "We are local to Cheaha and go often, year round. The kids love the lake and the pool, and there is an easy walk on a boardwalk with amazing views," shares Bethany M.
Overnight backpacking: The Pinhoti Trail offers multiple backcountry options. "So this is one of my favorite places in all of Alabama to go camping. We recently did a one night backpacking trip where we started at the Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area and hiked to join the Pinhoti trail," notes Asher K., adding that water can be scarce in late winter months.
Clean facilities: Pine Glen Recreation Area provides basic but well-maintained amenities. "Stayed here Saturday 4/23/22. Was exactly as described. Many sites had picnic tables, fire rings, and tent pads. Has vault bathrooms that were stocked with toilet paper," reports Bailey M.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer temperatures can reach 90°F with high humidity. Winter camping requires preparation for freezing temperatures, especially at Cheaha's higher elevation.
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds have spotty coverage. "No wifi or cell service; but we loved being disconnected," reports Emily C. about Cheaha State Park, while Pine Glen has "No cell service for AT&T & Verizon - For Verizon, I had 1 bar pop up twice for a few minutes."
Road conditions: Bohamia Campground and Pine Glen both require driving on unpaved roads. "The road in is long and pretty bumpy so be prepared for that. Would definitely stay again. Glad it hadn't rained before because I could see how it floods," warns one camper about Pine Glen's access road.
Reservation windows: Most state parks allow bookings up to 11 months in advance, while Forest Service campgrounds like Pine Glen operate first-come, first-served with a $3 per night fee.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly spots: Wind Creek State Park offers amenities that work well for first-timers. "We love camping at Wind Creek. lots to do for the kiddos!" says Jessi B. The park includes multiple playgrounds, beach areas, and paved roads for bike riding.
Educational activities: Cheaha State Park provides nature-based learning opportunities. "Right by the lake is a trailhead that leads up to more amazing views. It a fun hike climbing over huge boulders for much of the way. The kids enjoy this too. The store is very well stocked if we forget anything and right across from the store they have a gem mining area that is also great fun for the children," explains Bethany M.
Water play options: R. Shaefer Heard Campground offers waterfront sites that keep children entertained. "We had an amazing site with a great waterfront view perfect for sunsets. Kids thoroughly enjoyed playing at the edge of the water," shares Dianna B.
Playground accessibility: Multiple campgrounds feature playground facilities. "There are pavilions on two of the loops that campers use," notes Steve G. about Amity Campground, while Wind Creek has "playgrounds throughout the campground."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose spots carefully based on size limitations. "Our site was in a cove with limited views of the lake. Much of the camping is pretty open with the ability to see your neighbors," notes Suzy E. about R. Shaefer Heard Campground.
Hookup availability: Wind Creek State Park offers full hookups in certain sections. "We stayed in C section with full hook-ups," notes Romeo M., adding that "you'll see that some sites are full hook-up and some are not" when checking the map.
Leveling requirements: Prepare for uneven sites at some campgrounds. "Backing in was not difficult even though we had to raise the right tire 3" to be level," shares Erin C. about Chattahoochee Bend State Park.
Seasonal access: Not all campgrounds operate year-round. Amity Campground "is currently only open from April to Labor Day," according to Amanda D., who adds "We would love it even more if the Corps of Engineers would keep it open all year long."
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