Tent camping opportunities around Lineville, Alabama extend throughout Talladega National Forest at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 2,400 feet. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing at higher elevations, with summer highs regularly exceeding 90°F. The region's camping season runs primarily from March through December, with most primitive sites lacking potable water sources.
What to do
Explore connecting trails: Turnipseed Campground provides access to multiple hiking routes including the Pinhoti Trail. "We saw some snakes, evidence of bear. Has access to the Pinhoti Trail. Best for tent and van camping. Maybe a tiny RV," notes one camper about Turnipseed Campground.
Visit plane wreckage: When hiking to McDill Point Backcountry, check out the historic crash site. "Just past McDill, there is a side trail that takes you to debris from a 1972 plane crash site," reports a visitor who brought their grandson.
Swim in waterfalls: During summer months, multiple falls provide swimming opportunities. The trail from Cheaha Falls offers access to larger falls. "Make sure to 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."
What campers like
Solitude during weekdays: Turnipseed Campground offers quiet escapes, particularly midweek. "During Thursday and Friday it was mostly empty. Saturday night it was half full. Peaceful, clean, nice hiking," reports one visitor who stayed several days.
Affordability: The camping areas near Lineville represent exceptional value. One camper at Turnipseed noted, "Beautiful camp sites well maintained and only 5$ a night," while another called it "the best bang for your buck I've seen yet!!!"
Wildlife viewing: Cheaha Falls Shelter offers opportunities to observe local fauna. "The wildlife was really starting to come out. We saw so many birds and even found a nest that was built in a bush along the trail," writes a camper who visited during spring.
What you should know
Water availability is seasonal: Plan to carry water at most sites. At Pinhoti Trail Backcountry Campground, "There is a much higher likelihood of having flowing water that time of year [spring] and the temperatures are perfect for hiking."
Weather exposure: Ridgeline campsites can experience significant wind. One camper at McDill Point described their experience: "After building a fire, making dinner and roasting marshmallows, we sat to enjoy the most beautiful sunset and then the stars emerging into a brilliant light show. The wind was howling."
Campsite sizes vary significantly: Some sites accommodate just one tent while others work for groups. A camper noted about Turnipseed: "We had a great trip. There were only a few other campers at the campground and we were all spread out from each other. Even when the campground is full you will not be on top of other campers."
Tips for camping with families
Start with shorter hikes: Cheaha Falls Private Backcountry Campsite offers accessible camping without long treks. "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," notes a visitor who did a quick overnight trip.
Consider Lake Chinnabee for day activities: This area offers shorter adventures for children. "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."
Introduce backpacking gradually: McDill Point makes a good first backpacking destination. "I wanted an amazing place to take my 12-year-old grandson for his first backpacking trip. I hoped he would fall in love with it. This site delivered. The trail to McDill Point was rocky, but clear, well marked, offering several scenic mile."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions apply: Most backcountry sites near Lineville accommodate only small vehicles. "I would not recommend this campground to anyone in a large RV. It is very cheap though. Where else could you stay for $5 a night other than backcountry?"
Consider tent-only areas: Several reviewers recommend avoiding RVs at certain sites. A Turnipseed visitor advised: "This is a cute car camping site that we have stayed at several times. It provides great access to hiking in Cheaha and is perfect as a home base for adventures in the area... Not a great site for RVs though."
Alternative options exist nearby: Cheaha Falls Campground offers additional accommodations. "There is camping, cabins, chalets, and a lodge for accommodations. There is mountain biking and hiking trails, along with a lake to swim, fish and paddle in; and a pool if you are a overnight visitor."