2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Tent camping opportunities near Lineville, Alabama center primarily around the Talladega National Forest, with multiple backcountry and established tent sites scattered throughout the Cheaha area. Turnipseed Campground offers primitive tent camping with basic amenities for $5 per night on a first-come, first-served basis. The Pinhoti Trail corridor provides several designated backcountry tent sites, including McDill Point Backcountry and Cheaha Falls Campground, both accessible via hiking trails rather than vehicle access.
Most tent sites in the Lineville area feature fire rings and flat tent pads but minimal additional amenities. Potable water is scarce at most locations, with many backcountry sites requiring hikers to filter water from nearby streams or carry in their own supply. The Skyway Loop and Pinhoti Trail areas have multiple primitive tent sites without facilities beyond occasional pit toilets. A camper noted that "there are only about a dozen sites, most with partial shade since it's in the forest, with plenty of downed pine nearby." Sites typically operate seasonally from March to December, with some areas closing during winter months.
The terrain offers numerous ridge-top camping options with scenic vistas, particularly along the higher elevation routes. Backpackers frequent the interconnected trail system, using the designated tent sites as overnight points within longer hiking routes. Many tent sites sit directly on trail intersections, providing strategic placement for multi-day adventures. "We saw and heard a lot of birds and wildlife here," commented one visitor about the Turnipseed area. The elevation changes throughout the region create diverse camping experiences, from creek-side tent sites to exposed ridge camping with dramatic views. McDill Point stands out as a particularly scenic tent camping location, offering long-range vistas and enough space for a single tent. Campsite availability improves during weekdays, with higher demand concentrated at view-oriented sites during peak seasons.
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"There was ample water for pumping while there this time and I wanted to share that this is by far one of the best sites in the area for large groups."
"This is one of the cooler campgrounds you come across along the Skyway loop trail."
GuideWell, another review from Hank and I about three weeks ago in October we stayed at McIntosh reserve in Whitesburg Georgia. We stayed for a week. They have no power, but we have a solar generator and a regular generator they have water Spicket spread out sporadically throughout the park, they do have restrooms and a shower house. Very nice park. Very nice host.
TravelerI’ve camped here multiple times. Great spot near the falls, just a short walk down the ridge. About 100 yards from the creek for water. Big enough for at least 3 hammocks.
ScoutThis is the kind of place that I wish I could find more often. I got lucky this time.
TravelerStayed 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.
Scout35$ a night for a tent
ScoutStayed 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.
LegendThis 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.
GuideAn extremely nice campground with a pool, hot tub, swim up tiki bar. Decent bank fishing, Restaurant, very nice bait and takel shop. The bathrooms are only available at the pool area but they are extremely nice and clean, air conditioning, and an ADA shower with a shower chair.
My only complaint is about the wheelchair accessibility of the outdoor area, a few paved ADA sites would be really nice and the transition from the gravel to any paved surfaces have a curb you will have to bump over. There is no pool lift so if you need you are out of luck. I bring a battery powered floor lift chair I purchased off Amazon.
GuideBathhouses 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.
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.
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."
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.
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."
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."
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lineville, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lineville, AL is Turnipseed Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 16 reviews.
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