Oak Mountain State Park and Cheaha State Park are prime locations for yurt camping near Moody, Alabama. The area sits on the southern edge of the Appalachian Mountains with elevations ranging from 600 to over 2,400 feet. Campers find diverse terrain with year-round accessibility, though summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity.
What to do
Mountain biking at Oak Mountain: The park offers dedicated mountain biking trails with varying difficulty levels. "Oak Mountain is a big state park with lots to do (golf, biking, archery, lots of trails that are very well marked, petting zoo, very neat trail with rescued owls, turkeys and red hawks, and more)," notes Scott C.
Hiking to waterfalls: Multiple trails lead to scenic waterfalls within a 30-minute drive of Moody. A visitor at Cheaha State Park shared, "We hiked 3 trails with excellent views. All easy and enjoyable for all 3 of my kiddos, ages 6, 11 and 12. High Falls was my personal favorite."
Water activities: Nearby lakes provide swimming and boating options during summer months. At Oak Mountain State Park Campground, Maureen L. reports, "Campground was great. Our site on the lake was beautiful and had ducks came right up to our site."
What campers like
Privacy in backcountry sites: Some areas offer more seclusion than the main campgrounds. One camper described Oak Mountain's backcountry camping: "The site we stayed at was only a short walk, maybe 15 min from the road but it felt like a totally different world. We had a huge area to set up our tents and there was a small stream that we could pump water from."
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. At River Rocks Landing, a reviewer mentioned, "Showers and restrooms are air conditioned, well lit and clean."
Scenic overlooks: High elevation points provide panoramic views. About Cheaha State Park, a visitor noted, "The views you get after climbing onto the ridge are just incredible. This area is one of the highest peaks in Alabama."
What you should know
Reservation recommendations: Book well ahead, especially for yurt camping near Moody during peak season. "Reserved 363 days prior to arriving," reported one Oak Mountain visitor.
Access challenges: Some areas require specific vehicles or hiking in. At Weogufka State Forest Flagg Mtn, a camper advised, "You might need four-wheel-drive to get up to the ruins, but maybe not."
Weather considerations: Summer heat affects camping comfort. At Bohamia, a visitor appreciated that "some cabins and tents having ACs" making summer yurt camping in Moody more comfortable.
Campfire restrictions: Rules vary by location and season. One camper noted that at Oak Mountain's backcountry sites, "You aren't allowed to have campfires at these sites but this wasn't an issue this time of year since it was already so hot out."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly attractions: Several parks offer specialized activities for children. "Pretty quiet. Decent little slide for kids and some awesome rocks for kids to climb (5 yrs and up or good climbers)," shares a Cheaha visitor.
Site selection strategies: Choose sites near amenities when camping with children. A camper noted at The Cove RV Resort and Campground, "We were in site 26. Very level, right by the pool, and still has a view of the lakes."
Educational opportunities: Learn about local wildlife through park programs. "Very neat trail with rescued owls, turkeys and red hawks," noted a visitor at Oak Mountain.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Full service connections are available at several campgrounds. At The Cove RV Resort, a visitor paid "$35 total (including all taxes) for full hookups, water, & sewer."
Site leveling: Terrain varies significantly across the region. At Rolling Hills RV Park, a visitor noted, "Gravel site was fairly level despite being in a hilly area."
Internet connectivity: Service quality varies by location. A camper at Oak Mountain mentioned, "It has wifi throughout and almost everywhere in the park has cell reception."
