Best Tent Camping near Oxford, AL

Talladega National Forest offers several tent camping options within a short drive of Oxford, Alabama. Turnipseed Campground provides primitive tent sites from March to December with basic amenities like fire rings and pit toilets. Nearby, Cheaha Falls Campground and McDill Point Backcountry in Cheaha State Park offer more secluded tent camping experiences with scenic views and access to the Pinhoti Trail system.

Most tent sites in the area feature cleared ground with established fire rings, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Campers should bring their own water or plan to filter from streams, as drinking water is limited at most primitive sites. The Pinhoti Trail backcountry sites typically have fire pits and flat areas for tents, but no water sources nearby. As one camper noted, "This site is a small level area before you begin the final climb up to the trail intersection. It is modestly level and provides a clear space large enough for about a single tent." Seasonal access should be considered, as some areas like Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area operate only from March to December.

Tent campers in the Cheaha area enjoy exceptional hiking opportunities and natural features. The backcountry sites at McDill Point provide panoramic mountain views that are particularly striking at sunrise and sunset. Areas near water, such as Cheaha Falls, offer welcome relief during hot summer months. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "The site is fairly large and big enough for a couple of tents with nice flat cleared out ground. It also has enough tree cover that you get a good bit of privacy and are away from the main trail." Many tent sites along the Skyway Loop and Pinhoti Trail serve as excellent basecamps for multi-day hiking adventures. While some sites can be reached by car, the most scenic tent camping areas require hiking in, with distances ranging from half a mile to several miles from trailheads.

Best Tent Sites Near Oxford, Alabama (26)

    1. Turnipseed Campground

    16 Reviews
    Munford, AL
    11 miles
    Website

    "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

    10 Reviews
    Munford, AL
    10 miles
    Website

    "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

    7 Reviews
    Delta, AL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 362-2909

    "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. McDill Point Backcountry — Cheaha State Park

    5 Reviews
    Delta, AL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 488-5111

    "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."

    5. Talladega National Forest Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    Munford, AL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 362-2909

    "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."

    6. Cheaha Falls Private Backcountry Campsite

    3 Reviews
    Munford, AL
    10 miles
    Website

    "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."

    7. Cheaha Falls Shelter

    2 Reviews
    Munford, AL
    10 miles
    Website

    "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. Chinnabee Silent Trail Backcountry Site 9

    2 Reviews
    Munford, AL
    10 miles
    Website

    "We started our hike in from Chinnabee silent trail parking and headed up toward chinnabee lake."

    "It is also one of the closest sites to Lake Chinnabee. The site itself it not completely level but has two clearings that would work well for a tent and multiple trees for hammocks."

    9. Blue Mountain Shelter - on the AT

    1 Review
    Delta, AL
    8 miles
    Website

    "The parking lot has a beautiful entrance archway then heads away from the road before splitting. Take your first right then when the trail splits again take another right."

    10. Pinhoti and Skyway Loop Intersection Campground

    2 Reviews
    Lineville, AL
    12 miles
    Website

    "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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 26 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Oxford, AL

369 Reviews of 26 Oxford Campgrounds



Guide to Oxford

Tent camping near Oxford, Alabama offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. With several well-reviewed campgrounds in the area, you'll find the perfect spot to set up your tent and unwind.

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Tips for tent camping near Oxford

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Oxford, AL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Oxford, AL is Turnipseed Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 16 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Oxford, AL?

TheDyrt.com has all 26 tent camping locations near Oxford, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.