If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Oxford, look no further. Find the best information on tent camping near Oxford, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
Enjoy nature at its best especially during the fall when mother nature dazzles you with an array of vibrant colors. This__ primitive camp is located near the Cheaha Wilderness Area and offers camping and hiking. Turnipseed Camp has sanitary facilities.
Follow the Cave Creek Trail until you reach the Pinhoti connector, and hang a right to take the Pinhoti Trail northbound. Look for a sign that points to McDill overlook, and follow a side trail for the last quarter mile. Along this side trail you’ll pass the wreckage of a small plane that supposedly crashed back in 1972. Look for blue and white pieces of the plane off the trail to your right. Keep going and you’ll eventually come to a campsite that would comfortably fit 3 or 4 tents, only about 100 yards shy of the overlook. Camping in this area is a great option because you’re close to the cliffs, but protected from the wind. There are also a few spots right at the cliffs that are big enough for a small tent or hammocks and have better views, but are a bit breezier. The boulder cliffs are an awesome place to hang out at sunset or for stargazing, just remember to keep a headlamp on you!
Start hiking at Cheaha Trailhead, located at the far end of a parking area just before you get to Cheaha State Park on Highway 281. Follow the Cave Creek Trail until you reach the Pinhoti connector, and hang a right to take the Pinhoti Trail northbound. Look for a sign that points to McDill overlook, and follow a side trail for the last quarter mile. Along this side trail you’ll pass the wreckage of a small plane that supposedly crashed back in 1972. Look for blue and white pieces of the plane off the trail to your right. Keep going and you’ll eventually come to a campsite that would comfortably fit 3 or 4 tents, only about 100 yards shy of the overlook. Camping in this area is a great option because you’re close to the cliffs, but protected from the wind. There are also a few spots right at the cliffs that are big enough for a small tent or hammocks and have better views, but are a bit breezier. The boulder cliffs are an awesome place to hang out at sunset or for stargazing, just remember to keep a headlamp on you! The next day, backtrack the quarter mile and continue on the Pinhoti back towards Cheaha State Park. Several rocky outcroppings provide some good views along the way.
Not far from Cheaha State park is Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area. This 17-acre lake is tucked into a pastoral valley of peacefulness. Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area offers sanitary facilities, hiking, picnicking, fishing and the Chinnabee Silent Trail connects the campground to Cheaha Wilderness. Lake Chinnabee is an ideal spot to enjoy nature for daytime recreation.
Dispersed backcountry sites
Bohamia is a 268 acre private forest retreat surrounded by 400,000 acres of the Talladega National Forest. You'll feel like a world away even though you are about an hour's drive from Birmingham and Atlanta.
Booking options include temperature controlled Glamping cabins with queen size beds and private decks, RV sites, and camp sites around the property. Gorgeous bathhouse (seriously) with private restrooms and endless hot showers.
Bohamia is best explored on foot or bicycle (or kayak in the case of our five acre spring fed pond and nearby Talladega Lake). We have miles of marked trails and many unmarked trails for adventurous types. We also have marked trail access to off property gems like Talladega Creek and the Blue Hole waterfall and swimming area.
All sites allow at least one vehicle to park nearby unless otherwise noted. In many cases you can have two vehicles by your site, or can park in group areas nearby when not loading or unloading.
$25 - $99 / night
Guide
Cheaha was such a pleasant surprise. More like a resort, this park had tent camping, RV camping, a pool, a lake, cabins, a playground, and a restaurant with a view. We had a little trouble with the upper tent sites not being level because we have a roof top tent, but we were able to switch our site to one that was more level without much hassle. The views were just amazing, and it was lovely to have access to a pool.
Legend
I had read about the mill and covered bridge, and we had planned to visit after leaving Cheaha State Park but we didn’t know there was also a campground. I looked for someone to talk with but did not see anyone out and about at 10 am on a Sunday (even though the park was open and many of the sites were occupied). The park itself is open Wednesday – Sunday, 9 am – 5 pm (although the website says 10 am). The admission price for the park listed on the website was $3 but had increased to $5 per person (payment is on the honor system if not staffed). I called later to find out if the camping rates had also increased and yes, they had. There is a choice of primitive tent camping ($15), tent sites with lights ($15), or camper pads ($30); the camper pads are FHU. The sites all appeared to be level and many of them (primarily the tent sites) are on or close to the river.
The restrooms were dimly lit and not the best but doable.
Canoe rentals are available (assuming only on days when the park is open) for half days: $5/hour, $15/half day, or $25 for a full day. The entrance sign also advertises disc golf.
Note that there are railroad tracks running through the park, but no trains went by when we visited so not sure how active they are (given our track record with trains and campgrounds, likely one would go thundering through at 3 am!)
Even though we visited when the park was supposedly open, I could not find anyone to talk to so this review is based on my observations and a follow-up phone call.
GuideBeen tent camping here since 1997 and it continues to get better every visit!
Traveler
Went tent camping at the pioneer campsite - for larger groups (35-40) but smaller groups can reserve too - we only had 4 people. Pioneer is up the hill from the main Rv campground and there is a little trail you can drive up - a car can make it but recommend a truck. Pioneer is spacious and all to yourself. Main campground is pretty close together but you can tent camp there too. Played putt putt and walked the trails - clean campground with nice staff/host.
TravelerHad a great time we primitive tent camped toilets where very clean non drinking pump close by. Will be back soon
Scout
we stayed in a tent site in dec '22'' , the sites are very close together and the tent site we were on hardly had enough space for our 3 person backpacking tent . there are fire pits, grills, and tables available on each site as well as water . we appreciated the security gate and extremely clean and heated bathhouses with showers . the park has a nice playground and a pool we were unable to try during the winter months . the campground is very close to town and as so expect alot of noise from traffic
Scout
I love the separate tent & RV campsites. The tent sites are decent size and there is some wooded space between each one so it felt quiet and semi-private. The only downfall was that we had to move a lot of golfball-size rocks out of the way to set up our tent, and we inevitably missed a few, but otherwise it was great! The bathrooms were pretty clean and there is even a laundry facility. The tent sites have electricity, too. My kids enjoyed biking around the camping loop and we did some geocaching. For the price ($15/night), this is a pretty great place to camp.
Guidehas clean bathrooms (showers, toilets, water), wonderful hiking trails, RV and tent sites, nice park store, excellent park hotel, beautiful views
RangerThe highest point in Alabama, this park has some stunning views, especially from the Pulpit Rock trail (an easy—except for the first steep decline—and relatively short hike from the road). We stayed in the hotel, which was fine for the cost (but did lose electricity for several hours). The campground was quiet in mid-December, but the sites on the outer ring looked pleasant. Would definitely love to come tent camping here again in the fall or spring.
RangerMy husband and I tent camped at Cheaha State Park in February,2019 as part of our quest to hike the highest point in every state. This park is probably much better for those not tent camping. First the store and staff are AWESOME! We had to change our stay to one night vs two due to the upcoming storm, no, problem. The hiking trails are great and the views are awesome. I think we were the only tent campers in the park. The actual site had no level ground to pitch our tent, we even tried a separate site since we were the only ones there, but no luck. The bathrooms had no shower, otherwise nice. The highest point is actually in the park, so it wasn’t much of a hike, but there is a nice tower and a museum that has much of the history of CCC. There are Pavillions and a restaurant on site. We couldn’t decide between 3 and 4 stars, but for tent campers we chose 3 due to reasons stated.
Traveler
Did some tent camping brought my inflatable fishing boat fish the river caught about eight bluegill and a couple Bass campsite has a fire pit and a grill and the bathroom is fairly close a wonderful experience will be doing this again real soon
GuideFriendly neighbors, nice comfort station with bathrooms, showers, laundry and a little free library. Lots of level tent sites next to pavilions with playground equipment. Very calm and quiet park ❤️
GuideRV and tent sites, pool, clean bathrooms (running water, showers, toilets), close to gas stations, food, and a dollar general smaller sized campround. the falls makes it worth the stay. easy gravel walking/biking trails. Trails around and beneath the falls.
Legend
This is a really great option super close to the racetrack. The facilities are really nice and the staff takes great care of the space. They even have a dog run to let your pets run around. I don't know if it would be my first choice if I were tent camping but with an RV it is a wonderful place to stay.
TravelerNice big spaced out spots, that offer full hook ups. Friendly staff, good hiking trails, creeks for kids to play in. Pull through and back in paved sites. They also offer tent sites.
Cons - have to call to book, weekend campers destroyed bathhouses, and lack of cleaning crew
Legend
This is a classic RV campground that is along the Coosa River and provides easy access for launching a boat. Although they don't allow tent camping they have nice amenities for those traveling in an RV or other campervan. Overall, the rates are very reasonable and the location is great. There is not a lot of privacy but it is an ok trade for having such easy access to I20.
Traveler
Great property and campground. A few RV sites, tent sites and all setup with privacy. Lots of land to explore and run around. About 45 minutes from Cheaha State Park which is very beautiful with lots of hiking and biking to do. John the host is very accommodating and takes great pride in this gem of a campground he has. We will be back!
Guide
Well maintained clean campground. Trails close by, beautiful creek runs through although not all sites have access because of high banks. Clean bath house but no power at sites. Large sites if you have a group (reservations for groups of 20 or more other wise first come first serve. Used mostly by bike riders on the trail. We tent camped but travel trailers are welcome and plenty of room. We have Verizon phones and service is there but weak.
TravelerWe are staying for Memorial Day weekend. It’s our first time here and it’s really not that bad! Easier to navigate in my opinion that others say. Staff is really nice and welcoming. The sites are a little tighter than most places. Especially in the RV section. We are tent camping and have plenty of room. Make sure you find the trail to get down to the falls. It’s a tough one but it’s one of the easier ones I’ve been on. Well worth it.
Legend
This is a really great place to rock climb! They have RV hookups, tent camping and primitive camping! I reccomend to try and camp under an overhang! It's just really cool. There's also a really easy climb to overlook Weiss Lake! We were literally among the clouds! The park also offers a bath house which was very clean and even heated in the winter! There is a really nice park and pavillion with picnic tables too that the kids played in and we had lunch!
Traveler
First time here. Clean camp, clean restrooms, great scenery. Main two loops are really for campers/RVs and are really close together with little privacy but have water and electricity. We ended up checking out the “overflow” area - didnt know it existed - and those campsites are more primitive, no water or electricity but have fire rings and pea gravel. Overflow is more spacious and private. Our spot was right above the lake. Main two loops are $16 and overflow is $6. The overflow is on the right as you pull in the campground - some people had campers up there but definitely the spot if you are tent camping. Had a great time, will return!
GuideCheaha State Park is located south of I-20 close to Oxford& Anniston, Alabama. Its in one of the highest areas of the state and the towing incline to get there proves it. If your truck is struggling to tow your camper, this might not be the place for you.
We were here over Easter weekend during the COVID-19 shut down. I was surprised by the number of campers over the weekend with some even tent camping. This park has it all. Nice sites with full hook-ups. What looked like a clean, new bath house, although I didn't use it. Lots of hiking trails, some of which are strenuous. And talk about the scenery! You really are rewarded with stunning cliff side panorama views of the area.
If you're not into camping, this park also has multiple cottages for rent that looked really nice. There is also a lodge, restaurant, and a swimming pool with a view. Many things were closed due to the virus, but it looks like it is a great place when things are open. Since it's a short drive from the Atlanta area, I know we'll be back.
Traveler
We parked our 22ft travel trailer at site 30 which was bounded to the north and east by the tent camping area. There was heavy storms for several days before our arrival which is why there are no tent campers in our photo. We had the whole tent area to play games in. While the RV sites aren't very private, there is plenty of space to escape your neighbor. The nice gurgling stream (Big Cedar Creek) bounds the campground to the east and is a nice walk through a mowed/maintained field. The edge of the stream was nicely shaded with multiple picnic tables for everyone's use. Due to the bad weather, we missed out on the haunted woods that the campground staff setup, but it did look like they put a lot of effort into the Halloween festivities. Unfortunately, we also missed out on the little RV/Camping Store which looked to be really well stocked.
We will definitely return if/when we're in that area again.
TravelerWe have camped at Cherokee Rock Village twice now in the past year. We fell in love with this mountain top park. It's only $5 for parking and a $5 fee for a tent campsite. The first time we camped REI was hosting a rock climbing event. The campgrounds were packed with friendly climbers. The second time we went we had the entire campground to ourselves. It was very quiet, but there were some late night kids partying at the nearby playground for a short time. Didn't ruin our trip though!
There are clean restrooms with showers and plenty of beautiful views a short hike away.
We love this place and will return often for a camping getaway!
TravelerI took my 6 and 8 year old girls, tent camped 2 nights. We had a great trip. This is a great place for kids to hike/climb/ explore. My kids are accustomed to 6+ hrs in the heat everyday, so it wasn’t an issue. Nice and cool/breezy at night this time of year. The park has a close bathhouse with attached dishwash station and they have a drinking water tap right in the middle of the campsites. Be aware of you go on the weekend you may encounter groups that do not observe quiet hours. I do not recall being near campers that loud + music in my 30 years of camping/ backpacking, but I still do not regret going. Just looking forward to getting some sleep tonight back home. Did not climb this trip- needed another adult- but would definitely go back to do so. Climbing was clearly the biggest draw and the views from our campsite were amazing. Camp store staff were helpful and answered all my questions when I called prior to the trip.
Legend
This is a small RV and tent campground at the start of the Chief Ladiga trail bike path. The trail itself goes all the way to the Georgia line and is an incredible and well-maintained bike path. The campground itself is nice and clean but nothing special. It is right alongside the main road and provides little to no privacy. You basically drive up and park in one of the designated areas along a small gravel loop and the whole area looks just like a grassy field. The city does keep the park very clean though the bathrooms could use some renovations (and better ventilation). Overall, it works as an overnight spot before starting the trail if you want to get an early start but nothing to write home about. One important thing to note is that the park does not have full time staff so you will need to call and reserve ahead to get a code that let's you in the gate.
GuideFor tents: Sites vary. There is adequate space between them. Some have electric some don’t. Some have rock beds, some have grass beds (but there are hidden big rocks in the grass making it hard to find a good smooth spot). The sites for tents are very close to the road (except for the ones near the bath house! I’m getting one of those next time! 5,6). Decent little slide for kids and some awesome rocks for kids to climb (5 yrs and up or good climbers). Pretty quiet. We drove up (or down?!) to the lake and my oh my was it gorgeous!!!!!!!! Bring soap for hand washing in bathroom.
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.
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.
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