B
Ben W.
Traveler
TravelerCheaha Falls Private Backcountry Campsite
I’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.
Tent Camping near Jacksons' Gap, AL
2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Search destinations
Add dates
Tent camping options near Jacksons' Gap, Alabama range from established campgrounds to backcountry sites across the surrounding forests and parklands. Several tent-only areas can be found within driving distance, including Star Point Reserve with its walk-in tent sites and Turnipseed Campground located in Talladega National Forest, which operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a self-pay honor system.
Most primitive tent campgrounds in the area have basic amenities with fire rings and cleared tent pads, but limited services overall. Hollins Hunting Camp offers tent-friendly terrain with pine needle-covered grounds that provide comfortable sleeping surfaces in some areas. The terrain varies significantly, with some sites requiring short hikes to access while others allow vehicle access nearby. Water availability is inconsistent throughout the region, particularly at backcountry sites along the Pinhoti Trail, where campers should carry all necessary water. Seasonal considerations are important, as spring offers flowing water sources and wildflowers while summer months can be hot and humid.
Tent campsites along the Skyway Loop and Pinhoti Trail provide scenic views and varying degrees of privacy. The backcountry sites along ridgelines offer particular appeal to tent campers seeking solitude, though accessibility requires preparation. Several locations feature established fire pits and flat spaces large enough for 1-2 tents or hammock setups. The Weogufka State Forest area provides free primitive tent camping with opportunities for hiking on well-maintained trails. A camper observed that "open areas have tall grass, but some have enough pine trees the pine needles make for better ground camping." For group tent camping, the intersection of Pinhoti and Skyway Loop trails offers one of the largest campsite areas in the region, accommodating multiple tents with several fire pits and relatively reliable water access during wet seasons.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Jacksons' Gap (29)
1. Wind Creek State Park Campground
"Clean campsites with power and water and fire rings, near by bait store that sells a lot more than just bait. The park rangers and staff are here help and friendly."
"Tent camping with family during Hurricane evacuation. Beautiful park, numerous bath houses, laundry, camp store, playgrounds, mini golf, and so much more."
345 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
2. Chewacla State Park Campground
"Sewage is nicely placed in a low spot so you won't need a hose lifter (a rarity in our experience). Out spot is across from the bath house, but also the dump station."
"Chewacla was a favorite to visit for a few hours a a local college student and now it’s an excellent location to take the family on an RV trip."
6 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
3. Star Point Reserve
Check Availabilityfrom $30 - $60 / night
4. Hollins Hunting Camp
"I got in around 8 and there were only a couple people here, lots of space and easy to find a private spot. Hardly any bugs, no amenities"
5. Turnipseed Campground
"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."
6. Cheaha Falls Campground
"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!"
7. Weogufka State Forest Flagg Mtn
"This is a review for the backpacking shelter located along the Pinhoti trail in Weogufka State Forest."
"Access to southern terminus of the Pinhoti Trail. CCC tower and cabins from 1930’s."
8. Hideaway Cove
Check Availabilityfrom $35 - $50 / night
9. Bohamia
"Stayed a few nights at the top end of the primitive sites by the pond. Very nice and well kept campground!!"
"Services are great some cabins and tents having ACs, but primitive camping allowed as well. Great showers and bathhouse with filtered drinking water option that I used daily."
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $99 / night
10. Pinhoti Trail Backcountry Campground — Cheaha State Park
"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."
Drive Time
- 27 min from Auburn, AL
- 1 hr 3 min from Montgomery, AL
- 1 hr 14 min from Columbus, GA
- 1 hr 22 min from Anniston, AL
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Jacksons' Gap, AL
44 Photos of 29 Jacksons' Gap Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Wind Creek State Park Campground
Chewacla State Park Campground
Weogufka State Forest Flagg Mtnm
Parksland Retreat - Clothing Optional
BohamiaM
Turnipseed Campground
Cheaha Falls Campground
Cheaha Falls Private Backcountry Campsite
McDill Point Backcountry — Cheaha State Park
Talladega National Forest Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area
Pinhoti Trail Backcountry Campground — Cheaha State Park
Tent Camping Reviews near Jacksons' Gap, AL
431 Reviews of 29 Jacksons' Gap Campgrounds
- L
Larry M.
ScoutBohamia
This is the kind of place that I wish I could find more often. I got lucky this time.
Phillip F.TravelerBohamia
Mini wonderland
Stayed 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.
Hello K.ScoutYellowHammer RV Campground
Significant Upgrade from a rest area
This immaculate campground/manufactured home seller is easy off I65 and easy back on. Has laundry, playground, dog park, showers, restrooms, tv lounge vending machines, wifi, AND FULLhookup. Enjoyed one night.
Would definitely stay again.
Birdy B.ScoutUpper Improved Campground — Cheaha State Park
Enjoyable Stay
Stayed 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.
Nancy W.
LegendR. Shaefer Heard Campground
Nice COE Campground
This 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.
Phillip H.
GuideUpper Improved Campground — Cheaha State Park
Highest Point high marks
Bathhouses 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.
Rusty R.GuideAuburn RV Park at Leisure Time Campground
Great Faciliites
A little hard to find but the facilities are very clean and the spots are well laid out. The pool is part of a water park which is only open seasonally, so check the dates if you are wanting to take a dip
Marvin L.GuideCheaha Falls Shelter
Great time in the rocks
Great place for bouldering and repealing. The trails rock filled hiking trails all levels
Guide to Jacksons' Gap
Tent camping opportunities around Jacksons' Gap, Alabama range across various elevation zones from 600 to 2,400 feet. The region features mixed pine and hardwood forests with moderate humidity and temperatures that can reach 90°F in summer months. Most tent-friendly areas remain accessible year-round, though winter temperatures can drop below freezing between November and February.
What to do
Mountain biking opportunities: Cheaha Falls Campground connects to trails suitable for riders of various skill levels. A visitor noted there's "mountain biking and hiking trails, along with a lake to swim, fish and paddle in; and a pool if you are a overnight visitor."
Hiking on maintained trails: Explore routes that connect campgrounds with scenic overlooks. At Weogufka State Forest Flagg Mtn, campers can access "the southern terminus of the Pinhoti Trail and is a great overnight option."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer the best chances to spot local wildlife. One camper at Turnipseed Campground mentioned they "saw some snakes, evidence of bear" while exploring nearby areas during spring months.
What campers like
Budget-friendly options: Multiple sites offer affordable camping without reservation requirements. A visitor to Turnipseed Campground shared it's "a whopping $5 a night the best bang for your buck I've seen yet!!!"
Privacy and spacing: Campgrounds in the region typically provide good separation between sites. At Turnipseed, a camper observed "each site is spaced a good distance from the other" making it "very peaceful and quite and relaxing."
Star observation: Clear nights provide excellent celestial viewing opportunities away from light pollution. A camper at Hollins Hunting Camp mentioned the site is "open to sky (took awesome star pics here)" due to minimal tree coverage in certain areas.
What you should know
Water availability: Many backcountry sites require carrying in all water needs. At McDill Point Backcountry, a ranger advises to "make sure to carry in water though since there are no good streams nearby to get water from."
Trail conditions: Some routes require navigation skills and preparation. One hiker mentioned that at McDill Point "the trail to McDill Point was rocky, but clear, well marked, offering several scenic mile."
Terrain variations: Sites range from open grassy areas to pine-needle covered grounds. At Hollins Hunting Camp, a camper reported "open areas have tall grass a but, but some have enough pine trees the pine needles make for better ground camping."
Reservation systems: Most sites operate on first-come basis with self-pay systems. A visitor to Turnipseed noted "it's very nice to just drop five dollars in a box and go camp there are no attendants here."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible camping options: Some sites offer easier access for children and gear. Bohamia receives praise for its family-friendly amenities: "Services are great some cabins and tents having ACs, but primitive camping allowed as well. Great showers and bathhouse with filtered drinking water option."
Educational activities: Look for ranger-led programs during summer months. At Cheaha Falls Campground, "the staff hosted several educational activities and were extremely helpful and informative."
Swimming locations: Natural water features provide cooling options during hot months. A visitor mentioned Bohamia has "water areas are fun and safe, lots of privacy and plenty of room to explore."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Most primitive sites can only accommodate small camping vehicles. A camper at Turnipseed warned, "I would not recommend this campground to anyone in a large RV," and another specified it's "best for tent and van camping. Maybe a tiny RV."
Ground conditions: Check recent weather before arrival as some access roads require appropriate vehicles. At Hollins Hunting Camp, one visitor advised, "Overlanders (w/rtt) will be the most happy" and reminded campers to be "mindful of turn around spots" when parking.
Alternative accommodations: For those wanting tent camping comfort without roughing it completely, one camper at Cheaha Falls mentioned "we stayed at the lower improved campground and enjoyed it. The RV next to us said the upper improved campground is even nicer."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Jacksons' Gap, AL?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Jacksons' Gap, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Jacksons' Gap, AL is Wind Creek State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 47 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Jacksons' Gap, AL?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Jacksons' Gap, AL?
TheDyrt.com has all 29 tent camping locations near Jacksons' Gap, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring