Camping near Talladega National Forest

Talladega National Forest has several good camping options across its Alabama woodlands. Cheaha State Park sits at the state's highest elevation point with great views and a mix of basic and more developed sites. Turnipseed Campground keeps things simple with minimal facilities and good trail access nearby. Wind Creek State Park Campground along Lake Martin works well for fishing trips and has better facilities including showers and restrooms. The Pinhoti Trail runs through much of the forest and connects with other paths in the area. The forest looks particularly nice in fall when leaves change color. You should book ahead during busy times since popular sites fill up quickly. Weather can change suddenly here, so check forecasts before you go. The camping areas range from hilly spots to flatter terrain depending on what section you're in. You can find both quiet, tucked-away campsites and more social camping areas throughout the forest. Some campgrounds are far from stores, so bring what you need. Follow Leave No Trace practices when camping here. The forest has lots of plants and wildlife to see while camping in this part of Alabama.

Best Camping Sites Near Talladega National Forest (119)

    1. Upper Improved Campground — Cheaha State Park

    90 Reviews
    Oxford, AL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 488-5115

    "and the feel of the park - it feels like step back in time to when a summer campout was a step away from civilization."

    "The kids love hiking around Alabama’s highest peak! There is a lake at the base of the mountain that stays busy in summer but it’s not terribly crowded."

    2. Turnipseed Campground

    16 Reviews
    Munford, AL
    13 miles
    Website

    "First off it is in the Talladega National forest and close to some incredible hiking and views."

    "We are the only 1s up here for the time being but there's some good walking trails that we hiked on was easy to make a hot meal with the fire ring was able to eat in peace saw some wildlife but not to"

    3. Cheaha Falls Campground

    10 Reviews
    Munford, AL
    13 miles
    Website

    "This campsite is made up of multiple small campsites all around the falls near the trail. There are additional more private spaces further off the trail but I cover those in a different review."

    "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!"

    4. Bohamia

    4 Reviews
    Talladega National Forest, AL
    2 miles
    Website

    $25 - $99 / night

    "The bath house was just finished and although there were no hammock sites as of yet, Leigh drove  us around the campground and to help us locate the best spot.  "

    "Plenty of beautiful views, hiking trails, and fun to be had. The managers are great and very responsive. Super helpful and have big plans for their campground."

    5. Pinhoti Trail Backcountry Campground — Cheaha State Park

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

    "The spot is located about 20-30 min away from the trail head/parking lot. It has a very well built rock fire pit which would work great for large groups that wanted to cook or just sit around a fire."

    "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."

    6. McDill Point Backcountry — Cheaha State Park

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

    "Be sure to check out the crashed plane on the way up which you find just off the trail about a quarter mile before the site. This site is a must see if you ever are camping in Alabama!"

    "When you hit a fork in the road take a left and continue following the trail."

    7. Oak Mountain State Park Campground

    94 Reviews
    Hoover, AL
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (205) 620-2520

    "It is located only about 20-40 min outside downtown. Oak Mountain has several of options of things to do away from just camping and hiking (which of course are also great to do here)."

    "Oak Mountain State Park is Alabama’s largest state park. Located just outside of Birmingham, it’s easy to escape to nature without being too far off the beaten path. This park is HUGE!"

    8. GrandStand RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Munford, AL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (205) 505-2374

    $40 - $45 / night

    "This is great as a stopover - very close to highway 20 and multiple gas stations. I'm not a big Nascar guy, but its literally right next to Talledega Speedway, so ideal for racedays as well."

    "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."

    9. Talladega National Forest Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area

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

    "We ended up parking at the gate and walking down the road a mile where we met up with friends who had hiked in from a different area."

    "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."

    10. Choccolocco Creek Campground

    3 Reviews
    Munford, AL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 589-6933

    $20 - $35 / night

    "Stayed here in a Popup with bunch of friends Nov 14 2020 had a big Campfire in the secluded Campfire area next to the campsite - Walked down to the Beautiful Creek Lot and Kayaked for a while in the Creek"

    "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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 119 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Talladega National Forest

552 Reviews of 119 Talladega National Forest Campgrounds



Guide to Talladega National Forest

Camping near Talladega National Forest, Alabama, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell reception. A camper at Upper Improved Campground — Cheaha State Park noted, “No Verizon signal at all couldn’t even make a call.”
  • Primitive Camping: Some campgrounds, like Turnipseed Campground, offer a more rustic experience with no electric hookups or running water. A reviewer mentioned, “Pack some water and head out.”
  • Crowded on Weekends: Expect busier campgrounds during weekends. A visitor at Cheaha Falls Campground shared, “These sites are less secluded and can often be more crowded.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and planned activities. A family at Wind Creek State Park Campground enjoyed, “Archery, fishing, playgrounds, hiking and so much fun!”
  • Safety First: Always check the weather before heading out. A camper at Upper Improved Campground — Cheaha State Park warned about thick fog during rainy conditions.
  • Pack Essentials: Bring along everything you might need, as some campgrounds have limited stores. A visitor at Pine Glen Recreation Area noted, “No potable water, no electricity.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Greensport RV Park and Campground mentioned, “A bit too close together for my liking but the facilities and staff are top notch.”
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds have limited maneuvering space. A visitor at Scenic Drive RV Park and Campground said, “Easy to get in. Nothing fancy.”
  • Plan for Power Needs: Check if your campground has the necessary hookups. A camper at Lakeside Landing RV Park & Marina noted issues with “frequent brown outs on power.”

Camping near Talladega National Forest, Alabama, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. With a little planning and the right campground, you can have a memorable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Talladega National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, Talladega National Forest offers a wide range of camping options, with 119 campgrounds and RV parks near Talladega National Forest and 19 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Talladega National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Talladega National Forest is Upper Improved Campground — Cheaha State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 90 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Talladega National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 free dispersed camping spots near Talladega National Forest.

What parks are near Talladega National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Talladega National Forest that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.