Talladega National Forest spans over 392,000 acres across central Alabama, with elevations ranging from 600 to 2,400 feet. The forest contains four major wilderness areas and features rolling hills covered with longleaf pines and hardwoods. Camping options include established campgrounds with full hookups as well as primitive backcountry sites that require hiking several miles from parking areas.
What to do
Hike to waterfalls and swimming holes: Chinnabee Silent Trail leads to several water features including Devils Den Falls. "We love Chinnabee! The short hike to the gorgeous falls is perfect for the kids. While you can continue on for miles if you wish, we prefer to stay at the water and climb the little falls," notes a visitor at Talladega National Forest Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area.
Visit the crashed airplane site: A historic plane crash site can be found near McDill Point. "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," reports a camper who stayed at McDill Point. "Just past McDill, there is a side trail that takes you to debris from a 1972 plane crash site," adds another visitor.
Explore the highest point in Alabama: Cheaha State Park sits at the highest elevation in Alabama and offers numerous viewpoints. "We recently did a one night backpacking trip with 2 close friends where we started at the Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area and hiked to join the Pinhoti trail then headed south before looping back around. There are so many amazing campgrounds along the way and the views you get after climbing onto the ridge are just incredible," shares a visitor at Pinhoti Trail Backcountry Campground.
What campers like
Easy access to water for hot days: Many sites are positioned near water sources that provide relief from summer heat. "This area is one of the highest peaks in Alabama so water can be scarce at certain times of year. Check ahead by calling the ranger station if you will be backpacking and they can let you know if there will be water in the streams. This is particularly a problem in the late winter months," advises a camper at Pinhoti Trail.
Multiple trail difficulty options: The area offers trails for all ability levels. "Hiking in the area is amazing! Recommend starting at Cheaha Trailhead and catch Cave Creek Trail to Pinhoti back to the parking lot... views are amazing," suggests a visitor at Upper Improved Campground — Cheaha State Park.
Primitive campsites with rock fire pits: Several backcountry areas feature established campfire areas. "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! There is an established fire ring, lots of flat places for tents and lots of trees for hammocks," reports a visitor at Cheaha Falls Campground.
What you should know
Water availability varies seasonally: Higher elevation sites often lack water sources. "If you do decide to stay here I highly recommend arriving early and following the stream down to get to the waterfall. You can scrabble along the steep slope and have a wonderful space to set up a hammock, dip your toes, or even go for a swim if the day is hot enough and the water level high," notes a camper at Cheaha Falls.
Cell service is limited in many areas: Don't count on connectivity. "No wifi or cell service; but we loved being disconnected," mentions a camper at Upper Improved Campground.
Advance permits not required for most sites: Walk-in backcountry camping is available. "You can't reserve the sites so you just have to go check in at the camping area the day of and get a site but there are usually several available, even in peak season," explains a visitor at Oak Mountain State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Find campsites near beginner-friendly trails: Several dog-friendly campgrounds in Talladega National Forest offer family-accessible hiking. "The kids love the lake and the pool, and there is an easy walk on a boardwalk with amazing views at the end on days when the kids don't feel like hiking. Right by the lake is a trailhead that leads up to more amazing views. It a fun hike climbing over huge boulders for much of the way. The kids enjoy this too," shares a visitor to Upper Improved Campground.
Look for sites with recreational options: Some campgrounds provide multiple activities beyond hiking. "We are local to Cheaha and go often, year round... the store is very well stocked if we forget anything and right across from the store they have a gem mining area that is also great fun for the children," notes a family who visited Upper Improved Campground.
Check campsite terrain for tent setup: Many sites have uneven ground that can make setting up difficult. "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)," warns a tent camper at Upper Improved Campground.
Tips from RVers
Improved campgrounds offer full hookups: Several pet-friendly Talladega Forest campgrounds accommodate RVs. "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. Had a Great time - Love the Shower house made from a Old Feed Bin," reports a visitor at Choccolocco Creek Campground.
Check site layouts before booking: Some sites may have unusual configurations. "Some of the campground sites are right under street lights (these are pointed out on the campground maps) and a few of the pull-though sites have the road in front of your camper (as opposed to behind) leaving no room to use your awning; the picnic table and fire ring are behind/beside your camper," notes an RVer who stayed at Cheaha Falls.
Consider elevation and weather factors: Temperature variations occur with elevation changes. "You are pretty much going either up hill or downhill while here, not much level ground. The views are just WOW! There is a wooden ADA walkway to one of the overlooks and plenty of challenging trails to check out with more breathtaking views," shares an RVer at Cheaha Falls Campground.
