Best Glamping near Talladega, AL

We stayed in the recently renovated upper campground loop on site S7. Our friends stayed on site S9. We were basically on a little island and it was perfect for 2 sites camping together. The bath house was a short 2 minute walk. The bathhouse is brand new and very nice. The showers are separate from the toilet area. They (4) showers are all private, which is nice. 

All of the parking pads, fire pits and tables have been upgraded and freshened up. A handful of the sites where very small and extremely out in the open. For example, site 14 is basically the bathouse parking lot. All of the sites on the outer loop were the best in my opinion.

The campground is more secure than most as you have to have a key code to get through the gate to enter the park. You also have to have another key code to get into the campground. 

The camp store had everything that you could possibly need if you forget something, including bundles of wood. The lodge was great for dinner if you want to have someone else do it for you. We always like to eat out the first night we are setting up camp. The buffet was delicious. 

We love to hike when we camp. We actually choose our campgrounds based on the level of hiking that is around it. Cheaha and the Talladega National Forrest did not dissapoint. We were able to get in 5 different trails, including 2 waterfalls, during our weekend stay. 

The only disappointment was the lack of cell service. We were on top of a mountain with towers all around, but we would only get 1 bar of service every now and then when the wind would blow just right and we were standing in the perfect spot. They are supposed to be offering wifi soon.

We stayed in the Lower Improved Campground - the campground itself has been renovated in the last few years, so the amenities are relatively new and updated. Power, water, and sewer (for those in RV's). The campground was clean and well patrolled by park staff. Note to tent campers like us: some of the sites are more intended for RV's, and the pads are extremely compacted, making it very difficult to drive stakes. 

The real charm here is the remoteness and the feel of the park - it feels like step back in time to when a summer campout was a step away from civilization. While the park expects to add wifi in the future, you won't find it here (or anywhere close) at the moment. Cell phone coverage is fairly spotty. The park is surrounded on all sides by the Talladega National Forest and the Cheaha Wilderness, with easy access to a multitude of hiking and biking trails. Several waterfalls can also be accessed, making for a fun day on the trail coupled with a nice swim! (Note - NFS sites are closed at the time of this review, so some of the trails have limited access or significantly longer hikes than usual to see the waterfalls).

The lake area by the lower campground is perfect for the summer. fishing, swimming, and paddle boating in a mountain setting - just like the summer camps of old!! Makes for a fantastic time. 

the main park on top of the mountain includes additional campgrounds as well as a restaurant, deck, pool, and hotel that overlook the mountain. Also are several cabins, chalets and other park structures originally built in the 1930's by the CCC. Most are in remarkable shape and lend a rustic and timeless feel to the place. 

Several trails lead to scenic overlooks, with varying degrees of difficulty. Heads up - the topography is STEEP, especially the Lake Trail. Particularly to note here - there is an ADA compliant boardwalk leading to the Bald Rock overlook, so the views are accessible to all. A great addition from my younger years!

All in all - a good place to get away in the mountains for a few days!

Cheaha State Park is a absolute must visit if you're living in Alabama or visiting. I finally had the opportunity to explore the highest point in Alabama and the beginning on the Pinhoti Trail, which connects Alabama to the Appalachin Trail. However, I am going to describe my hiking and camping experience on the Rock Garden Trail. The trail can be done at the bottom of the mountain or from the top. I started from the top and enjoyed some beautiful views. There were places were I could repel and places where I can set up my hammock and enjoy the beautiful Alabama sunset. This experience has been one of my best thus far since I have not hiked outside of the south eastern area of the country, it was hot during the day, but very cool during the night which allowed me to sleep spectacular. The hike was difficult in areas because there were parts that were straight incline going up the mountain. I would definitely go back.

This campground is located at the highest point in Alabama. You are surrounded by beauty with plenty of opportunities for hiking. The sites are not crowded and very quiet. You can sit and enjoy looking at the stars and listening to the sounds of nature.

Bugspray and a screen tent are a plus because Alabama grows an abundance of mosquitoes. Headlamps or flashlights are a necessity because the ground is not level and has many toe catchers. The area for the camper or tent is fairly level and has well placed water and electricity hookups.

The Mountain Laurel was in bloom and was breathtakingly beautiful. Well worth the trip. The store was well stocked

I have hiked the back country here and lots of good sites with adequate water make it a good backpacking adventure for beginners. The lodge is good for a meal when you are done and some amazing north Alabama views

We just spent some time at several of Alabama’s state parks. This is by far the best state park that we went to. I can’t wait to go back!

This area has so many hiking trails. Trails and waterfalls. This park is the highest point in Alabama. We went MLK weekend it was busy but by Monday we had the campground to ourselves for 4 days. Great trails and waterfalls. Trails are easy to difficult. Bathrooms and showers are separate which was kind of nice to have a whole single room for each shower. Camp store was well stocked. Nearest store was 30-45 min away. Park has a lodge, restaurant, cabins, and a motel. We stayed in upper campground but there is a lower campground closer to the small lake. Alabama is finally putting money back into the parks and remodeling and improving areas. Camp sites are open and some are rocky. The views at the park are amazing!!! This is one of my favorite places!!

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. The laundry facilities need to be updated - located just outside of the park and in a sort of scary one room shack...

State park. Very pretty and lots of trees. Camp with all amenities (a bit pricey) or with no hook ups. Lots to do. Family oriented. Lots of trees and lots of waterfront lots on the shores of one of Alabamas most beautiful lakes.

Highest point in Alabama...and a beautiful place. Great , well marked trails and maps available at the ranger station. Handicap access all over the park and awesome amenities. The restraunt has a breath-taking view, and a very romantic atmosphere. I have been visiting this park for 16 years! I plan to continue many more years and share this place with my son like my dad shared with me!

Camped in the upper primitive site while mountain biking at nearby Coldwater Mountain. Good campsite with great views. Good separation between sites, but the are very close to the road. Only complaint, site (#124) was on a decent slope and spots flat enough for tents were almost in the road. However, great spot in Alabama to camp. Very convenient to the great mountain bike trails in Anniston (http://neaba.net/home.html).

This is a great campsite for anyone who wants to check out this amazing peak but doesn’t have an interest in backpacking. They have many options including cabins and villas as well as RV sites and tent only. There are also several trails that leave right from the campground and some easy walks to beautiful views. This is definitely one of the most beautiful places in Alabama and one of my favorite to visit.

So this is one of my favorite places in all of Alabama to go camping. 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. 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. The tent and RV campgrounds that are maintained in the park are also a great option to stay and set you up to take awesome day hikes to some of the many peaks in the area. My favorite and one I would highly suggest is McDill's point. Overall if you have the time to spend a few days in this area I would suggest putting it at the top of your list.

Oak Mountain has plenty of activities for everyone including a demonstration farm, horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, swimming and fishing. The campground is conveniently located to the lake with it's own beach area. There is also a pier to fish or swim from. Our campsite had a major ant problem and the bathhouse was subpar. Still Oak Mountain is my favorite Alabama state park thus far

The 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.

We arrived in March 2019 to be some of the first campers at the newly renovated Lower Campground. If the views are this good her, I cannot imagine what they will be like when the finish the Upper Campground. All sites level and clean. Most have gravel, some have concrete pads. Bathhouse was sparkling clean and well done. Staff was amazing and the ranger stopped by several times to check on us and get feedback. Wonderful, well managed park. Would hope all Alabama Parks are managed as well.

Oak mountain state park has been a favorite of mine since I was a child. There's so much to do; and its always growing. It's the largest state park in Alabama. Theres lakes, waterfalls, nature trails, basket ball court, volley ball, a petting zoo, horses back riding, water sports, dirt bikes trails, BMX course, archery, cabins, primitive camping and rv's , a beach, a wildlife rescue center and so much more. If you're in the area do yourself a favor and check it out.

We stayed in the upper campgrounds at site 66, which was just a short walk from the pool and restaurant. Be careful walking back from watching the sunset at the overlook, it's easy to get turned around. The site was on an incline, so we basically tent surfed all night. 

The sunset AND moon rise are unbeatable for Alabama. The pinhoti runs through. The camp store is pretty cute, stocked with the usual camp store fare. The burgers at the restaurant are some of the best we've had. The pool is small, but wasn't crowded, even in July.

Oak Mountain is a great camping spot for people that want to have a quick escape from the city of Birmingham. 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). The roads offer a great opportunity for a nice long bike ride. There is a huge lake which is perfect for swimming and family picnics, especially on a hot and humid Alabama summer day. We had a fantastic time camping at Oak Mountain and will definitely be back!

Home of Alabama's highest point, this state park offers great camping and hiking. Sitting at 2,407 feet, Cheaha Mountain is a great spot to get some nice views of Dixie Land. As a kid growing up in the state, we used to camp here each fall with our extended family.

The park offers a variety of camping options from campgrounds (primitive and improved), to cabins and chalets and even a hotel. So this park really has something for everyone. Some sites in the improved campground have hookups, but not all of them do so be sure to reserve the appropriate spot for your needs. There are nice bathroom facilities in both improved campgrounds that are well maintained.

The hiking here really is top notch and this location is great for exploring the area. In just under an hour you can Explore DeSoto Caverns as well as Little River Canyon National Preserve. For more info check out: https://www.nps.gov/liri/index.htm

What an amazing campground! Alabama knocked this one out of the park. From the first time you enter the park, which isn’t too far from BHam or the interstate, you’re transported to a different place where things move much more slowly just the way we like it. The campground is a 5 mile ride from the main entrance. A beautiful winding road takes you all the way, deep into the property. If you’re lucky, you will see plenty of wildlife (we saw 7 deer and one rabbit). The campsites are very spacious, we stayed in site A30 which was great! But if you want a view, try A26 which overlooks the lake. There is a general store on property that even has propane. If you’re active, they offer bike and hiking trails, horse riding, kayak and paddle boat rentals, and a couple of beaches. Don’t wait, book your stay here ASAP!

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! There’s so many things to do here, we plan to return when we have more time to explore!

We saw several hiking trails, a horseback riding area, a golf course, a lake with a beach and swimming area, plus kayak and boats, we also saw some kind of skiing tow rope area! It was really cool, I’d never seen one of those! I read the park is known for mountain biking also, and I noticed a few road bikes in the bike lane driving in.

We originally booked a tent site without electric, but it was blazing hot, so we decided to move to a site with electric so we could have fans in our rooftop tent and ended up in site A06. The site was shaded and there was no one in that area so we had great privacy. Our site backed up to the woods, so it was nice.

The tent (no electric) sites are the best in my opinion. Most are back in the woods and shaded. I don’t believe you can reserve a specific tent site, as they assign you one when you arrive, but there were so many great tent sites, i don’t think it would be a problem unless it was a super busy weekend. Most of the tent sites are walk in also, so if you have a rooftop tent, or car camping, these won’t work.

A loop seemed to have larger, wooded, sites with more privacy. B loop was wide open. The tent sites were great in both loops though.

The restrooms were ancient. They could use some updates, but they were clean and functional, and there were multiple facilities throughout the campground.

There’s a camp store at the check in area, they have the essentials, and they do have ice. The ladies working in there were really nice and helpful too.

Oak Mountain is a great spot to camp, just go when there’s not a heat wave in Alabama, and you have time to explore the park!

Cheaha 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.