Cheaha State Park anchors the camping landscape around Weaver, Alabama, with an elevation of 2,407 feet marking Alabama's highest point. The area spans portions of Talladega National Forest and features multiple watersheds including Shoal Creek. Winter temperatures typically range from 30-50°F while summer months consistently reach 85-95°F with high humidity.
What to Do
Hiking diverse trail systems: Upper Improved Campground offers access to various trail difficulties. "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," notes one visitor. For more challenge, "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."
Swimming in natural areas: Local water features provide cooling options in summer months. At Lake Guntersville, "The camp hosts and staff were very nice! We like to SUP, which was great there," reports a camper. The lake supports various water activities with dedicated swimming areas for families.
Backcountry exploration: Pine Glen Recreation Area connects to extensive wilderness. "Pine Glen is my favorite campground in this region of Alabama... Shoal Creek runs right past the campground, giving a pleasant white noise at night, and it is situated in a glen of pine trees," explains one camper. The area permits primitive camping at $3 per night with vault toilets as the only facility.
What Campers Like
Privacy between sites: At River Rocks Landing, the waterfront sites receive praise for spaciousness. "Beautiful sunset. Great walkways. Chapel onsite water in two sides of campground, pools," notes a reviewer. Though interior sites can be closer together, the riverside spots offer better separation.
Affordable primitive options: Pine Glen provides budget-friendly camping with natural amenities. "Nice place to stay for a night or a week. Not good for large campers. No water or electric. Pit toilets that can get ripe if not emptied in a while. Small creek beside campground," explains a visitor detailing the $3 per night cost with Access Pass discounts available.
Yurt camping accommodation: Timberline Glamping Cheaha offers structured canvas yurts for visitors seeking yurt camping near Weaver, Alabama without tent setup. These accommodate visitors looking for Weaver Alabama yurt options with access to showers and toilets while maintaining closer connection to nature than cabins provide.
What You Should Know
Cell service limitations: Expect connectivity challenges in mountainous areas. "No wifi or cell service; but we loved being disconnected," notes a Cheaha visitor. Pine Glen similarly has "no cell service for AT&T & Verizon - For Verizon, I had 1 bar pop up twice for a few minutes."
Access road conditions: Some sites require navigating unpaved roads. "The drive in is 8 miles in on an unpaved, backcountry road with varying inclines on slippery mixture of clay and gravel through hunting recreation area. We were in a Ford Explorer. Everybody else was in trucks," explains a Pine Glen camper.
Seasonal popularity: Fall foliage draws crowds while winter offers solitude. "For 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)," reports a Cheaha camper describing site variations.
Tips for Camping with Families
Activity diversity for different ages: Bohamia accommodates multiple family needs. "Several hiking trails, but also roads to allow those who prefer to ride. They do offer ice, drink and snack delivery service with QR codes in each area," notes a visitor describing the mixed-use setup. The campground offers both primitive camping and sites with electricity.
Water feature proximity: Locations with swimming options keep children engaged. "Cheaha is beautiful and fit perfect for kids and families! We stayed in the Semi-Primitive space and picked a tent... Walking distance to pool, look-out tower, and one of the picture perfect views at the hotel. Our first excursion was the lake... My kids loved the diving platform."
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds provide nature programs or points of interest. "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," mentions a Cheaha visitor, highlighting supplemental activities beyond hiking.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: At Lake Guntersville State Park Campground, site characteristics vary. "We went to the state park for the weekend. Stayed in the A area which we were told had sewer (it does not but it's very close to the dump station). Spots were average for a state park," reports a camper, noting the importance of verifying hookup claims.
Weather preparedness: The region experiences rapid weather changes. "There are not many trees. Due to tornados in recent years," mentions a Lake Guntersville visitor, highlighting how past storms have removed shade coverage. RVers should prepare for direct sun exposure during summer months with appropriate cooling systems.
Parking pad conditions: Site bases vary between campgrounds. "Most spots are very close together so you don't eat much privacy. Super crowded on the weekends," notes a Lake Guntersville camper, describing weekend congestion. This suggests booking midweek for better spacing and quieter stays.
