Best Tent Camping near West Point Lake
Tent campsites around West Point Lake offer a range of primitive and established camping options scattered throughout Alabama and neighboring Georgia. Bush Head Shoals Park, located on the Chattahoochee River, provides six well-maintained tent sites with picnic tables and fire pits on fine gravel plots. Backcountry tent camping opportunities can be found at various locations along the Pinhoti Trail and in the Cheaha State Park area, offering more secluded experiences for those seeking primitive tent setups away from developed facilities.
Most walk-in tent sites require campers to bring their own water supply, as drinking water is limited at primitive locations. Bush Head Shoals Park features vault toilets but no running water or shower facilities, though plans for future construction exist according to visitor reports. Fire pits are common at most sites, particularly at McDill Point Backcountry and along the Pinhoti Trail, where established rock fire rings accommodate evening cooking. Sites typically consist of flat clearings suitable for tents, though some locations like McDill Point offer limited flat terrain better suited for hammock camping. Many areas require permits or licenses, with Joe Kurz Wildlife Management Area specifically requiring a valid Georgia hunting or fishing license for overnight stays.
The tent camping experience varies significantly across locations. Bush Head Shoals Park offers spacious, clean sites with easy access to the Chattahoochee River for kayaking and fishing. Hikers seeking more remote experiences gravitate toward the backcountry sites at McDill Point, which reward the 2-mile uphill trek with panoramic mountain views and sunset vistas. The backcountry tent sites along Skyway Loop and Pinhoti Trail provide variable experiences, from hidden rock-sheltered spots to ridge-top sites with expansive views. According to one visitor, "The sites are well maintained, no power or water, so be prepared. For the price, you won't find a better campground." Trail access is abundant for tent campers, with numerous hiking options connecting the various walk-in tent locations throughout the region.
