3 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Tent campsites around West Point Lake span primitive backcountry spots and developed sites 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.
"Sewage is nicely placed in a low spot so you won't need a hose lifter (a rarity in our experience). Out spot is across from the bath house, but also the dump station."
"Chewacla was a favorite to visit for a few hours a a local college student and now it’s an excellent location to take the family on an RV trip."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when available"Clean campsites with power and water and fire rings, near by bait store that sells a lot more than just bait. The park rangers and staff are here help and friendly."
"Tent camping with family during Hurricane evacuation. Beautiful park, numerous bath houses, laundry, camp store, playgrounds, mini golf, and so much more."
Available next weekend
"They have Ice and firewood available. You just grab it and either venmo Raven or drop money in the drop box. There is a nice hiking trail right across from site 1."
"They have 6 camp sites that all have a picnic table, fire pit and a large fine gravel plot for a tent. All the components are extremely well kept."
from $20 / night
"Pit toilet, no water, critter proof trash cans. First come first serve. Cash box available to pay. We had cell service. Used 10' trailer/ camper. No hookups or running water."
"Only about a dozen sites, most to partial shade (it's in the forest), plenty of downed pine not far. Sites are positioned well and decent for tent or something like a motorcycle camper."
"One of the great backpacking loop within the Cheaha wilderness is the skyway trail and the Cheaha Falls Campground is my favorite place to stay while doing it."
"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!"
"Like many sites along this section of the Pinhoti it is right off the patch and provides a large space to set up your tent with a nice campfire ring in the center."
"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."
"Ahead of my trip to Joe Kurz Wildlife Management Area(WMA), I've gathered crucial details for anyone looking to explore this serene destination."
"Clean and cleared paths. All kinds of animals roaming about."
"The site is pretty primitive and doesn’t have any hookups but it is fairly large and has plenty of space to cook. There are some premade rock fire pits that are perfect for an evening cook out."
"Park at the Cheaha trailhead directly off of highway 281 and there find the beautifully built entry way. Hike in about 1 min then turn right and head up the hill."
GuideWell, another review from Hank and I about three weeks ago in October we stayed at McIntosh reserve in Whitesburg Georgia. We stayed for a week. They have no power, but we have a solar generator and a regular generator they have water Spicket spread out sporadically throughout the park, they do have restrooms and a shower house. Very nice park. Very nice host.
TravelerI’ve camped here multiple times. Great spot near the falls, just a short walk down the ridge. About 100 yards from the creek for water. Big enough for at least 3 hammocks.
ScoutSite is a good size located on the shore of Lake Delano under trees. Great view. Fire ring and picnic table equipped. The temp is still hot and humid but there is a breeze which makes it bearable in the daytime, nights are cooler and comfortable. Plenty to explore with Pine Mountain Trail close by. Would stay here again. This site is water and electric only with dump station at entrance.
ScoutStayed 4 nights at Cheaha State Park in the Upper Improved Campground, using sites 2 and 42. Overall, it was a solid stay with great scenery and convenient access, but a few things kept it from being exceptional. Check-in was easy and straightforward, and the staff were friendly and accommodating. Both sites were easy to access, though not perfectly level, which is worth noting if you’re in a van or RV and don’t carry leveling gear. The sites included full hookups (electric, water, and sewer), along with a fire ring and picnic table, which made setup simple and comfortable. However, the sites are fairly close together, and the campground has a lot of trees and hilly terrain, so privacy is somewhat limited. We had mostly good weather aside from one rainy day, and there were some bugs and flies, especially during warmer parts of the day. The bathhouse had restrooms and showers, but cleanliness was inconsistent and could use more frequent upkeep. On the positive side, the location is the highlight. The park has a camp store at the entrance, plus great overlooks and hiking trails. It’s also a nice area for biking and exploring the mountain scenery. Would I stay again? Yes—but probably with tempered expectations. It’s a beautiful park in a great location, but for the price, the campground experience itself feels just okay rather than outstanding.
LegendThis is a typical park where not all sites are created equal. Some are paved, some are gravel. Some have 50 amp, some are 30-amp. Some are perfectly level and some have really steep grades. Some sites are pull-thru, some are back-in. Some are really long, some are much shorter. The roads in the campground are paved, free of potholes, and fairly easily navigable for big-rigs. All sites are pet-friendly and have water and electric. There are no sewer sites. Campsites 1-27 and 85-106 have 50-amp electric while the others are 30-amp. Some sites (40, 47, 50, 52, 65, 80, 84, 87, 89, 101) are “double-unit” (or buddy) sites which is reflective in the $60/night price. There are bathrooms scattered throughout the campground in each loop but there are only two shower houses in the entire campground. Sites 1-16 are perfectly level as are a few others. Reservations can be made online and the website has pictures and descriptions as well as length of site. The campground is very dark at night with the only lights being at the bathrooms. We love dark campgrounds where the moon and stars are bright. Unfortunately, numerous campers left their lights all night which we find really annoying. Our Verizon phone was very spotty and not reliable. We were able to use our portable Dish satellite to get television. There is a dump station located conveniently on your way out which is quite busy on Sundays at check out.
GuideBathhouses clean but worn. Our site was level but many are not. Construction at the entrance. Road into the park is up and down with curves and some steep grades. WiFi and ATT signal were nonexistent at our site. Hiking was really good.
GuideA little hard to find but the facilities are very clean and the spots are well laid out. The pool is part of a water park which is only open seasonally, so check the dates if you are wanting to take a dip
ScoutI have been to FDR 3 times in the last 3 years and I hope to come more frequently. I came here multiple times over 50 years ago and I find it as enjoyable now as I did then. The check in is always easy. It is quiet there and there is so much to do. The trails are great for hiking. The facilities are always clean.
Georgia state parks are always nice but this is my favorite.
ScoutIf I could give these guys 1/2 a star, I'd go with that. Their applaingly rude behavior truly deserves no stars. Though they advertise as a place that offers month to month business, my husband and I were offering them a guaranteed month to month business for a good bit of time while working in the area, however long they would work with us on, bouncing to another place if we exceeded their desired amount of time, and both people we spoke with- a woman one day and a man named Justin another, were very rude and"uppity/snooty". We have a 2023 Primetime Sanibel Widebody 5th wheel, 43 feet in length, very nice condition, and are two professional people(my husband an Operations Manager for a billboard company and I a Bid/Dept Manager for a Food Distributor, with a combined income of over$175k per year) and their response was"we wouldn't be a good fit" after we spoke with them guaranteeing we would abide by their strict rules. When we mentioned we may once in a blue moon babysit our grandkids while there, before I even finished my sentence, we were given a very terse response which was a strong indicator they do not want kids there. Obviously not family friendly. They mentioned not wanting"trashy trailers" and"trailer trash" type people in their campground- of which we aren't, but wow, the judgement- and that they currently have some campers they are"trying to be rid of", so camp with ease or expect to be thrown out. They want only new campers there, and royalty. I guess if you take a stab at them you'll have to see if you meet their high standards or contrarily meet their definition of"trailer trash". Beware, if your camper, though well maintianed yet only a 2021 model, you're trailer trash. Again, very picky, very high standards, strict rules, unbending, uppity, and just rude with a"holier than though" attitude. Apparently not very interested in keeping their business running either. We drove through the park on 4/20/26 and over half their campsites were empty. I wonder why. Yet, they turn down guaranteed month to month business for a time we were willing to allow them to designate. We will gladly take our business elsewhere to a much friendlier staff at a nicer, more secure campground nearby we have recently learned of- where we won't have to listen to trains pass behind us all day, and can watch kids be kids and play. Sad thing is, we've given them our business before while in Columbus, but never will again, and will tell all we know of a large group of campers we are affiliated with of their rude, snooty ways. Traveling through the area? I'd recommend staying elsewhere. Corps of Engineer parks on nearby West Point Lake(Amity, Shaefer Hard, Holiday, and WhiteTail Ridge), a campground on nearby Lake Harding(Blanton Creek), two near Fort Benning(one GA side- Camp David, the other AL side), one in Fort Benning(Uchee Creek), a KOA in nearby Americus, Ga and Auburn RV Resort in nearby Auburn, AL to name just a few. That is, unless you like to hobknob with the snooty folk.
Tent camping options around West Point Lake span across both Alabama and Georgia state lines, featuring a mix of primitive and established sites within a predominantly oak and pine forest ecosystem. Campsites typically sit at elevations between 600-700 feet, creating moderate hiking conditions for backpackers accessing the more remote locations. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F, while winter nights can drop below freezing, requiring seasonal gear adjustments for comfort.
Fishing from shore sites: Bush Head Shoals Park provides direct access to the Chattahoochee River for anglers. "I always enjoy staying overnight and enjoying a fire in the provided fire/cooking circle. There is plenty of room for all my fishing tackle, coolers, and chairs in each spot," notes Justin K., who regularly spots bald eagles flying over the river during camping trips to Bush Head Shoals Park.
Hiking connected trail systems: The Pinhoti Trail offers multiple access points for overnight hikers. "Great trail, well kept up. Not very rocky or mountainous. Parking available near the railroad tracks. Backcountry camping sites and fire pits available along the trail and not comonly traversed," reports Nicolas B. about the Heflin portion of the Pinhoti Trail Backcountry Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Joe Kurz Wildlife Management Area requires specific licensing but rewards visitors with excellent wildlife spotting. "Important to note is the requirement for a valid Georgia hunting or fishing license to camp, reflecting the area's primary use for hunting and fishing activities," explains Lonnie B., who researched regulations for Joe Kurz Wildlife Management Area before visiting.
Budget-friendly rates: The Turnipseed Campground offers exceptional value for tent campers. "Beautiful camp sites well maintained and only $5 a night," shares Jeremy M., who discovered this campsite while traveling from New Orleans to North Carolina. The campground has approximately 10 first-come, first-served sites that accommodate various tent setups.
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the thoughtful site layout at Turnipseed Campground. "We were there April 25-28, 2019. During Thursday and Friday it was mostly empty. Saturday night it was half full. Peaceful, clean, nice hiking. Even when the campground is full you will not be on top of other campers," reports Ro J.
Natural water features: The proximity to streams and falls enhances the primitive camping experience. "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!" writes Shana D. about Cheaha Falls Campground, noting the half-mile access trail from road 600-G.
License requirements: Some wildlife management areas have specific permit needs. At Joe Kurz Wildlife Management Area, visitors should be "aware of the active hunting seasons, indicating times when the WMA is frequented by hunters," advises Lonnie B., emphasizing safety awareness during hunting seasons.
Limited drinking water access: Most backcountry sites require bringing your own water supply. The sites at Cheaha Falls Private Backcountry have "nice flat cleared out ground" and "a wonderful access point to the water for filling up your bottles or rinsing off after a hot day of hiking," according to Asher K., though treatment is necessary.
Variable terrain for tent placement: Some sites have limited flat areas for tent setup. "This site is really best for someone who will be hammock camping since it does not have a great flat area to set up a tent," warns Asher K. about McDill Point Backcountry, suggesting it works better for hammock users.
Secure sites with amenities: Bush Head Shoals Park offers well-maintained sites suitable for children. "We camped 3 nights and also rented a Kayak. The Chattahoochee Outdoors family are awesome. We floated and hiked and had an amazing time," shares Christy R., who typically avoids public campgrounds but found this location exceptionally clean and spacious.
Look for accessible trails: Some areas offer easier hikes for younger children. "We took the Chinnabee silent trail from the parking lot along Cheaha rd and camped out in one of the secluded sites next to the falls," reports Asher K. about Cheaha Falls Private Backcountry Campsite, which has good tree cover for privacy while remaining accessible.
Consider sites with playground access: Cheaha State Park offers additional amenities beyond tent sites. "We enjoyed the playground and the lake with the kids. This is a place we will be back for sure," notes KatieM, who stayed at the lower improved campground with children and found it family-friendly despite limited facilities.
Size limitations for vehicle access: Most primitive sites around West Point Lake accommodate only smaller rigs. "I would not recommend this campground to anyone in a large RV. It is very cheap though. Where else could you stay for $5 a night other than backcountry?" advises Colben F. about Turnipseed Campground, suggesting it works best for tent and van camping or possibly tiny RVs.
Road surface considerations: Gravel access roads can present challenges for some RV types. "We are on a motorcycle so we checked with Raven to make sure we would be good. The roads are gravel but well maintained. We had no problems getting in," explains Ron G., who found Bush Head Shoals Park manageable despite not having a typical RV setup.
Limited hookup availability: The tent-focused campgrounds rarely offer RV services. "Quiet and serene. I love this campsite," shares Rebecca P. about Turnipseed Campground, where the primitive nature appeals to campers seeking a disconnected experience without the amenities typically sought by large RV users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near West Point Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near West Point Lake is Chewacla State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 36 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near West Point Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 28 tent camping locations near West Point Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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