Cheaha State Park RV & Campground Guide
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The 2,799 acres located within the borders of Cheaha State Park include Cheaha Mountain, the highest point in Alabama. When you visit the park, it can feel like you are in the middle of nowhere, but you are close enough to some of the surrounding cities and historic downtowns that you can easily get to restaurants, shopping, and hotels. The park is bordered by the Talladega National Forest. Hiking trails, scenic overlooks, camping, swimming, and fishing are just some of the activities that you can enjoy when you visit Cheaha State Park, Alabama's longest continually running state park.
Nearby Cities:
Oxford, AL
Anniston, AL
Gadsden, AL
Birmingham, AL
Spring 51-75 F
Summer 68-90 F
Fall 52-75 F
Winter 35-56 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Cheaha State Park
Cheaha Lake Campground
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 60 feet
Other Amenities: Picnic tables, grills, restrooms, showers, pavilions, restaurant
Mountain Top Campground
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 60 feet
Other amenities: Country store, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, pavilions, and fire rings
Scenic Drive RV Park and Campground
Scenic Drive RV Park and Campground is nestled in the Talladega National Forest, just a short drive from the state park. Despite its beautiful mountain setting, you are still within a stone throw from some of the region’s most famous attractions. All sites are extra-large to accommodate most RVs and rates start from $36 per night for a back-in site.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: bathrooms and showers, laundry facility, handicap accessible.
Cane Creek RV Park
Cane Creek is a family owned and operated RV park featuring open, grassy meadows, abundant trails, and a beautiful creek. Here, you’ll find 39 RV Sites, including 28 with full hookups and 11 with partial hookups (electric and water).
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: dump station, laundry and bathroom facilities, dog walkway.
Knox Landing Campgrounds
Knox Landing Campgrounds is within minutes of some great local attractions in Pell City, including Lakeside Park, Ten Islands Historic Park, Pell City Recreation Hall and Lake Side Landing. The family-oriented campground is also conveniently located on Logan Martin Lake, offering swimming, fishing and boating.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: no
Wifi: no
Pet-friendly: N/A
Other amenities: bath house, boat ramp.
What to Do at
Cheaha State Park
Cheaha Mountain is one of the most popular attractions at Cheaha State Park and it is also the highest point in Alabama. Whether you are hiking to the mountain's summit, swimming in the public swimming pool or the Cheaha Lake Beach, or camping in a tent or RV, there are plenty of activities to enjoy at the park. There are cabin rentals and a hotel in the park if you prefer to stay in a room.
Inside Cheaha State Park
Cheaha State Park is a widely-visited region because of the number of fun recreational activities on offer within its gates. From miles of hiking and biking trails, to beautiful picnic spots, rock climbing opportunities, fishing, and more – there’s something for everyone when visiting Cheaha!
Hiking : There are several hiking trails within the park, most of which are less than a mile long. There are also two seasonal waterfalls inside the state park boundary, providing breathtaking hikes for visitors. The park also hosts annual waterfall hikes and tours.
Biking : There are 5 trails on the east side of the park that were created as bike trails. These include Cheaha Express, Deer Run, Lower Spring Loop, Upper Spring Loop, and Cheaha Run.
Swimming : Take a swim and cool down in Cheaha Lake, a 6-acre man-made lake that has its own playground, beach, diving platform and paddle boats. Paddle boats can be rented for $5 for 30 minutes, while a jon boat costs $10 for 4 hours rental.
Fishing : The Cheaha Lake also offers some of the best recreational bass and bluegill fishing in the immediate area. Just keep in mind that all eligible anglers 16 years of age and older must have in their possession a valid State of Alabama Fishing License.
Museums : If you fancy learning more about the area, then the Walter Farr Native American Relic Museum is worth a visit. It contains a collection of hundreds of artifacts including arrowheads, knives, drills, bird points, pottery, and much more.
Fishing
Cheaha Lake is a popular spot for anglers as it is stocked with trout. You may also catch bass and bluegill. Make sure to purchase an Alabama state fishing license when getting ready for your trip.
Geocaching
As long as you have a GPS-enabled device, you can take part in this fast-growing game of hiding and seeking treasure. People can hide a geocache anywhere in the world, pinpoint its location with GPS, and then share its position with anyone who cares to find it. There are plenty of active geocaches in Cheaha State Park.
Nature Watching
Some of the most beautiful scenic spots in the state are located in Cheaha State Park. When you enter the park, you are in the midst of 2,799 acres of massive granite boulders, centuries-old trees, and oftentimes, with a view of the clouds below your feet. The park is also directly next to Talladega National Forest and at the foothills of the Appalachian Trail.
Stargazing
You can gaze at the stars at 2,407 feet above sea level without the light pollution and noise that is found in most areas of the country.
Climbing
Rock climbing and rappelling can be done at Rock Gardens and Pulpit Rock Trail. Cheaha State Park does not provide equipment or instructors for these activities.
Hiking
There are miles of hiking trails both in and around Cheaha State Park. One of the most popular hikes culminates in a view from the tallest peak in the state.
Boating
Boats with gas-powered motors are not allowed on Cheaha Lake, but hand-launched boats can be used to explore the lake and for fishing.
Swimming
There is a public swimming pool within the park that is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and a beach on Cheaha Lake as well.
Biking
Most of the trails within Cheaha State Park are multi-use trails so it is important to remember to yield to hikers if you plan on mountain biking at the park. There are biking trails for riders of all skill levels.
How to Get to
Cheaha State Park
Two main routes lead to Cheaha State Park. The recommended route takes you along the Talladega scenic drive. To take that route, get off of I-20 at exit 191 and take Highway 281 to Highway 431 south. Turn onto Highway 281 and it takes you into the park.
The other route is via Cheaha Road which winds through the Talladega National Forest. It is a beautiful drive, but may be challenging to navigate with Larger RVs.
Entering Cheaha State Park
There is an entry fee of $5 for those ages 11 and older and $2 for those 4 to 11. Any child under the age of 4 gets in free. There is ample parking throughout the park, especially near campsites, the restaurant, and the country store.
Outdoor recreational opportunities abound at Cheaha State Park and there is something to do for people of all ages. If you are an experienced hiker, there are numerous hiking trails with steep elevation changes and difficult terrain. If you are traveling with your family, there are playgrounds, swimming areas, and easy nature walks that anyone can do.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheaha State Park
The best time to visit is the spring and fall for mild weather, and if you arrive in the autumn you can enjoy Alabama's fall colors. If you want to take advantage of the pool and beach, the park is a wonderful destination to cool off in the summer.
Some of the animals that you can spot in Cheaha State Park include foxes, deer, squirrels, and raccoons. There are also more and more black bears spotted at the park each year. If you prefer birding, some of the birds you could spot include owl, woodpecker, sparrow, wren, and wild turkey.
There are 73 improved RV camping spots located in two different campgrounds within Cheaha State Park. They have hookups, fire rings, and picnic tables.
It is recommended that you reserve a spot before camping at Cheaha State Park. The cost of the reservation is $31 per night for RV camping.
Pets are allowed throughout Cheaha State Park as long as they are kept on a leash no longer than six feet. You are expected to clean up after your furry family members.