Cheaha State Park in east central Alabama is one of my all time favorite parks. It is where Jim and I first started camping together when we had our pop-up camper.
The park is located 12 miles south of Anniston off of I-20 in northeast Alabama.
Surrounded by the Talladega National Forest, Cheaha Mountain is the highest point in Alabama at 2,401 feet.
While it may not be as impressive as the Rocky Mountains, it does offer a wonderful view from the top.
The Campground
The campground was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933. The stone buildings and observation tower are still standing in the park.
There are two main sections to this campground — one at the top of the mountain and one at the lake. The mountaintop area has 43 full hook up sites. The lake area campground has 30 full hook up sites. Both sections have handicap accessible bathhouses.
Two tenting areas are available, as well. The Picnic Trail Campground has water service, restrooms, picnicking, and a playground. A more primitive tenting area offers sites with no amenities, however, the tent sites are within close proximity of a bathhouse.
Accommodations other than camping include the Group Lodge for up to 100 guests, the Resort Hotel with 30 guest room, and several cabins which sleep up to 4 guests each.
Fun Things To Do
We always enjoyed the breakfast buffet at the restaurant, where the view is just breathtaking. Built to take best advantage of the mountain scenery, with gigantic rock outcroppings taking center stage. The menu includes a fried green tomato sandwich for lunch. Choose from steaks, catfish, hamburgers and more for dinner.
If you’re looking for more to do, you can rent a john boat or canoe at the lake for fishing, swim at the beach, hike the trails, take a picnic lunch, or just relax at your campsite. Wireless internet is free, but it is only available at the camp store.
A drive around the surrounding area takes you through some of the most remote rural areas of Alabama. Because the park is surrounded by the Talladega National Forest, the countryside is unspoiled wilderness for several miles. Shinbone Valley is a quaint rural area with an original log cabin that has been converted into a country store.
Daytrips to nearby places include the Talladega Superspeedway with the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, Desoto Caverns in Childersburg, and the City of Anniston.
TIP: The road leading to the campground is steep, so if you have a larger motorhome or trailer you may want to ask for a spot at the lake. And be sure to stop for groceries and supplies before heading to the campground, as there is no grocery store nearby. With a little advance planning, you’ll be sure to have a lot of fun at Cheaha State Park.
My hubby and I have been living in a travel trailer and working at campgrounds and resorts for the past several years. We decide where we want to go, and look for a job there.
