A Cheaha State Park Camping Trip: Everything to Know

Welcome to Cheaha (pronounced CHEE-HA) State Park, the highest point in all of Alabama! If you’re looking for an amazing place to get away with beautiful views, you have to book a Cheaha State Park camping trip.

There are so many ways to stay in Cheaha, that no matter your budget there is something for you. Whether you prefer to rough it and camp in the primitive section, or you’re looking for a romantic getaway with your spouse in a cabin, they have it here!

So let’s dive into everything you’ll need to know for a successful Cheaha State Park camping trip.

Important Links

Cheaha State Park website

Hiking Trails Map – PDF

Cheaha State Park Camping – Make Reservations Here

Park Map – PDF

Hiking in Cheaha State Park

Location

Cheaha State Park is located in the eastern half of central Alabama. The mountains here are considered to be the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and you’ll love how beautiful this whole park is.

Cheaha is just over an hour east of Birmingham, AL, about 1.5 hours west of Atlanta, GA and 3 hours south of Chattanooga, TN. So if you live anywhere near these cities, Cheaha is a great place for a weekend getaway.

Time to Spend Here

You might be wondering how long to stay at Cheaha State Park. If you are looking to do some hiking and biking, a weekend will definitely be enough as there are only 11 miles of hiking/biking trails.

However, if you are looking to completely unplug or just take a week to relax in the mountains of Alabama, then you’ll be happy with whatever amount of time you book. So book whatever amount of time fits your budget/PTO restraints, and go relax around a campfire.

Hiking Options

Speaking of hiking, Cheaha State Park has some beautiful trails that lead to stunning views! You can check out their Trail Map for all the trails within the park. With over 11 miles of hiking trails (some are hiking/biking trails) throughout the park, there is a trail for everyone.

For all the details about hiking in Cheaha State Park, check out this post and dive into all the best hiking trails. Whether you just want to see a place to view the sunset, or a place to work up a serious sweat, there is a trail here for all occasions.

Campgrounds and More

Cheaha State Park has many ways to stay within the beauty of their state park. There are 2 improved campgrounds with full hook-up sites, a semi-primitive campground with water at each site, but no electric or shower access, and finally there is the truly primitive campground, where there are only pit toilets and a community water spigot.

If you are more of a “glamper”, someone who still wants the niceties of home while being out in nature, there are 3 different options for you as well! You can choose between the unique Safari Tents, the peaceful Cabins, or even the spacious Chalets for your Cheaha State Park camping trip.

Regardless of how you want to stay, there is an abundance of peace and quiet within the park. The woods, the lake and the rolling mountains create such a beautiful serene location, you’re sure to have a relaxing getaway! So let’s dive into the details of how to stay here.

Details

54 Primitive Campsites
77 Full Hook-Up Sites
8 Safari Tents
11 Cabins (4 different types)
5 Chalets
Dog Park
Cheaha Lake (Swimming access and Picnic Area)
Playground
Dump Station
Bathhouses (with hot showers)

Ways to Stay

With so many ways to stay, you might be wondering which one is right for you. Feel free to scroll to the accommodation type that you’re interested in, but here is where we’re going to do a deep dive!

Primitive Sites

A Primitive Campsite in Cheaha State Park

If you are looking to take a rustic Cheaha State Park camping trip, then you have come to the right place! Cheaha has 2 different sections of primitive camping.

The Upper Primitive Section (The Semi-Primitive Campground) has 26 TENT ONLY sites available. Each of these sites has a fire ring, a picnic table, shared water spigots, and access to public restrooms (no bathhouses or showers are in this section; shower passes may be purchased for a fee at the Mountain Store for use in Improved Campground bathhouses). Roof-top tents on vehicles are allowed here, but no RVs, campers, or camping vans are allowed in this loop.

The other primitive option is the CCC Campground, AKA the Primitive Campground. These 28 sites are where the last Civilian Conservation Corps camped as they developed the park. Each site includes a tent pad, fire ring, access to a vault toilet, and access to community water spigots. Like the other primitive option, no bathhouses or showers are in this campground. Again, shower passes can be purchased for an extra fee. These sites are tent only, and roof-top tents are also allowed. No RVs, campers, or camping vans are allowed.

Tent/Camper/RV Sites

A Full Hook-Up Site at Cheaha State Park

The next level on this list of ways to book a Cheaha State Park camping trip are the improved campsites. These sites can accommodate tents, campers, camper vans, and even full-size RVs. Just be aware that there are many different sizes of campsites. There are 20 foot campsites, all the way up to 60 foot pull-through sites. So be careful when booking that you will be able to fit your rig.

Recently remodeled, the Upper and Lower Campgrounds offer 77 campsites that are all Full Hook-Up! This includes 4 ADA campsites in the Upper and Lower Improved Campgrounds. All campsites have 20, 30, and 50 amp electrical hook-ups with a picnic table, a grill/fire-ring, and access to a bathhouse.

Safari Tents

Alright, so you want to take a Cheaha State Park camping trip, but you don’t own a camper and you definitely don’t want to sleep on the ground. Allow me to introduce you to the Safari Tents that are located within the improved campgrounds at Cheaha.

The Safari Tents come in 3 levels of comfort, the Queen Single Tent, the Queen Double Tent and a Deluxe Tent with a King Bed and 2 sets of bunks. These tents vary in price, but they all include a Keurig Coffee maker, a diffuser, mini-fridge, lamps, electrical outlets to charge your devices, and your own heating/AC units.

Outside your Safari Tent you will find a picnic table, 2 hammocks, 2 camp chairs, string lights, and a wood fire ring with a cooking grate.

Chalets

If you’re looking for something a little nicer than a Safari Tent, next up are the 5 Chalets in Cheaha State Park. These refreshed A-frame chalets have 2 bedrooms, with a queen bed in each room. They include a full bathroom, a kitchen, a living room, cable TV, AC/Heat, and a gas fireplace. Outside you will have access to a picnic table and firepit for that classic camping feel.

The interior and exterior has been repainted, the lights have been replaced, and new furniture/appliances have replaced the old ones. Chalets 12, 13, 14, and 15 are pet friendly, just be aware that there is an additional $30 charge per pet, per night. Each Chalet has a maximum capacity of 6 people.

Cabins

Continuing with the glamping, we have reached the cabins! There are actually 4 different types of cabins here at Cheaha State Park and they all vary in price, size and views.

Bluff Side Cabins

Located on the western ridge of Cheaha Mountain, Cabins #1-4 offer spectacular sunsets to all who stay here. They have a queen-size bed in an open studio-style floor plan with a full kitchen, sleeping area and living room combined. There is a full bathroom, cable TV, a gas fireplace, outside grill, and a firepit for those cooler evenings. Bluff Side Cabins sleeps up to 2 guests.

Historic Cabin

There is only 1 Historic Cabin (#16) and while it’s known as the Museum Cabin, all of its amenities have been updated. The studio apartment-style cabin features 1 queen bed, dining/sitting area, a full bathroom, microwave oven, refrigerator, outside grill, and firepit. Please note, there is not a full kitchen nor a TV in this cabin. The Historic Cabin sleeps up to 2 guests.

4-Capacity Cabins

Now we have reached the “family cabins” as they have a 4 person capacity, instead of just 2. Each cabin features two queen beds, a full kitchen, a full bathroom, dining area, cable TV, and a firepit. The only 4-Capacity Cabins are cabins #7-10 and they sleep up to 4 guests. Please note, there is an additional charge for any extra guests.

Deluxe Cabins

And now we have the nicest, and most romantic type of glamping. The Deluxe Cabins (#5 and #6) are located in a secluded and quiet area, away from the main loop. Each cabin has a single queen bed, a front porch with a rustic wooden swing, a screened-in porch, a full kitchen, a sitting area, and a beautiful full bathroom with a large whirlpool tub. Of course there is Cable TV, Heat/AC, an outdoor grill and a firepit. Deluxe Cabins sleep up to 2 guests. Perfect for a couples getaway!

Lodge (Arriving 2026)

Exciting news! Cheaha State Park is getting a new 4 story hotel in the park to accommodate guests. This project will cost $25 million and is expected to wrap up by the Spring of 2026. So if you are looking to spend a night in what I can only imagine will be a beautiful hotel, check back in 2026.

Price Comparison

**DISCLAIMER: These were the prices as of November 2024. Prices are subject to change on holidays. Prices do not include taxes and fees.**

Primitive Upper Campsites

Price Per Night (M – F): $29
Price Per Night (Sat & Sun): $32
Price Per Weekend: $64
Price Per Week: $209

Primitive CCC Campsites

Price Per Night (M – F): $22
Price Per Night (Sat & Sun): $25
Price Per Weekend: $50
Price Per Week: $160

Full Hook-Up Sites (Be Careful with Size of Pad)

Price Per Night (M – F): $45
Price Per Night (Sat & Sun): $48
Price Per Weekend: $96
Price Per Week: $321
NOTE: The Smaller Full Hook-Up sites are a few dollars cheaper per night.

Standard Single Queen Safari Tent (Deluxe Tents are more)

Price Per Night (M – F): $150
Price Per Night (Sat & Sun): $200
Price Per Weekend: $400
Price Per Week: $1,150

CCC Cabins (Deluxe Cabins are more)

Price Per Night (M – F): $190
Price Per Night (Sat & Sun): $210
Price Per Weekend: $420
Price Per Week: $1,370

Chalets

Price Per Night (M – F): $230
Price Per Night (Sat & Sun): $250
Price Per Weekend: $500
Price Per Week: $1,650

Conclusion

If you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of life, a Cheaha State Park camping trip might be the perfect getaway for you! With so many ways to stay, you’re bound to find something that fits your budget.

And with hiking trails, beautiful overlooks, and a lake for swimming and relaxing, you won’t run out of things to do in Cheaha State Park.

As always, feel free to email me at averagewildexperience@gmail.com if you have any questions.

-Happy Camping!