Cheaha State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Cheaha State Park in Delta, Alabama is the perfect getaway destination for any RV camper. Located 2,400 feet hight, Cheaha park offers spectacular views of the lush Talladega National Forest.
You can get a feel for the Native American history here because even the park’s namesake is derived from the Muskogee word, Chaha, meaning “high place.” If you want to learn more about Native Americans, the Walter Farr Native American Relic Museum here at the park is a good place to start. This museum features all kinds of interesting archaeological finds, including arrowheads, pottery, knives, and much more.
At almost 2,800 acres, Cheaha State Park offers plenty of fun and exciting activities. There are magnificent waterfalls to hike, impressive rock formations to climb, precious gems to be mined, and so much more. When you visit in the summer, you can expect highs in the 80s and lows in the 60s. Cheaha State Park tends to stay pretty warm, but in the deepest of winter, temperatures can drop to the 30s. Whenever you choose to visit Cheaha State Park in your motorhome, you’ll be guaranteed to find lots of fun for the whole family.
RV Rentals in Cheaha State Park
Transportation
Driving
Getting to the park is easy and made simple with GPS navigation. Once inside the park, you should have no problem finding your way around, and even the largest of RVs can get around with ease. There are no RV restrictions on any of the roads inside Cheaha State Park.
Parking
Before heading straight to your campsite, you’ll need to check in at the camp store. You should have no problem finding parking space here, and when the park gets full during the busy season or during an event, they have overflow parking available for use. The campground is made to accommodate large RVs, so you should be able to get set up and head out from there.
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Cheaha State Park
Campsites in Cheaha State Park
Reservations camping
Campground #1
The campsites that you’ll find at Cheaha State Park can be put into three different categories: improved, semi-primitive, and primitive campsites. If you’re traveling in your RV, you’ll likely want to look into staying at the improved campsites. Each improved campsite includes 20, 30, and 50 amp electric hookups, along with water and sewer hookups.
Campground #1, also known as Upper Campground, is made up of 40 improved campsites that are available for use all year long. If you’re looking to stay where you’ll have fantastic views all around, Campground #1 is for you, as it is located at the top of the mountain. When you stay here, you’ll have access to two bathhouses - each one with hot water, showers, and flush toilets. You’ll also have a picnic table and a fire ring or barbecue grill at each site.
Each site, while guaranteed to have the same amenities, is still unique, and that includes being different shapes and sizes. Even with a large RV, you should be able to find the perfect campsite for you. Each site allows for up to two vehicles as well.
Campground #2
Campground #2, or the Lower Campground, is located near Cheaha Lake instead and is only open from April to December. For anyone who wishes to be closer to the water while staying in their RV, this is the perfect option.
Campground #2 is a little smaller than Campground #1, as it only has 32 full hookups sites. Especially considering the small size, reservations are highly recommended. When you make reservations, you’ll be guaranteed a good spot for your RV.
You also have back-in and pull-through options, and each campsite comes with a picnic table and fire ring or barbecue grill. There is one bathhouse that has hot water, showers, and flush toilets available for your convenience as well.
Alternate camping
Tent Camping
If you’ve decided you want to experience something a little more primitive than the RV, head out tent camping. There are primitive and semi-primitive options available, and you can decide what you think will work best for you. There are 25 total semi-primitive camping options, and while only some of them have electricity, all of them do have a picnic table, a fire ring, and a communal water spigot. You’ll also have access to the bathhouses located at the Upper Campground.
The primitive campsites are much more woodsy, but they do have access to a water spigot and restrooms nearby. You’re also allowed to have two vehicles per site for both camping styles.
Hotels, Cabins, and Chalets
Cheaha State Park is a beautiful place, and many people come here to have big events including weddings. Whether you’re here for an event or just want a change of pace from the RV, there’s a multitude of options available.
You can get a room at the hotel located here, or you can choose to stay in a cabin or chalet. There are 30 total hotel rooms that are nicely set up, and you can even choose to upgrade to a deluxe room if you desire.
The cabins are fairly small, which makes for a romantic and cozy getaway. If you don’t want a hotel room but want something bigger than the cabins, you can stay in one of the five chalets, which comfortably sleep four people. Whatever you’re looking for, Cheaha State Park has something for everyone's camping style.
Seasonal activities in Cheaha State Park
Off-Season
Museums
There are two museums located in the park. The first is the Walter Farr Native American Relic Museum, which features all kinds of interesting artifacts that can teach us what life was like for the Native Americans that resided here. Along with informative exhibits, the museum offers educational opportunities to learn more about Native American culture and environmental history. These are amazing opportunities for guests to connect with the history and nature of this park as well as engage with new efforts to increase environmental stewardship.
The other museum is the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Museum located at Alabama’s highest point, Bunker Tower. This museum displays various objects that the CCC used when building the park. This museum offers insight into the development and success of this state park, from forming the dam for Cheaha Lake to building the observation tower.
There is a lot of history that you can learn about at both museums, both in environmental and Native American history. Each museum offers educational opportunities such as discovery walks, culture studies, and ecosystem sessions.
Picnicking
There is no better place to have a family get together than at one of the picnic tables located here in the park. There are many spots to choose from, and you can choose to eat at the lake or near the highest point in the park. You can also enjoy hiking trails and fishing opportunities after you eat. The park has two reservable pavilions, and you can pick up food supplies at the nearby stores or restaurants.
Gem Mining
Across from the Country Store and behind the Native American Museum, you’ll find a gem mine where you can search for different kinds of gems and fossils. This is an opportunity for the whole family to enjoy, and it is a great way to live like a pioneer while also learning more about the local geology. If you’ve never been gem mining before, this can be an exciting experience. You can even pick up a brochure that will help you identify what you have found.
Geocaching
Geocaching is like a modern-day version of a scavenger hunt, using GPS coordinates to find the hidden geocaches. This can be a great way to get the whole family involved in discovering all that the park has to offer.
After downloading the application, you'll find a map with the caches spread throughout the park. Just be sure to ask for permission before leaving more caches in the park, and continue to follow the "Leave No Trace" policy while searching for your prize.
Fishing
Many people come to the park to catch bluegill and bass at Cheaha Lake. This man-made lake gives you six acres of water to fish in, so you’ll be sure to find a comfy spot to settle into when you go fishing. You’ll have peace and tranquility when you fish here at the lake. Anglers over the age of 16 will need a state fishing license.
In-Season
Playing at the Playground
At Lake Cheaha, you’ll find the perfect place to let your kids release some of their energy after traveling to the park. The Lake Cheaha Day Use Area playground features all kinds of slides, climbing walls, swings and more. This playground is perfect for families because it is centrally located near picnic areas, bathrooms, swimming, and trails. If they get tired of swimming in the lake, they can head over to the play area for something a little different.
Also, Cheaha State Park features an Imagination Tree playground where they'll find tree-themed activities, slides, tree houses, and swings for all to enjoy. The focus of this playground is to instill nature-based play for all ages to enjoy in order to create fun and well-rounded play spaces.
Swimming
Cheaha Lake is a great place to go for a dip to escape the heat of the summer. You can also layout on the beach and just enjoy the scenery around you. The lake is available to all visitors, but if you’re staying at the lodge located here in the park, you’ll also have access to Alabama's highest spring-fed swimming pool.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking can be a fantastic way to get some exercise and enjoy the fresh air of the park, but you’ll want to have some experience under your belt before taking on the biking trails here. Some of the trails can be quite a challenge, but if you’re up for it, it can be a great way to see the park.
The park has five trails dedicated solely to biking, including the Cheaha Express, Deer Run, Lower Spring Loop, Upper Spring Loop, and Cheaha Run. You'll find uniquely stunning mountain views as you bike along the wooded paths and stream beds. Please make sure to follow the park's "leave no trace" policy in which you leave the wilderness as you found it as well as ensure that no trace of human life is left on the trails.
Rock Climbing
There are two popular spots in the park where you can go rock climbing or rappelling: the Rock Gardens and the Pulpit Rock Trail. Rock climbing can be a fun and exciting activity for groups and even individuals. Just make sure to come prepared, and know that you’ll need to sign a waiver before heading out. Please note, the park will not rent out equipment, and all climbers must have a trained professional guide with them.
Hiking
There are an abundance of hiking trails to choose from here at the park, and they can range in length and difficulty level. Many of the trails, like Bald Rock or Pulpit Rock trails, will give you one of-a-kind views. Others will take you to beautiful waterfalls that you won’t want to miss.
Although you can hike along the biking trails, there are six hiking specific trails and two waterfall trails. The trails range in length and difficulty, with Bald Rock and Pulpit Rock trails clocking in at about 0.3 miles. At Bald Rock, you'll find a popular observation deck, and, at Pulpit Rock, you'll find one of the park's most popular rock climbing and rappelling sites.
Mountain Laurel serves as the longest hiking trail at about 1.4 miles, and, after hiking along a winding stream, you'll find the Rock Garden Outlook where you'll be able to see the Talladega National Forest.
Along with each of these trails, you'll find more beautiful views on the Lake Trail, Fisherman's Trail, and LNT Bigfoot Trail. The Lake Trail is a rugged and difficult hike, and you'll find plenty of fishing opportunities at Fisherman's Trail. At LNT Bigfoot Trail, you will learn more about the park's efforts in pursuing a "Leave No Trace" policy through interpretive signage as you travel to the highest point in the park.
Lastly, the two waterfalls found in the park, the CCC Reservoir Falls and Laurel Falls, can be found by the Cheaha Quarzite Dam and at the end of the Laurel Trail, respectively. Make sure that you follow the parks "Leave No Trace" policy on all parks in order to ensure the enjoyment of the park for future visitors. Bring your water, stay on the trail, and keep an eye on the sunset while hiking as the trails close when the sun meets the horizon.
