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Talladega/Coleman Lake

Overview

Nestled deep within the Shoal Creek District of the Talladega National Forest, Coleman Lake Recreation Area offers a serene escape for RV travelers seeking a true connection with nature. Centered around a shimmering 21-acre lake, this destination provides a peaceful alternative to busy roadside parks. The campground is well-regarded for its quiet atmosphere and lush forest canopy, making it a hidden gem in the Alabama wilderness for those who appreciate natural beauty over commercial flair.

Location & Surroundings

Located near Heflin, Alabama, in Cleburne County, the park sits at the edge of the scenic Appalachian foothills. This remote setting provides a rugged backdrop of rolling hills and dense hardwood forests that change beautifully with the seasons. Visitors will find themselves completely surrounded by the vast acreage of the forest, offering a secluded environment where the sounds of traffic are replaced by the wind in the pines and the calls of local wildlife within the Shoal Creek drainage area.

Amenities & Park Features

The facility features 39 campsites equipped with water and electric hookups, accommodating various RV sizes with relatively level pads. While the park maintains a rustic charm, it provides essential comforts including accessible bathhouses with warm showers and a convenient dump station for waste management. Guests can enjoy multiple picnic areas and specialized fishing piers that offer easy access to the water for a relaxing afternoon, while the sites themselves are spaced to provide a sense of privacy and forest immersion.

Nearby Attractions & Things to Do

Outdoor adventure is the primary draw here, with direct access to the famous Pinhoti Trail for long-distance hiking and exploration. The nearby Dugger Mountain Wilderness provides additional opportunities for backpacking and nature photography in a protected environment. On the water, visitors can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or fishing for bass and bream, though the lake remains a quiet zone restricted to electric motors or manual paddling to preserve the tranquil environment for everyone.

Who This Park Is Best For

This park is an ideal match for nature enthusiasts and those who prefer a quiet, wooded setting over a high-activity commercial resort. It is perfect for active hikers looking to explore the expansive Alabama trail systems or families wanting a simple, traditional camping experience. If your travel style prioritizes stargazing, birdwatching, and forest views over luxury amenities or Wi-Fi connectivity, Coleman Lake will feel like a perfect outdoor sanctuary.

Amenities

- Recreational Facilities

• Lake
• Swimming
• Fishing
• Ramp
• Body Of Water (Coleman Lake)
• Playground
• Kayaking/Canoeing

- Policies

• Pets Welcome
• Day Max Stay (14)
• Tent Camping Allowed

- Other Amenities & Services

• Restroom and Showers

- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)

• Fishing
• Hiking
• Kayaking/Canoeing
• Boating

- Facility

• Type (National Forest)
• Partial Handicap Access

- On-Site Rentals

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- Sites

• Spaces Available (39)
• Width (18)
• Paved Sites (39)
• Max Length (52)
• 30 Amp
• Water (39)
• Electric (39)
• Max Amps (30)
• Pull-thrus (1)
• Pull-thru Size (18 x 52)
• Back-ins (15 x 35)
• Site Length (52)

User Reviews

Natilee Liddy

October 04, 2025

Our family has camped here for more than 20 years! It's beautiful, quiet and very well maintained. We also like to stay on the primitive camping side. It’s an all around great way to get back to nature.

Allan Adderley

June 15, 2025

Hidden gem. WAY BACK in the woods but worth the effort. Gorgeous, widely spaced campsites with water, electric and size for almost any rig. Dump station at entrance. Fully paved road in. No cell or TV reception. Exceptionally nice restrooms and showers with A/C. Lovely 1 mile trail around the lake with connection to the 300 mile Pinhoti Trail. About 10 miles to get phone, internet service and 25 miles to I-20 amenities. Local storms may knock out electric and fallen trees could block the road (both happened to us).

Roger B.

October 26, 2024

I absolutely love to camp here I started going as a kid, we used to have big family campouts. Every time I'm there I feel a little of that again, even if it's just me alone, although I never am. They have full hookups except sewage but a nice dump station and wash down area. Or if primitive camping is more your style you can set up anything in the main camp ground or overflow . And there's pine glen which is extreme primitive.

Bobby Boyette

December 10, 2023

Campground and trails were great. A water main broke an hour before we arrived, so no water hook ups or showers . We had enough onboard water for 2 days, but had to leave after that. We were 2 sites down from camp host, but never saw them. It was still a great campground.

Joshua Agan

October 01, 2023

Pretty Nice Camping, no cell phone service, very peaceful. Would prefer the people who have Blue accent lights on their campers leave them off. Most real campers prefer sounds and light from nature. (Not your bumpkin lights). The team of forestry guys and gals there are great.

Map for Talladega/Coleman Lake

Contact information