We are a family that LOVES to camp! Coleman Lake Campground located near Fruithurst, Alabama is a favorite of ours. I remember coming here as a kid, and love that we now get to bring our kids. Located near Pine Glen, this is the Talladega National Forest’s more improved campground. Coleman Lake is open March-November.
If you are looking for a close, more improved campground, check out Cheaha State Park.
Coleman Lake: To Do
If you are looking for a great spot to take the family and spend some time in the fresh country air, this is the perfect spot.
There is a lake that allows for fishing, and swimming. The lake trail connects to other trails that can take you to the Pinhoti and over to Pine Glen. We have gone hiking on this trail, but find riding bikes on it far more enjoyable. The trail is kept up really well. There are several benches along the trail and you can cross over a beautiful bridge and get the best view of the lake. There are several picnic areas with grills and tables near the lake as well as a play area for kids.
You can still enjoy all the amenities without having to camp. The day use fee is only $3 per vehicle. Not at all a bad price for a day of outdoor fun.
We don’t fish too often, but there is a boat ramp for non-motorized boats.
The swimming can be a tough one. I have been told recently the area is not so clear for getting down to the lake for swimming. We have been and a member of our group got a leech from the lake. Its all about what you are comfortable with.
Coleman Lake Camping
The improved area of the campground is 2 loops. The roads are paved, wide, and all the limbs have been cut back to accommodate your camper. The actual sites have pea-sized gravel and are somewhat level. I read that most sites can accommodate a 35 foot camper.
They do allow tent camping. Some of our favorite tent camping gear… zero gravity chairs, small tents we use for backpacking, we have recently started using some Hyke and Byke sleeping bags.
Camping is $16 a night and you pay at the drop box near the entrance of the campground. So bring cash. It is an honor box, with the camp host checking your honor. There are no reservations. We were there on a Thursday morning and by nightfall only 5 of the 39 sites were open. It appeared as though many had come in early to set up for the weekend before it filled up.
There is water and electric hook-ups on each site. You will find a dump site on your way back out of the campground. The portable waste tank would come in handy when you are here so you don’t have to take your entire camper to dump.
There is a bathhouse in each loop with great showers. The bathhouse was a bit chilly the days we were there. Not having septic hookups meant we had to use the showers so as not to fill our gray tank completely.
There is an overflow area of the campground. This area does not offer water or electric, and the toilets were not the same bathhouse you will get on Loop A or LoopB. Each site has a picnic table (some were broken, but there were still many available that weren’t), and a fire ring/grill. These sites had some great views of the lake and were of course less crowded. We did look across the lake one night and see 2 campfires over in that area, so there were people that were looking for a more primitive experience. This loop is only $8 a night and we are planning to camp over there before long to do some dry camping and see how that goes. We were originally tent campers, so I have a feeling we will do just find with it.
Coleman Lake is WAY out in the woods. There is no wi-fi, and no carrier has phone service out this far. We generally have to drive back into town to even get enough signal to send or receive a text message.
There is a nice large covered picnic area (with close vault toilets) located near the campground. I have seen online it is first come first served or is reservable for $15.
Dogs are allowed at Coleman Lake Campground but must be on a leash.
Coleman Lake is certainly off the beaten path, and a great way to get away from it all.
Getting to Coleman Lake
Getting to Coleman Lake can take you a number of different routes. Some of the most beautiful countryside is located in Cleburne County on those old dirt roads. BUT if I am hauling my camper or a truck bed full of camping gear I find it best to go on paved roads.
If you are using a GPS to find your way I recommend taking the option that will take you down Highway 78 and eventually turning on Co Rd 61 near Edwardsville. (Edwardsville’s Shoal Creek Market is the closest and best place to grab a bag of ice, or Fruithurst has a Dollar General.) After turning on Co Rd. 61 you will likely lose phone service.
Forestry Service
There aren’t always hosts monitoring the park. There are no reservations, but you can contact the Forest Service with any questions you may have. The Shoal Creek Ranger District has an office just outside Heflin, Al. Their phone number is (256)463-2272.
Directions to Coleman Lake Campground from Heflin, AL.
If you are a Coleman Lake camper I would love to hear how your family likes it.
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