Pine Glen: Talladega National Forest, Alabama with video

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Down a long dirt road in the middle of the Talladega National Forest in Alabama you can find this jewel, the Pine Glen Campground. My husband and I have been coming here since we were both children. Nestled on a flat area between two massive hills and on the banks of Shoal Creek you will find Pine Glen.

Pine Glen is a favorite camping spot for hikers that want easy access to the Pinhoti’s 335 mile long trail. Hunters make use of it when they are utilizing the Choccolocco Wildlife Management Area. And families make memories!

As a kid we came here many times, we would go camping, hiking on the trails, have a picnic, or just ride through taking in the beautiful outdoors.

When my husband and I first got married we would come here camping. We were living in NC, but on visits home to the country we would go over to Pine Glen and spend a night or two and just be thankful for the chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

When we had children it became more important to us than ever before to use this beautiful space. We have made many memories here in this part of the Talladega National Forest and hope that one day our kids will bring their children here as well. There may not be a fountain of youth here, but the fresh air and ability to slow down seems to melt the years off when we get to spend time out here.

In the last 15 years we have had many memorable times here. We had a large family camping weekend. My kids had eight cousins there to ride bikes and play ball with. My kids have both had birthday parties here. My son’s first camping trip was here. My husband started the Pinhoti 100 here (a 100 mile race up the Pinhoti trail). I was baptized here. We have ran many runs through on those trails and had countless hikes/picnics in the woods surrounding Pine Glen (one of those hikes is on video below).

Pine Glen has it all!

If you are looking for a great place to take your family, this is a great spot. At only $3.00 a night, yes three dollars a night (or a day if you are just here to picnic and go on a hike) you just can’t beat this spot. Each site has a level area (in fact every bit of Pine Glen is pretty level, so make sure the kids bring their bikes), a picnic table, and a fire ring. We have camped here for several days and still didn’t want to leave. The kids LOVE the creek and getting to get down in it and splash around. (Not everyone has the same love and respect for the outdoors, so water shoes are recommended to avoid any broken glass.) They love to go and watch the fish swim around or skip rocks down at the creek. We are always excited to pack a picnic and hike down the trail a mile.

Pine Glen is primitive!

You aren’t going to find the ammenties that you get at many campgrounds. There is no running water at each camp site, in fact the only water source is the creek. (So you may want to choose a site close to it.) You aren’t going to find a shower house or a flushing toilet… there are toilets, but just note they are a bit more rustic. You won’t have any electric hook-ups, and there is no power anywhere unless you bring your own. You also are likely to be without cell phone service down in the valley, so it makes it a great spot to get away.

Pine Glen is quiet!

Most days you come by there and you will have the entire place to yourself. If you are looking to come and clear your head without a ringing phone this is a great spot to do it. If you come, be ready to enjoy the sounds of nature. The birds seem to sing a little louder out here than anywhere else in the world, as though they know you are here to listen to the wildlife. Since it is so quiet, there is a lot of wildlife in these woods.

So pack up your tent, sleeping bag, & fire wood and get away from it all at Pine Glen!

Are you a camper? I would love to know your favorite camping area!

Enjoy this video of our family on a hike starting at Pine Glen!