Camp at Sand Rock
Leesburg, Alabama
Details
Distance
1 miles
Elevation Gain
-100 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by John Morgan Harrison
Sand Rock in Cherokee Rock Village is typically considered a climbing destination and has world famous routes and a wide range of opportunities for all skill levels of climber. Sand Rock is also an amazing car camping destination with campsites right along the cliffs and nestled into the giant rock formations.
We camped in a rooftop tent, but many people used traditional tents and hammocks. After purchasing a camping permit, drive right up to your campsite. There are three general camping areas.
First is the more exposed (to the often strong winds) campsites along the tops of the cliffs that are closest to the park office and facilities (covered tables, a very nice restroom, and a spigot) and have a good view of Lake Gunnersville. However, cars for this site must be parked on average ~thirty yards from actual tent spots.
The second area is across the road from the cliffs in the woods, which would be better if you have small children (the other sites are REALLY close to the cliffs) and they are also near the facilities.
The third camp location is at the end of the road into the park and in my opinion offers the best experience. Although it is significantly farther from the facilities, you can pull your vehicle right up to the campsite, there are large rocks to block the wind, and there is a boulder that is easy to scramble up with no gear that provides an epic view of the surrounding landscape.
Even without climbing gear, there are seemingly endless tunnels and passages through the massive slabs of sandstone and conglomerate that constantly have an eerie draft and often feel like a beautifully lit slot canyon.
Tip: If you choose to build a camp fire, bring your own wood, the bundles sold at the park office are expensive and tend to be wet.
Get more details on climbing from this adventure: Climbing Sand Rock.
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Camp at Sand Rock Reviews
There are plenty of campsites and a few that are a little further off the beaten path. We camped between some of the larger rock formations (towards the farthest reach of the loop) and it was perfect. We were largely protected from the wind (this was in January) and there was plenty of space for a large tent, a fire, and an outstanding view of the valley below. Highly recommend.
5.0
I should start off by saying I'm not a legit rock climber, so I probably can't even begin to scrape the surface of how awesome this place might be if you are. As a traveler passing through, looking for a good place to van camp while still getting that nature-fix, this was an awesome gem! I camped in the forest-area, tucked farthest away from the check-in station and it was serene and quiet. It was a busy Saturday but still managed to feel (somewhat) primitive. The place offers a good dose of nature without being too touristy or over populated. Just a big beautiful loop, with one little ranger hut at the entrance, a nice dude working the drive-thru booth who actually offered us free cut up firewood from a recent fallen tree! Thanks for the recommendation - will definitely be back to explore the cliffs edges and rock formations a bit more!
5.0
Other than the fact that I was severely underprepared for the cold the weekend that I went, I had a blast! The climbing and caving here are some of the best in Alabama.
5.0
Leave No Trace
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