LEESBURG — A new destination for outdoor enthusiasts has officially opened in Cherokee County, offering visitors a place to camp, relax, and experience some of the area’s most scenic natural attractions.

Cherokee Camping, located at 3385 County Road 70 in Leesburg near Cherokee Rock Village, celebrated its official opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce on Friday, June 19.

https://cherokee-chamber.org/

Owned by Daniel and Samantha Pinson, the campground was created with a vision of providing families and outdoor lovers with a comfortable place to enjoy nature while exploring one of Northeast Alabama’s premier recreation areas.

The campground features 21 RV sites equipped with full power and water hookups, along with an on-site dump station. Each RV site includes a grill, fire pit, and picnic table, giving campers the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while still having modern conveniences close at hand.

In addition to the RV accommodations, Cherokee Camping offers 13 primitive camping sites for those seeking a more traditional outdoor experience. Guests also have access to a bathhouse, shower facilities, restrooms, and multiple picnic areas situated throughout the property, many of which provide sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.

During the ceremony, Daniel Pinson shared the personal story that ultimately led to the creation of Cherokee Camping.

Pinson said his connection to the Weiss Lake area began during childhood. He recalled spending time camping and fishing in the region with his family, creating memories that helped keep family bonds strong. Vacations to his great-grandfather’s home in the area further strengthened his appreciation for the community and its natural beauty.

Those experiences inspired him to one day live and work in the area. That dream became reality approximately 12 years ago when he and Samantha relocated to Cherokee County.

Today, Pinson owns and operates an electrical business in the area, but he said he and his wife wanted to expand their efforts into something that reflected their family’s passion for the outdoors. Having spent years enjoying outdoor activities with their children, opening a campground felt like a natural fit.

The opportunity came when they discovered the property near Cherokee Rock Village, a location Pinson described as exceptionally beautiful. He expressed hope that visitors staying at Cherokee Camping will also take advantage of the nearby attraction, known for its massive sandstone formations, world-class rock climbing opportunities, and scenic overlooks.

Throughout the development process, Pinson said preserving the property’s natural character was a priority. Rather than clearing large portions of the land, he made the decision to leave many of the existing trees in place, helping maintain the wooded atmosphere that attracted them to the site in the first place.

Among the features he highlighted were the campground’s natural freshwater spring, surrounding forests, hiking opportunities, bathhouse, shower facilities, and the panoramic views available throughout the property.

Pinson also recognized the individuals who helped bring the project from concept to completion. He thanked Ridgeline Development and Dan Strickland, whom he described as the driving force behind much of the development process. He credited the partnership for assisting with planning and design efforts, salvaging hardwoods from the property, and creating the overall campground layout.

Samantha Pinson also addressed those gathered for the ceremony, expressing appreciation to everyone who attended the grand opening and to the many people who supported the project along the way.

Representing the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, Joy Perry congratulated the Pinsons on their new venture. Perry noted the continued success of nearby Cherokee Rock Village and pointed to the attraction’s ability to draw visitors from across the United States and around the world. She expressed confidence that Cherokee Camping will benefit from that tourism traffic while providing visitors with another reason to stay and explore Cherokee County.

The celebration continued well beyond the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Organizers planned an evening of live entertainment featuring Logan Graves, along with hamburgers, hot dogs, and food from Tony’s Pizza as part of the grand opening festivities.

With its combination of RV accommodations, primitive campsites, natural scenery, and close proximity to Cherokee Rock Village, Cherokee Camping aims to offer visitors a new way to experience the outdoor attractions that have made Cherokee County a destination for generations.

For more information or to reserve a campsite, visit https://www.cherokeecamping.com/, call 256-300-3068, or contact the campground by email through cherokeecampingal.com.