Mary Lynn C.
Scout
ScoutArgo’s Park and Trails
Good overall
I think the app is great except having to pay for it after 7 days
Best Campgrounds near Addison, AL
Bankhead National Forest dominates the camping landscape surrounding Addison, Alabama, with diverse options ranging from developed recreation areas to remote wilderness sites. Corinth Recreation Area, operated by the US Forest Service, provides 52 well-maintained sites with full hookups near Smith Lake, while Brushy Lake Recreation Area offers more secluded tent camping with basic amenities. The Sipsey Wilderness area within Bankhead presents numerous backcountry camping opportunities along its network of trails and waterways. Smith Lake Park and Clear Creek Recreation Area accommodate RVs with full hookups, and several private campgrounds like Thousand Trails Hidden Cove provide additional options with cabin rentals. Free dispersed camping can be found at designated areas within the national forest for those seeking a more primitive experience.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping conditions in the Addison area. Most developed campgrounds operate from March through October, with some like Houston Recreation Area having a shorter May-to-October season. Summer brings hot, humid conditions with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, while spring and fall offer more moderate weather. As one camper noted, "Sipsey wilderness is one of my favorite places in Alabama to go backpacking, especially in the spring and fall when the weather is not absurdly hot and the mosquitos are not out to kill." Water levels in streams and waterfalls fluctuate dramatically based on recent rainfall, particularly affecting backcountry sites. Cell service is limited throughout much of the forest, with one visitor reporting "not much cell service" even at developed campgrounds like Corinth Recreation Area.
Wildlife viewing opportunities rank highly among visitor experiences, with deer sightings common at dusk. According to one camper at Corinth, "We especially liked the campground and the deer that would come out to graze every evening. This coupled with the fireflies really made this stay memorable." The region's waterfalls and rock formations draw hikers and photographers, particularly in Sipsey Wilderness and at nearby Dismals Canyon, known for its rare bioluminescent "dismalites." Trail access varies by season, with many dirt roads becoming difficult after heavy rain. Visitors frequently mention the need for advance planning when exploring the area's natural features. As one reviewer advised, "The forest is huge and trying to visit the area waterfalls and trails without a plan is not recommended."
Best Camping Sites Near Addison, Alabama (103)
1. Corinth Recreation Area
26 ReviewsHouston, AL11 milesWebsite+1 (205) 300-1513$22 - $58 / night
"**Corinth Recreation Area– USFS ** Corinth Recreation area is located near the town of Double Springs, Alabama."
"Well designed campground in the hills of Northern Alabama. Sites are well spaced. Well maintained. The lake is pretty. Each site has fire pit and table."
2. Clear Creek Recreation Area
26 ReviewsArley, AL14 milesWebsite+1 (205) 300-1463$32 - $85 / night
"While many reviews say the lakeside sites are first come, first serve, under the new management they are all booked in advance online."
"The perimeter lake lots in the Hoot Owl Loop all had steps or path access from the site to the shore. This would be especially nice in the summer."
3. Brushy Lake Recreation Area
15 ReviewsAddison, AL9 milesWebsite"Campground Review: Located right outside of the core part of Sipsey wilderness (William Bankhead) this campground is a great place for people who want to be around other tent campers and want something"
"Close to Sipsey Wilderness and several waterfalls. Clean and quiet. Short paved walking trail, fishing pier, restrooms/showers."
4. Thousand Trails Hidden Cove
13 ReviewsArley, AL10 milesWebsite+1 (888) 707-1477"Spot are very bigs and a good distance between them. Full hookup sites. Amenitied are very cleans, kids play grounds. Park for walking, biking, use your boat and kayak, boat ramp access."
"This RV park is right on a lake, but a bit away from anything else. If you have any sort of boat, kayak, paddle board, bring it! There is hiking about an hour away at the Bankhead National Forest."
5. Smith Lake Park
12 ReviewsBremen, AL15 milesWebsite+1 (256) 739-2916"Staying on tent site #55 power/ close to water spout. Bathhouse really close by nice shady lot."
"I really enjoy Smith lake campground it has a lot of great sites. There are plenty of shades sites for summer camping."
6. Houston Recreation Area
5 ReviewsHouston, AL8 milesWebsite"During my time in Alabama, I kept hearing wonderful things about Sipsey Wilderness, and its many waterfalls, rocky landscapes, and great hikes."
"Close to waterways. The campground is medium sized, dense forests surround the campsites. The amenities are pretty standard."
7. Boondock Dispersed Camping Alabama
6 ReviewsBankhead National Forest, AL12 miles"Right away, I noticed how peaceful it felt, tucked a good distance from the main road. Even with the rain coming down, it wasn’t too hard to get to the camping areas."
"Behind the campsite there is a trail over a mound that leads down the hill to a small creek which was nice however there are 2 nice sized caves 1 to either side of this trail."
8. Hidden Cove Thousand Trails
3 ReviewsArley, AL10 milesWebsite+1 (205) 221-7042"Great little campground with awesome access to the lake. Great for Starlink and good AT&T reception."
9. Cullman Campground
7 ReviewsCullman, AL15 milesWebsite+1 (256) 734-5853"Great place to stay for the night or longer. 2 miles off I-65 exit 310. Close to restaurants and shopping."
"Off the beaten path but conveniently located close to town.
The showers are really clean. We stayed the week of Thanksgiving, so it was decorated really cute."10. Thompson Creek Trail Campsites
11 ReviewsBankhead National Forest, AL19 milesWebsite"This is my favorite place in Alabama. Best hiking in Alabama, possibly the southeast."
"Campground Review: Sipsey is one of the real jewels of Alabama for backpacking and you really feel like you are in another world while wandering though these woods."
Recent Camping Photos near Addison, AL
115 Photos of 103 Addison Campgrounds
Asher K.
Houston Recreation Area
Hayden E.
Brushy Lake Recreation Area
Genie C.
Corinth Recreation Area
Dwight L.
Boondock Dispersed Camping Alabama
Missy W.
Clear Creek Recreation Area
Asher K.
McDougle Hunt Camp
Steve T.
Bama Campground & RV Park
Asher K.
Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site (Trail 200 Site G)
Asher K.
Sipsey Wilderness - Trail 200 Campsites
Asher K.
Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site (Trail 203 Site B)
Asher K.
Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site (Trail 203 Site C)
Lauren S.
Smith Lake Park
Recent Reviews near Addison, AL
338 Reviews of 103 Addison Campgrounds
Byron S.
GuideRedstone Arsenal RV Park & Campground
Redstone Arsenal Rv
I stayed at the newer site near gate 8. The MWR staff (Kyle) was very nice and helped me with some issues I had originally,. The grounds are very well maintained and all the sites are pass through and paved. Each site is vey large and well planned. Full hook ups. Internet is nonexistent in most of the park but my Starlink worked great and cell coverage is good. The commisary is large and there are a lot of activities to do on and off base. There are a lot of military contractors staying there and shuffle around to stay there all year. My main complaint is the bathrooms or lack of. There is only 1 shower and 2 toilets for over 90+ sites. They are run down and trash on floors, dirt, bugs were never cleaned up while I stayed there (trash in cans were always over flowing).The laundry room is older but worked well enough. There are miles of paved walking and bike trails. There are some good food trucks at gate 7 daily at lunch time. The other older RV site is around 10 miles East next to the water(looked run down and mostly long term people. Overall I enjoyed the stay but they should at a minimum clean the bathrooms daily.
Cindy S.ScoutHidden Cove Thousand Trails
Nice
This is a very nice campground. Staff are very friendly
MickandKarla W.
LegendValley Fort RV Park & Storage
Newer Campground
We called ahead the day of arrival and got a reservation for an overnight stay. We received an email with information and bath/laundry code along with instructions to proceed directly to pull-through site 36 with full hookups. There are various ways from I-65 to get to this campground (CG); we came in on I-565E to Mooresville Rd which provided straightforward big-rig friendly access with no tight turns. Our gravel pull-through site was mostly level, and other sites, especially those on the upper level, also appeared level. The park appears newer with functional gravel sites, some with small concrete patio areas, though sites can be somewhat close together and there is little shade. There was no picnic table nor fire pit at our site, which was fine for an overnighter. Water pressure was decent and we got 2 bars on Verizon and 2 bars on T-Mobile. Occupants were mainly full-timers and transient workers, but the park was quiet and decently maintained without appearing overly junky. A nice centrally located bathhouse and small but clean laundry facility are available. Highlights for us were the large fenced dog park, easy self-check-in process, convenient overnight layout for big rigs, and proximity to Buc-ee’s, making this a solid quick stop when traveling through the Athens area.
John S.ScoutBoondock Dispersed Camping Alabama
Pretty cool
Only one real campsite for anything more than a tent, I am in a camper van. The other small spot seems only suitable for tent camping. Site big enough for vehicle is all the way at the end of the dirt road. NO BIG RIGS I REPEAT NO BIG RIGS. Behind the campsite there is a trail over a mound that leads down the hill to a small creek which was nice however there are 2 nice sized caves 1 to either side of this trail. It does require some hiking down off path to get to the larger of the 2 pretty awesome
Rob G.
TravelerAppalachian Foothills RV Park and Service
It is okay if you just need a spot for the night.
It is an open parking lot with hookups. There are no amenities, or restrooms. There is a laundry room but the code on the door is a secret. The place was clean.
- Byron S.Guide
Ditto Landing City Campground
Nice RV for a night
Sure was level, has water, sewer, electric. They will pick up the trash daily. Wash house is on opposite end of site at the marina. Worth the daily rate
- MickandKarla W.Legend
StarStream Campground
Decent Overnighter
This review was written as a short-stay versus destination campground. Our RV Life navigation and Waze took us off I-65 and about a mile to the campground, though both GPS units announced the destination as being on the right when the new campground entrance was actually on the left. Prior to arrival, we received an email directing us to go straight to back-in site B-1 with full hookups. With only 10 utility sites currently in service, maneuvering was easy, and the wide roadway along with the generous site opening made it simple to swing our 40-foot fifth wheel and F450 into position. The gravel pad was fairly level, as were the other sites, and utilities were centered and functioned well with water pressure around 60 psi. Sites were comfortably spaced, and our site included a nice paver patio with a picnic table. A convenient touch was trash pickup directly from the patio area. One of the owners, Joan, stopped by to make sure everything was satisfactory and mentioned additional parking areas at the front and back of the campground if needed, though we were able to park crosswise on our site without issue. There was currently no Wi-Fi, but the open layout with no obstructions made satellite connectivity easy. We had 3 bars on both Verizon and T-Mobile. The owners live in one of the cabins a few hundred yards from the campground, where a few dry camping sites are also located. There was no bathhouse or laundry facility at the time of our stay, though the owners indicated those amenities are planned. A nearby shooting range was active on the Sunday we visited, creating some daytime noise. Overall, we enjoyed the stay and would return.
Ethan B.GuideBoondock Dispersed Camping Alabama
Peace between the trees
I pulled into this spot on a rainy day, looking for a quiet place to camp. You will came across a dirt road off to the side not exactly where the pin said it would be, but close enough probably a good 1500ft difference . Right away, I noticed how peaceful it felt, tucked a good distance from the main road. Even with the rain coming down, it wasn’t too hard to get to the camping areas.
As I drove in, I passed three camping spots, each with its own little pocket of space that felt private and calm. Eventually, once I got to the where I camped, It looked like I might be able to go further down, but between the wet terrain and the late hour, I decided to park and stay put.
Even with the rain, it was a relaxing and easy spot to camp, quiet and tucked away from the hustle of the road.
Guide to Addison
Bankhead National Forest dispersed camping offers free primitive sites in designated areas outside developed campgrounds. The forest encompasses 180,000 acres of wilderness terrain at elevations ranging from 700-1,000 feet. Summer temperatures average 88-92°F during the day, dropping to 68-72°F at night, while cell service remains spotty throughout the forest with AT&T generally providing better coverage than Verizon.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Access Thompson Creek Trail for multiple waterfall views. "The hike in is not difficult. You do have to cross a stream, which was not as difficult for my 6'2 husband as it was for me at 5'2. The water was clear. The waterfall was beautiful and we found a quiet spot up the creek to camp," notes a Thompson Creek Trail Campsites visitor.
Night sky viewing: Find prime stargazing spots away from light pollution. "The stars were incredible after the moon went down a bit. Lots of bird sounds especially in the morning," reports a camper at Boondock Dispersed Camping.
Canoeing and kayaking: Explore the 33-acre lake at Brushy Lake Recreation Area. "Brushy Lake is a lovely spot in the beautiful Bankhead National Forest. The 33 acre lake is perfect for canoeing or kayaking. The fishing is excellent," shares a visitor.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Many campers appreciate the privacy between sites. "The sites were beautifully wooded and spacing between each site was adequate, but you can definitely see from one site to the next. The perimeter lake lots in the Hoot Owl Loop all had steps or path access from the site to the shore," notes a Clear Creek Recreation Area camper.
Quiet atmosphere: The relative seclusion creates a peaceful camping experience. "This was by far one of the most quite COE campground we have been to. Like is said, peace and quite was the theme of the weekend. The camp was full but you would have thought the opposite based on how quite is was," writes a visitor to Corinth Recreation Area.
Diverse wildlife: Early morning and evening wildlife viewing opportunities abound. "You will see deer in the morning and are likely to have a visitor, raccoons, during the night," mentions a Clear Creek camper.
What you should know
Limited cell coverage: Prepare for minimal connectivity. "Verizon cellphone coverage didn't work here. AT&T cellphone coverage good enough for working from Trailer," reports a Corinth Recreation Area camper.
Road conditions: Access roads can become difficult after rain. "The roads aren't the best but my van made it despite the muddy potholes," notes a visitor to Thompson Creek Trail Campsites.
Water levels: Stream crossings and waterfall views depend on recent rainfall. "As the trail follows Thompson's Creek, it is next to all of the campsites. Water levels tend to be higher during the winter. The water is a beautiful turquoise," explains a camper.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming areas: Brushy Lake Recreation Area offers kid-friendly water access. "They have a basketball and volleyball area in a nice green space area near the boat launch. We will definitely be back!" shares a visitor.
Playground access: Smith Lake Park provides multiple play areas. "Awesome place with a beautiful lake! Lots of playgrounds for the kids and some very nice camping spots!" notes a camper.
Beach preparation: Bring water shoes for rocky shores. "The beach area had a lot of rocks! Probably due to water level low had to go buy some water shoes, but then it was all good," advises a Smith Lake Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose locations based on available facilities. "They are only keeping open one bathroom at a time, so you have to pick and choose your site when you don't have a built in bathroom. It is still a nice campground, lots of space, quite, big spots," advises a Clear Creek Recreation Area visitor.
Leveling considerations: Prepare for varied site conditions. "Our site was level and easy to back into. There is a nice overlook and plenty of hiking trails. We were on the yellow loop," notes a Corinth Recreation Area camper.
Off-season advantages: Consider camping in spring or fall for more comfortable conditions. "Loved this park! It was our first trip in our new Travel Trailer and it couldn't have gone better. We stayed at Yellow Hammer site #9 easy pull through with plenty of room. Not only did all the sites have amazing scenery but the roads were well maintained," shares an RVer at Corinth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Addison, AL?
What camping is available near Addison, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Addison, AL offers a wide range of camping options, with 103 campgrounds and RV parks near Addison, AL and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Addison, AL?
Which is the most popular campground near Addison, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Addison, AL is Corinth Recreation Area with a 4.2-star rating from 26 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Addison, AL?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Addison, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Addison, AL.
What parks are near Addison, AL?
What parks are near Addison, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Addison, AL that allow camping, notably National Forests in Alabama and Bankhead National Forest.
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