Dispersed camping near Alpine, Alabama provides outdoor enthusiasts with primitive sites spread across state forests and wildlife management areas in Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia. The region's mixed hardwood forests sit at elevations ranging from 800 to 1,400 feet, creating varied camping terrain and water access opportunities. Winter campers should note that several areas, including parts of Prentice Cooper State Forest, close seasonally between December and March.
What to do
Fishing at small ponds: Davis Pond in Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed offers accessible catch-and-release fishing for largemouth bass. A camper reported, "My husband caught several large mouth bass in the pond too (catch and release)" and another mentioned "Caught 4 largemouth bass in about 15 minutes of fishing on the pond, largest being about a 1lb."
Hiking woodland trails: The region features multiple trail systems connecting camping areas to natural features. At Hidden Creek Campground, campers can access nearby trails through wooded areas. One visitor noted, "We went out and found this place and setup our campsite very nice secluded and away from people very few people out here."
Seasonal planning: Be aware of weather-related closures when planning trips. A reviewer at Prentice Cooper State Forest warned, "This is a beautiful WMA area with tons of offshoots along a service road for camping, but please note, 99% of areas are closed between December and March. Had to turn around and find somewhere else to camp for the night."
What campers like
Secluded camping spots: Many dispersed sites offer significant privacy from other campers. In Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA, a camper noted, "We stayed 3 days 2 nights here in our 21' pop up camper with our generator. Road is pretty well maintained, spots are good size, some only large enough for tent/car camping."
Free campsites: Most dispersed camping options near Alpine cost nothing. A Blue Hole visitor reported, "Land pass required. No alcohol is permitted. This is a wildlife management area. The camp sites are first come, first serve. They are free. Only 2 sites with tables."
Waterside locations: Several camping areas sit adjacent to water features. At Tennessee Wall Camp, campers enjoy riverside sites. One review mentioned, "There is a parking lot right off the road after a fun ~30 minute drive through residential roads right on the water, then sites with fire pits are scattered throughout a small clearing."
What you should know
Vehicle clearance concerns: Many forest roads have rough sections requiring careful driving. At Hidden Creek Campground, a visitor cautioned, "We went right which goes up, passed an open gate followed the road LOTS OF DEEP POTHOLES. The road then opens up to a four way, we kept going straight, followed the road down and then came to three sites all empty."
Wildlife management regulations: Different rules apply on WMA lands. At Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA, "Land pass required. No alcohol is permitted. This is a wildlife management area." Another camper mentioned the campground was "So peaceful! A couple of other people there and a little bit of trash, but I picked it up."
Bathroom facilities: Most dispersed sites lack proper restrooms. At Prentice Cooper State Forest Camp, basic toilet facilities exist but may be primitive. One Davis Pond camper warned, "DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT even think of entering the 'restroom' at Davis Pond. They really should demolish it. Completely disgusting."
Tips for camping with families
Clear site selection: Choose campsites with defined boundaries for safety. At Tennessee Wall Camp, a family noted, "We really enjoyed our night tent camping here. There is a parking lot right off the road after a fun ~30 minute drive through residential roads right on the water, then sites with fire pits are scattered throughout a small clearing."
Weekend noise factors: Plan for potential noise from ATVs and other vehicles. A Prentice Cooper camper warned, "You will deal with some ATV/Jeep traffic during the weekends which can cause some dust to deal with." Another mentioned, "Night time is great but gunshots started at 6:30 at a nearby gun range and dirt bikes started hitting the roads not much later."
Hammock options: For families using hammocks, scout specific sites first. One visitor to Walls of Jericho - Trailhead Campsite advised, "The trailhead campsite is a short walk from the parking lot, but makes for a great basecamp for exploring the area. The campsite is level and large enough to accommodate many tents. There are also trees that would be suitable for hammock camping."
Tips from RVers
Smaller RV advantages: Forest roads often limit larger vehicles. At Blue Hole, one camper reported success with a modest setup: "We stayed 3 days 2 nights here in our 21' pop up camper with our generator. Road is pretty well maintained, spots are good size, some only large enough for tent/car camping."
Parking limitations: Some areas advertised as campgrounds are primarily parking areas. One RVer at Walls of Jericho noted, "Read that there was a drive-in camp site at this location. Upon arrival, we found a parking lot with a fence all around it. There were a few fire rings in the parking lot."
Arrival timing: Gates at some areas close at specific times. One camper at Prentice Cooper advised, "We stayed at the Davis Pond Campground which is about a 15min drive back into the park. If you want to stay here you have to be there before dark as they close the gates at dark."
