Tent campsites near Alpine, Alabama sit at the southern end of Lookout Mountain, a plateau rising around 1,100 feet above sea level. Most camping areas follow the valleys of Little River and its tributaries, which have carved deep gorges into the sandstone landscape. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder camping conditions in the 60-75°F range.
What to do
Cave exploration: 30-45 minute drive from most Alpine campsites provides access to several notable cave systems. At Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA, campers can explore Ellison Cave. "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. We were never bothered and it's right down the road from blue hole and Ellison Cave trail," notes Ava R.
Swimming holes: Less than 10 minutes from several camping areas in warmer months. Sawmill Lake Campsite offers quick access to popular swimming locations. Lisa shares, "This is a nice primitive camp site just a 2 min walk from Petty John Cave and a 5 min drive to Rock Town Trailhead. Come here to try your hand at rock climbing and spelunking. The permit was 15 dollars to access Rock Town and the Caves."
Mountain biking: Several trail systems throughout the region welcome riders of varying skill levels. Little River Adventure Company provides equipment rentals and access. As Charles H. describes, "The site has everything you could want i.e. a field to camp in close to the bathhouse or secluded riverside sites to get away from it all. I chose the secluded sites next to the river and it was great. The owner, Giorgio, is a off-road bike rider and a super host."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Several tent camping areas offer space between neighbors. At Hurricane Creek Campground, the limited number of sites (only 2) ensures seclusion. Jake C. notes, "Hurricane Creek Campground is a great spot for those looking to disconnect and enjoy some time in the southeast."
Water access: Multiple campgrounds feature direct water access for cooling off and recreation. Charity G. appreciates Yellow Creek Falls Fish Camp, saying, "We went twice before. Once in September of 2020 and once in May of 2021. We absolutely love this campground. Its peaceful and right by the water! The market is a plus too!"
Affordability: Most dispersed camping options near Alpine cost nothing or have minimal fees. Mitchell M. explains about Sawmill Lake Campsite, "Was a very nice and open area to camp at. Came in at night so was hard to see spots. Despite it being November there were a good amount of people." He adds, "I had just a little bit of service, and there were no amenities that I could find."
Free fire rings: Several camping areas include pre-constructed fire rings for safely containing campfires. At Hidden Creek Campground, Robyn W. reports, "Overall we enjoyed this stay! GPS wants to take you to where the road dead ends but the actual turn off is before the end of the road on the right where the big wood sign is."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many camping areas require driving on unpaved forest roads. Patrick R. from Hidden Creek Campground warns, "There are a few big potholes in the road to watch out for but there is also another spot down the mountain down the other trail that's not as bad and easier to get to."
Permit requirements: Several sites, particularly in Georgia, require land use permits that must be purchased in advance. Sarah H. explains about Blue Hole Dispersed, "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."
Bathhouse locations: When facilities exist, they may be distant from campsites. As Lonni B. advises about Little River Adventure Company, "I do recommend bringing your own toilet accommodations since you'll probably pick a site further from the bath house (which was very clean and maintained)."
Cell service limitations: Most camping areas have minimal or no cell coverage. Be prepared to disconnect. Heidi H. notes about Hidden Creek, "A little farther off the highway than I wanted to go, but definitely a solid free campsite."
Tips for camping with families
Plan bathroom solutions: With limited facilities at most locations, prepare accordingly. Lonni B. says about Little River Adventure Company, "Giorgio has an amazing set up here. He was super helpful and accommodating. We were in a mini van and were still able to navigate the grounds and dirt road pretty easily. Our kids were amazed by the water access and walking trails."
Consider weather patterns: Alpine area camping brings rapidly changing conditions, especially in spring and fall. Thunder storms can develop quickly in summer months. John S. mentions, "My one quibble would be that, although the site definitely feels secluded, there was a little bit of road noise at night from the main road."
Pack extra water: Most tent campsites near Alpine lack water sources. Michael M. explains about Blue Hole, "It has a blue hole an caves no electricity or running water but the camp sites are pretty good. An the do have a handicap access area for rvs to do disperse camping also an parking for the bluehole."
Tips from RVers
High clearance vehicles recommended: Forest roads leading to many camping areas can be rough. Sierra Y. from Sawmill Lake Campsite shares, "Stayed 13 days. I came from the west and had no problems getting my 23ft camper up the mountain. There were a few people that stayed in a tent for a night or two here and there, but I didn't see any other RV/Campers so every spot was open."
Limited RV amenities: Prepare for dry camping with no hookups. Bring extra water, portable power, and waste containment. Ava R. notes about Blue Hole Dispersed, "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."
Scout during daylight: Arrive during daylight hours to find suitable spots. Mitchell M. cautions, "Was a very nice and open area to camp at. Came in at night so was hard to see spots."
