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Best Dispersed Camping near Anniston, AL

22 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities near Anniston, Alabama are concentrated in the Talladega National Forest, particularly along the Pinhoti and Chinnabee Silent Trails. Sky Mtwy Dispersed offers primitive tent camping with drive-in access on a steep dirt road. The Skyway Loop area contains multiple backcountry sites near Chinnabee, most requiring hike-in access. According to reviews, Sky Mtwy Dispersed sits on a former lookout tower site, and rangers occasionally ask campers to relocate to designated areas due to fire concerns.

Most dispersed sites in this region permit campfires in established fire rings, but carry no amenities such as toilets or trash service. Water availability varies significantly by season and location. Several campers noted that sites along Chinnabee Silent Trail offer reliable water access near creeks and waterfalls, while ridge-top locations require carrying all water. The Chinnabee Silent Trail Backcountry Site 2 features "three built fire rings" and is "right next to a creek for an easy water source," making it suitable for larger groups.

Spring and early summer provide optimal camping conditions with flowing water and wildflower blooms. Summer brings high humidity and increased insect activity. The Skyway Loop Backcountry Site Near Chinnabee sits at a critical trail junction where hikers can access Lake Chinnabee recreation area. This site features established fire pits and flat tent areas with the creek providing "peaceful background sound during the night." All sites operate under Leave No Trace principles. Pack out all trash and come prepared with maps, as trail junctions can be confusing, especially when leaves cover the path during fall and winter.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Anniston, Alabama (18)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Anniston, AL

3 Photos of 18 Anniston Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Anniston, AL

22 Reviews of 18 Anniston Campgrounds

  • Zoey T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Sky Mtwy Dispersed

    Beautiful remote place to set up for the night

    It took us a bit to get here. Google maps tries to send you a way that doesn’t exist. Stay on Campbell rd until you are in the park on a gravel / dirt road and then keep driving. For being a gravel dirt road it’s pretty well maintained. The pull offs for van camping are limited and extremely dispersed off the multiple dirt roads. Some going very deep in the Forrest. We found a great pull through one on the left across from the fire watch tower. Limited to no trash. Beautiful piney woods. Plenty of wood. Completely quiet. Maybe 3 cars pulled past all day. Some cell service. Plenty of trails to hike.

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2020

    Chinnabee Silent Trail Backcountry Site 5

    Large secluded site

    As I noted in several of my other reviews check out my review of the Sipsey falls campground for a comprehensive account of my favorite hiking and camping in the area. 

    This campsite in particular is located on a small ridge after passing the Sipsey falls area. It is fairly large with two established firepits and multiple cleared areas for tents. It also has plenty of trees for setting up hammocks. I like this site in particular since it is one of the less crowded spots. I only give it 4 stars however since if available some of the best sites are right next to Sipsey falls a little further along where you have access to water for pumping and swimming when the weather is right. 

    As always make sure to leave no trace and make the site cleaner than when you found it.

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2020

    Chinnabee Silent Trail Backcountry Site 4

    Parking Lot Site

    Check out my other reviews of this trail to get a better picture of the backpacking options in the area. Talladega national forest has some amazing trails and campsites available. 

    This particular site is located a short way into the woods from the parking area for the Chinnabee silent trailhead and not far from the Turnipseed campground. It is at the intersection of two trails leading down from the main road. It could work for several tents in the dry season but we somewhat waterlogged when we were there in the spring. Not the worst last-minute place to set up camp but there are much better sites further along the trail.

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2023

    Skyway Loop Backcountry Site Near Chinnabee

    Improved since last visit

    This site has been cleaned up and expanded since I last stayed here. The space is in a really beautiful area near the parking area for Lake Chinnabee and a few minutes down the trail from Devil's Den Falls. It has an established fire pit and several clear flat areas for tents. The creek runs right alongside so there is easy access to water and it provides a peaceful background sound during the night. Another nice feature of this campground is that it sits at the intersection of multiple trails.

  • Weather Warrior Media -.
    Jul. 2, 2024

    Hollins Hunting Camp

    Average but good

    This has a good road and decent open spots to set-up. Overlanders (w/rtt) will be the most happy. Open areas have tall grass a but, but some have enough pine trees the pine needles make for better ground camping. Small camper trailers could probably make it too. Just be mindful of turn around spots.

    I arrived late so harder to find spots. Mid-week so no one else here.

    -Lacked good signage on the last turn. -No facilities (as expected) -Open to sky (took awesome star pics here)

  • cheyenne T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 21, 2025

    Sky Mtwy Dispersed

    Nice for a night

    We got here an hour before sun down. It’s a nice ride up on a very steep at times dirt road. It’s private but there’s a ton of houses in the area with people driving up and down the road. Once the sun went down there was too many outside noises for us to feel comfortable so we packed up. Very strange noises. Very buggy as well

  • Peyton P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Hollins Hunting Camp

    Open and quiet

    Best for overlanding/camper/tents. No marked sites, just pull in and find a spot. I got in around 8 and there were only a couple people here, lots of space and easy to find a private spot. Hardly any bugs, no amenities

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 30, 2021

    Riverside Skyway Loop Backcountry Site

    Small with water access

    This site is another of the small backcountry sites along the river between Cheaha Falls and Lake Chinnabee. Make sure to check out my review of Cheaha Falls Campground where I discuss the entire loop and the best times of year to visit. Although this campground isn’t as nice as others in the area it has easy access to water and is small and private so you won't have anyone else crowding your space. It is also a great option when the other spots can fill up during busy times such as holiday weekends in the spring or fall. This campground also has easy access to the many waterfalls that are up the trail and is not too far from the parking at Lake Chinnabee. This campground has a level area for either 1 or 2 tents, a fire ring, and access to flowing water. The best time to visit is either late spring or early summer when the flowers are blooming and the weather is warm enough to swim. But be aware it can get pretty hot and muggy late in the summer.

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 30, 2020

    Chinnabee Silent Trail Backcountry Site 3

    On the way to the falls

    Check out the video included to get a full review of the site. In summary, this is a nice backcountry campsite a short walk in from the chinnabee silent parking area. It has a nice large flat area for setting up several tents. The only negative is that it doesn't have as easy water access as some of the other sites in the area.

Guide to Anniston

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Anniston, Alabama, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities. This area offers several unique spots for those looking to escape into the wilderness without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Anniston, Alabama

Top activities while free camping near Anniston

Scenic views for dispersed campers

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Anniston, Alabama?

The Talladega National Forest offers several free dispersed camping options near Anniston. Sky Mtwy Dispersed is accessible via Campbell Road, though Google Maps directions can be unreliable. Stay on Campbell Road until you reach the park's gravel/dirt road. The road is relatively well-maintained despite being unpaved, with several pull-offs suitable for van camping. Another option is Hollins Hunting Camp, which features good road access and open spots ideal for overlanding vehicles with rooftop tents, tent camping, and small camper trailers. The area has ample space for privacy, especially if you arrive early enough to secure a spot.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in the Anniston area?

Dispersed camping in the Anniston area follows standard National Forest regulations. Most sites, like those along the Chinnabee Silent Trail and Skyway Loop Backcountry, operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations required. Typically, camping is limited to 14 consecutive days within a 30-day period. Practice Leave No Trace principles by using established fire rings, packing out all trash, and camping at least 200 feet from water sources. Some areas may have seasonal fire restrictions or closures during hunting season, so check with the Talladega National Forest office for current regulations before heading out.

What amenities or facilities are available at dispersed camping sites near Anniston?

Dispersed camping sites near Anniston are primitive with minimal to no amenities. At Riverside Skyway Loop Backcountry Site, you'll find natural features like river access but no developed facilities. Similarly, Chinnabee Silent Trail Backcountry Site 3 offers flat areas for setting up multiple tents and some water access, but no infrastructure. Most dispersed sites include basic fire rings or existing fire pits. You must pack in all supplies including water (or bring filtration systems for natural water sources), toilet paper, and food. Pack out all trash as there are no garbage services. Cell service is generally limited throughout the area, so plan accordingly for emergencies.

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