Tent campsites near Arley, Alabama provide primitive camping experiences with varying degrees of access difficulty. The Sipsey Wilderness area within Bankhead National Forest covers approximately 25,000 acres of protected wilderness at elevations ranging from 500 to 1,000 feet. The terrain features sandstone bluffs, hemlock forests, and numerous small waterfalls that become most prominent after rainfall in winter and early spring.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: 1-2 miles from many campsites. Campsites along Thompson Creek Trail offer easy access to multiple waterfalls. "The water is a beautiful turquoise. Most of the campsites have giant moss covered boulders all around, and cliffs in the background opposite the river," reports Aaron S.
Creek swimming: Access points available year-round. Multiple shallow areas provide natural swimming holes near Sipsey Wilderness - Trail 200 Campsites. As Miranda C. notes about Thompson Creek, "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."
Short day hikes: Connected trail system under 5 miles. The numbered trail system allows campers to take day hikes without breaking camp. "We did a backpacking trip with friends here in the middle of the summer and it sure was hot. Luckily though the rivers made for a great way to cool off," explains a visitor to Thompson Creek Trail Campsites.
What campers like
Natural tent pads: Sandy soil at select sites. Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site (Trail 207 Site B) features comfortable natural tent areas. "The flat tent areas at this site are mostly covered in sand which means you will have a very comfortable surface to sleep on," notes Asher K.
Multiple site options: Quarter-mile spacing. For campers who prefer choosing between multiple sites, the area provides options. "It has several firepits and is spread out over a large area. Each individual site has enough privacy while still providing group areas to congregate," says Asher K. about Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site (Trail 200 Site G).
Turquoise water views: Visible from campsites. The distinctive water color enhances the camping experience. "Water levels tend to be higher during the winter. The water is a beautiful turquoise. Most of the campsites have giant moss covered boulders all around," Aaron S. reports about Thompson Creek Trail.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Spotty coverage. Most primitive tent camping sites have limited or no cell service. At Owl Creek Horse Camp, "We enjoyed staying here after being out of cell service for a few days at brushy lake, so we were able to catch up and coordinate our next destination," notes Gregg G., who found "2 bars of Verizon 4G LTE" there.
Specific trailhead locations: Recent changes. Some trailheads have been relocated. "The Borden Creek Trailhead where we started our hike used to be down at the bottom of the hill but several years ago they moved the parking to a quarter mile away to help protect some of the areas down by the river," reports a camper.
Tent site popularity timing: Arrive early for preferred sites. Popular sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. "The only downside to this campsite is that you need to get there early if you want to claim it for yourself. It is often full of people when I arrive," warns a visitor to Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site (Trail 200 Site G).
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly sites: Within 1 mile of trailheads. Families with young children should consider sites closest to parking areas. "Me and my 6 year old daughter hiked the trail this past Saturday, July 27, 2019. Had a great time. Definitely be back," shares Jimmy R. about Thompson Creek Trail Campsites.
Water play areas: Safe shallow sections. Several creek areas provide safe play spots for children. "Also lots of shallow places for the kids to play in the water. Watch for snakes and bring bug spray," advises Trinity W.
Wildlife awareness: Snake precautions. Families should be prepared for wildlife encounters, especially during warmer months. "The entire Sipsey Wilderness is gorgeous, but if you want a trail with lots of great spots to camp, this trail is fantastic. Don't expect bathrooms or drinking water to be nearby," notes Trinity W.
Tips from RVers
Potable water access: Year-round availability. For RVers needing to refill water supplies, Owl Creek Horse Camp provides reliable water sources. "Here you can find potable water from the spickets all year long. It is essentially a large field with some very large loblolly pines," explains Gregg G.
Road conditions: Variable access. Access roads can be challenging, especially after rain. "The roads aren't the best but my van made it despite the muddy potholes," reports Dani K. about reaching tent campsites near Arley.
Day use options: $3 fee. RVers unable to reach tent-only areas can pay for day use at more accessible sites and hike in. "Cost is $5 a night or $3 for day use," notes Gregg G. about Owl Creek Horse Camp, making it a good staging area for day hikes to more remote tent campsites.
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