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Camping near Bankhead National Forest

300 Reviews

Bankhead National Forest has several camping options across its Alabama woodlands. Corinth Recreation Area sits 10 miles from Houston, Alabama, with good site spacing and a lake nearby. Kids have playgrounds and activities, making it popular with families. Clear Creek Recreation Area, 16 miles from Arley, Alabama, gives campers more privacy with its roomier sites and access to trails and water. Brushy Lake Recreation Area, 7 miles outside Addison, Alabama, draws anglers and people who like exploring wetlands. Summer gets hot here, so spring and fall trips work better for most campers. Thompson Creek Trail Campsites connect to the Sipsey Wilderness and are known for waterfalls and rocky terrain that backpackers appreciate. Thousand Trails Hidden Cove, 19 miles from Arley, has full hookups and a store for those wanting more amenities. Bama Campground & RV Park is just 3 miles from the forest boundary with full hookup gravel sites and shade trees for RVers. Houston Recreation Area has hiking trails and good spots for watching birds. Some campgrounds have basic facilities, so checking ahead saves hassle. Bankhead works for both families and those seeking more remote camping. Bring extra water and insect spray, especially in warmer weather. The forest's different landscapes and wildlife make it worth visiting.

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Best Camping Sites Near Bankhead National Forest (95)

    1. Corinth Recreation Area

    26 Reviews
    Houston, AL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (205) 300-1513

    $18 - $50 / night

    "Wonderful and huge site with easy access to the bathhouse. The bathhouse itself was extraordinarily clean. Our hosts were fantastic and helpful providing maps and reasonably priced ice and firewood."

    "This is a great campground which puts you near all the magic of the Sipsey Wilderness Area in the Bankhead National Forest."

    2. Brushy Lake Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Addison, AL
    7 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "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"

    3. Clear Creek Recreation Area

    25 Reviews
    Arley, AL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (205) 300-1463

    $24 - $75 / night

    "As an adult, it's been fun to return and spend time actually camping in the Bankhead National Forest."

    "Dont plan on playing in the lake unless you get the outer side of the loop. It's good that the waterfront sites are not reservable in that you have a chance at something."

    4. Thompson Creek Trail Campsites

    10 Reviews
    Bankhead National Forest, AL
    8 miles
    Website

    "I really enjoy backpacking Bankhead National Forest. We camped about 1 mile in at an existing fire ring. Beautiful water color!! Cool trees and rock formations."

    "The entire Sipsey Wilderness is gorgeous, but if you want a trail with lots of great spots to camp, this trail is fantastic."

    5. Boondock Dispersed Camping Alabama

    4 Reviews
    Bankhead National Forest, AL
    5 miles

    "Great spot, close to stores and a lot of trails and such. Nice level clear spot, able to accommodate an overland or few tents setup. Close to the main road."

    "A previous camper had left behind some kindling, which was cool. Ended up having a little cell reception with T Mobile."

    6. Wolf Pen Hunters Camp

    5 Reviews
    Bankhead National Forest, AL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (205) 489-5111

    "if you can get there quick enough there are some pretty good spots to camp and it's free not to mention right down the road from some of the best hiking trails I have ever seen open year round"

    7. Bama Campground & RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Bankhead National Forest, AL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (844) 922-6746

    $45 - $79 / night

    "This is a great little campground tucked away on the edge of Bankhead National Forest. The location of the campground makes it an excellent location to enjoy the numerous waterfall hikes in the area."

    "Stayed here on an overnight while driving through the state. Great site tucked in the woods, very private area. Huge field with little light pollution to stargaze. Very friendly host. Would Recommend."

    8. Houston Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Houston, AL
    10 miles
    Website

    "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."

    9. Thousand Trails Hidden Cove

    13 Reviews
    Arley, AL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "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."

    "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."

    10. Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site (Trail 200 Site H)

    1 Review
    Bankhead National Forest, AL
    4 miles
    Website

    "It has several waterfalls nearby, is close enough to the river for easy water access, and is secluded from many other sites."

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Recent Camping Photos near Bankhead National Forest

107 Photos of 95 Bankhead National Forest Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Bankhead National Forest

300 Reviews of 95 Bankhead National Forest Campgrounds

  • Rae W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Boondock Dispersed Camping Alabama

    Simple & Peaceful

    Nice little spot out in the forest. Spotted the gravel road and went down a little to the first opening. Pretty decent sized clearing. You can hear cars on the road, but it didn’t bother us. Pretty warm, humid, and buggy this time of year, but cooled off through the night.

    The stars were incredible after the moon went down a bit. Lots of bird sounds especially in the morning. A previous camper had left behind some kindling, which was cool. Ended up having a little cell reception with T Mobile.

  • Bobbie S.
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Jay Landings Marina & RV Park

    Beautiful Sunsets

    Absolutely beautiful place to stay with all the needed amenities plus extra! I felt very safe here every day while my husband was at work. They have a shower house, laundry room, several common areas to sit, docs, boat ramp, salt water pool & basketball hoop. But for the noise, this would be a five star place to stay. There is a scrap metal recycling plant beside the campground, a train not too far away (whistle blows at night 😫) and across the river is a nuclear power plant and a refinery. The grounds are very well kept with lovey landscaping, paved roads and level sites with crushed rock and grass. Jessica at the front desk was pleasant and easy to work with. I would absolutely stay here again.

  • Michael C.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Joe Wheeler State Park Campground

    beautiful RV/Tent sites

    Stayed in A25 RV/Tent spot and had a beautiful view of the lake. Great little hiking trails near by. We ended up in this spot because the dispersed camping area had tornado destruction from years ago. So it was a bit pricey for just tent camping ($46)

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Northgate RV Travel Park

    Nice place to JUST stay in your RV

    Nice level gravel pull through sites. Full hook ups. Great water pressure. WiFi signal was very good ! Arrived on a Sunday afternoon and only one other RV was here. As explained in the description no bathhouse, pool or anything so just basic RVing. The only “complaints” were no fire pits for fires and is a little noisy from the highway traffic. Otherwise great pull thru full hookup RV park for the price.

  • S
    Jul. 10, 2025

    Mulberry Creek Camp

    Peaceful Tranquility

    I stayed 2 weeks in June and came back on the first of July. I felt blessed to be able to stay, until July 7th. I love Mulberry Creek Camp! Misty and Jason provide the cleanest, neatest and friendliest campground site, that I have ever stayed at! I plan to come back in September! It is so peaceful and tranquil. Turning down Mulberry Creek Camp road makes my endorphins rise and the relaxation begins immediately. Have I even mentioned, the spectacular Fireworks Display, Mulberry Creek Camp provided? It was so awesome that not just their 2 Campgrounds were entertained, but also the surrounding small towns. Thank you Misty and Jason, for providing entertainment for all, your hard work does not go unnoticed! See you in September!

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 30, 2025

    Thousand Trails Hidden Cove

    Very nice, quiet campground

    Great campground & people! Only reason for 4 instead of 5 stars is the lack of things to do. No fenced in dog park but plenty of space to have one. Right on the lake but unaware of any kind of rentals available nearby— closest rentals are 40 mins away on the opposite side of the lake. Nearest Walmart is Cullman which is 45 mins away. Wouldn’t recommend staying here if you prefer to be closer to the city but perfect if you want to be in the middle of the woods and have no reason to leave. Very hot, humid and rainy time of year! Would be back in the fall perhaps.

  • Nick E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 23, 2025

    Hidden Cove Thousand Trails

    Clean, Quiet, and Spacious

    Great little campground with awesome access to the lake. Great for Starlink and good AT&T reception.

  • Dave K.
    May. 10, 2025

    Palomino RV Resort

    Palomino

    Nice concrete pads, park is ran very well by the city...clean and organized campground

  • Anna M.
    Apr. 20, 2025

    Corinth Recreation Area

    It's commercial camping with tons of kids.

    Very expensive, crowded and noisy but what do you expect. The hot water was out in the bath house so no showers. $10/day to enter if you have more than 2 vehicles. Everyone wants to be outside and camping most in large RV's with all the amenities and a dozen loud kids per. This is typical if you are looking for something else you will have to keep looking. Night time quiet hours are not enforced. Spaces are a little closer and tighter than other campgrounds.

Guide to Bankhead National Forest

Camping near Bankhead National Forest, Alabama, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're into hiking, fishing, or just relaxing by the lake, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: There are great trails for both hiking and biking. One camper mentioned, "There’s a great paved trail for biking or walking" at Clear Creek Recreation Area. Another reviewer noted, "We also like the other trails near the campground" at the same spot.
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds are near lakes, making them perfect for fishing. A visitor at Smith Lake Park said, "There are tons of things to do here, especially if you like to fish!"
  • Canoeing and Kayaking: If you enjoy being on the water, you can rent canoes or kayaks at several locations. One family had a blast at Corinth Recreation Area, saying, "Great trails for kids and we took the canoes out for lots of fun!"

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful scenery. A reviewer at Brushy Lake Recreation Area said, "Really small campsite... Most if not all campsites have fire pits and picnic tables."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are well-maintained. One camper at Cullman Campground mentioned, "The showers are really clean," which is a big plus for many.
  • Friendly Staff: Campers appreciate helpful staff. A visitor at Hidden Cove RV Resort noted, "Staff was very friendly... This is a spacious campground and easy to navigate."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Thompson Creek Trail Campsites, are more primitive. A camper shared, "Don't expect bathrooms or drinking water to be nearby."
  • Cell Service Issues: Depending on where you camp, cell service can be spotty. A reviewer at Point Mallard City Campground mentioned, "No wifi per office with no known date of repair."
  • Tight Turns for RVs: If you're bringing a larger RV, be cautious. A camper at Clear Creek Recreation Area warned, "Some roads into the campsites have tight turns."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. A family at Decatur / Wheeler Lake KOA Holiday said, "Kids loved the park."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can make outings easier. One camper at Smith Lake Park enjoyed the "great sites" and mentioned the convenience of nearby amenities.
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Some campgrounds are quieter than others. A visitor at Togetherness Works RV Park appreciated the "secluded, peaceful" environment.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check for Level Spots: Make sure your RV site is level. A reviewer at Hidden Cove RV Resort noted, "Loop C is newer than A & B loops," which might offer better options.
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have everything you need. A camper at Corinth Recreation Area mentioned, "There are dump stations but they are far from the campsites."
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Don’t forget to check out local attractions. A visitor at Decatur / Wheeler Lake KOA Holiday highlighted nearby activities, saying, "The new owners have worked hard and it shows."

Camping near Bankhead National Forest, Alabama, is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need permits for camping in Bankhead National Forest?

For developed campgrounds like Clear Creek Recreation Area, reservations are required and can be made through Recreation.gov. These sites typically include water and electric hookups and require payment of camping fees. For dispersed camping at places like Wolf Pen Hunters Camp, no formal permits are needed, but you should follow forest service dispersed camping regulations. Backcountry camping in the Sipsey Wilderness doesn't require permits, but campers should practice Leave No Trace principles and camp at established sites when possible.

What rustic campground amenities are available in Bankhead National Forest?

Rustic campground amenities vary across Bankhead National Forest. Bama Campground & RV Park offers spacious gravel sites with full hookups, making it an excellent base for waterfall hikes despite its more developed nature. For truly rustic experiences, wilderness camping along backcountry trails provides no facilities beyond existing fire rings and nearby water sources. The more developed Brushy Lake Recreation Area balances rustic charm with basic amenities. Most developed campgrounds include potable water, vault toilets or bathhouses, and fire rings, while backcountry sites require self-sufficiency with no facilities.

Where are the best camping spots in William B. Bankhead National Forest?

Bankhead National Forest offers diverse camping opportunities. The Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site (Trail 207 Site D) provides spacious, private camping with easy water access for backpackers. For those seeking developed camping, Corinth Recreation Area features 52 well-maintained sites with clean bathhouses, helpful hosts, and strategic access to the Sipsey Wilderness Area. Backpackers will find excellent primitive camping along Thompson Creek Trail Campsites, known for beautiful water colors, unique rock formations, and numerous existing fire rings about a mile into the trail.

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