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Camping near Bankhead National Forest

299 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 (93)

    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. 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"

    6. 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."

    7. Boondock Dispersed Camping Alabama

    3 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."

    "Easy drive on paved road until you reach the GPS coordinates (I wouldn’t have seen the little gravel road if I hadn’t been looking for it)."

    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

    14 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

106 Photos of 93 Bankhead National Forest Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Bankhead National Forest

299 Reviews of 93 Bankhead National Forest 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

What camping is available near Bankhead National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, Bankhead National Forest offers a wide range of camping options, with 93 campgrounds and RV parks near Bankhead National Forest and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Bankhead National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bankhead National Forest is Corinth Recreation Area with a 4.2-star rating from 26 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bankhead National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Bankhead National Forest.

What parks are near Bankhead National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Bankhead National Forest that allow camping, notably Chugach National Forest and Denali National Park.

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