Bankhead National Forest spans 181,230 acres of northwestern Alabama, with elevations ranging from 500 to 1,200 feet above sea level. The forest contains over 150 miles of streams and rivers, creating a diverse habitat for wildlife and outdoor recreation. Winter camping temperatures often hover around 40°F with summer averaging 85°F, making spring and fall ideal for exploring the forest's extensive trail network.
What to do
Hiking waterfalls: Trail 200 in Sipsey Wilderness provides access to multiple waterfalls with dog-friendly paths. "The trails in the nearby Sipsey are just amazing. If you go hiking, make sure you have AllTrails with a downloadable trail map before you leave the campsite, because there is not great cell service on most trails, and it's easy to get turned around in some places," notes a visitor to Corinth Recreation Area.
Mountain biking: Clear Creek Recreation Area offers paved biking trails suitable for all skill levels. A camper mentioned, "There is a fun hiking trail and also a paved bike trail. Will definitely camp there again!!!" Many trails throughout the forest allow biking with certain seasonal restrictions.
Fishing Smith Lake: Access the lake through multiple recreation areas for bass and crappie fishing. At Hidden Cove RV Resort, "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!"
What campers like
Limited light pollution: The remote nature of many campsites allows for exceptional stargazing. "The stars were incredible after the moon went down a bit. Lots of bird sounds especially in the morning," reports a camper at Boondock Dispersed Camping Alabama.
Spacious sites: Clear Creek Recreation Area offers well-spaced camping areas. "Large spacious sites, quite, and clean. You can find a site to satisfy almost anyone. Lots of sites on the water. If you prefer seclusion, try the upper grounds," shares one reviewer who frequently visits with their dog.
Abundant wildlife: Early morning and evening wildlife viewing opportunities exist at many dog-friendly campgrounds. Wolf Pen Hunters Camp offers primitive sites spread throughout the forest. A camper mentioned it's "right down the road from some of the best hiking trails I have ever seen open year round."
What you should know
Limited amenities at dispersed sites: When camping at Thompson Creek Trail Campsites, prepare for true primitive camping. "Don't expect bathrooms or drinking water to be nearby, but if you're looking to really get away from it all and do some primitive camping, this trail is fantastic. You'll find fire pits at most of the sites that previous campers have made, but that's about it."
Weather variations: Rain can significantly impact accessibility and water levels at creek crossings. "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."
Cell reception: Service is limited or non-existent in many areas. A camper at Corinth Recreation Area reported, "AT & T cellphone coverage good enough for working from Trailer. Verizon cellphone coverage didn't work here." Bring printed maps and download any necessary information before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water areas: Look for shallow creek sections for safer water play. "Most of the time, except during dry spells, there are LOTS of waterfalls. Also lots of shallow places for the kids to play in the water. Watch for snakes and bring bug spray," shares a visitor to Thompson Creek Trail Campsites.
Playground facilities: Corinth Recreation Area offers maintained recreation facilities for children. "We spent a lot of time walking with our kids on the trails and riding scooters around the campsite roads. Nature trails were extremely well kept with great views on the water."
Educational opportunities: Use the diverse ecosystem to teach children about wildlife and plant identification. Multiple dog-friendly campgrounds throughout Bankhead National Forest provide opportunities for young explorers to learn about nature.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Bama Campground & RV Park, choose sites strategically based on shade and views. A recent visitor noted, "The campground was laid out well with spacious gravel sites and full hookups. Sites 2-4 had good views of the pond/field, sites 10-15 backed up to the tree line to provide a little shade all other sites had full sun."
Water and power management: Many of the dog-friendly campgrounds in Bankhead National Forest have varying levels of hookups. Clear Creek campers mentioned, "The older sites seem to be mostly 30 amp, FHU. They do have some 50 amp, and it looks like all the new sites are 50 amp."
Access considerations: Some forest roads leading to remote campgrounds may have tight turns or rough surfaces. "The sites were level and clear. A little muddy but it had been raining. No utilities or restrooms but that's to be expected with a free site. Sites are spread out and pretty private."
