Best Campgrounds near Bear Creek, AL

Bear Creek, Alabama features several lakeside and forested campgrounds providing a mix of camping experiences. Twin Forks Campground sits directly on Bear Creek with approximately 90 sites including both RV and tent options. Dismals Canyon offers unique primitive campsites and cabins, while Thompson Creek Trail provides free dispersed camping in the nearby Sipsey Wilderness area. The region includes developed sites with water and electric hookups as well as primitive locations accessible by hiking trails, accommodating various camping preferences from tent campers to RV owners seeking full hookups.

Access to many campgrounds in the Bear Creek area requires permits, particularly for water recreation. The Bear Creek Development Authority (BCDA) requires permits for lake and creek usage, typically $3 per day or $10 for three days. Roads leading to dispersed sites can present challenges during wet weather, with several campgrounds reporting potholes and uneven terrain that may challenge vehicles without high clearance. Temperatures remain comfortable during spring and fall, while summers can be quite hot with limited shade at some locations. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with stronger coverage near developed campgrounds and limited connectivity in wilderness areas. A camper noted that "the roads aren't the best but my van made it despite the muddy potholes."

Waterfront campsites consistently rank highest among visitor preferences, with Twin Forks offering numerous lakeside options that provide scenic views and easy water access. Fire restrictions vary by location, with some campgrounds providing fire rings while others, like Twin Forks, require campers to bring their own fire pits. Dismals Canyon receives praise for its unique natural features, particularly the bioluminescent "dismalites" visible during night tours, though several visitors mention the relatively high fees. More adventurous campers appreciate the Thompson Creek Trail area for its primitive camping opportunities alongside turquoise waters. According to one review, "The entire Sipsey Wilderness is gorgeous, but if you want a trail with lots of great spots to camp, this trail is fantastic." Most primitive sites include existing fire rings from previous campers but lack other amenities.

Best Camping Sites Near Bear Creek, Alabama (91)

    1. Twin Forks Campground

    6 Reviews
    Bear Creek, AL
    2 miles
    +1 (205) 486-4707

    $27 - $47 / night

    "This city campground has many beautiful lakeside campsites along Bear Creek.  Sites are first-come, first-served.  We camped here in mid-October and had no problems getting a site. "

    "It does require a BCDA permit which is $10 a person to make use of the lake and creeks for a three day permit.  The website says the daily rate is $6.  "

    2. Dismals Canyon Cabins and Primitive Campsites

    7 Reviews
    Hackleburg, AL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (205) 993-4559

    "Located in Northwest Alabama, not far from the Sipsey Wilderness, Dismals Canyon offers an unparalleled camping experience that stands out in the state."

    "Primitive sites, but bathroom access near the canyon entrance. Beautiful campsite at sleeping water. Great for a larger group."

    3. Thompson Creek Trail Campsites

    10 Reviews
    Bankhead National Forest, AL
    15 miles
    Website

    "This is my favorite place in Alabama. Best hiking in Alabama, possibly the southeast."

    "Campground Review: Sipsey is one of the real jewels of Alabama for backpacking and you really feel like you are in another world while wandering though these woods."

    4. Twin Forks County Park and Campground

    1 Review
    Bear Creek, AL
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (205) 486-4707

    5. Corinth Recreation Area

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

    $18 - $50 / night

    "**Corinth Recreation Area– USFS ** Corinth Recreation area is located near the town of Double Springs, Alabama."

    "Well designed campground in the hills of Northern Alabama. Sites are well spaced. Well maintained. The lake is pretty. Each site has fire pit and table."

    6. Wolf Pen Hunters Camp

    5 Reviews
    Bankhead National Forest, AL
    16 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. AdventAge Retreat

    1 Review
    Natural Bridge, AL
    12 miles
    +1 (817) 344-9955

    $15 - $50 / night

    8. controller works

    9 Reviews
    Natural Bridge, AL
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (205) 412-6773

    $45 / night

    "Togetherness Works is 5 mile south of I-22/US-78 along a very good Alabama 253.  Junior Beasley and his wife have owned it for many years. "

    "He then set out to build this RV park on 20 acres which he invited us to hike the trails there. "

    9. Brushy Lake Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Addison, AL
    26 miles
    Website

    "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"

    "Close to Sipsey Wilderness and several waterfalls. Clean and quiet. Short paved walking trail, fishing pier, restrooms/showers."

    10. Bama Campground & RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Bankhead National Forest, AL
    17 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."

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Recent Reviews near Bear Creek, AL

395 Reviews of 91 Bear Creek Campgrounds


  • Anna M.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Slick Rock

    Looks Like People Live here

    2 bath houses for entire campground. Most spots look like people live here full time. When you can pull your boat up to your camp site who could blame them.

  • Anna M.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Elliot Branch - Bear Creek Dev Auth

    Year Round Boat Ramp

    The park closed at the end of October but the ramp is open year round. They have really nice cabins. Very little cell service. One bathhouse for all campers. The camp sites

  • Anna M.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Horseshoe Bend

    Very very small

    The camping spots are all under the tree canopy and very close together. There are a few spots on gravel. No cell service, one bathhouse for entire campground. There is nothing nearby it’s very remote. There is a boat launch and the fishing area is surrounded by rock so great if you have a boat. Permit required.

  • Anna M.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Twin Forks County Park and Campground

    Lots of Waterfront Sites

    This place has a lot of campsites right in the water. You can only reserve one day in advance. They do not accept cash. The bathrooms are clean and they do not have push button water it’s knobs and levers. Hot water worked when I was there. They close November 1st every year.

  • Jeff C.
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Clear Creek Recreation Area

    Great place to camp

    Clear Creek is a really nice campground.  The sites are very nice and there is lots of shade.  The majority of sites are pretty level and the comfort stations were clean.  It takes four or five presses on the water activator in the shower before the warm water starts flowing, but there is plenty of water pressure. AT&T cell service was pretty good.

  • Kevin H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Red Bay RV Park

    Self service RV Park

    Mainly used by Class A RVs coming in for service at the many Lippert, Tiffin & other facilities. We use it as an overnight when it’s near our route, or when there is a govt shutdown and ACE campgrounds are closing

    Large spacious, level sites on gravel. FHU. Envelopes and drop box for payment. No service personnel-just a phone number.

    Just what we needed.

  • Jeff C.
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Decatur / Wheeler Lake KOA Holiday

    Nice place to relax

    Very nice campground on Wheeler Lake.  The staff is very pleasant and will work with you to find a site to your liking.  Facilities were clean and the campground was very quiet.  I only gave it four stars because the sites were kind of rocky and hard on my golden retreiver's feet.

  • M
    Sep. 21, 2025

    R & R Vineyard

    Amazing Hosts

    Ruth’s arts are indeed fine, and the wine is even finer. We had an amazing time. Not exactly what you’d expect and not exactly an RV park, though there are electric and water hook ups but no sewer. The wine was your traditional southernly made wines with bit more complexity than I expected. We arrived late and she still offered a tasting and it even ran longer than I had expected which was nice. I highly recommend this place. We even bought a whole bunch of grapes so we could bring em’ home and make jelly. It was lovely. They were lovely. The arts and wine were of course, lovely.

  • 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.


Guide to Bear Creek

Camping near Bear Creek, Alabama offers primitive sites, lakeside options, and full-service RV parks throughout the Sipsey Wilderness region. The area sits within the William Bankhead National Forest at approximately 600-700 feet elevation with terrain characterized by dense forests, limestone bluffs, and turquoise waterways. Temperature variations between day and night can exceed 20 degrees during spring and fall, making layered clothing essential for overnight stays.

What to do

Night hiking tours: $15-30 per person at Dismals Canyon Cabins and Primitive Campsites, where visitors can observe the rare bioluminescent "dismalites." According to a visitor, "We got there pretty late (after dark) for setting up camp, and I do not recommend doing that... After we got everything set up and got all the lights out, we noticed the glowing dismalites along the Canyon wall behind our tent!"

Creek exploration: Free access at Thompson Creek Trail Campsites features shallow water areas ideal for cooling off during hot months. "The water was clear. The waterfall was beautiful and we found a quiet spot up the creek to camp," notes one camper who visited with family.

Stargazing: No cost at secluded camping areas away from light pollution. A camper at Bama Campground noted, "Huge field with little light pollution to stargaze. Very friendly host."

Hiking network: Multiple trail difficulties throughout the region connect various camping areas. A hiker mentioned, "Plenty of trails that would satisfy an Ultramarathoner" when describing the extensive trail system near campgrounds.

What campers like

Natural swimming areas: Accessible year-round at several creek-side camping locations when water levels permit. Visitors appreciate the unique water color, with one noting, "Beautiful water color!! Cool trees and rock formations."

Privacy between sites: Varies by campground with Wolf Pen Hunters Camp offering particularly secluded options. "Sites were level and clear. A little muddy but it had been raining. Sites are spread out and pretty private," according to a recent camper.

Budget-friendly options: $5-15 per night at several basic campgrounds with minimal amenities. A visitor to Brushy Lake mentioned, "This is a really good place for weekend camping! It only cost $5 a night to camp here and the park is on the honor system."

Waterfront access: Limited by season but highly sought after. A camper noted, "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" when describing layout options.

What you should know

Permit requirements: $3-10 per person for water recreation at several areas. While some campgrounds require permits, others operate differently: "Sites are first-come, first-served. We camped here in mid-October and had no problems getting a site."

Cell service: Very limited coverage throughout most wilderness areas. As one camper at Brushy Lake Recreation Area warned, "This place has no cell service, that could be a good thing or a bad thing. We don't seem to mind it. I do recommend downloading an offline version the area in Google Maps, just in case."

Road conditions: Challenging after rain with multiple unimproved access roads. "There is a nice fairly deep reservoir to swim in, as well as creeks and streams throughout. Also waterfalls, giant trees, and many neat rock structures."

Fire regulations: Vary by location with some sites providing rings and others requiring portable options. A camper at Twin Forks noted, "One downside was no grills or fire rings at the sites. However previous campers had makeshift rings out of rocks that were at several sites."

Tips for camping with families

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Dawn and dusk best for spotting local fauna. A family who visited regularly mentioned, "We visited in late January and experienced the beautiful songs of the birds. They were large and loud. That made not having cell service all the better."

Kid-friendly water areas: Monitor seasonal levels to ensure safe wading depths. "There is a huge open grass area were all the kids would gather and play," noted a visitor describing the common areas at Twin Forks Campground.

Easy hiking options: Under 2 miles available at several locations for younger children. "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."

Weekend activities: Seasonal programming offered at select campgrounds. One family mentioned, "They offer activities on the weekends for the kids when weather permits" when describing the family-friendly atmosphere.

Tips from RVers

Leveling challenges: Bring blocks as many sites have uneven terrain. A visitor at Corinth Recreation Area advised, "We had to put a couple boards under the passenger side tires to level our rig; the site was pretty level from front to rear. Easy setup."

Campground WiFi: Available at select locations but reliability varies by weather and usage. "The park WiFi worked well for us - strong signal, roughly 40mbps download speeds. Using T-Mobile, we had strong 5G service."

Site selection: Reserve ahead for water views as these fill first at most campgrounds. "Each site fully equipped with fire ring, picnic table, and lantern poles. Wood available for purchase from host."

Year-round accessibility: Better for smaller rigs during winter months when road maintenance may be limited. "Jr Beasely always carries extra lumber in his gator for leveling assistance. At 85 he is very spry and energetic."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Bear Creek Campground in Alabama located?

Bear Creek Campground in Alabama is situated in the northwestern part of the state. The Bear Creek area includes several campgrounds spread across this region. Corinth Recreation Area is located near the town of Double Springs, Alabama and is part of the Bear Creek system. This area is operated by the United States Forest Service. The general Bear Creek region is not far from the Sipsey Wilderness and offers beautiful lakefront properties and waterways. The area is accessible via good roads, making it convenient for visitors exploring North Alabama's natural attractions.

Is swimming available at Twin Forks Pavilion and Beach at Bear Creek?

Yes, swimming is available at Twin Forks Pavilion and Beach at Bear Creek. Piney Point Campground mentions that the lake near Bear Creek is suitable for swimming, even during summer heat. At Whitten Park Campground in the Bear Creek system, visitors enjoy water activities on the river stretch. Bear Creek waterways generally provide swimming opportunities during warmer months, with many campgrounds offering direct water access. The Bear Creek Development Authority maintains several recreational areas with swimming facilities throughout the watershed.

What amenities are available at Bear Creek Campground?

Bear Creek area campgrounds offer a variety of amenities. Twin Forks Campground features lakeside campsites along Bear Creek with gravel sites surrounded by wooden beams. The campground has helpful staff and first-come, first-served availability. At Elliot Branch - Bear Creek Dev Auth, you'll find clean, quiet cabins with full kitchens and bathrooms. Many Bear Creek area campgrounds provide access to water recreation, shaded sites, and basic facilities. Depending on which specific Bear Creek campground you visit, amenities may include bathhouses, fishing piers, and nearby hiking trails.