Kelly W.
Traveler
TravelerTishomingo State Park Campground
Nice quiet campground. We stayed at site 59. Level concrete pad, full hookup. We walked a couple trails. It’s been very dry no waterfalls and small creeks were dry.
Tent Camping near Bear Creek, AL
1 campground with availability this weekend
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The Sipsey Wilderness area provides some of the best tent camping near Bear Creek, Alabama, with numerous backcountry campsites along various trails in Bankhead National Forest. Tent campsite options range from the free, permit-free sites at Thompson Creek Trail to the more amenity-rich Dismals Canyon Cabins and Primitive Campsites, giving campers a choice between truly primitive and semi-developed setups. Most tent sites are situated along creeks and streams, allowing campers to enjoy the natural water features that define this region of northwest Alabama.
Tent sites throughout the Sipsey Wilderness feature established fire rings and typically sandy or flat ground suitable for tent setup. Access varies significantly, with most requiring either a hike-in or walk-in approach. Thompson Creek Trail Campsites are free to use with no permits required, while Dismals Canyon charges fees that many reviewers note are relatively high. Water is generally accessible from nearby streams, though proper filtration is essential. One camper remarked that "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 tent camping experience in Sipsey Wilderness changes dramatically with the seasons. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures and vibrant scenery, while summer can be extremely hot and buggy. Water levels fluctuate significantly based on recent rainfall, affecting both campsite selection and water crossing difficulty. Tent campers should be aware of potential flooding risks at sites positioned close to water. A review mentioned that "the water levels in Sipsey are highly variable since we get a lot of rain in Alabama and most of the levels are dependent on runoff." Many backcountry tent sites provide significant privacy, with campsites spaced well apart along trails. These primitive tent camping locations offer varying degrees of shade from the forest canopy, flat spaces for tents, and proximity to the area's notable features including waterfalls, rock formations, and the turquoise waters of Thompson Creek.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Bear Creek (27)
1. Dismals Canyon Cabins and Primitive Campsites
"We got there pretty late (after dark) for setting up camp, and I do not recommend doing that. It's about a quarter of a mile walk to the campsite, but the site is absolutely gorgeous!"
"Located in Northwest Alabama, not far from the Sipsey Wilderness, Dismals Canyon offers an unparalleled camping experience that stands out in the state."
2. Thompson Creek Trail Campsites
"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."
"Easily accessible to fresh water. Has nice logs around a campfire pit if you plan on having a nice campfire. Plenty of space to set up a tent, or a hammock."
3. Boondock Dispersed Camping Alabama
"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)."
"The other small spot seems only suitable for tent camping. Site big enough for vehicle is all the way at the end of the dirt road. NO BIG RIGS I REPEAT NO BIG RIGS."
4. Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site (Trail 207 Site B)
"This particular campsite is located at the intersect of several streams and is a beautiful spot with a large area to set up tents."
5. Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site (Trail 200 Site G)
"Each individual site has enough privacy while still providing group areas to congregate. On top of that, it is close to several water sources and has some of the most beautiful wildflowers."
6. Sipsey Wilderness - Trail 200 Campsites
"It is a wonderful site and well worth claiming early since it is close to the parking area, has easy access to the river where you can pump water and swim, and best of all it has flat sandy tent spots"
7. Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site (Trail 200 Site H)
"Check out my other reviews of the wilderness area for a general overview of the backpacking here. This site, in particular, is one of my favorites to stay at."
8. Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site (Trail 203 Site C)
"We loaded up all our gear into our hiking cooler and backpacking packs and trekked the 15-20 min downhill to this site. It is the 3rd campsite you pass after turning right at the bridge."
9. Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site (Trail 200 Site F)
"Make sure to check out my other reviews in the area for a general overview of backpacking in Sipsey. This site is a nice flat well-established campsite off of the main 200 trail."
10. Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site (Trail 200 Site J)
"Check out my other reviews in the area for a better overview of the hiking in Sipsey. This site has an established fire pit and easy access to (purifiable) water."
Drive Time
- 50 min from Florence, AL
- 1 hr 2 min from Decatur, AL
- 1 hr 21 min from Huntsville, AL
- 1 hr 46 min from Tuscaloosa, AL
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Bear Creek, AL
32 Photos of 27 Bear Creek Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Dismals Canyon Cabins and Primitive Campsites
Thompson Creek Trail Campsites
Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site (Trail 200 Site G)
Sipsey Wilderness - Trail 200 Campsites
Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site (Trail 203 Site C)
Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site (Trail 203 Site B)
Boondock Dispersed Camping Alabama
Joe Wheeler State Park Campground
Second Creek Rec AreaJ
Tent Camping Reviews near Bear Creek, AL
364 Reviews of 27 Bear Creek Campgrounds
- GGina B.
ScoutBama Campground & RV Park
BEST Place Ever !!
My friend and I stayed Friday and Saturday night in the two-story cabin. The location was easy to find, and it was extremely affordable. Such a great value, when most places are out of reach even for two days! The cabin was so clean and had everything you need. There's a fire pit with kindling and firewood that's nice and dry and burns excellently. We went during the Fall Festival, and they had hot air balloon rides, a pumpkin patch, cornhole boards, bouncy houses for the kids, horse rides, wonderful food, and a night hike to the cave(they even provided glow sticks!). It was an event-filled weekend with the best atmosphere! I can't say enough about Steve and his staff. They're all so kind, it's like you've known them forever. Anything you need, just give them a call and they're Johnny-on-the-spot. We will definitely come and stay again. I'd recommend this peaceful, beautiful place with a 5-star rating and more! Love this place!!
- A
Anna R.
GuideBrushy Lake Recreation Area
Great spot for $5! Sites are spacious and it's a quick walk to the day use area bathhouse if needed. Only 3 other groups on a Monday night.
MickandKarla W.
LegendWhitten Park Campground
Still One of Our Favs
GPS took us right to Whitten Park Campground (CG). The check-in gate opens early most days and was already open when we arrived at 2:15 PM. Check-in was friendly and quick, even though the official check-in time was 4:00 PM. We had pull-through site 9 with water and electric(50/30/20 AMP). Sites 8 and 9 had been combined to create a very long pull-through with two sets of utilities. We were able to position our rig on the pad to compensate for the slight slope, using one leveling block under each wheel on the door side. With temperatures reaching 100 degrees, we were glad the 50 AMP service supported all three of our air conditioners. As with most COE CGs, water pressure was very good, so we used our pressure regulator. Our site had a nice step-down patio with a large picnic table, stand-up BBQ grill, and fire pit. We stayed in the same site a couple of years ago, but the picnic table and other amenities from the former site 8 had since been removed. We also enjoyed a partial water view through the trees. We had 3 bars on Verizon and 2 bars on T-Mobile, with the T-Mobile signal strong enough to run our T-Mobile Home Internet and stream. With the amount of large trees in this CG, satellite could be iffy depending on the site. There was no CG WiFi. We stayed in Loop 1, which had trails leading to the boating and fishing docks, along with connecting trails to the other CG loops. Loops 1 and 3 are the most popular and tend to attract more campers. If you prefer fewer crowds and a quieter camping experience, consider Loop 2, which generally has fewer occupied sites, especially during the week. Whitten Park remains one of our favorite campgrounds.
Brett D.LegendTurkey Hill RV Park
Cute and quiet campground minutes from the interstate
Cute, quiet campground tucked away in the woods, yet only 5 minutes from the interstate! The sites are spacious, shaded, and very level. The showers and bathrooms are clean, and the laundry facilities are great. Highly recommend, especially for the price. Excellent value!
Raymond P.TravelerQuail Creek RV Resort
Clean camp crown with pull through slots
Level campsites, not too cramped, very clean and well organized
Michael M.GuideDecatur / Wheeler Lake KOA Holiday
Awesome
We spent a night here on our way to Florida. We originally booked a year ago when it was a KOA, but before we arrived, they switched to Unhitched. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. The inside sites had full hookups, but we opted for a waterside site with a view, which was a great choice. They even had live music, and the band was fantastic. I bought a couple of bundles of firewood, and they delivered them to us. We’ll definitely stay here again for a couple of nights next time, as it was worth it. We didn’t use the bathhouse.
Tula J.ScoutBrush Creek Park
Beautiful quiet place to relax
My daughter door dashes in Florence. Since we live in the Bankhead Forest, sometimes we stay closer to Florence. We love this park for peace and quiet. Easy to find. Only real problem is the showers. They are not heated and there is no door. So you need to bring your own shower curtain. It's wide open to the world.
Kim K.GuideTishomingo State Park Campground
tishomingo State Park
Very nice campground has concrete pads for RVs water and electric no sewer but does have a dump station has lots of beautiful hiking trails. Dog friendly and historic sites
Guide to Bear Creek
The Bear Creek region of Alabama offers primitive tent camping options primarily within the Bankhead National Forest's Sipsey Wilderness area, featuring numerous backcountry sites positioned along intersecting creeks and trails. Thompson Creek Trail Campsites provides free walk-in tent sites along a turquoise water system about a mile from the trailhead, while several established backcountry sites are distributed throughout the trail systems, particularly along Trails 200 and 207.
Tent campsites within the Sipsey Wilderness generally feature established fire rings and sandy or level ground suitable for tent placement. Access requires hiking in along trail systems, with most sites located between a quarter-mile to three miles from trailheads. One camper noted that "because it is actually slightly removed from the trail that most people take it has an incredible amount of privacy while not being cramped or crowded." Water is readily available from nearby streams but requires purification. The camping experience varies dramatically by season, with spring offering blooms and waterfalls, while summer brings heat and insects. Fall provides colorful foliage and more comfortable temperatures.
The sandy tent sites at many Sipsey Wilderness campsites provide comfortable sleeping surfaces, particularly at locations like Trail 207 Site B where tent areas are covered in sand rather than rocks or roots. A visitor commented that "most of the campsites have giant moss covered boulders all around, and cliffs in the background opposite the river." Trail 200 offers multiple tent sites with varying degrees of privacy, though some sites positioned on sandbars near waterways risk flooding during heavy rain. For those seeking more developed tent camping, Dismals Canyon Cabins and Primitive Campsites provides designated tent sites with access to showers and toilets, though reviews mention significant added fees beyond the base campsite rates, including cleaning fees and admission charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Bear Creek, AL?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bear Creek, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bear Creek, AL is Dismals Canyon Cabins and Primitive Campsites with a 3.4-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Bear Creek, AL?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Bear Creek, AL?
TheDyrt.com has all 27 tent camping locations near Bear Creek, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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