Best Tent Camping near Bessemer, AL

Public lands surrounding Bessemer, Alabama offer several tent camping options within driving distance. Holt Lake in Cottondale provides well-maintained tent-only sites with lake views and individual water pumps at each site. Weogufka State Forest, located east of Bessemer, features multiple primitive tent camping areas including backcountry sites and a shelter along the Pinhoti Trail. These established tent campgrounds provide varying levels of amenities and seclusion for overnight stays.

Most tent campsites in the region include basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, though facilities vary by location. Holt Lake offers more developed tent camping with access to bathroom facilities that are cleaned daily, while Weogufka State Forest provides more primitive tent camping experiences. Sites at Weogufka State Forest Campsite 2 have enough space for a couple of hammocks or a single tent with parking relatively close by. Fire pits are common at most locations, and some sites like Big Canoe Creek Outfitters include grills for cooking. Campers should check seasonal restrictions, as weather conditions may affect accessibility.

The tent camping experience varies across these locations. According to reviews, Holt Lake features "very large and private" tent-only sites with room for multiple tents and easy access to swimming areas. The backpacking shelter in Weogufka State Forest sits alongside a creek for convenient water access and includes a platform with space for about three people. One visitor noted that four-wheel drive might be needed to access some areas of Weogufka State Forest. Backcountry tent camping in this area provides excellent access to hiking trails, with one camper describing the hiking as "amazing." Big Canoe Creek Outfitters offers tent campers opportunities for fishing, with one visitor reporting catches of bluegill and bass during their stay. Most tent sites provide a balance of accessibility and seclusion for overnight stays.

Best Tent Sites Near Bessemer, Alabama (5)

    1. Holt Lake

    2 Reviews
    Peterson, AL
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (205) 553-9373

    "The tent sites are very nice and groomed and have a wonderful view of the lake. They have individual water pumps at each site and room for several cars to pull up and park."

    "The beach can be pretty crowded during the summer but it's a decent size and the bathrooms are nearby. Last time I went I found a needle in the sand, so keep an eye out."

    2. Weogufka State Forest Flagg Mtn

    3 Reviews
    Weogufka, AL
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 543-3801

    "This is a review for the backpacking shelter located along the Pinhoti trail in Weogufka State Forest."

    "Access to southern terminus of the Pinhoti Trail. CCC tower and cabins from 1930’s."

    3. Payne Lake Spillway

    1 Review
    Moundville, AL
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (205) 926-9765

    "The Payne Lake spillway is a nice place to have a picnic and view the lake. There is a pavilion with four picnic tables underneath it and then there are isolated picnic tables around the area."

    4. Big Canoe Creek Outfitters

    1 Review
    Ragland, AL
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (205) 587-4828

    $20 / night

    "Did some tent camping brought my inflatable fishing boat fish the river caught about eight bluegill and a couple Bass campsite has a fire pit and a grill and the bathroom is fairly close a wonderful experience"

    5. Weogufka State Forest Campsite 2

    1 Review
    Weogufka, AL
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 223-3990
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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Bessemer, AL

3 Photos of 5 Bessemer Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Bessemer, AL

318 Reviews of 5 Bessemer Campgrounds



Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bessemer, AL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bessemer, AL is Holt Lake with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Bessemer, AL?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 tent camping locations near Bessemer, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.