2 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Tent campsites near Brent, Alabama include several established options within a short drive. Weogufka State Forest offers primitive tent camping with both designated sites and a backpacking shelter along the Pinhoti Trail. Holt Lake in Cottondale provides tent-only sites with lake views, while Payne Lake Spillway in Moundville offers access for boat-in tent camping.
Most tent campgrounds in the area feature basic amenities with varying levels of development. Weogufka State Forest campsites include fire rings and some have picnic tables, though campers should verify water availability before arrival. Holt Lake's tent sites feature individual water pumps at each location and space for vehicle parking. Several locations permit pets, including Weogufka State Forest and Runaway Branch, though Payne Lake Spillway prohibits them. Toilet facilities range from vault toilets to daily-cleaned bathroom buildings at locations like Holt Lake, while more remote sites may lack facilities entirely.
The tent camping experience in this region offers a mix of forest and lakeside settings. Weogufka State Forest provides backcountry solitude with sites that accommodate small groups, particularly along hiking trails. The backpacking shelter in Weogufka sits alongside a creek for convenient water access and features a platform with space for approximately three people. Holt Lake's tent-only sites are described as "very large and private" with excellent views of the water. According to one visitor, "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." Most areas maintain a natural setting with minimal development, making them suitable for campers seeking a more authentic outdoor experience.
"Although the first few tent sites on the B-side are located right off the road, they're set back far enough that they feel pretty secluded with plenty of trees to give a slight sense of privacy."
"Oak Mountain State Park is Alabama’s largest state park. Located just outside of Birmingham, it’s easy to escape to nature without being too far off the beaten path. This park is HUGE!"
Available next weekend
"Picnic tables at the sites have wasps. BRING WASP SPRAY! ATT had zero service."
"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."
"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."
"Although we didn’t get a chance to stay the night here on the most recent visit we had an incredible time exploring the lake and beach areas."
"Lake Lurleen is a beautiful, well kept place to camp. Bathrooms are exceptionally clean. The camp sites are big and well maintained."
Available next weekend
"Weather was great, and with the breeze that comes through, we didn't have to use our ac in full sun on a 85° day. Be prepared to be self sufficient the one bathroom is up the hill."
"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."
"Also known as Bob Woodruff Park, located right on the Alabama River, there's access to swimming, hiking, fishing and of course boating."
"Well maintained with public restrooms. You cannot camp here, but there is nearby camping facilities in both Forkland and Demopolis."
ScoutWe stayed here 2 nights. They allowed us to receive a Walmart order and Amazon order. Extremely helpful for full time RV’ers. Large space for our dogs to play. Nearly level parking spot. Clean laundry room and showers. Would stay here again.
TravelerReservations must be made online and there is no cell service on site. My bad
GuideWow, where to begin. We weren't ready. We had a concert in Birmingham and wanted to camp beforehand. We thought it would be relaxing and fun and we'd have nature time before being in a huge crowd at a concert. Wrong. Very. Very. Wrong. We came a few days before Halloween and we stayed 5 days. Halloween, is apparently, a huge deal at this park. I mean literally thousands of people in the park. Hundreds of decorated camp sites. So. Much. Noise. That lasted for 3 days. On the 4th day, we woke up and almost everyone was gone. But, some mountain bike gang decided to set up a warm up area for their trail, all around our campsite, which was weird bc there were other areas it could have been. After the 3 days of Halloween it was surreal at this point. Our van being circled by mountain bikers warming up..this place is wild. Im writing on the 5th morning, we're leaving today. It's pretty peaceful out, I can actually hear birds. I wish it had been this way for the entire trip. I think if we had known what we were getting into and could have planned to participate in the festivities maybe I would have ranked higher. Also this park seems more geared towards selling campsites, some are ridiculously placed and they try to squeeze in as much as they can. Its for mountain biking, almost all the trails are bike trails. And there's history here which is actually really cool.
ScoutExcellent campground. Clean and well maintained. Nice and friendly host.
GuideTruly a stunning campground! The waterfront site we stayed in was beautiful. Well kept park, easy to maneuver. Would love to come back.
GuideOak Mountain State Park is a great spot for a weekend tent camping trip. The campground is convenient, the park is beautiful, and there’s plenty to do during the day, especially if you enjoy hiking, biking, or just spending time outdoors. For a two- or three-night trip, I think it’s a really good option. That said, I’m not sure I would want to stay much longer than a weekend. The campground works well as a home base for exploring the park, but for an extended camping trip, I’d probably look for somewhere a little more scenic, secluded, or relaxing. Overall, I’d definitely come back for a weekend getaway. Oak Mountain has a lot to offer, and it’s an easy place to get outside without having to plan a major trip.
LegendThis RV park is no longer open. It has been abandoned for some time. At one time it was very nice. I remember visiting it when it first opened. Do not plan on staying at this campground.
RangerSpacious sites. Well maintained facilities. The hiking is wonderful. Wish we would have stayed longer.
ScoutThis immaculate campground/manufactured home seller is easy off I65 and easy back on. Has laundry, playground, dog park, showers, restrooms, tv lounge vending machines, wifi, AND FULLhookup. Enjoyed one night.
Would definitely stay again.
Tent campsites near Brent, Alabama sit within the rolling foothills region where the Appalachian Mountains begin their southern descent. The area experiences mild winters with occasional frost and humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through August. Camping opportunities spread across several counties surrounding Brent, offering both developed sites and primitive options within 30-40 miles of town.
Hiking the Pinhoti Trail: Access the southern terminus of the Pinhoti Trail at Weogufka State Forest Flagg Mtn, where you can begin a section hike or simply explore the immediate surroundings. "Simple and enjoyable. Caretaker and author Sunny Eberhart (Nimblewill Nomad) is wonderful to talk to. Access to southern terminus of the Pinhoti Trail. CCC tower and cabins from 1930's," notes reviewer Ro J.
Water recreation: Enjoy swimming and boating at Jones Bluff on the Alabama River. "This is a large parcel of land owned and operated by the Army Corps of Engineers. Also known as Bob Woodruff Park, located right on the Alabama River, there's access to swimming, hiking, fishing and of course boating," explains Sarah C., who adds that "if the fish aren't biting, you're close enough to the city of Montgomery to explore the area."
Historical exploration: Visit the Civilian Conservation Corps structures at Weogufka State Forest Flagg Mtn, where camper Marty E. notes: "You might need four-wheel-drive to get up to the ruins, but maybe not. Mary the caretaker of the area could easily tell you and is a great communicator and very helpful."
Lakefront views: The tent sites at Holt Lake in Cottondale provide direct lake access. According to Missy W., "The beach can be pretty crowded during the summer but it's a decent size and the bathrooms are nearby... Lots of people in boats and the lake is huge, great for towing, skiing and fishing and cruising."
Picnic facilities: Payne Lake Spillway offers well-equipped day-use areas with cooking facilities. Hannah C. reports, "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. They have fire pits and grills nearby for cooking."
Solitude options: Several smaller backcountry sites provide opportunities for quiet camping. At Weogufka State Forest Campsite 2, reviewer Asher K. describes "a small area for backcountry camping in the Weogufka State Forest. You can park fairly close to the site and there is enough space for a couple of hammocks or a single tent... The hiking in the area is amazing."
Site accessibility: Some camping areas require specific vehicles or hiking to reach. At Weogufka State Forest Flagg Mtn, Marty E. advises that "you might need four-wheel-drive to get up to the ruins" and recommends contacting the caretaker about current conditions.
Water safety considerations: Beaches at some locations require vigilance. Missy W. cautions about Holt Lake: "Last time I went I found a needle in the sand, so keep an eye out. I'm not sure how often the beach is cleaned."
Limited facilities: Many tent camping options near Brent feature minimal amenities. Weogufka State Forest Campsite 2 provides a backcountry experience with Asher K. noting, "You can park fairly close to the site and there is enough space for a couple of hammocks or a single tent. There are better sites in the area but this one is easy to access and is already established."
Check campground status: Several areas like Runaway Branch in Forkland provide tent camping options but receive limited review coverage, making it advisable to call ahead about current conditions and availability.
Consider beach access: Holt Lake provides family-friendly swimming areas. Missy W. describes it as "a great day trip" where "we usually hang out at the small man made beach or hop in the boat or kayaks."
Seek campgrounds with reliable facilities: When camping with children, prioritize locations with maintained bathrooms. According to Asher K., Holt Lake "has a great bathroom facility that they clean daily."
Check for educational opportunities: Several camping areas like Jones Bluff offer proximity to historical sites. Sarah C. suggests that you can "head to Selma and learn about the Selma to Montgomery March" when staying in this region.
Limited hookup options: Most tent campsites near Brent, Alabama do not accommodate larger RVs or provide hookups. The majority of sites mentioned in reviews are designated for tent camping only, with minimal or no RV facilities.
Consider nearby developed campgrounds: For RVers seeking camping near Brent, Sarah C. recommends alternatives: "There isn't camping located in the immediate vicinity [of Jones Bluff], however you can camp just down the road at either the Prairie Creek Park Campgrounds or back toward Montgomery a bit at Gunter Hill Park (also run by the Army Corps of Engineers)."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Brent, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Brent, AL is Oak Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 104 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Brent, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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