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 Cherokee, AL
1 campground with availability this weekend
Search destinations
Add dates
Bankhead National Forest and Sipsey Wilderness areas near Cherokee, Alabama offer numerous backcountry tent camping opportunities with varying levels of accessibility. Thompson Creek Trail Campsites, rated 4.9 out of 5, provides primitive tent-only camping along clear streams and waterfalls, while Second Creek Recreation Area offers more developed tent campsites with basic amenities like picnic tables and portable toilets. The Sipsey Wilderness contains multiple backcountry tent sites along numbered trails (200, 203, and 207), each offering different experiences from easily accessible spots near trailheads to more secluded locations deeper in the wilderness.
Most tent campsites in the region feature sandy or dirt surfaces with established fire rings but minimal other amenities. Primitive tent camping is the norm, with campers needing to bring all supplies including water for drinking and cooking. Sites along rivers and streams provide water access for filtering, but proper treatment is essential. Weather conditions significantly impact the camping experience, with spring and fall offering comfortable temperatures while summer brings heat and insects. Many backcountry tent sites sit on riverbanks, requiring careful placement to avoid potential flooding during heavy rains.
Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for exploring the extensive trail networks. According to reviews, "Sipsey is one of the real jewels of Alabama for backpacking... almost every quarter mile you come across a set up campground and each is more beautiful than the last." The walk-in tent sites offer varying levels of privacy, with one camper noting that sites further from trailheads provide "an incredible amount of privacy while not being cramped or crowded." Sites with flat, sandy surfaces are particularly valued for comfortable tent setup. Many backcountry tent camping areas feature proximity to waterfalls, with one visitor describing "several waterfalls nearby, close enough to the river for easy water access, and secluded from many other sites." Reviewing these tent campsites before you go helps you match the right level of accessibility and seclusion to your trip.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Cherokee (27)
1. Second Creek Rec Area
"Multiple spots to set up camp with concrete tables at each."
"Good location and easy to get to. We have been camping here for years good spot for fishing kayaking and just good family time. They have on site porta potties and picnic tables."
2. Joe Wheeler State Park Campground
"Nice quiet park out on the lake. We were in loop C at the end of the improved sites."
"Some were well shaded , others had nice water views. We had an oversized site that was a pull through. We got there after sunset, so it was nice to have a quick and easy set-up."
82 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
3. 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."
4. 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."
5. Big Hill Pond State Park Campground
"Primitive camping, no water or electric. Not big enough for RVs. Nice bathrooms, excellent showers. Very pretty with lots of hiking trails and a lake for fishing."
"We brought our small Aliner camper here to primitive camp for the first time and we couldn’t have picked a better place! The campsites have been redone in the last couple of years."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when available6. 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."
7. 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."
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 - 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"
10. 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."
Drive Time
- 30 min from Florence, AL
- 57 min from Decatur, AL
- 1 hr 13 min from Huntsville, AL
- 1 hr 39 min from Jackson, TN
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Cherokee, AL
32 Photos of 27 Cherokee Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Second Creek Rec AreaJ
Dismals Canyon Cabins and Primitive Campsites
Joe Wheeler State Park Campground
Thompson Creek Trail Campsites
Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site (Trail 203 Site C)
Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site (Trail 203 Site B)
Sipsey Wilderness - Trail 200 Campsites
Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site (Trail 200 Site G)
Boondock Dispersed Camping Alabama
Tent Camping Reviews near Cherokee, AL
353 Reviews of 27 Cherokee 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!!
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!
Cara N.TravelerHollow Hideaway
RV Camping
We have been to Hollow Hideaway for the past few years to camp and ride SXS’s. I highly recommend this place. The owners are the best I’ve ever felt with and now have become our friends. The RV sites are well maintained and the rental cabins and house are amazing. Get your spot booked now! You won’t be disappointed.
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
- JJeffrey W.Traveler
David Crockett State Park Campground
Amazing 👏
This is a Beautiful camp ground the waterfall in Awesome. All this camp sites are wonderful
Guide to Cherokee
The Bankhead National Forest and Sipsey Wilderness offer some of Alabama's most rugged tent camping opportunities. Located in the Cumberland Plateau region, the area features elevations ranging from 500 to 1,100 feet with deeply cut canyons and sandstone cliffs. Most backcountry campsites sit on sandy river banks within dense hardwood forests that provide natural shelter during summer months when temperatures often exceed 90°F.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: The Sipsey Wilderness contains multiple cascades accessible via interconnected trails. At Thompson Creek Trail Campsites, visitors find numerous water features along the route. "The water is a beautiful turquoise. Most of the campsites have giant moss covered boulders all around, and cliffs in the background opposite the river," notes Aaron S.
Swimming in natural pools: Summer visitors often cool off in the clear waters throughout the forest. "We have been camping here for years good spot for fishing kayaking and just good family time," shares Jake W. about Second Creek Rec Area, which provides easier water access than more remote sites.
Night hiking to see glowworms: The region's unique biodiversity includes bioluminescent insects. "After we got everything set up and got all the lights out, we noticed the glowing dismalites along the Canyon wall behind our tent!! It was super cool," reports Rebekah C., who stayed at Dismals Canyon Cabins and Primitive Campsites.
What campers like
Sandy campsites: The soil composition at many sites creates comfortable tent platforms. "Most of the campsites have fire pits, and a few have some hand-made benches, usually from woven branches," explains Aaron S. about the established camping areas along Thompson Creek Trail.
Privacy between sites: The forest configuration creates natural separation between camping areas. At Sipsey Wilderness - Trail 200 Campsites, "This site has space for around 2 tents though you could possibly squeeze in a 3rd and it has a nice sized firepit with a large dead log that was perfect for sitting on," according to Asher K.
Easy water access: Many campsites feature convenient water sources for filtering. "It has several firepits and is spread out over a large area. Each individual site has enough privacy while still providing group areas to congregate. On top of that, it is close to several water sources," notes a reviewer about Sipsey Wilderness backcountry sites.
What you should know
Weather variability: Flash flooding poses risks during rainy periods. At Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site (Trail 207 Site D), Asher K. notes this campsite is "one of the furthest along this section of trail... nice since it is one of the larger spaces in this area... and is relatively private but still close to the trail."
Campsite competition: Popular areas fill quickly during peak seasons. "The only downside to this campsite is that you need to get there early if you want to claim it for yourself. It is often full of people when I arrive," warns Asher K. about larger group sites.
Facility limitations: Most sites lack amenities requiring self-sufficiency. "Lots of mosquitoes at night. Quiet pretty spot to camp. Trees for hammocking. Portopotty for your bathroom needs," explains Summer A. about Second Creek Rec Area's minimal facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: Younger children do better at locations closer to trailheads. "We camp here regularly on the weekends. Good location and easy to get to," shares Jake W. about Second Creek Rec Area, making it suitable for families wanting shorter hikes.
Pack insect protection: The humid environment supports active insect populations. "Bring bug spray," advises Trinity W., noting that the Thompson Creek area has "LOTS of waterfalls. Also lots of shallow places for the kids to play in the water. Watch for snakes."
Consider seasonal timing: Spring and fall offer more comfortable conditions for young campers. "Different times of year provide completely different experiences whether its the exciting and boundless blooms of spring, the overgrown wild of summer, the bold and expansive colors of fall," explains one experienced camper about Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site (Trail 200 Site H).
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most roads leading to campsites have clearance limitations. "Started 3 May 2023, looks like a few permanent residents... Three areas to get too, pull offs on left coming in on Hwy 1," explains Michael W. about Second Creek Rec Area, one of the few places accommodating smaller RVs.
Limited hookup options: Expect primitive conditions without utilities. "Primitive. The roads aren't the best but my van made it despite the muddy potholes," reports Dani K. about accessing Thompson Creek Trail Campsites in a conversion van.
Consider adjacent developed options: Nearby campgrounds offer more RV amenities. "The Canyon and campsite were pet friendly. Dogs were even welcome in the country store!!" notes Rebekah C. about the more developed Dismals Canyon facilities that accommodate RVs while providing access to hiking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Cherokee, AL?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cherokee, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cherokee, AL is Second Creek Rec Area with a 3.8-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Cherokee, AL?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Cherokee, AL?
TheDyrt.com has all 27 tent camping locations near Cherokee, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring