Best Dispersed Camping near Calera, AL

Dispersed camping near Calera, Alabama includes several primitive sites on public land, with options like Weogufka State Forest Backcountry Site, Blue Creek Public Use Area, and Hollins Hunting Camp. These areas provide basic, undeveloped camping experiences with varying levels of accessibility and amenities. Most sites are located on public lands with minimal development and require self-sufficiency from campers.

Access to these dispersed camping areas varies considerably. Blue Creek Public Use Area offers boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in access with some amenities like electric hookups, showers, and trash disposal, though drinking water is not available. Weogufka State Forest Backcountry Site is accessible only by hiking or walking in, with no amenities or facilities. Hollins Hunting Camp provides drive-in and walk-in access for tent campers but lacks facilities. "About a handful of spots, all with ample room and privacy. Rough road there, but overall easy access and nice view," noted one visitor about Blue Creek Public Use Area.

These backcountry camping areas each offer distinct experiences. Blue Creek Public Use Area sits along a bluff overlooking a river, providing scenic views and occasional breezes. "Camping area is along bluff over looking the River. Second area is in a grove at the end of the paved road and turn around," according to a camper. Weogufka State Forest features a platform built on an old building site with the original fireplace still intact, making it suitable for cold weather camping, though water must be carried in or collected from nearby streams. Hollins Hunting Camp has open areas with tall grass and some pine-covered spots where pine needles create better ground for tent camping. Most sites remain relatively quiet with minimal traffic, primarily from visitors accessing boat ramps or recreational areas.

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Best Dispersed Sites Near Calera, Alabama (3)

Show More
Showing results 1-3 of 3 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Calera, AL

3 Photos of 3 Calera Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Calera, AL

8 Reviews of 3 Calera Campgrounds


  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 23, 2023

    Blue Creek Public Use Area

    Great private spot

    About a handful of spots, all with ample room and privacy. Rough road there, but overall easy access and nice view.

  • Weather Warrior Media -.
    Jul. 2, 2024

    Hollins Hunting Camp

    Average but good

    This has a good road and decent open spots to set-up. Overlanders (w/rtt) will be the most happy. Open areas have tall grass a but, but some have enough pine trees the pine needles make for better ground camping. Small camper trailers could probably make it too. Just be mindful of turn around spots.

    I arrived late so harder to find spots. Mid-week so no one else here.

    -Lacked good signage on the last turn. -No facilities (as expected) -Open to sky (took awesome star pics here)

  • Michael P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 6, 2025

    Blue Creek Public Use Area

    Totally Relaxing

    I have camped here several times, alway relaxing and restful. Has a latrine, no water or electric. Has boat ramp and camping areas are near pacer park roads. Local traffic is mostly folks going to boat ramp. Camping area is along bluff over looking the River. Second area is in a grove at the end of the paved road and turn around. Ample space, some folks also pull RV down to an area near the boat ramp. Other that the latrine self-contained rustic camping.

  • Peyton P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Hollins Hunting Camp

    Open and quiet

    Best for overlanding/camper/tents. No marked sites, just pull in and find a spot. I got in around 8 and there were only a couple people here, lots of space and easy to find a private spot. Hardly any bugs, no amenities

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 12, 2021

    Weogufka State Forest Backcountry Site 1

    Platform on old building site

    This site appears to have a platform that was built to set up a tent on where an old building used to stand. The fireplace is the only part that is still in place which would actually be kind of nice to use on a cold night. There are even metal rings installed on the platform that you could use to attach a rain fly. Overall this is very near to the Pinhoti southern terminus so you won't get much distance covered if you camp here but it could work for a late start. There is also a nearby shelter which is my preference but this could be a backup if that gets a little crowded. The other downside to this site is that there is not any water right here so you will either have to carry it in or hike down to one of the nearby streams to fill up. However, it is a pretty cool looking area and deffinitely worth checking out even if you don't stay the night.

  • Adam D.
    Jun. 7, 2024

    Blue Creek Public Use Area

    Relaxing spot for sure

    Fun spot. Very easy to get to. Nice big site felt very private only had 2 or 3 cars come by but everything was very low key.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 2, 2021

    Blue Creek Public Use Area

    Nice overlook of river and dam

    This camping spot is at the top of the bluff overlooking the river and dam. There are some wooded spots across the street, but I prefer the overlook area. Big enough for several overlanding rigs or tents. There is some traffic on this boat ramp road and the occasional ATV will come through. Still, I like this spot. There is also a large spot just a little further down. It’s more private, but view is not as nice.

  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 19, 2024

    Blue Creek Public Use Area

    River Bluff overlook, Blue Creek public use area.

    Large area overlooking the river that gives you a slight breeze for 85 degrees in mid June. There are a few other sites in the woods, but no breeze and mosquitoes. Actually has a concrete overlook view area above the river


Guide to Calera

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Calera, Alabama, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of options available, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Calera, Alabama

Scenic overlooks for dispersed campers

  • For breathtaking views, check out Blue Creek Public Use Area, which offers a stunning overlook of the river and dam, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the scenery.

Dispersed campers should check out Hollins Hunting Camp

  • If you're looking for a more rustic experience, Hollins Hunting Camp provides open spots with tall grass and pine trees, ideal for setting up a tent and enjoying the natural surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Calera, AL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Calera, AL is Weogufka State Forest Backcountry Site 1 with a 3-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Calera, AL?

TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Calera, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.