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.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Calera, Alabama (3)

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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.

  • 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

  • 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.


Guide to Calera

Dispersed camping near Calera, Alabama offers basic, self-sufficient experiences on public lands throughout central Alabama. Most primitive sites sit between 300-600 feet in elevation with hot, humid summers where temperatures regularly exceed 90°F and mild winters with occasional freezing nights. The region features a mix of pine forests, hardwood stands, and water access points with varied terrain from flat grasslands to rocky bluffs overlooking waterways.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Blue Creek Public Use Area provides access to river fishing where campers can catch bass and catfish. "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," notes Ken H.

Night sky viewing: Hollins Hunting Camp features minimal light pollution for astronomy enthusiasts. "Open to sky (took awesome star pics here)," reports one visitor who appreciated the unobstructed celestial views from this Hollins Hunting Camp location.

Wildlife spotting: Morning and evening hours offer opportunities to observe deer, turkey, and various bird species. The quiet atmosphere at most sites enhances wildlife viewing chances. "I got in around 8 and there were only a couple people here, lots of space and easy to find a private spot," notes Peyton P. about the tranquil environment.

What campers like

Bluff overlooks: Several camping areas provide elevated views of waterways. At Blue Creek Public Use Area, one camper notes: "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."

Natural tent platforms: Weogufka State Forest Backcountry Site 1 offers unique camping features. "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," explains Asher K.

Pine needle ground cover: Natural forest floor at certain sites creates better tent surfaces. At Hollins Hunting Camp, "Open areas have tall grass a bit, but some have enough pine trees the pine needles make for better ground camping," according to one reviewer, highlighting the natural advantages of selecting the right spot.

What you should know

Water supply challenges: Most dispersed sites require carrying in water or filtering from streams. At Weogufka State Forest, "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," explains one camper, emphasizing the importance of water planning.

Road conditions: Access roads to primitive campsites near Calera vary considerably in quality. "Rough road there, but overall easy access and nice view," notes Stella about Blue Creek, while another camper at Hollins Hunting Camp mentions "This has a good road and decent open spots to set-up."

Limited signage: Navigation to some sites requires advance preparation. As one visitor to Hollins Hunting Camp states, the area "Lacked good signage on the last turn," suggesting campers should download offline maps or directions before heading out.

Tips for camping with families

Choose riverside sites: For families with children, riverside areas offer natural entertainment. "I have camped here several times, always relaxing and restful. Has a latrine, no water or electric. Has boat ramp and camping areas are near pacer park roads," describes Michael P. about his experiences at Blue Creek.

Consider site privacy: Select spots with natural separation from other campers and boat traffic. "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," reports Adam D. about Blue Creek Public Use Area.

Prepare for insects: Wooded areas without breezes tend to have more mosquitoes during warm months. One camper notes the contrast at Blue Creek: "There are a few other sites in the woods, but no breeze and mosquitoes," suggesting families bring appropriate repellent and protective clothing.

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions: Most dispersed camping areas near Calera accommodate smaller RVs and trailers only. "Best for overlanding/camper/tents. No marked sites, just pull in and find a spot," advises Peyton about Hollins Hunting Camp.

Turn-around limitations: RVers should scout access points before committing to narrow roads. "Small camper trailers could probably make it too. Just be mindful of turn around spots," warns one camper about Hollins Hunting Camp, highlighting the importance of advance planning.

Overlanding advantages: Vehicles with rooftop tents fare best at most primitive sites. "Overlanders (w/rtt) will be the most happy," notes one reviewer about the conditions at primitive camping areas near Calera, indicating the ideal setup for these locations.

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.