The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Cleveland, AL

6 Reviews

Boondock Dispersed Camping Alabama offers free primitive camping near Cleveland, Alabama. This dispersed camping area features three distinct sites along a gravel road, with the final site situated in a cul-de-sac. Camping is permitted without reservations or fees. The sites accommodate tent camping and small overland setups on level ground. According to reviews, the middle site typically provides the best conditions, especially after rainfall when the end site may become muddy.

Access requires following paved roads to GPS coordinates (34.30746749, -87.33612336), then turning onto a small gravel road that continues for approximately one mile. Several campers noted the turnoff can be difficult to spot if not specifically looking for it. The road gradually descends to the camping area. All sites permit campfires, though visitors should improve existing fire rings rather than creating new ones. Kindling is generally available in the surrounding area.

The camping area provides a secluded experience with minimal traffic noise. Wildlife is abundant; campers report hearing foxes and various other animals, particularly at night. A bug net is strongly recommended during warmer months. The nearest supplies are available in Moulton. No potable water exists on site, so campers must bring all necessary water. The area follows standard dispersed camping regulations: pack out all trash, practice Leave No Trace principles, and respect quiet hours. Alcohol and pets are permitted, though pets should remain leashed and under control at all times.

Map showing campgrounds near Cleveland, AlabamaExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Cleveland, Alabama (1)

    1. Boondock Dispersed Camping Alabama

    4 Reviews
    Bankhead National Forest, AL
    49 miles

    "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)."

    "Great spot, close to stores and a lot of trails and such. Nice level clear spot, able to accommodate an overland or few tents setup. Close to the main road."

Show More
Showing results 1-1 of 1 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Cleveland Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Cleveland, AL

6 Photos of 1 Cleveland Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Cleveland, AL

6 Reviews of 1 Cleveland Campgrounds

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 1, 2021

    Painted Bluff Dispersed Campground - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    Unique Experience!!!

    Camping here is a very unique experience and completely different than most other campgrounds so I will try and make sure to include enough details to repeat our trip. This"campsite" is really just a large embankment along the Tennessee River on land owned by the TVA. They have a policy that on certain parts of their land along the Tenessee River you are allowed to camp following leave no trace rules. Make sure to follow the link for the campsite to learn more. Although you can use any of their lands there are limited areas that are flat or large enough to comfortably set up a tent. This particular site(GPS coordinates above) is a great space and was perfect for a night along the river. We parked our car on the southern side of the Guntersville dam and put in our boats at the loading ramp. we then kayaked with our gear in dry bags up the river past the amazing views of the painted bluff. We parked our boats for a quick swim(with life vests, the current was really strong) and hiked around the shore where there is a cave. We continued on upriver and finally found this particular site where we set up for the night. The banks of the river are pretty steep so finding a large enough site can be challenging. Be prepared to have extra time to search for another site if the river level is high. On the whole, this was one of the most amazing camping experiences I have ever had and I highly recommend it.

  • C
    Jul. 4, 2022

    Boondock Dispersed Camping Alabama

    Remote spot, would recommend

    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). Take the little road for a mile or so until you reach the circle at the end. We loved it because there was no chance of hearing any cars and the animal noises were fantastic. We were glad to have a bug net — probably a necessity for this site!

  • Dwight L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 24, 2020

    Boondock Dispersed Camping Alabama

    Great boondock spot for free camping.

    Great spot, close to stores and a lot of trails and such. Nice level clear spot, able to accommodate an overland or few tents setup. Close to the main road. There’s 3 individual sites along this roadway. The first site is located approximately 1/10 mile down on the right and the second site is further at approximately 3/10 miles. The road follows a slow gradual decline leading another 2-300 yards where the graveling leads to the 3rd and final site which is nestled in a nice culdesac area.

  • Rae W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Boondock Dispersed Camping Alabama

    Simple & Peaceful

    Nice little spot out in the forest. Spotted the gravel road and went down a little to the first opening. Pretty decent sized clearing. You can hear cars on the road, but it didn’t bother us. Pretty warm, humid, and buggy this time of year, but cooled off through the night.

    The stars were incredible after the moon went down a bit. Lots of bird sounds especially in the morning. A previous camper had left behind some kindling, which was cool. Ended up having a little cell reception with T Mobile.

  • Rhea B.
    Dec. 23, 2021

    Boondock Dispersed Camping Alabama

    December - secluded, dry, fun :D

    We camped here for one night on a road trip in December. We stayed in the second "middle" spot. It had been raining so the last spot at the end was all muddy. We missed the first spot. The second was perfect. We had to improve the fire ring a bit. Plenty of kindling around. Closest stores are in Moulton. Heard some foxes at night.

Guide to Cleveland

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Cleveland, Alabama, where nature meets adventure. With stunning landscapes and serene environments, these spots offer a unique experience for outdoor enthusiasts.

Dispersed campers should check out Painted Bluff Dispersed Campground

  • Painted Bluff Dispersed Campground along the Tennessee River provides a picturesque setting for camping, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature while following leave no trace principles.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Cleveland, Alabama

  • Be prepared for a bit of exploration, as finding the perfect flat area to set up your tent can be a challenge, especially when river levels are high. A great option is Boondock Dispersed Camping Alabama, which offers multiple sites along a quiet road.

Kayaking and swimming while free camping near Cleveland

  • For those looking to combine water activities with their camping experience, the Painted Bluff Dispersed Campground allows for kayaking and swimming in the river, making it an ideal spot for adventure seekers.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cleveland, AL is Boondock Dispersed Camping Alabama with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.

Keep Exploring