Best Dispersed Camping near Collinsville, AL

Dispersed camping options dominate the landscape surrounding Collinsville, Alabama, with most sites located within an hour's drive in neighboring areas of Alabama and Georgia. Blue Hole Dispersed in Crockford-Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Management Area and Hidden Creek Campground offer free primitive camping experiences for both tent and small RV campers. Sky Mtwy Dispersed, situated closer to Collinsville in Alabama, provides tent-only sites on public land. These areas typically lack amenities such as running water, toilets, or electrical hookups, making them suitable for self-sufficient campers prepared for backcountry conditions.

Road conditions present significant challenges for accessing many camping areas near Collinsville. As one camper noted about Hidden Creek Campground, "There are a few substantial potholes, so wouldn't recommend for someone driving a super low vehicle." High-clearance vehicles or 4WD are often necessary, particularly after rain events. Navigation can be problematic as GPS directions frequently lead to incorrect locations or private property. Several reviewers mention looking for wooden signs marking public land boundaries. Wildlife Management Areas may require land passes, and regulations vary by jurisdiction. Summer brings higher temperatures and increased insect activity, while spring and fall offer more moderate conditions.

Campers consistently mention the peace and seclusion available at dispersed sites in the region. "It was quiet and we were alone," reports one visitor to Hidden Creek Campground. The Blue Hole area receives particular attention for its natural features, with one camper noting, "It has a blue hole and caves, no electricity or running water but the camp sites are pretty good." Site availability operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with limited capacity during peak periods. Several reviewers mention overcrowding issues at Blue Hole during summer weekends. Visitors should be prepared for primitive conditions, as one camper advises: "If you like dispersed camping you'll probably enjoy it. If you prefer a campground, this is not for you." Ticks and other insects are frequently mentioned as concerns, particularly during warmer months.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Collinsville, Alabama (4)

    1. Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA

    5 Reviews
    Rising Fawn, GA
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 210-2914

    "Road is pretty well maintained, spots are good size, some only large enough for tent/car camping. We were never bothered and it’s right down the road from blue hole and Ellison Cave trail."

    "If you like dispersed camping you'll probably enjoy it. If you prefer a campground, this is not for you."

    2. Sky Mtwy Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Heflin, AL
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (334) 832-4470

    "Google maps tries to send you a way that doesn’t exist. Stay on Campbell rd until you are in the park on a gravel / dirt road and then keep driving."

    "Ultimately, Rangers may come by and ask you to move to prepared sites nearby. I think they are concerned about fires as always."

    3. Hidden Creek Campground

    3 Reviews
    Calhoun, GA
    48 miles

    "A little farther off the highway than I wanted to go, but definitely a solid free campsite. There are a few substantial pot holes, so wouldn’t recommend for someone driving a super low vehicle."

    "GPS wants to take you to where the road dead ends but the actual turn off is before the end of the road on the right where the big wood sign is. The first road is pretty nice but then the road forks."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Collinsville, AL

13 Reviews of 4 Collinsville Campgrounds


  • Zoey T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Sky Mtwy Dispersed

    Beautiful remote place to set up for the night

    It took us a bit to get here. Google maps tries to send you a way that doesn’t exist. Stay on Campbell rd until you are in the park on a gravel / dirt road and then keep driving. For being a gravel dirt road it’s pretty well maintained. The pull offs for van camping are limited and extremely dispersed off the multiple dirt roads. Some going very deep in the Forrest. We found a great pull through one on the left across from the fire watch tower. Limited to no trash. Beautiful piney woods. Plenty of wood. Completely quiet. Maybe 3 cars pulled past all day. Some cell service. Plenty of trails to hike.

  • hThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 4, 2024

    Hidden Creek Campground

    Pretty Decent Place to Stay

    A little farther off the highway than I wanted to go, but definitely a solid free campsite. There are a few substantial pot holes, so wouldn’t recommend for someone driving a super low vehicle. Also GPS isn’t perfect. It will take u to someone’s private property next door. Look for the big wooden sign that indicates that it is for public use.

  • 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.

  • Michael M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2022

    Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA

    Good dispersed camping at the blue hole

    It has a blue hole an caves no electricity or running water but the camp sites are pretty good. An the do have a handicap access area for rvs to do disperse camping also an parking for the bluehole ...no one to bother you!

  • cheyenne T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 21, 2025

    Sky Mtwy Dispersed

    Nice for a night

    We got here an hour before sun down. It’s a nice ride up on a very steep at times dirt road. It’s private but there’s a ton of houses in the area with people driving up and down the road. Once the sun went down there was too many outside noises for us to feel comfortable so we packed up. Very strange noises. Very buggy as well

  • Ava R.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 13, 2023

    Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA

    Great FREE spot!

    We stayed 3 days 2 nights here in our 21’ pop up camper with our generator. Road is pretty well maintained, spots are good size, some only large enough for tent/car camping. We were never bothered and it’s right down the road from blue hole and Ellison Cave trail.

  • Robyn W.
    Jun. 1, 2024

    Hidden Creek Campground

    Very Decent Primitive Spot

    Overall we enjoyed this stay! GPS wants to take you to where the road dead ends but the actual turn off is before the end of the road on the right where the big wood sign is. The first road is pretty nice but then the road forks. We went right which goes up, passed an open gate followed the road LOTS OF DEEP POTHOLES. The road then opens up to a four way, we kept going straight, followed the road down and then came to three sites all empty. It was quiet and we were alone so overall we enjoyed other than the deep potholes. Our truck is pretty high and 4x4 so wasn’t too bad for us but a low car may not fair as well. We were there on a Friday

  • richard C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 4, 2023

    Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA

    Cool hole, not worth the trip

    The campground was beyond capacity. Went to the Ada site and it looked like it was a cruel joke? Unsure. But there's no way. The spring looked amazing but couldn't camp. Can't add pics atm. Also, stepped out just to see the clearance on a turn and got in with 4 ticks on me.


Guide to Collinsville

Primitive camping near Collinsville, Alabama concentrates primarily on Wildlife Management Areas and public lands requiring high-clearance vehicles for access. Located in northeastern Alabama's DeKalb County at elevations around 1,200 feet, the area's camping spots receive moderate precipitation throughout the year. Seasonal closures affect accessibility, with several locations implementing hunting season restrictions from October through January.

What to do

Explore local caves: Near Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA, visitors can access Ellison Cave on marked trails. "We stayed 3 days 2 nights here in our 21' pop up camper with our generator. Road is pretty well maintained, spots are good size, some only large enough for tent/car camping. We were never bothered and it's right down the road from blue hole and Ellison Cave trail," notes camper Ava R.

Hike forest trails: The pine forests surrounding Sky Mtwy Dispersed offer multiple hiking trails with minimal elevation gain. "Plenty of trails to hike. Completely quiet. Maybe 3 cars pulled past all day. Some cell service," reports Zoey T., who stayed at the site.

Collect firewood: Most dispersed sites near Collinsville allow campers to gather fallen wood for campfires. "Piney woods. Plenty of wood," mentions Zoey T. about the Sky Mtwy area, making it practical for campers planning overnight stays without bringing their own firewood.

What campers like

Natural solitude: The remote locations provide genuine privacy, especially during weekdays. "It was quiet and we were alone so overall we enjoyed other than the deep potholes," writes Robyn W. about their experience at Hidden Creek Campground.

Minimal regulations: Dispersed camping in national forest areas offers flexibility without reservation systems. "No one to bother you!" states Michael M. about the Blue Hole area, highlighting the self-sufficient nature of these primitive sites.

Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk provide opportunities for animal sightings. "Beautiful piney woods. Completely quiet. Maybe 3 cars pulled past all day," explains Zoey T. about the natural setting at Sky Mtwy Dispersed, where minimal human presence encourages wildlife activity.

What you should know

Navigation challenges: GPS directions often lead to incorrect locations or private property. "Google maps tries to send you a way that doesn't exist. Stay on Campbell rd until you are in the park on a gravel/dirt road and then keep driving," advises Zoey T. about finding Little Farmie Farm Dispersed.

Land pass requirements: Some areas require permits or passes, particularly Wildlife Management Areas. "Land pass required. No alcohol is permitted. This is a wildlife management area. The camp sites are first come, first serve," explains Sarah H. regarding Blue Hole regulations.

Road conditions: Access roads deteriorate significantly after rain. "There are a few substantial pot holes, so wouldn't recommend for someone driving a super low vehicle. Also GPS isn't perfect. It will take u to someone's private property next door. Look for the big wooden sign that indicates that it is for public use," warns Heidi H. about Hidden Creek Campground.

Seasonal insect activity: Ticks present significant concerns from spring through fall. "Stepped out just to see the clearance on a turn and got in with 4 ticks on me," reports Richard C. about Blue Hole. Another camper, Sav, notes, "A couple of other people there and a little bit of trash, but I picked it up. Leave it better than you found it right? It rained, so no bugs, but that's prob not true for the dry days."

Tips for camping with families

Site selection strategy: Arrive early on Fridays to secure optimal spots. "We were there on a Friday," notes Robyn W., who found Hidden Creek Campground entirely empty by arriving before weekend crowds.

Safety preparations: Pack extra water and basic first aid supplies for primitive conditions. "Very nice secluded and away from people very few people out here," explains Patrick R. about Hidden Creek Campground, highlighting both the appeal and potential challenge of isolation for families.

Noise considerations: Be prepared for unusual sounds in secluded areas. "Once the sun went down there was too many outside noises for us to feel comfortable so we packed up. Very strange noises," warns Cheyenne T. after their experience at Sky Mtwy Dispersed, suggesting families might prefer daylight-only activities.

Tips from RVers

Site limitations: Most dispersed locations accommodate smaller trailers only. "We stayed 3 days 2 nights here in our 21' pop up camper with our generator. Road is pretty well maintained, spots are good size, some only large enough for tent/car camping," explains Ava R. about Blue Hole Dispersed, indicating maximum RV length constraints.

Vehicle clearance requirements: High-clearance vehicles or 4WD essential for accessing most campsites. "Our truck is pretty high and 4x4 so wasn't too bad for us but a low car may not fair as well," explains Robyn W. about Hidden Creek Campground's road conditions, providing practical advice for RVers considering primitive camping near Collinsville, Alabama.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Collinsville, AL is Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA with a 3.6-star rating from 5 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Collinsville, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.