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

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Collinsville, Alabama, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of unique locations, adventurers can enjoy the great outdoors while embracing the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Dispersed campers should check out Painted Bluff Dispersed Campground

  • Painted Bluff Dispersed Campground offers a unique experience along the Tennessee River, allowing campers to set up along a stunning embankment.
  • Access is primarily by hiking in, making it a great choice for those looking to escape into nature.
  • Visitors can enjoy activities like kayaking and swimming, with breathtaking views of the painted bluff nearby.

Hidden gems for nature lovers

  • Located in a wildlife management area, Blue Hole Dispersed - Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA is perfect for those who appreciate the tranquility of nature without the noise of a crowded campground.
  • The area is free to camp, but a land pass is required, ensuring that visitors can enjoy the beauty responsibly.
  • With limited amenities, this site encourages a true back-to-nature experience, ideal for those who enjoy dispersed camping.

Top activities while free camping near Collinsville

  • Sky Mtwy Dispersed is known for its historical significance, as it was once home to a lookout tower, providing a unique backdrop for your camping experience.
  • Although amenities are minimal, the area allows for a peaceful retreat where you can truly disconnect from the hustle and bustle.
  • Be prepared for potential visits from rangers who may guide you to nearby prepared sites, ensuring safety and environmental protection.

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.