Tent camping near Decatur, Alabama centers around the Bankhead National Forest, where elevations range from 550 to 1,000 feet above sea level. The forest encompasses over 180,000 acres with mixed hardwood and pine forests providing natural shelter from Alabama's hot summers. During spring months, average rainfall can reach 5-6 inches monthly, making water management a key consideration for campers.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: Several of the Sipsey Wilderness trails lead to seasonal waterfalls with turquoise water. "The water is a beautiful turquoise. Most of the campsites have giant moss covered boulders all around, and cliffs in the background opposite the river," notes a camper at Thompson Creek Trail Campsites.
Creek wading: Many campsites allow easy water access for cooling off during hot weather. "You do have to cross a stream, which was not as difficult for my 6'2 husband as it was for me at 5'2. The water was clear. The waterfall was beautiful and we found a quiet spot up the creek to camp," shares a camper about Thompson Creek.
Stargazing opportunities: Clear night skies provide excellent stargazing opportunities from some campsites. "The nights sky is wonderful. Also, from here you can link together 22 miles worth of trail," reports a visitor at Owl Creek Horse Camp.
Horseback riding: Designated trails cater to equestrian campers. "The campground is located directly on the horse trail so you can stay here with your animals and get up and go trekking the next day," mentions a reviewer about Owl Creek Horse Camp.
What campers like
Sandy tent sites: Many backcountry sites feature natural sandy areas that provide comfortable sleeping surfaces. "The flat tent areas at this site are mostly covered in sand which means you will have a very comfortable surface to sleep on," reports a camper at Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site (Trail 207 Site B).
Trail connectivity: The network of numbered trails allows for various hiking loops. "You can link together 22 miles worth of trail. We rode our bikes, the trails are more geared for the equestrian rider, but was friendly enough for bikes," notes a camper at Owl Creek Horse Camp.
Natural seating: Many established sites have logs or rocks that serve as natural seating. "It has a nice sized firepit with a large dead log that was perfect for sitting on," describes a camper at Sipsey Wilderness - Trail 200 Campsites.
Group camping options: Some sites accommodate multiple tents with separated areas. "This site is by far the best site if you have a group of 3 or more tents. It has several firepits and is spread out over a large area. Each individual site has enough privacy while still providing group areas to congregate," notes a reviewer of Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site (Trail 200 Site G).
What you should know
Military camping restrictions: Military campgrounds have specific rules and limitations. "Easter posey is mainly populated with people who live long term in their RV and work on base. We were one of only 3 guests that stayed for an entire week," reports a camper at Easter Posey MWR Military - Redstone Arsenal.
Seasonal water levels: Stream crossings can vary significantly with rainfall. "Water levels tend to be higher during the winter," notes a camper at Thompson Creek Trail Campsites.
Wildlife awareness: Campers should be prepared for local wildlife encounters. "Signs to be careful about coyotes and copperhead snakes abound. We didn't see any when we were there, but still, warnings posted," mentions a visitor to Easter Posey MWR.
Year-round water access: While most backcountry sites require water filtration, some campgrounds offer reliable water sources. "Here you can find potable water from the spickets all year long," states a reviewer of Owl Creek Horse Camp.
Tips for camping with families
Easy access options: Some sites require minimal hiking and provide gentle terrain for children. "The hike in is not difficult. You do have to cross a stream," notes a family at Thompson Creek.
Kid-friendly water features: Shallow water areas provide safe play spaces. "Most of the time, except during dry spells, there are LOTS of waterfalls. Also lots of shallow places for the kids to play in the water," shares a parent at Thompson Creek Trail Campsites.
Family-sized sites: Certain areas accommodate multiple tents for family camping. "It has several firepits and is spread out over a large area. Each individual site has enough privacy while still providing group areas to congregate," describes a camper at Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site (Trail 200 Site H).
Short day hikes: Several areas offer family-friendly trail options. "Me and my 6 year old daughter hiked the trail this past Saturday, July 27, 2019. Had a great time," reports a parent at Thompson Creek Trail Campsites.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Tent camping dominates in this area, with few RV-suitable sites. "It is essentially a large field with some very large loblolly pines," describes an RV camper at Owl Creek Horse Camp regarding the open camping area.
Primitive conditions: RV campers should expect minimal amenities. "As far as campground amenities outside of what's already been covered there are a handful of picnic tables and a pit toilet," notes a reviewer at Owl Creek Horse Camp.
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies widely across the area. "We enjoyed staying here after being out of cell service for a few days at brushy lake, so we were able to catch up and coordinate our next destination. 2 bars of Verizon 4G LTE," reports an RVer at Owl Creek Horse Camp.
Ranger
