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Best Dispersed Camping near Elkmont, AL

40 Reviews

Several dispersed camping areas exist near Elkmont, Alabama, primarily on Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) lands and other public properties. Boondock Dispersed Camping Alabama provides free primitive camping about 60 miles southwest of Elkmont, while Meriwether Lewis Campground offers free dispersed sites along the Natchez Trace Parkway approximately 75 miles northeast. TVA Nature Trail and Recreation Area also permits dispersed camping on their lands, though these sites are more primitive with limited designated camping areas.

Access to most dispersed sites requires knowledge of specific locations, as they are not well-marked or advertised. Boondock Dispersed Camping features three separate sites along a gravel road that gradually descends to a cul-de-sac area. Most dispersed sites in the region lack amenities such as drinking water or designated facilities. Fire regulations vary by location, with fires permitted at Boondock and TVA areas but restricted at other sites. "We confirmed through their website that you can camp for free on TVA land. It just isn't well advertised," noted one camper about the TVA Nature Trail area.

The camping experience around Elkmont offers varying levels of seclusion and natural surroundings. Boondock Dispersed Camping provides remote sites where "animal noises were fantastic" and "there was no chance of hearing any cars," according to visitor feedback. The TVA Nature Trail area features numerous hiking opportunities with riverside access and historical markers. Campers should be prepared for insects, as one review mentioned, "We were glad to have a bug net — probably a necessity for this site!" Weather conditions can significantly impact site accessibility and comfort, with some areas becoming muddy after rain. Most primitive sites require campers to be self-sufficient with all necessary supplies, as the nearest stores can be several miles away in towns like Moulton.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Elkmont, Alabama (5)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Elkmont, AL

18 Photos of 5 Elkmont Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Elkmont, AL

40 Reviews of 5 Elkmont 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.

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2018

    Meriwether Lewis Campground

    When you think FREE you probably don't think of sites THIS NICE!

    For My FULL VIDEO Of My Experience At This Campground CLICK HERE

    Following the winding a scenic Natchez Trace you begin to climb higher and higher into the beauty of the mountains. When I was making this trip in late August, I could already see the shifting of the leave in its most early stages and I could only imagine what it would be like only a month later.

    As I entered the park and followed the signs toward the campground I was very eager to see what this FREE site had to offer. I had discovered this site when searching youtube for things to do and someone suggested camping here because of the historic landmark in the park. After further research I discovered it was a pretty decently sized campground with semi primitive camping.

    I arrived at the camping loops and discovered two loops of camping each with differing sizes of spaces, some designed for pull through style RV parking and some for back in car parking. Spaces were large and while there were several people staying here it did not seem overly crowded.

    The first loop was much further from the restroom than the second, which also housed the campground host in his RV just as you entered the loop. He was welcoming with a smile and wave and I just felt like this was going to be a nice place to stay for the night.

    You can stay for up to 14 days at this location and I could easily see this being one of those stops you wouldn’t necessarily want to leave in a hurry because it was so peaceful. There were numerous hiking trails and a well landscaped creek area which made for a great place to come for day use as well.

    My site was pretty typical in that it had a fire ring and picnic table. The ground was semi level and very rough so camping in a tent I was happy to have brought a little padding. The restrooms were very nice and had both flush toilets and drinking water. They were well lit and for a minute when I walked in I wondered how on earth this was a free site because they were so nice.

    All was great until about 8 p.m. when some people pulled in after dark and weren’t quite sure how to set up their tent and were pretty loudly disagreeing with one another in debate of how to do so. But after they finally figured that out about an hour later the night was again left to the sounds of the cicadas and frogs.

    TIPS

    • If you are tent camping bring some kind of cushion on pad for your floor otherwise it will be a rough evening on the ground.
    • Bug spray is a must, the mosquitoes are thick here because of all the moisture of the forest and ticks can also be a problem during certain months.
    • Don’t tell all your friends, they will take over your secret little camping spot after they find out just how amazing this site really is!! (lol)
  • Kristina D.
    Apr. 25, 2021

    Meriwether Lewis Campground

    It’s open!

    Great place and it’s FREE! Bathrooms and trash cans. This is dry camping - no electric/dump. Water at bathrooms

  • Jeremy A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 11, 2021

    Meriwether Lewis Campground

    Great rest stop along the Natchez Trace

    One of three first come first serve free camps on the Trace. Potable water and flush toilets, fire rings and tables, pull through and back in sites. There’s relative privacy, though that’s largely dependent on seasonal deciduous canopy. The campground sits next to a creek cascade and some hiking trails, including part of the old Trace. The Trace today is a far cry from the early days of interstate travel with sunken roads, mud bogs, and bandits. The two-lane is closed to commercial traffic, making this a fun alternative route for a leisurely paced road trip.

    Hohenwald, the “High Forest”, holds an Oktoberfest heritage festival and craft fair highlighting the Swiss-German Community that was established here, which is an excellent opportunity to get a feel for the local culture. It was in nearby Grinder House on the night of October 11,1809 that the tragic last chapter in the life of Meriwether Lewis unfolded. Following the Corps of Discovery Expedition, Lewis had been appointed second governor of the Louisiana Territory, and turned his hand to expanding the road networks, negotiating treaties between Native American nations and managing the encroaching settlers moving west. In response to political infighting over his policies, including an expedition to return a Mandan chief to his people, the War Department refused to reimburse him for debts incurred in office, threatening personal financial ruin. The state of the mail led Washington to believe him incommunicado and, on the brink of insolvency, he set out to the Capitol with receipts to make his case. Rather than continuing by boat via New Orleans, Lewis elected to travel the Trace. After finishing a meal at the roadhouse and retiring to his room, shots rang out, and Lewis was discovered by the innkeeper’s family shortly before he passed away. Over a century of dispute followed, with competing narratives of suicide, robbery, and even assassination. His gravesite was lost among the final resting places of the pioneer cemetery, and a monument to one of the great explorers was later erected in his honor.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2021

    Meriwether Lewis Campground

    Awesome free camping

    Boondocked here for the night.. got way more than expected! It was extremely clean. Flat, paved campsites with firepits, picnic tables, and trash cans. No water or bathrooms but a great little stop over for our trip west.

  • Sable A.
    Aug. 17, 2024

    Meriwether Lewis Campground

    Free site

    Nice first come free camping location just off the Trace. Grounds seem to be keep up on every time I’ve been there.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 10, 2025

    Meriwether Lewis Campground

    The best in free camping!

    This place is a gem! You can stay for 14 days each year because, let's face it, it's too nice for them to let people hog it. Free water in various places, garbage cans by your site, numbered sites, paved driveways and parking spaces, manicured and litter-controlled park, and a bathroom building with multiple flush toilets for each sex and sinks with running water! These are in at least two places. Picnic tables and fire rings with lift-off on a hinge grates.

  • Joey S.
    Nov. 8, 2021

    Meriwether Lewis Campground

    Historic

    Walk down the Natchez Trace, visit the grave of Meriwether Lewis, all around a good visit. No electric, first come first served free campground, show up early and you're good to go. Beautiful park to stay

  • Trinity W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2019

    TVA-Nature Trail and Recreation Area

    Free Camping on TVA land

    I assumed for a long time that you weren't allowed to camp on the TVA trails, because while there are many hikers and birdwatchers who enjoy the trails, you rarely see anyone camping out there. I learned recently, and confirmed through their website, that you can camp for free on TVA land. It just isn't well advertised. This particular trail is a great area, and there are many little side trails to explore. Plenty of places to make a primitive campsite. Many of the side trails lead to the river. There is even a small beach area down the one that leads along the river to the old train bridge. This trail is rich in history, and there are a lot of plaques telling about certain natural and man made features along the trails. The trails are clean, well-kept, and well-marked. At the trail head and parking area, there is a nice well-kept, clean restroom building with flush toilets. Behind that building, they recently put in a very nice playground and a pavilion with picnic tables. There are not really any ready made campsites with tables or firepits or trash cans, but there are plenty of benches and trash cans along the trails. I highly recommend going to the train bridge. There are also small plaques around some of the plants telling what they are and a little about them. If you want a beautiful, primitive camping area, with nice, fairly modern facilities nearby, this is a great place to go. Also, keep in mind there are several trail heads along this road, and you could potentially start out at any of them, but the particular trail head I mentioned has the best restroom facilities and a wonderful playground. Most of the others only have a parking area.

Guide to Elkmont

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Elkmont, Alabama, where nature meets tranquility. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Elkmont

  • Enjoy kayaking along the Tennessee River, with a unique experience at Painted Bluff Dispersed Campground, where you can explore stunning views and even find a cave along the shore.
  • Hike the TVA Nature Trail and Recreation Area, which features numerous side trails leading to scenic spots, including a small beach area perfect for a refreshing dip.
  • Experience wildlife watching and the sounds of nature at Boondock Dispersed Camping Alabama, where the remote setting allows for peaceful nights filled with the calls of local animals.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Elkmont, Alabama

  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially at Meriwether Lewis Campground, where sites can fill up quickly, particularly on weekends.
  • Be prepared for a primitive experience; many areas, like TVA-Nature Trail and Recreation Area, do not have amenities like picnic tables or trash cans, so plan accordingly.
  • Follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty of these locations, ensuring that spots like McDougal Hunt Camp remain pristine for future visitors.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Unique Spots

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Elkmont, AL is Lentzville Road with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Elkmont, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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