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The Meriwether Lewis Campground at milepost 385.9, on the northern end of the Parkway, has 32 sites. All sites are free and available on a first-come, first served basis. They do not offer electricity, showers, or dump stations. Drinkable water and flush toilets are available on site. Enjoy the Meriwether Lewis site which includes hiking trails, a section of Old Trace, exhibits and picnic areas.
Ranger
Came in on a Tuesday in late October and found about 10 campsites occupied, so lots to choose from. The campsite has two adjoining loop roads. The lower loop has a bathroom with flush toilets and sinks.
The campground appears to be very well maintained. There is not much privacy between campsites as there are only a few trees and no shubbery between campsites.
We met two other camping groups that were simply delightful Americans.
TravelerI was really looking forward to this place on my way to Arkansas. However, as soon as I turned into the camping area I was “greeted” by not one but TWO off leash dogs barking and running toward my van (they were not together). Fortunately, I took vinegar spray with me when I took my dog for a walk. It was a useful deterrent when one of the loose dogs ran at us. I yelled to put the dog on leash but of course nobody emerged from the van. On the return trip I made sure to have my spray and body pointed straight toward the dog who was just waiting for me to turn around so he could attack again. If you want a flat spot, a pull through spot, or one that you can’t smell the toilets, get there early! I got there around noon and maybe 15 people were there. By sundown most spots were taken…on a Tuesday. Restrooms toward the entrance were nice with running water and flush toilets.
RangerNice first come free camping location just off the Trace. Grounds seem to be keep up on every time I’ve been there.
GuideNice location just off the Trace! Nice free getaway spot with plenty to do around.
Guide
Sites were level and clear. A little muddy but it had been raining. No utilities or restrooms but thats to be expected with a free site. Sites are spread out and pretty private. Overall a good free camp site.
GuideGot here early early morning, only 1 other slot was taken. Easy to find and park. Great mornings by the water.
ScoutSuper easy to find in the dark even! I enjoyed our overnight stay here. It was packed, felt super safe and just have a easy night. Recommend if you need just a quick little place to rest your head. Thanks Merriweather!
LegendCame in for the night on stopover. All paved spots, flushing toilets with water spots Al around campground. Almost full when I got here at 3pm. So far quite.
TravelerNice campground, toilets were clean and has fresh water
TravelerClean, safe and an overall great place to stop on our way to Memphis. It wasn’t very busy since we were visiting in January. The bathrooms were open and clean!
GuideGreat sites for free! Plentiful, clean & convenient on the Natchez Trace.
ScoutHeel leuk, zonder stroom, geen voorzieningen; terug naar de basic natuur
TravelerReally enjoyed our stay. Several trails to enjoy. Lots of history to learn. Two close waterfalls to hike to. Beautiful area. Will definitely be staying again!
Guide
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!
GuideLots of Interpretation signs of the history of merriweather & Chris Columbus. Love to see it. Pleasant; more popping of a campground. Gets busy
LegendThis is one of three free campgrounds that can be found along the Natchez Trace. After visiting all three, this one is by far the nicest. Located at the site of Meriwether Lewis’s death, this campground is steeped in history. There are many great hiking trails around this campground and there are amazing views. Be sure to drive down to the creek and check it out. There were 31 campsites. They are pretty close together and some of them are pretty far from the bathroom. Everything is in good condition and there are trash cans scattered throughout the campsites.
TravelerWe 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.
Travelerif you can get there quick enough there are some pretty good spots to camp and it's free not to mention right down the road from some of the best hiking trails I have ever seen open year round
TravelerWalk 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
Guide20 minutes from town. Cell phone service. Regular bathrooms with running water. There are water fountains and water pumps. Fire pits and tables at each site.
Watch out for poision ivy and posion oak!
Plenty to do. Trails to walk and some waterfalls. As much as it rained here we were disappointed with the springs and waterfalls. Place stayed very wet. Take a drive down Natchez parkway things to do both directions.
Town is 13 miles away ( easiest route is not taking the left to the parkway but go straight and you will see the sign saying turn right to Hohenwald. Town includes walmart, fast food, gas and dollar general, one laundromat, library. There is a brand new dollar general. We also discovered an elephant 🐘 sanctuary but it is not open to the public. Watch out for snakes.
GuideAmazing Clean Safe Free Family friendly Plenty of trails and nature to explore
GuideBoondocked 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.
TravelerIt's Free! It's opened up now and it's free! And nicer than I expected. All the sites are paved with large fire rings and picnic tables. Trash cans are pretty much everywhere. There are back in and pull through sites. Most of the sites aren't very level so plan for that. There are bathrooms down the road but only open from sunrise to sunset. Oh and did I mention it's free?!
GuideGreat place and it’s FREE! Bathrooms and trash cans. This is dry camping - no electric/dump. Water at bathrooms
RangerOne 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.
GuideI believe this campground is known as the Wolfpen Hunt Camp on the Bankhead National Forest website. This was basically a forest road with dispersed camping. If there are toilets and water we never saw them. Just off the main road there is a loop and people were camping in the clearing of the loop. We drove further down the forest road and found a clearing near the dead end and set up camp. It was lovely and peaceful but no amenities at all. It is free though and no issues with other people.
GuideGreat 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Florence, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Florence, AL is Meriwether Lewis Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 28 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Florence, AL?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Florence, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
