Best Tent Camping near Gadsden, AL

Talladega National Forest offers several tent camping options within a short drive of Gadsden, Alabama, with sites ranging from established campgrounds to backcountry tent sites. Yellow Creek Falls Fish Camp and Big Canoe Creek Outfitters provide tent-specific camping areas with varying levels of amenities, while more primitive tent sites can be found along the Pinhoti Trail and in the Cheaha Wilderness area. Most tent campgrounds in this region are situated within forested settings that provide natural shade and access to hiking trails.

Tent campsites throughout the region typically feature cleared ground with fire rings, though amenities vary significantly between locations. At Turnipseed Campground, tent campers will find basic pit toilets but must bring their own water, as drinking water is not available on site. According to one visitor, "Pack some water and head out. Great hikes with water falls. Pit toilet, no water, critter proof trash cans." Many backcountry tent sites, particularly those along the Pinhoti Trail, require hikers to carry in all necessary supplies including water. The Sky Mtwy Dispersed camping area offers free primitive tent camping with no facilities, making it suitable for experienced campers seeking solitude.

The tent camping experience near Gadsden provides excellent access to natural features and hiking opportunities. Cheaha Falls Campground offers tent sites adjacent to a waterfall, creating an ideal setting for summer camping. A camper noted that "the site was close to the creek and had a fire ring. It's farther off the trail so you have to be looking for it." McDill Point Backcountry Campground in Cheaha State Park provides tent campers with panoramic views from ridge-top sites, though water access can be limited during drier months. Spring and fall typically offer the most comfortable tent camping conditions, with summer bringing higher humidity and winter occasionally limiting access to higher elevation sites. Most backcountry tent areas in Talladega National Forest permit camping year-round, though seasonal closures affect some established tent campgrounds between December and March.

Best Tent Sites Near Gadsden, Alabama (28)

    1. Yellow Creek Falls Fish Camp

    1 Review
    Leesburg, AL
    22 miles
    +1 (256) 526-8427

    $10 - $20 / night

    2. Big Canoe Creek Outfitters

    1 Review
    Ragland, AL
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (205) 587-4828

    $20 / night

    "Did some tent camping brought my inflatable fishing boat fish the river caught about eight bluegill and a couple Bass campsite has a fire pit and a grill and the bathroom is fairly close a wonderful experience"

    3. Little River Adventure Company

    9 Reviews
    Fort Payne, AL
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (866) 729-1148

    $25 - $30 / night

    "I tent camped on a drive-in deluxe site in September with my dog. The host, Giorgio, was pleasant and helpful. He had firewood for sale on the property at a reasonable price."

    "This is a great little campground super close to Little River Canyon! Although there is nowhere to camp inside of the park this is my preference for the closest you can get."

    4. Turnipseed Campground

    16 Reviews
    Munford, AL
    41 miles
    Website

    "Pit toilet, no water, critter proof trash cans. First come first serve. Cash box available to pay. We had cell service. Used 10' trailer/ camper. No hookups or running water."

    "Only about a dozen sites, most to partial shade (it's in the forest), plenty of downed pine not far. Sites are positioned well and decent for tent or something like a motorcycle camper."

    5. Warden Station Horse Camp

    2 Reviews
    Fruithurst, AL
    30 miles
    Website

    "Primitive, some sites are maintained ground is unleveled in many places so be careful when picking a spot for your rig."

    6. Cheaha Falls Campground

    10 Reviews
    Munford, AL
    40 miles
    Website

    "One of the great backpacking loop within the Cheaha wilderness is the skyway trail and the Cheaha Falls Campground is my favorite place to stay while doing it."

    "This walk in campsite is right next to the waterfalls. Tons of exploring can be done around camp or you could extend the trails and explore Devils Den Falls as well!"

    7. Sky Mtwy Dispersed

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

    "It burned years ago but the concrete pad is still here. Ultimately, Rangers may come by and ask you to move to prepared sites nearby. I think they are concerned about fires as always."

    "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."

    8. Pinhoti Trail Backcountry Campground — Cheaha State Park

    7 Reviews
    Delta, AL
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 362-2909

    "Like many sites along this section of the Pinhoti it is right off the patch and provides a large space to set up your tent with a nice campfire ring in the center."

    "This is one of my favorite trails to camp on in Alabama and living in Birmingham it is not too far of a trek to get here. We often take people on this hike if it is their first backpacking trip."

    9. McDill Point Backcountry — Cheaha State Park

    5 Reviews
    Delta, AL
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 488-5111

    "The site is pretty primitive and doesn’t have any hookups but it is fairly large and has plenty of space to cook. There are some premade rock fire pits that are perfect for an evening cook out."

    "Park at the Cheaha trailhead directly off of highway 281 and there find the beautifully built entry way. Hike in about 1 min then turn right and head up the hill."

    10. Talladega National Forest Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    Munford, AL
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 362-2909

    "We passed through on our way to go backpacking deeper in the wilderness. The one major caution is to check the seasons that the site is open since it was locked up when we were there."

    "I would suggest visiting either mid spring or summer so you can see the flowers and enjoy the high water levels or when it is hot you can go take a dip in the lake or one of the many waterfalls."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 28 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Gadsden, AL

615 Reviews of 28 Gadsden Campgrounds



Guide to Gadsden

Gadsden, Alabama, offers a variety of tent camping options that allow outdoor enthusiasts to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying the region's scenic beauty.

Local Attractions for Tent Campers

  • Experience the thrill of fishing and relaxing by the river at Big Canoe Creek Outfitters, where you can catch bluegill and bass right from your campsite.
  • Explore the stunning Little River Falls, conveniently located near Little River Adventure Company, which also offers spacious tent sites and a friendly host.
  • Hike the picturesque trails of Cheaha State Park, where Cheaha Falls Campground provides access to multiple small campsites near the falls.

Tips for Tent Camping Near Gadsden

Tent Camping Prices Near Gadsden

  • Tent camping at Little River Adventure Company typically ranges from $20 to $30 per night, making it an affordable option for families.
  • Enjoy a budget-friendly stay at Sky Mtwy Dispersed, where camping is free, though amenities are minimal.
  • Rates at Cheaha Falls Campground can vary, generally falling between $15 and $25 per night, depending on the season and site selection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Gadsden, AL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Gadsden, AL is Yellow Creek Falls Fish Camp with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Gadsden, AL?

TheDyrt.com has all 28 tent camping locations near Gadsden, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.