Best Dispersed Camping near Gaylesville, AL

Dispersed camping near Gaylesville, Alabama is concentrated in surrounding wildlife management areas and public lands across Alabama and neighboring Georgia. Several primitive camping options exist within driving distance, including Sky Mtwy Dispersed in Alabama and Blue Hole Dispersed in the Crockford-Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Management Area just across the Georgia state line. These free camping areas provide basic backcountry sites with no amenities, allowing tent camping and sometimes accommodating small RVs on unpaved forest roads.

Access to these dispersed sites typically requires navigating dirt and gravel roads with varying conditions. The road to Sky Mtwy Dispersed features steep sections and is described as well-maintained despite being unpaved. Hidden Creek Campground access roads contain deep potholes that may challenge vehicles without high clearance. Many campers note that GPS directions can be unreliable, sometimes directing visitors to private property or nonexistent routes. A camper at Sky Mtwy noted, "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." Most sites lack drinking water, toilets, trash service, and other facilities.

These primitive camping areas provide quiet, secluded experiences in forested settings. Sky Mtwy Dispersed features piney woods with hiking trails and occasional cell service. Blue Hole Dispersed in Georgia provides access to the namesake Blue Hole and Ellison Cave trail. According to a visitor, "Land pass required. No alcohol is permitted. This is a wildlife management area. The camp sites are first come, first serve." Some areas can become crowded during peak times, with another camper noting about Blue Hole, "The campground was beyond capacity." Fire regulations vary by location and season, with fires generally permitted in established rings. Visitors should be prepared for potential wildlife encounters and insects, particularly during warmer months.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Gaylesville, Alabama (4)

    1. Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA

    5 Reviews
    Rising Fawn, GA
    33 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. Hidden Creek Campground

    3 Reviews
    Calhoun, GA
    32 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."

    3. Sky Mtwy Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Heflin, AL
    41 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."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Gaylesville, AL

10 Photos of 4 Gaylesville Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Gaylesville, AL

11 Reviews of 4 Gaylesville 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.

  • 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.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 4, 2024

    Sky Mtwy Dispersed

    Great spot but:

    This spot is where the lookout tower office used to be. 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.

  • Sarah H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2024

    Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA

    Blue Hole is neat

    Land pass required. No alcohol is permitted. This is a wildlife management area. The camp sites are first come, first serve. They are free. Only 2 sites with tables. If you like dispersed camping you'll probably enjoy it. If you prefer a campground, this is not for you.


Guide to Gaylesville

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Gaylesville, Alabama, where nature lovers can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Gaylesville

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Hidden Creek

  • Hidden Creek Campground provides a peaceful retreat with ample space for tent and RV camping, making it a great choice for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Gaylesville, Alabama

  • When visiting Sky Mtwy Dispersed, be prepared for the possibility of ranger visits, as they may ask you to relocate to designated sites for safety reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Gaylesville, 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 Gaylesville, AL?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Gaylesville, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.