Bankhead National Forest spans 181,230 acres across northern Alabama with elevations ranging from 700 to 1,200 feet. The forest includes diverse terrain from deep gorges to sandstone bluffs and is home to over 27 species of fern. During summer months, temperatures often reach 90°F with high humidity, while winter camping can experience occasional freezing temperatures and frost on tent surfaces.
What to do
**Paddling opportunities: Clear Creek Recreation Area offers lakefront campsites ideal for boaters. "The sites were beautifully wooded and spacing between each site was adequate... The perimeter lake lots in the Hoot Owl Loop all had steps or path access from the site to the shore. This would be especially nice in the summer," reports one camper who appreciated the water access.
Hiking near waterfalls: Thompson Creek Trail Campsites provides direct access to numerous waterfalls. "The water was clear. The waterfall was beautiful and we found a quiet spot up the creek to camp," notes a hiker who camped about a mile from the trailhead. Many established primitive sites sit along the trail at regular intervals.
Stargazing: Light pollution is minimal at most Bankhead National Forest campgrounds. A camper at Brushy Lake Recreation Area noted: "Very relaxing atmosphere. Hiking is good!!! It is very quiet and very dark at night!!!!! Great family outing!!" Multiple cleared areas allow unobstructed views of the night sky, particularly during new moon phases.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Corinth Recreation Area receives high marks for site spacing. "This was by far one of the most quite COE campground we have been to... The camp was full but you would have thought the opposite based on how quite is was," noted one visitor who appreciated the peaceful atmosphere despite a fully booked campground.
Fishing access: Multiple campgrounds offer direct fishing opportunities, particularly at Brushy Lake Recreation Area. "The 33 acre lake is perfect for canoeing or kayaking. The fishing is excellent," reports one winter visitor. Many sites include direct shore access for easy casting without needing to transport gear.
Proximity to trails: Campers appreciate short drives to trailheads. "This is a great campground which puts you near all the magic of the Sipsey Wilderness Area in the Bankhead National Forest... The trails in the nearby Sipsey are just amazing," explains a Corinth camper, highlighting the advantage of established campgrounds as basecamps for wilderness exploration.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically across the forest. At Boondock Dispersed Camping, a camper noted: "Ended up having a little cell reception with T Mobile." Similarly, at Brushy Lake: "No phone service though," reported another camper, emphasizing the need to download offline maps before arrival.
Winter water access: Seasonal closures affect amenities. "The water spickets are not operational at brushy lake during the winter. But, just a short 3.5 miles down the dirt road water can be obtained from the Owl Creek Horse Camp area," explains one winter visitor. Always verify operating dates before arrival.
Bathhouse availability: Some facilities close seasonally or rotate closures. At Clear Creek, a camper noted: "There was a notice that stated only one of the restroom facilities for the entire campground was available so tent families beware and plan your site accordingly." Check with rangers about current facility status.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming areas: Several campgrounds feature designated swimming spots. At Corinth Recreation Area, however, one visitor cautioned: "Swimming area has shaded picnic areas but is down a steep hill a good way from your car. Also small pebbles in swim area are very painful." Bring water shoes for comfort.
Playground conditions: Hidden Cove RV Resort offers children's facilities but maintenance varies. "The wood on the playground needs to be replaced and the grass really needed cut. There were no horse shoes to play and no golf stuff," mentioned one family. The clubhouse, however, was described as "very nice and had a lot for kids to do."
Level camping spots: For tent camping families, ground conditions matter. One visitor to Wolf Pen Hunters Camp reported: "Sites were level and clear. A little muddy but it had been raining." Bring extra tarps during rainy seasons, especially spring and late fall.
Tips from RVers
Loop selection: At Corinth Recreation Area, loop choice affects amenities. "We made the mistake of booking the FlyerFly loop, the bathhouse was closed due to COVID. The camp host was very nice and helped us move to Yellowhammer where the bathhouse was open," noted one RVer who appreciated the flexible management.
Site leveling: Many forest campgrounds have natural terrain variations. At Clear Creek, an RVer mentioned: "The sites were close enough to see your neighbors but far enough away to not hear them! We stayed in site 17 on the Fox loop. It's right on the water and couldn't have been more perfect!!" Bring leveling blocks for uneven sites.
