Top Free Dispersed Camping near Hartselle, AL

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Hartselle, AL (6)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Hartselle

10 Reviews of 6 Hartselle Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Wolf Pen Hunters Camp
    April 21, 2024

    Wolf Pen Hunters Camp

    Good free camping

    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wolf Pen Hunters Camp
    September 20, 2022

    Wolf Pen Hunters Camp

    Aanrader voor natuurliefhebbers, back to basic

    Heel leuk, zonder stroom, geen voorzieningen; terug naar de basic natuur

  • Camper-submitted photo from Boondock Dispersed Camping Alabama
    July 4, 2022

    Boondock Dispersed Camping Alabama

    Remote spot, would recommend

    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!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Boondock Dispersed Camping Alabama
    December 23, 2021

    Boondock Dispersed Camping Alabama

    December - secluded, dry, fun :D

    We 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wolf Pen Hunters Camp
    December 5, 2021

    Wolf Pen Hunters Camp

    great spot

    if 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

  • Camper-submitted photo from Painted Bluff Dispersed Campground
    January 1, 2021

    Painted Bluff Dispersed Campground

    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wolf Pen Hunters Camp
    November 13, 2020

    Wolf Pen Hunters Camp

    Rustic

    I 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Boondock Dispersed Camping Alabama
    May 24, 2020

    Boondock Dispersed Camping Alabama

    Great boondock spot for free camping.

    Great 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from TVA-Nature Trail and Recreation Area
    September 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wolf Pen Hunters Camp
    July 1, 2017

    Wolf Pen Hunters Camp

    Amazing hiking

    This is a free hunters campground located in Sipsey wilderness. The hiking in this area is incredible and makes you feel like you are in another world. We have taken several trips to this area and it is well worth it. The camping is rustic but the sights are worth it. This site is not heavily traveled but has restrooms and water which is nice. Be cautious though to check the hunting seasons if you are planning on hiking though since you want to make sure you can be seen. I would also come prepared with essentials in case the campground itself is closed down for the season and the amenities are not accessible.



Guide to Hartselle

Camping near Hartselle, Alabama, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and cozy campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly spot, there are plenty of options to choose from.

What to do

  • Explore Nature: Many campgrounds are near lakes and trails. For instance, at Brushy Lake Recreation Area, you can enjoy a paved trail leading to the lake with a pier.
  • Fishing and Water Activities: Campers at Decatur / Wheeler Lake KOA Holiday have enjoyed fishing right from their campsite. One reviewer said, “We fished feet from our camper off of the bank.”
  • Family Fun: Point Mallard City Campground has playgrounds and walking trails, making it a great spot for families. A visitor mentioned, “Family friendly with 2 playgrounds.”

What campers like

  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peacefulness at places like Cullman Campground. One reviewer noted, “Nice campground. Clean and quiet.”
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. At Redstone Arsenal RV Park & Campground, a camper said, “They were very helpful, knowledgeable and professional, with a great attitude.”
  • Clean Facilities: Cleanliness is a big plus. A visitor at Palomino RV Resort remarked, “The park was very clean and the employees were super nice.”

What you should know

  • Limited Cell Service: Some areas, like Brushy Lake Recreation Area, have poor cell service. One camper mentioned, “No Verizon service there but if you drive up the road past the visitor center, you can get a few bars.”
  • Reservations Not Always Available: At Brushy Lake Recreation Area, sites are not reservable, so it’s best to arrive early. A reviewer noted, “We got there around 10 on Friday morning and a lot of the spots were taken.”
  • Pricing: Campground fees can vary. For example, Point Mallard City Campground offers a decent experience for a reasonable price, with one camper saying, “Considering the price and availability for $5 a day I would definitely recommend.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Pack Activities: Bring along games and outdoor toys. Campers at Beyonder Getaway at Wheeler Lake enjoyed amenities like paddle boards and jet skis. One family said, “There are plenty of amenities for the kids, and we had a blast.”
  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with playgrounds and activities. A visitor at Point Mallard City Campground mentioned, “Walking and biking trails” which are great for family outings.
  • Plan for Bugs: If you’re near water, be ready with bug spray. A camper at Beyonder Getaway at Wheeler Lake advised, “Definitely pack lots of bug repellent if you stay on the water.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your site has the right hookups. Campers at Decatur / Wheeler Lake KOA Holiday appreciated the full hookups available.
  • Look for Level Sites: A reviewer at Cullman Campground mentioned, “Clean level gravel site,” which is important for RV stability.
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Some campgrounds, like Redstone Arsenal RV Park & Campground, can get hot with little shade. A camper noted, “No shade but a very clean campground.”

Camping around Hartselle, Alabama, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking a peaceful retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Hartselle, AL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Hartselle, AL is Boondock Dispersed Camping Alabama with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Hartselle, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.