The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Tent Camping near Headland, AL

198 Reviews

Tent camping near Headland, Alabama provides limited but accessible options for outdoor enthusiasts seeking primitive experiences in the southeastern Alabama region. The area features established tent campgrounds like Swindalls Campground in Troy, approximately 30 miles northwest of Headland, which accommodates tent campers in a rural setting. For those willing to travel slightly farther, Neals Landing Park across the Florida state line in Bascom offers year-round tent camping with basic amenities along the Chattahoochee River.

Tent campsites at Neals Landing Park provide access to drinking water and shower facilities, though campers should note that firewood is not available on site and picnic tables are not provided at individual sites. The park does offer sanitary dump stations for proper waste disposal. Campers should bring their own trash bags as trash service is not available. Swindalls Campground offers more primitive tent camping experiences with fewer amenities, making it suitable for self-sufficient backcountry tent camping enthusiasts who prefer to bring all necessary supplies. Both locations experience hot, humid summers and mild winters typical of the southeastern United States.

The tent camping experience near Headland emphasizes simplicity and connection with nature rather than amenities. Walk-in tent sites are limited in the immediate area, with most locations offering drive-up access to primitive tent camping areas. According to reviews, Neals Landing Park provides a "quiet, clean, remote" setting with "great fishing" opportunities, making it particularly appealing for anglers seeking a peaceful tent camping experience. The surrounding landscape features mixed pine and hardwood forests typical of the Alabama-Florida border region. Campers should be prepared for potential wildlife encounters including deer, raccoons, and various bird species. The relative remoteness of these tent-only camping areas means visitors should stock up on supplies in Headland or nearby towns before setting up camp.

Map showing campgrounds near Headland, AlabamaExplore the Map

Best Tent Sites Near Headland, Alabama (2)

Show More
Showing results 1-2 of 2 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Headland Contest

Enter to Win

Tent Camping Reviews near Headland, AL

198 Reviews of 2 Headland Campgrounds

  • D
    Jul. 10, 2018

    Florida Caverns RV Resort

    Awful

    We called ahead to reserve tent sites and ensure they had electric and water on every site. Upon arrival, we were told all sites to the right edge (water side) and right of the road were tent sites. However, the first half of this row has electric for rv’s only. Moving down the row, the sites had no electric or water hookups. The last sites were in complete sun and next to a boat ramp. All the sites had trash on the ground and none had picnic tables. The showers were just curtained off from the bathroom with no privacy, hook or bench. The staff was unwilling to help and we left without staying.

  • L&A C.
    May. 19, 2024

    Three Rivers State Park Campground

    A Great Florida State Park

    Small, well maintained park and sites, with 30/50 amp and water hook ups. A pleasant surprise when we arrived, after miles of rural driving! GPS took us the correct way, but seemed we were lost! Staff greeted us at entrance, gave us a map and explained how to get to our site. It was raining, and our site was back-in and downhill, mostly level with gravel, a picnic table, has a fire-ring with grill grate. Bathhouse is clean and impressed how the trash area and dump station were placed away from campers. The dock/pier, and boat ramp, are at the back part of the campground, The amenities are nice and there is outdoor cleaning sink behind the bathhouse, sitting area overlooking the river, the fish cleaning station, fire pit area, trails, and canoe/kayak drying area. 3 concrete sites, as well as tent sites. Lots of spacing between most of the sites, some are waterfront. Wildlife is plentiful and the trails are a great way to enjoy it all! We will come back! And it’s only $20 a night!

  • D
    Dec. 31, 2019

    COE Walter F George Lake White Oak Creek Campground

    Beautiful campground with great sites

    Stayed December 2019 for a long weekend. The sites are all very nice with fire ring, lantern pole, picnic table, small counter height table, and concrete pad for your camper or tents. Ample additional parking available. Bathrooms were well maintained. We stayed in the Oakwood loop. River Chase loop has the best playground. Staff were very friendly. Several dump stations as well as a dog park. Would like some more hiking trails.

  • T
    Oct. 17, 2021

    Cotton Hill

    Clean and Quiet

    Cotton Hill campground was a great pick. Staff-Helpful Location-Ft Gaines, GA Site-97/98 nicely shaded with lake access 20 steps away. Amenities-clean bathrooms, water, electric close by. Site-tent site clean and included bench, prep table, fire ring, park grill, and hooked post to hang food, trash from. Wildlife-deer every morning, bald eagles, kingfishers, huge white and grey herons, alligator.

    Recommendations-bring or buy live bait for fishing..none close by. Tent site is crushed/compacted fine gravel and is difficult to get pegs into..bring a hammer and metal pegs. Would definitely come again.

  • C
    Apr. 8, 2021

    Hardridge Creek Campground

    Fun Campground with a Dam Good View

    This campground offers beachfront sites where you can walk right out from your site to the water. If you get one of the sites that does not have direct water access, there is a beach, park and gazebo that everyone can access. Like the other COE parks we've seen, each site has a fire ring, prep table, picnic table and that really cool hook-pole! This campground has a lot of pull through spots, but only two bathrooms. Our kids had a great time hanging out here and we were unofficially awards the best hammock set up. Undoubtedly the most! This was a very user friendly campground. Lots of birds to see and a great view of the dam, which led to some dam good jokes. Lots of pull through sites.

    Some thoughts from our kids- https://youtu.be/uCebtz0rawk

  • David S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2022

    Blue Hole Campground — Florida Caverns State Park

    Beautiful Caverns

    Stayed here with my wife and two daughters. We enjoyed the cavern tours and the hiking, but we did not take advantage of their kayak rentals during this trip.

    The Good:

    • Tent only sites were well isolated from the RV sites.
    • The tour of the caverns was a lot of fun and very informative.
    • beautiful hiking trails.
    • clean bathrooms

    The Bad:

    • Tent only sites do not offer much privacy from your neighbor.
    • bathroom leaks in the rain (very slippery floor)
    • the firewood sold at the Ranger station was wet, moldy, and would hardly burn.
  • Stuart O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 16, 2023

    Three Rivers State Park Campground

    Nice quiet spot

    Very quiet. Camp hosts are great. Though the campsites are moderately spaced, they are spacious within themselves for maneuvering. No WiFi; AT&T was 1 or 2 bars. Couple of tips: (1) sites 23, 24, and 25 have concrete slabs, the rest are gravel; and (2) sites 02 and 03 are at the low end of the campground and receive drainage from a culvert. There is a hefty drainage ditch that could carry water away, and we had no problem at site 02 even though it rained all night, but still something to keep in mind if you’re visiting during or after after a deluge.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 23, 2020

    COE Walter F George Lake White Oak Creek Campground

    Seasonal five-star rating!

    My seasonal five-star rating is based on being here in the offseason. There is just something about having a campsite right on the water that is so peaceful. However, in the summer, I would imagine the water would be clogged with boats zooming around, and we would not find it so peaceful or enjoyable (but many others would). 

    There are four sections to this 130-site campground: Mallard Point, Oakwood, Creek View, and River Chase. The only sites that are reservable are in the Oakwood and Creek View Sections. Only Mallard Point and Oakwood were open when we were there; I’m not sure if it was because of flooding or just low occupancy. Based on Elaine H’s review, we had reserved Site 50 in the Oakwood section for two nights and we were not disappointed. We were right on the water, which gave us a little concern after the host said the water was expected to rise (some of the sites had some water) but we didn’t have a problem. Not much separation/privacy between sites but most people were in RVs (didn’t see any tents). Each site has a large picnic table, fire ring, lantern hook, and food prep table. 

    Bathrooms were very clean AND heated, which was nice as the temperatures dipped below freezing at the end of February. Each section has laundry facilities ($1.50 each for wash/dry) The map showed two dump stations, one at the very end of the campground and one located in the Oakwood section but again, only the one in Oakwood was open when we were there. Sadly, no recycling. 

    There are two very short nature trails but no other hiking trails. There is a fenced-in dog park. If you are not a boater, there is not much to do but again, it was very peaceful at the end of February.

  • jessica O.
    Oct. 18, 2021

    Cotton Hill

    Not up to the COE standards

    Sad to have to write a bad review for this park, as we typically love COE campgrounds. Not sure what the issue was but when we arrived our site had not been cleaned. Several inches of dirt on the concrete pad, part of a ripped trash bag hanging from the lantern pole, nylon cord and aluminum foil in the fire pit, and cigarette butts around the patio. We left it better than we found it. The bathroom (small but functional) was out of soap the entire weekend, although the facility was clean otherwise. The public grounds and nature trail were well kept so really I don’t know if it was an oversight on the cleaning staff or a late checkout etc.

    The view from our site was spectacular and we had a wonderful time enjoying the cooler weather. We will give it another chance as several friends list it as a favorite, and hopefully we will have a cleaner site next time.

Guide to Headland

Tent camping near Headland, Alabama centers primarily on primitive sites within a 30-mile radius of the city. The southeastern Alabama region features flat to gently rolling terrain with elevations ranging from 200-400 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity while winter nights can drop below freezing during December through February.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Neals Landing Park in Bascom offers direct access to the Chattahoochee River with catfish and bass fishing. One camper noted it's "relaxing" with "great fishing" opportunities that don't require extensive equipment or experience.

Day hiking: The surrounding woodland areas provide short hiking trails through mixed pine and hardwood forests. Swindalls Campground serves as a basecamp for exploring nearby trails with minimal elevation gain, making them suitable for beginner hikers of all ages.

Birding: The wetland areas near campsites attract numerous bird species including woodpeckers, warblers, and waterfowl. Spring migration (March-May) brings the greatest diversity of species to observe.

What campers like

Natural quiet: The remote setting of Neals Landing Park provides a peaceful atmosphere away from highway noise. A visitor described it as "quit, clean, remote" with proximity to nearby towns for supplies.

Access to water: Campsites along the Chattahoochee River offer water views and cooling breezes during hot summer months. The river access points are generally flat and provide easy entry for swimming during summer months.

Minimal light pollution: The rural setting allows for excellent stargazing opportunities on clear nights. The Milky Way is visible during new moon phases when skies are darkest.

What you should know

Limited amenities: Swindalls Campground operates as a primitive camping area with no running water, toilets or shower facilities. Campers must bring all necessary supplies including drinking water and sanitation equipment.

Weather considerations: Summer thunderstorms develop quickly in this region, often between 2-6 PM. Lightning safety is essential during peak summer months when afternoon storms are common.

Supply planning: The nearest full-service grocery stores are located in Dothan (approximately 15 miles south of Headland). Stock up on all camping supplies before heading to more remote campsites as convenience stores have limited selection.

Tips for camping with families

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings provide the best chance to spot deer, wild turkeys and various bird species near campsites. Bringing binoculars suitable for children (with neck straps) improves the experience.

Water safety: The Chattahoochee River has variable currents depending on upstream dam releases. Children should wear life jackets near the water at all times, even when not swimming.

Temperature management: The high humidity and heat make shade critical for family camping from May through September. Bring additional tarps or shade structures as tree coverage varies at campsites.

Tips from RVers

Access limitations: Most tent camping areas near Headland have narrow access roads unsuitable for larger RVs. Vehicles over 25 feet in length may have difficulty navigating turns or finding adequate parking.

Generator restrictions: Many primitive camping areas in this region prohibit generator use to maintain the natural quiet. Battery power systems or solar chargers are recommended alternatives for necessary electronics.

Water conservation: No water hookups exist at most tent camping sites near Headland. RVers converting to tent camping should bring sufficient water containers as refill points may be 10+ miles from campsites.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Headland, AL is Neals Landing Park with a 3-star rating from 1 review.

Keep Exploring