Dispersed camping opportunities near Hollywood, Alabama offer primitive overnight stays in primarily forested terrain at elevations ranging from 600-1,500 feet. Seasonal temperature fluctuations affect camping conditions, with summer highs averaging 90°F and winter lows often dropping below freezing. Road conditions frequently deteriorate after rainfall, making high-clearance vehicles necessary for accessing many rustic campsites.
What to do
Fishing at Davis Pond: Prentice Cooper State Forest's Davis Pond provides accessible fishing opportunities for dispersed campers. "Caught 4 largemouth bass in about 15 minutes of fishing on the pond, largest being about a 1lb," reports one Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed visitor.
Cave exploration: The Blue Hole Dispersed area in Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA provides access to notable geological features. "It has a blue hole an caves no electricity or running water but the camp sites are pretty good," notes a camper at Blue Hole Dispersed.
Backpacking preparation: Walls of Jericho requires careful equipment planning. "The Walls of Jehrico trail offers a handful of first-come/first-serve primitive campsites set adjacent to two separate water sources (streams). Any equipment must be carried in and out which makes for a perfect backpacking experience," explains a visitor to this rustic camping area.
What campers like
Seclusion in forest settings: Many campers value the isolation available at Prentice Cooper. "The forest is beautiful but also huge. You can definitely get lost driving around or hiking. If you're looking for a quiet place to camp near Chattanooga this is it," notes one reviewer.
Fall foliage viewing: Seasonal color changes enhance the camping experience in certain months. "We came here to camp among the turning trees one September. It is a huge area and I didn't see any camping other than primitive tent sites. The fall colors were off the hook but might be even better in October," shares a Tennessee Wall Camp visitor.
Free camping access: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the cost benefits. "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," reports a camper at Blue Hole Dispersed.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Access to certain areas becomes restricted during winter months. "This is a beautiful WMA area with tons of offshoots along a service road for camping, but please note, 99% of areas are closed between December and March. Had to turn around and find somewhere else to camp for the night," warns a Prentice Cooper visitor.
Bathroom limitations: Facilities at many dispersed sites range from minimal to unusable. "DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT even think of entering the 'restroom' at Davis Pond. They really should demolish it. Completely disgusting. And creepy. So be advised, there is no USABLE restroom, you are truly roughing it!"
Cell service considerations: Communication capability varies by location near Hollywood. "There is also no cell service so make sure you plan accordingly and have an emergency system in place," notes a Walls of Jericho - Trailhead Campsite visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Pack all necessities: Limited resupply options exist in the area. "There are minimal places to stock up on necessities along the road so be sure and come equipped," advises a Walls of Jericho camper.
Consider noise levels: Some areas experience unexpected noise disruption. "Night time is great but gunshots started at 6:30 at a nearby gun range and dirt bikes started hitting the roads not much later," reports a Prentice Cooper camper.
Hammock limitations: Site selection impacts hammock camping feasibility. "The only decent spot for hammocks is the little campsite that is right in front of the parking lot. We went over to the clearing just north of the parking lot, but there were no good spots," shares a Prentice Cooper State Forest Camp visitor.
Tips from RVers
Pop-up camper access: Some rustic camping near Hollywood accommodates smaller recreational vehicles. "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."
Muddy conditions: Weather impacts accessibility for vehicles. "This is a great FREE spot right outside the hunters entrance of prentice cooper state forest. There are about 12 spots and it wasn't crowded when we came on a Saturday. It is a bit muddy but it is manageable."
Parking limitations: Some sites offer minimal RV accommodation. "You can stay at either Hunter's check campground or Davis Pond. If you want to stay at davis pond you have to get there before dark, and there is not access for vehicles to get into the campground so it's just tents (no overlanding, unless you're comfortable in the parking lot)."
