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Best Tent Camping near Houston, AL

249 Reviews

Bankhead National Forest surrounding Houston, Alabama offers numerous backcountry tent camping opportunities, particularly within the Sipsey Wilderness area. Thompson Creek Trail Campsites provide highly-rated primitive tent camping with established sites scattered along creek banks and forest clearings. The Sipsey Wilderness contains multiple backcountry tent sites along numbered trails (200, 203, and 207), with each offering varying levels of seclusion and proximity to water. These tent-only sites are situated within a protected wilderness area known for its intersecting creeks, waterfalls, and diverse seasonal landscapes.

Most tent campsites in this region feature sandy or forest floor surfaces with minimal site development. Campers should bring water filtration equipment as drinking water is not provided at most primitive sites, though natural water sources are abundant. Fire rings exist at most established sites, but firewood must be gathered or packed in. The access roads to trailheads can be challenging after rain, with some requiring short hikes from parking areas to reach the tent sites. Weather conditions significantly impact camping experience, with potential for flooding near waterways during heavy rain periods and variable water levels throughout the year.

According to experienced campers, the Sipsey Wilderness offers exceptional backcountry tent camping with sites appearing "about every quarter mile" along rivers and streams. One visitor noted that many sites feature "flat sandy tent spots up the hill and out of reach of flooding" with established fire pits. Spring and fall provide the most comfortable tent camping conditions, as summer brings intense heat and increased insect activity. Sites farther from trailheads offer greater privacy, though some closer walk-in tent sites provide easier access for those with limited time or carrying heavier gear. The terrain varies significantly between sites, with some offering level, sandy surfaces ideal for tent setup while others require more careful placement to avoid sloping ground.

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Best Tent Sites Near Houston, Alabama (25)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Houston, AL

26 Photos of 25 Houston Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Houston, AL

249 Reviews of 25 Houston Campgrounds

  • Katie S.
    Jun. 18, 2019

    Tomahawk Campground

    Ranger Review: GCI Outdoor Pod Rocker with SunShade camp chair at Tomahawk Primitive Campground

    Campground Review: 

    Tomahawk Primitive Campground is located near Cullman, AL right off of Highway 278. The campground is primitive, and has no electricity or water pumps or hookups at the individual sites, but there is a common room area attached to the back of the owner’s house that has a clean bathroom, a coffee maker, and electricity. There are 3 campsites with fire rings as well as a large, open field at the main campground area, and additional sites by the creek, about a 10 minute walk from the main area. The trail to the creek-side sites was partially cleared, but there were a few fallen trees blocking the path that could make it difficult to carry gear to those sites. My husband, puppy and I stayed at one of the tent sites in the main campground area. If you are staying in a tent, I highly recommend air mattresses for this camp. While the ground has been somewhat cleared, there are still large stocks sticking one or 2 inches out of the ground that would make sleeping without an air mattress very uncomfortable. However, the bigger issue making sleep difficult for us was the road noise from the highway, which stayed busy throughout the night. I assume that if you are in a camper you won’t notice it as much, but in a tent it made us feel like we were camping on the side of the highway and not at a camp. Another problem that we ran into, unfortunately after we set up camp, is that our site had a ton of fire ants. I’m not sure if this is a problem at all of the tent sites or if it was just ours, but I advise caution when choosing your site and where you set up your tent. Our favorite part of this campground was the creek. It was beautiful and clear, perfect for our dog to play in, and had good locations to set up a hammock and enjoy the peaceful creek sounds. If we were to stay at this camp again, we would bring gear that could be hauled to the creek-side campsites. 

    Gear Review: GCI Outdoor Pod Rocker with Sunshade 

    As a Ranger for the Dyrt, I sometimes get gear to review on my camping trips. For this trip I got the GCI Pod Rocker with Sunshade camp chair. I LOVE this chair, and so did my husband and dog. The chair comes in a durable carrying case, which is great because I’ve had many camp chair bags fall apart after just a few uses. The chair was a little confusing to set up/take down at first, until I realized that easy-to-follow instructions are attached to the bag. The chair is larger than most camp chairs and provides more support. The sunshade is adjustable and can be moved in several positions as well as completely collapsed. The only complaint that we had about the Pod Rocker is that the included cup holder is a pouch that doesn’t seem like it would actually prevent your drink from spilling. For me, the benefit of having a camp rocking chair far outweighs this one detractor. This chair was wonderful for camping but would also be perfect for outdoor sporting events and concerts. I highly recommend the GCI Pod Rocker with Sunshade! Here is the link for the GCI Pod Rocker with SunShade:  https://www.gcioutdoor.com/rockers/pod-rocker-with-sunshade/

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 7, 2020

    Rickwood Caverns State Park Campground

    The cave is the star attraction

    This is a very small campground- 13 improved sites (nine of these have 50 amp electric and can accommodate all sizes of rigs; four are designed for smaller units and have 30 amp electric) plus five primitive sites, which have communal water only (no electric). There is zero privacy/separation between the improved sites, which would make the unimproved sites possibly more appealing (but further from the restroom and it was pouring when we were there). Improved sites are gravel and include a BBQ, fire ring, and a very large picnic table. Rates are $16 for a primitive site/$29 for an improved site plus a $4.75 processing fee for the first night of your stay. Senior discounts are given. 

    The restrooms are functional and clean but basic. There was a leak in the roof from the pouring rain that could pose a slipping hazard. 

    There are a large picnic pavilion and two short hiking trails of about a mile each. We hiked the Fossil Mountain trail, which is very rocky. The main draw to this park is the cave. Tours are offered four times daily, January through November. If you camp, you receive a discount on the tour. The tour is worth doing.

  • Morgan Z.
    Sep. 7, 2016

    Houston Recreation Area

    Sipsey Wilderness

    During my time in Alabama, I kept hearing wonderful things about Sipsey Wilderness, and its many waterfalls, rocky landscapes, and great hikes. Since it's "wilderness," there are no established campsites, and there is a strict "leave no trace" policy. That being said, the opportunity to pick your own home away from home on your backpacking trip leaves you with a plethora of gorgeous options! Be sure to check the water levels before your trip, because while Sipsey is always beautiful, it isn't abnormal for many of the waterfalls to be dried up after a hot summer. Also, if you park at the Sipsey River Picnic Area Trailhead, be sure to pay the $3/day parking fee. They will give you a steep ticket otherwise! I had read about the fee, but upon arriving didn't see where to pay and figured it must have been an outdated post. Turns out, there was just a car blocking the pay station, which is near the chemical toilet when you turn into the parking lot. It's a dated deposit system, where you put your payment in an envelope, drop it in a dropbox, and put the perforated proof of payment tag on your dashboard. So be sure to bring exact change!! I was expecting something a little more modern, so even if I had seen the deposit box, I wouldn't have had exact change on me.

    The trails can get a little complicated, as there aren't really any trail markers, so be sure to buy a map of the area and bring it along with your compass. I found a map at mountain high outfitters at the Summit in Birmingham, AL, and it served us well. The 209 trail follows the river and is known as one of the more scenic routes. Nearby sites within the Sipsey Wilderness include Big Tree (the biggest tree in AL), Eye of the Needle, Ship Rock, numerous waterfalls, and several scattered cemeteries. All of these will be marked on a good map.

    The area is very buggy, and the trails can get cramped/overgrown in parts, so I'd recommend wearing long pants and lots of bug spray!

  • L
    May. 6, 2023

    Rickwood Caverns State Park Campground

    Great for Beginner Campers

    Rickwood Caverns was the first car camping experience I ever had. My husband and I went sans kids to see if we liked tent camping and test out our gear. We are total beginners. 

    We got there at 5:15 and the shop/office closes at 5pm. There was a sign with a phone number for assistance in late check in. No one answered and our VM was never returned. No big deal. We didn’t have a pass in our car and no one cared or checked.

    The campground is small. Each of the primitive campsites has a fire pit and picnic table. Our table had seen better days and was missing one bench. Somewhere in the vicinity, there was a faucet for washing dishes, etc., but it was surrounded by a giant mud puddle. There’s another faucet area in the parking lot near the bathroom/shower building. 

    We reserved site #17 and there were two other tents pitched nearby. I reserved the site on Alaparks’ website and I think I paid $14/night. The park is gated and locked each evening. It is an old state park and a bit run down. The bathroom/shower building is very old, but it was tidy and I did see someone clean it on Saturday morning.

    We toured the caverns on Saturday at 10am with a small group and enjoyed the tour. Tours are discounted for campers. The tour didn’t include so much geological information as it was about rocks shaped as animals, etc. It would have been cool to learn more about the history and sciency stuff. Something really interesting about the history to me was that the caverns were basically blasted out and excavated by Boy Scouts in the 50s. Seriously. With dynamite. 

    The caverns have steep stairs that can be muddy and wet. Lots and lots of steps, so definitely not an activity for folks with mobility issues. Children might struggle too. 

    The park is kind of near a highway and I could hear cars in the evening and at night. 

    Cell phone reception was fine. 

    Temps were low 50s in overnight and bugs were only an issue around dusk. (This was in late April).

    Because the campground is so small, primitive camping area is close to camper parking lot, so there was a little camper community close by but that didn’t bother us. 

    Rickwood Caverns is a low frills place for tent camping for beginner campers. The caverns might be fun to tour again in December when they have their Christmas lights up.

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 30, 2019

    Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site (Trail 203 Site A)

    Closest to the Car

    This campground is the first you pass after coming down the road from the parking area. It is located right at the 203 trail junction near the bridge and along the water. On this trip, it was occupied by a family that had walked down the hill at the same time as us and carried in all their gear in their arms with no packs. This is an ideal site if you need an easy to find a campground that is as close as you can get to the parking area. It is on the smaller size but has a nice firepit and plenty of area to put up at least two tents. It is also high enough off the bank for you to stay dry in case of flooding. One small downside is that to access water you will need to climb down a steep slope or walk around to the bridge slightly down the trail. Another downside is that the trail passes right through the campsite so if you are a late sleeper you may get disturbed in the morning by other hikers passing through. If you are able I would suggest going a little further down the trail and checking out the 2 other nearby sites. Read some of my other reviews from this area for more info about backpacking in Sipsey Wilderness.

  • Thomas H.
    Jan. 10, 2021

    Corinth Recreation Area

    Perfectly Designed for RV Newbies!

    Loved this park! It was our first trip in our new Travel Trailer and it couldn't have gone better. We stayed at Yellow Hammer site #9 easy pull through with plenty of room. Not only did all the sites have amazing scenery but the roads were well maintained. Full hookups and AT & T cellphone coverage good enough for working from Trailer. Verizon cellphone coverage didn't work here. Each site fully equipped with fire ring, picnic table, and lantern poles. Wood available for purchase from host. 

    Beach & Bath houses were closed due to COVID-19

    We spent a lot of time walking with our kids on the trails and riding scooters around the campsite roads. Nature trails were extremely well kept with great views on the water

    Best site is Yellow Hammer #17

  • Anna M.
    Apr. 20, 2025

    Corinth Recreation Area

    It's commercial camping with tons of kids.

    Very expensive, crowded and noisy but what do you expect. The hot water was out in the bath house so no showers. $10/day to enter if you have more than 2 vehicles. Everyone wants to be outside and camping most in large RV's with all the amenities and a dozen loud kids per. This is typical if you are looking for something else you will have to keep looking. Night time quiet hours are not enforced. Spaces are a little closer and tighter than other campgrounds.

  • Michael H.
    May. 21, 2018

    Brushy Lake Recreation Area

    Beautiful park

    Currently there are 2 bathrooms with flush toilets and running water (1 nearest road has cold water showers), 3 covered pavilions with multiple concrete picnic tables. Sites are decently spaced with picnic tables near sites close to water, will need to form your own fire ring with stones. Boat ramp, dump station, and beautiful trees everywhere. There are water moccasins in this area so beware of them.

    Park is currently making an RV area with pads and it is closed while they upgrade.

    Free to camp there at time of review.

  • Tony C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2019

    Corinth Recreation Area

    We'll Be Back!

    **Corinth Recreation Area– USFS **

    Corinth Recreation area is located near the town of Double Springs, Alabama. The area is operated and maintained by the United State Forest Service (USFS) and can be reserved through www.recreation.gov. There are 52 total sites here and most reserved on line, there are a few sites only available as walk ins. This area is very clean and really quiet at night, the campgrounds are near the lakes edge but not lakeside. The sites are very well maintained, paved and gravel with full services including sewer. There are two RV campgrounds, Firefly and Yellowhammer. We stayed at Yellowhammer as this had more shaded sites than Firefly. There’s also a few tent only sites between the two loops. The bathrooms were clean and the staff was pleasant during our visit, we stayed five days and found so much to see near by the campground. There is very nice boat ramp on the park for easy access to Smith Lake, the beach area is also a great asset. Clean with a well-marked swimming area with bathrooms near the beach area. 

    The Houston Jail (http://soloso.com/houston/) was a few miles away, this is the only surviving jail constructed from logs in 1818. It’s a historical landmark and worth the short drive to go and see. 

    Natural Bridge Park (https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/alabama/natural-bridge-al/) is located in Natural Bridge, Alabama is also nearby. This rock formation is the longest sandstone natural rock bridge east of the Rocky Mountains. It’s a good hike through well marked trails and there is a small gift shop that also sells refreshments.

    Dismals Canyon (https://www.dismalscanyon.com/) is thirty miles from the campground near the town of Phil Campbell, Alabama. This natural formation will make you question if you are really in Alabama. The hike is a good way to spend the day in a shaded but humid natural wonder. You can also attend a night hike to see the dismalites that only reside in a few places in the world. 

    The Bankhead National Forest surrounds the entire area. The forest is huge and trying to visit the area waterfalls and trails without a plan is not recommended. Take the time to study the area maps and map the accessible roads before heading out. We actually stopped by the NSFS Office to ask for information, there was also a large map of the area there you can take a picture of that will help you with your planning. 

    We had a wonderful time here at Corinth, we especially liked the campground and the deer that would come out to graze every evening. This coupled with the fireflies really made this stay memorable, we’ll be back.

Guide to Houston

Sipsey Wilderness in Bankhead National Forest contains numerous unmarked backcountry tent sites along multiple numbered trails. The wilderness encompasses 25,000 acres of protected land with elevation changes ranging from 300-1,000 feet. Many campsites are situated at creek confluences where small waterfalls form during wet seasons, creating natural white noise for sleeping campers.

What to do

Explore waterfalls year-round: Multiple waterfalls throughout the wilderness vary dramatically with seasonal rainfall. At Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site (Trail 207 Site B), campers can find "a beautiful spot with a large area to set up tents" that's "located at the intersect of several streams." One visitor recommends taking "the short hike up the creek away from the river to see some of the beautiful waterfalls that make Sipsey so magical."

Kid-friendly water play: Many creek areas feature shallow water perfect for children. At Thompson Creek Trail Campsites, the water is "a beautiful turquoise" with "lots of shallow places for the kids to play in the water," according to reviews. One camper noted, "The water was clear. The waterfall was beautiful and we found a quiet spot up the creek to camp."

Night sky viewing: Sites with clearings offer excellent stargazing opportunities. A camper at Owl Creek Horse Camp mentioned "the nights sky is wonderful" beneath "some very large loblolly pines." Another visitor to Thompson Creek reported being able to "see some beautiful stars from the large rock right next to the campground."

What campers like

Easy water access: Most backcountry sites are positioned near water sources for convenience. At Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site (Trail 200 Site G), campers appreciate being "close to several water sources," while at Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site (Trail 203 Site C), one visitor enjoyed how "close we were to the river and could easily pump water and rinse off our feet and bodies after a sweaty day of hiking."

Sandy tent spots: Many sites feature naturally sandy areas ideal for comfortable tent setup. At Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site (Trail 200 Site A), there are "flat sandy tent spots up the hill and out of reach of flooding." Another camper noted that at Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site (Trail 207 Site B), "the flat tent areas at this site are mostly covered in sand which means you will have a very comfortable surface to sleep on."

Natural fire pits: Most established sites contain stone fire rings from previous campers. One reviewer mentioned that at Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site (Trail 200 Site F), there's "a firepit built up and several logs arranged for sitting," while another noted Thompson Creek Trail Campsites has "nice logs around a campfire pit if you plan on having a nice campfire."

What you should know

Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly across the wilderness area. At Owl Creek Horse Camp, you'll find "2 bars of Verizon 4G LTE," which allows campers to "catch up and coordinate our next destination." However, most backcountry sites have no coverage, though one camper at Thompson Creek mentioned "no cellular but ok enough data."

Trail conditions: Access roads can become problematic after rainfall. One camper reported roads with "muddy potholes" but noted "my van made it despite" them. Another mentioned certain trailheads being "down from the campsites a ways, probably would drive it not walk it."

Trash issues: Some areas have suffered from improper waste disposal. A reviewer at Thompson Creek noted "some other campsites around were filled with trash. Please pick up after yourselves," while another emphasized the importance to "leave no trace" when enjoying the best tent camping near Houston, Alabama.

Tips for camping with families

Age-appropriate trails: Some paths are suitable for younger hikers. One father shared that he and his "6 year old daughter hiked the trail" at Thompson Creek and "had a great time." Another camper at 5'2" noted a stream crossing that "was not as difficult for my 6'2 husband as it was for me," something to consider when bringing children.

Kid-friendly water features: Several sites offer safe water play opportunities. At Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site (Trail 200 Site H), there are "several waterfalls nearby" and "easy water access," while Thompson Creek offers "lots of shallow places for the kids to play in the water."

Wildlife awareness: Prepare children for encountering local fauna. One camper advised to "watch for snakes and bring bug spray" when visiting the Thompson Creek area, especially during warmer months when reptile and insect activity increases.

Tips from RVers

Limited RV options: Few sites accommodate recreational vehicles. At Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site (Trail 200 Site J), you'll find only "a small but well-cleared site," unsuitable for RVs. For those seeking RV camping near Houston, Alabama, Owl Creek Horse Camp offers more space as "essentially a large field" though without hookups.

Potable water access: Year-round water availability exists at limited locations. A camper noted that at Owl Creek Horse Camp, "you can find potable water from the spickets all year long," an important resource for RV campers without onboard water storage.

Forest road navigation: Access roads require careful driving. One visitor mentioned roads "aren't the best" with "muddy potholes," suggesting RVers should check weather conditions before attempting access, especially after rainfall when dirt roads can become impassable for larger vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Houston, AL is Thompson Creek Trail Campsites with a 4.9-star rating from 10 reviews.

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