Best Dispersed Camping near Jacksons' Gap, AL

Dispersed camping opportunities near Jacksons' Gap, Alabama include several primitive sites within Talladega National Forest. The area features backcountry sites along the Chinnabee Silent Trail, Skyway Loop, and Pinhoti Trail systems. Hollins Hunting Camp provides drive-in access for tent camping, while most other sites require hiking in. According to reviews, Chinnabee Silent Trail Backcountry Site 2 stands out as "a large site with two fire rings and enough space for groups to spread out," situated approximately 50 yards from the main trail for privacy.

Most backcountry sites in this region permit fires in established fire rings. Water availability varies significantly by location and season. Sites near creeks like those along the Chinnabee Silent Trail offer reliable water sources during spring and early summer, but campers report that "water levels can be low in winter or mid-summer." Pack extra water when visiting ridge sites, as several reviewers note long walks to water sources. No facilities are available at these dispersed sites; all follow Leave No Trace principles.

The best camping seasons are spring and early fall when temperatures are moderate. Summer brings high humidity and potential for thunderstorms. Winter camping is possible but requires additional preparation for cold nights. Several sites offer excellent star-viewing opportunities, particularly at Hollins Hunting Camp where one camper noted it was "open to the sky" for astrophotography. Trail signage is generally good, though some stream crossings can be confusing when leaves cover the ground in fall and winter. Many sites feature established fire pits and flat areas suitable for tents, with ample trees for hammock camping.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Jacksons' Gap, Alabama (18)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Jacksons' Gap, AL

3 Photos of 18 Jacksons' Gap Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Jacksons' Gap, AL

20 Reviews of 18 Jacksons' Gap Campgrounds


  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2020

    Chinnabee Silent Trail Backcountry Site 5

    Large secluded site

    As I noted in several of my other reviews check out my review of the Sipsey falls campground for a comprehensive account of my favorite hiking and camping in the area. 

    This campsite in particular is located on a small ridge after passing the Sipsey falls area. It is fairly large with two established firepits and multiple cleared areas for tents. It also has plenty of trees for setting up hammocks. I like this site in particular since it is one of the less crowded spots. I only give it 4 stars however since if available some of the best sites are right next to Sipsey falls a little further along where you have access to water for pumping and swimming when the weather is right. 

    As always make sure to leave no trace and make the site cleaner than when you found it.

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2020

    Chinnabee Silent Trail Backcountry Site 4

    Parking Lot Site

    Check out my other reviews of this trail to get a better picture of the backpacking options in the area. Talladega national forest has some amazing trails and campsites available. 

    This particular site is located a short way into the woods from the parking area for the Chinnabee silent trailhead and not far from the Turnipseed campground. It is at the intersection of two trails leading down from the main road. It could work for several tents in the dry season but we somewhat waterlogged when we were there in the spring. Not the worst last-minute place to set up camp but there are much better sites further along the trail.

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2023

    Skyway Loop Backcountry Site Near Chinnabee

    Improved since last visit

    This site has been cleaned up and expanded since I last stayed here. The space is in a really beautiful area near the parking area for Lake Chinnabee and a few minutes down the trail from Devil's Den Falls. It has an established fire pit and several clear flat areas for tents. The creek runs right alongside so there is easy access to water and it provides a peaceful background sound during the night. Another nice feature of this campground is that it sits at the intersection of multiple trails.

  • Weather Warrior Media -.
    Jul. 2, 2024

    Hollins Hunting Camp

    Average but good

    This has a good road and decent open spots to set-up. Overlanders (w/rtt) will be the most happy. Open areas have tall grass a but, but some have enough pine trees the pine needles make for better ground camping. Small camper trailers could probably make it too. Just be mindful of turn around spots.

    I arrived late so harder to find spots. Mid-week so no one else here.

    -Lacked good signage on the last turn. -No facilities (as expected) -Open to sky (took awesome star pics here)

  • Peyton P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Hollins Hunting Camp

    Open and quiet

    Best for overlanding/camper/tents. No marked sites, just pull in and find a spot. I got in around 8 and there were only a couple people here, lots of space and easy to find a private spot. Hardly any bugs, no amenities

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 12, 2021

    Weogufka State Forest Backcountry Site 1

    Platform on old building site

    This site appears to have a platform that was built to set up a tent on where an old building used to stand. The fireplace is the only part that is still in place which would actually be kind of nice to use on a cold night. There are even metal rings installed on the platform that you could use to attach a rain fly. Overall this is very near to the Pinhoti southern terminus so you won't get much distance covered if you camp here but it could work for a late start. There is also a nearby shelter which is my preference but this could be a backup if that gets a little crowded. The other downside to this site is that there is not any water right here so you will either have to carry it in or hike down to one of the nearby streams to fill up. However, it is a pretty cool looking area and deffinitely worth checking out even if you don't stay the night.

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 30, 2021

    Riverside Skyway Loop Backcountry Site

    Small with water access

    This site is another of the small backcountry sites along the river between Cheaha Falls and Lake Chinnabee. Make sure to check out my review of Cheaha Falls Campground where I discuss the entire loop and the best times of year to visit. Although this campground isn’t as nice as others in the area it has easy access to water and is small and private so you won't have anyone else crowding your space. It is also a great option when the other spots can fill up during busy times such as holiday weekends in the spring or fall. This campground also has easy access to the many waterfalls that are up the trail and is not too far from the parking at Lake Chinnabee. This campground has a level area for either 1 or 2 tents, a fire ring, and access to flowing water. The best time to visit is either late spring or early summer when the flowers are blooming and the weather is warm enough to swim. But be aware it can get pretty hot and muggy late in the summer.

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 30, 2020

    Chinnabee Silent Trail Backcountry Site 3

    On the way to the falls

    Check out the video included to get a full review of the site. In summary, this is a nice backcountry campsite a short walk in from the chinnabee silent parking area. It has a nice large flat area for setting up several tents. The only negative is that it doesn't have as easy water access as some of the other sites in the area.

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2018

    Group Camp near Blue Mountain Shelter — Cheaha State Park

    Group Backpacking Site

    This is a backcountry site right along the trail that you pass a minute or two before you get to the Blue Mountain Shelter. I have linked to that review and I highly suggest checking it out first since it covers some of the directions for hiking into this area. This specific site is more suited for groups however since it has multiple flat areas for lots of tents and several fire pits if you want to spread out. You can set up camp here and hike further on to get to some of the nearby viewpoints which are well worth the trek. This site isn’t that special but practical if you need the space and want to have a nice jumping off point to see some of the other sites in the area.


Guide to Jacksons' Gap

Primitive camping near Jacksons' Gap, Alabama offers access points to the Talladega National Forest across varied terrain from 600 to 2,400 feet elevation. The region consists primarily of pine-oak forests with scattered rock outcroppings along ridgelines. The area receives approximately 56 inches of rainfall annually, contributing to seasonal stream variations that impact water availability at many backcountry sites.

What to do

Sunrise photography: Head to the ridge at Skyways Loop Campground with view where campers report excellent visibility. "The only downside I would have to say to staying at this campground is that it has almost no option for filling up water," notes Asher K., suggesting bringing extra water if planning extended stays.

Stream exploration: Multiple water crossings along the trails near Skyway Loop Backcountry Site Near Chinnabee provide cooling spots during warmer months. One reviewer mentions, "The creek runs right alongside so there is easy access to water and it provides a peaceful background sound during the night."

Night sky viewing: Fall and early winter offer clearer skies at higher elevation sites. At Hollins Hunting Camp, Weather Warrior Media reports taking "awesome star pics here" thanks to the open clearing and minimal light pollution from surrounding areas.

What campers like

Trail connectivity: Many backcountry sites sit at trail intersections, providing day-hiking options. At Pinhoti Backcountry Campground near Odum Intersection, Asher K. notes it's "a nice protected area a short way off the trail near the intersection of the Pinhoti and the Odum trail," offering multiple route options.

Protected sites: Rocky formations around some campsites provide natural windbreaks. According to reviews, the Pinhoti Backcountry Campground features "several large boulders that work well to block the wind and make this a more comfortable space in bad weather or when it is cold out."

Low crowd density: Weekday camping particularly at Hollins Hunting Camp often means having areas to yourself. As one camper notes, "Mid-week so no one else here," making it ideal for those seeking solitude.

What you should know

Water sources: Stream-fed water sources require treatment and vary seasonally. At Pinhoti Backcountry Campground near Odum Trail, campers note "water is seasonal and can be very low in winter. Be prepared to not have water for pumping and bring extra in dry times."

Signage limitations: Some trail junctions lack clear markers, particularly during leaf-fall. A reviewer cautions that the Pinhoti Campground North of Talladega Scenic Drive is "easily missed when going along the trail since it requires taking a small path to get to that is overgrown in the summertime."

Camping regulations: Dispersed camping follows standard national forest regulations with 14-day maximum stays. Pack out all trash and use established fire rings only when fire danger is low. Several sites report existing rings that should be used rather than creating new ones.

Tips for camping with families

Distance considerations: For younger hikers, select sites with shorter approaches. Chinnabee Silent Trail Backcountry Site 3 is described as "a nice backcountry campsite a short walk in from the chinnabee silent parking area," making it accessible for families with children.

Group-friendly sites: Some dispersed sites accommodate multiple tents better than others. Ben W. describes Chinnabee Silent Trail Backcountry Site 2 as "a nice open area in a pine thicket, this large site has 2 fire rings and is big enough for even large groups to spread out."

Vehicle access options: For easier gear transport with kids, consider sites with drive-up access. Peyton P. notes about Hollins Hunting Camp: "No marked sites, just pull in and find a spot," which allows families to bring additional comfort items without long hikes.

Tips from RVers

Access limitations: Most dispersed sites near Jacksons' Gap require high-clearance vehicles or hiking. Weather Warrior Media advises about Hollins Hunting Camp: "Overlanders (w/rtt) will be the most happy. Open areas have tall grass a bit, but some have enough pine trees the pine needles make for better ground camping. Small camper trailers could probably make it too. Just be mindful of turn around spots."

Alternative considerations: Traditional campgrounds with facilities might better serve larger RVs. Those with smaller truck campers or vans can access some forest roads, but should scout locations before committing to narrow access points.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Jacksons' Gap, AL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Jacksons' Gap, AL is Hollins Hunting Camp with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Jacksons' Gap, AL?

TheDyrt.com has all 18 dispersed camping locations near Jacksons' Gap, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.