Best Dispersed Camping near Leeds, AL

Several dispersed camping areas exist near Leeds, Alabama within Talladega National Forest, particularly along the Pinhoti and Chinnabee Silent Trail corridors. The forest offers primitive backcountry sites that require no reservations or fees. Hollins Hunting Camp provides more accessible dispersed camping with open areas suitable for overlanders and small camper trailers, while the Skyway Loop area contains numerous backcountry sites along its trail system. Blue Creek Public Use Area offers more accessible dispersed camping with riverside locations and boat access, though it remains primitive with minimal amenities.

Most dispersed sites are accessible via unpaved roads or hiking trails, with conditions varying seasonally. Hollins Hunting Camp features decent roads suitable for overlanding vehicles and small trailers, but visitors should be mindful of turnaround spots. The backcountry sites along Chinnabee Silent Trail and Skyway Loop require hiking in, with several sites positioned near water sources for filtration. Fire rings are established at most sites, though campers should check for seasonal fire restrictions. None of these areas provide drinking water, toilets, or other amenities beyond occasional firepit rings and cleared tent areas.

The region's dispersed camping appeals primarily to self-sufficient backcountry travelers seeking privacy and natural settings. "This has a good road and decent open spots to set-up. Overlanders will be the most happy," noted one visitor to Hollins Hunting Camp. Sites along Skyway Loop offer ridge-top views, with one camper describing a particular spot as having "ample room for multiple tents and the firepit is large with logs set around for sitting." Water access varies considerably between sites, with some campers advising to "fill up at your first chance with water" when camping on ridges. Blue Creek sites provide river views with one visitor noting they are "big enough for several overlanding rigs or tents" though "there is some traffic on this boat ramp road."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Leeds, Alabama (19)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 19 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Leeds, AL

6 Photos of 19 Leeds Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Leeds, AL

25 Reviews of 19 Leeds 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.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 23, 2023

    Blue Creek Public Use Area

    Great private spot

    About a handful of spots, all with ample room and privacy. Rough road there, but overall easy access and nice view.

  • 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)

  • Michael P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 6, 2025

    Blue Creek Public Use Area

    Totally Relaxing

    I have camped here several times, alway relaxing and restful. Has a latrine, no water or electric. Has boat ramp and camping areas are near pacer park roads. Local traffic is mostly folks going to boat ramp. Camping area is along bluff over looking the River. Second area is in a grove at the end of the paved road and turn around. Ample space, some folks also pull RV down to an area near the boat ramp. Other that the latrine self-contained rustic camping.

  • 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.


Guide to Leeds

Talladega National Forest dispersed camping areas near Leeds, Alabama require no reservations or fees. The forest elevation ranges from 600 to 2,400 feet with a humid subtropical climate featuring hot summers and mild winters. Winter temperatures typically range from 30-55°F while summer highs regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity.

What to do

Waterfall hikes: Several backcountry sites along Chinnabee Silent Trail provide access to nearby waterfalls. At Chinnabee Silent Trail Backcountry Site 7, campers can set up near flowing water. "I also liked how close it is to the waterfall so you could set up camp and go for a nice evening swim before cooking dinner," notes one visitor.

Night sky photography: Hollins Hunting Camp offers unobstructed views for astrophotography with minimal light pollution. As one camper observed about the Hollins Hunting Camp, the area is "Open to sky (took awesome star pics here)." Sites have sufficient clearing for equipment setup while maintaining easy vehicle access.

Ridge hiking: Multiple trails connect to high points with panoramic views. The Pinhoti Trail section north of Talladega Scenic Drive includes established backcountry sites at regular intervals. "This site is easily missed when going along the trail since it requires taking a small path to get to that is overgrown in the summertime," advises one hiker about finding hidden camping spots.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: At Chinnabee Silent Trail Backcountry Site 2, campers appreciate the secluded setting. "It's also right next to a creek for an easy water source and about 50 yards down a side trail so it's nice and private. A few people walked down to see the site but nobody disturbed me," reports one visitor.

River overlooks: Blue Creek Public Use Area provides elevated camping with scenic views. "This camping spot is at the top of the bluff overlooking the river and dam. There are some wooded spots across the street, but I prefer the overlook area," states a regular visitor to Blue Creek Public Use Area.

Established fire rings: Most sites contain well-built fire pits. The ridge campsites along Skyway Loop are particularly well-equipped. One camper describes, "There is ample room for multiple tents and the firepit is large with logs set around for sitting on."

What you should know

Water sources vary seasonally: Streams may dry up during summer months or after drought periods. "If you are coming from the north you should pass a few places to fill up after you climb up the mountain and hit the large group campsites. Don't wait through cause especially in the winter or mid summer the water levels can be low," warns a hiker at Skyways Loop Campground with view.

Limited turnaround space: Some forest roads narrow considerably at their endpoints. "Just be mindful of turn around spots," cautions a visitor about Hollins Hunting Camp.

Trail intersections can confuse: Some junctions lack clear signage. One camper notes about Skyway Loop, "This is an important point because if you miss the turn you will get lost and not make it around the loop."

Tips for camping with families

Short hike-in options: For families with younger children, select sites close to parking areas. "A final feature is that if you have any younger campers joining along it is not such a far trek in from where you park so they will have an easier time hauling gear," suggests a camper describing Chinnabee Silent Trail Backcountry Site 3.

Group camping areas: Some sites accommodate multiple tents. "This large site has 2 fire rings and is big enough for even large groups to spread out," notes a camper about Chinnabee Silent Trail Backcountry Site 2.

Boat access camping: Sites near Blue Creek provide both camping and water recreation. "Has boat ramp and camping areas are near pacer park roads. Local traffic is mostly folks going to boat ramp," explains a frequent visitor.

Tips from RVers

Small trailer access: While most free camping near Leeds is primitive, certain areas accommodate compact camping trailers. "This has a good road and decent open spots to set-up. Overlanders (w/rtt) will be the most happy. Small camper trailers could probably make it too," advises a camper at Hollins Hunting Camp.

Riverside parking: At Skyway Loop Backcountry, visitors note limited access. "The downside to staying this far along the ridge is that even in times with high water levels it is pretty far away and you will be trekking back and forth a good distance if you don't fill up along the way."

Forest road conditions: Access roads deteriorate after rain. "Rough road there, but overall easy access and nice view," reports one camper about the drive to their dispersed site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Leeds, AL?

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

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

TheDyrt.com has all 19 dispersed camping locations near Leeds, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.