Tent camping opportunities around Leesburg, Alabama cover a range of terrain from lakeside spots to forested mountain areas within the foothills of the Appalachians. The region experiences warm summers with temperatures averaging 80-90°F and mild winters, though higher elevation camping areas can see temperature drops of 10-15 degrees compared to town. Most dispersed campsites in the area require high-clearance vehicles as forest roads aren't regularly maintained.
What to do
Swimming at natural water features: Blue Hole at Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA offers a unique swimming experience about 40 minutes from Leesburg. "It has a blue hole and caves no electricity or running water but the camp sites are pretty good. An they do have a handicap access area for rvs to do disperse camping also an parking for the bluehole," explains one visitor.
Cave exploration: The Leesburg area contains several notable cave systems. Near Yellow Creek Falls Fish Camp, campers can access several swimming holes and small caves within 15 minutes. "We absolutely love this campground. Its peaceful and right by the water! The market is a plus too!" notes a camper who visited in May.
Mountain hiking: The nearby mountains offer extensive trail systems. At Pinhoti Trail Backcountry Campground, hikers find multiple trail options. "Pinhoti trail is breath taking! The trail has numerous look out points. Every view is breathtaking. We camped along the trail so it was very secluded," writes one hiker who enjoyed the maintained paths.
What campers like
Private tent sites: Many campers appreciate the secluded nature of Little River Adventure Company tent sites. "My site was flat, spacious, and easy to unload and set up on. The rest of the sites also looked very spacious and fairly flat. The campground's location is very convenient to Little River Falls," notes a September visitor.
Affordable options: Free camping opportunities exist within a 30-minute drive of Leesburg. "It's a great spot and I would stay here again in a second," commented a camper about Little River Adventure Company. Other visitors appreciate the basic amenities that come standard at most sites.
Riverside camping: Water access ranks high among camper preferences. One visitor to Little River Adventure Company shared, "My wife and I love coming to this campground, the host is fantastic and very accommodating. It's completely different than any other campground we've been to in the sense that the campsites are secluded and private."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many of the best tent camping areas near Leesburg require navigating rough roads. At Sky Mtwy Dispersed, you'll encounter challenging terrain: "It's a nice ride up on a very steep at times dirt road. It's private but there's a ton of houses in the area with people driving up and down the road."
Water availability: Most dispersed sites lack water sources. At Pinhoti Trail Backcountry Campground, "One of the major things to be aware of though is that this site has no water access any time of year (unless it is actively raining) so make sure to carry in any water you will need."
Bathhouse locations: Even at established campgrounds, facilities may be distant from actual camping spots. At Little River Adventure Company, "The bathhouse is at the very front of the property away from the campsites, but the toilet and shower were clean and perfectly adequate."
Tips for camping with families
Pack portable toilet options: With limited facilities at many sites, family camping requires preparation. "I do recommend bringing your own toilet accommodations since you'll probably pick a site further from the bath house," advises a visitor to Little River Adventure Company who camped with children.
Select drive-in sites with kids: For easier family camping, choose accessible spots. "Giorgio has an amazing set up here. He was super helpful and accommodating. We were in a mini van and were still able to navigate the grounds and dirt road pretty easily. Our kids were amazed by the water access and walking trails."
Bring bug protection: Insect activity increases during warmer months. At Hurricane Creek Campground, one camper noted: "I loved it there. So peaceful! A couple of other people there and a little bit of trash, but I picked it up. Leave it better than you found it right? It rained, so no bugs, but that's prob not true for the dry days."
Tips from RVers
High clearance needed: Standard RVs struggle on many access roads to the best tent camping near Leesburg. "The road leading up to the campsite is extremely rough and washed out. We were in a Subaru Outback, and it was a very slow-going, bumpy ride — we bottomed out several times," reported a visitor to Sawmill Lake Campsite.
Limited hookup options: Most tent-focused areas lack RV amenities. "I came from the west and had no problems getting my 23ft camper up the mountain. There were a few people that stayed in a tent for a night or two here and there, but I didn't see any other RV/Campers so every spot was open," noted an RVer who stayed at Sawmill Lake for 13 days.
Fire safety considerations: Forest service rangers monitor camping areas. "This spot is where the lookout tower office used to be. It burned years ago but the concrete pad is still here. Ultimately, Rangers may come by and ask you to move to prepared sites nearby. I think they are concerned about fires as always," warns a camper at Sky Mtwy Dispersed.
