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Best Dispersed Camping near Madison, AL

17 Reviews

Several free dispersed camping options exist within driving distance of Madison, Alabama. Boondock Dispersed Camping Alabama provides a no-frills off-grid camping experience with three distinct sites along a gravel road. The locations range from approximately 0.1 miles to 0.3 miles down the road, with a final site in a cul-de-sac area. Campfires are permitted, and the area accommodates tents and vehicles, though no utilities or facilities are available.

Wolf Pen Hunters Camp in the Bankhead National Forest offers primitive sites with level, cleared areas for camping. The free sites are spread out for privacy and located near hiking trails. A camper noted, "Right down the road from some of the best hiking trails I have ever seen." The Walls of Jericho area provides trailhead camping options with multiple fire rings and access to hiking trails, though reviews indicate the primitive camping areas can be overgrown. These sites feature vault toilets and trash receptacles but no other amenities. While hammock options are limited at the trailhead sites, the area serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby trails.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Madison, Alabama (6)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Madison, AL

8 Photos of 6 Madison Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Madison, AL

17 Reviews of 6 Madison Campgrounds

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 1, 2021

    Painted Bluff Dispersed Campground - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    Unique Experience!!!

    Camping here is a very unique experience and completely different than most other campgrounds so I will try and make sure to include enough details to repeat our trip. This"campsite" is really just a large embankment along the Tennessee River on land owned by the TVA. They have a policy that on certain parts of their land along the Tenessee River you are allowed to camp following leave no trace rules. Make sure to follow the link for the campsite to learn more. Although you can use any of their lands there are limited areas that are flat or large enough to comfortably set up a tent. This particular site(GPS coordinates above) is a great space and was perfect for a night along the river. We parked our car on the southern side of the Guntersville dam and put in our boats at the loading ramp. we then kayaked with our gear in dry bags up the river past the amazing views of the painted bluff. We parked our boats for a quick swim(with life vests, the current was really strong) and hiked around the shore where there is a cave. We continued on upriver and finally found this particular site where we set up for the night. The banks of the river are pretty steep so finding a large enough site can be challenging. Be prepared to have extra time to search for another site if the river level is high. On the whole, this was one of the most amazing camping experiences I have ever had and I highly recommend it.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 13, 2020

    Wolf Pen Hunters Camp

    Rustic

    I believe this campground is known as the Wolfpen Hunt Camp on the Bankhead National Forest website. This was basically a forest road with dispersed camping. If there are toilets and water we never saw them. Just off the main road there is a loop and people were camping in the clearing of the loop. We drove further down the forest road and found a clearing near the dead end and set up camp. It was lovely and peaceful but no amenities at all. It is free though and no issues with other people.

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 1, 2021

    Walls of Jericho - Trailhead Campsite

    Small boring site

    This site is 3 separate clearings near the trailhead and parking with small fire pits. They work in a pinch if you get here late and don’t want to hike in or if you want to car camp and hike to the falls without gear. Be aware that you will have to go a little ways down the trail to find water.

  • Steve V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 20, 2019

    Walls of Jericho - Trailhead Campsite

    Convenient Trailhead Camping

    The trailhead campsite is a short walk from the parking lot, but makes for a great basecamp for exploring the area. The campsite is level and large enough to accommodate many tents. There are also trees that would be suitable for hammock camping. The site is on the edge of an overlook of the canyon and has multiple fire rings if there are multiple groups there. This site and trailhead serves both the Walls of Jericho trail and the Bear Den Point Loop Trail. 

    This is primitive camping so no bathhouse, but there is a porta-john in the trailhead parking lot. The site is a good distance from any convenient stores or grocery stores so plan accordingly. We found good cell phone service with Verizon at this site. Trash cans are located in the trailhead parking lot. Please pack out your trash from the campsite.

  • William Andrew C.
    May. 1, 2021

    Walls of Jericho - Trailhead Campsite

    Not a lot of options near the parking lot for hammocks

    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. The clearing was extremely overgrown, as was the tree line all around the clearing. At the site directly in front of the parking lot, you can really only get two hammocks, unless you want to stack your hammocks vertically. You'll have to tie both hammocks to the same tree at one end, and then use two trees on the other side. There is no water near this site. This site is OK if you need to be near the parking lot or don't want to hike your gear in and out. Otherwise, you're way better off going down to one of the other sites.

  • Blake C.
    Nov. 16, 2020

    Walls of Jericho - Trailhead Campsite

    An exercise in packing

    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.  

    Your campsite offers little privacy due to trail proximity but that should not distract from a wonderful experience.

    There are minimal places to stock up on necessities along the road so be sure and come equipped.  There is also no cell service so make sure you plan accordingly and have an emergency system in place.

  • dolphmike The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Walls of Jericho - Trailhead Campsite

    Quite

    Quite at night, but the primitive camping area is overgrown, and I have seen a lot of trash in the woods. Stayed one night just to hike the trail the next morning.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 21, 2024

    Wolf Pen Hunters Camp

    Good free camping

    Sites were level and clear. A little muddy but it had been raining. No utilities or restrooms but thats to be expected with a free site. Sites are spread out and pretty private. Overall a good free camp site.

  • C
    Jul. 4, 2022

    Boondock Dispersed Camping Alabama

    Remote spot, would recommend

    Easy drive on paved road until you reach the GPS coordinates (I wouldn’t have seen the little gravel road if I hadn’t been looking for it). Take the little road for a mile or so until you reach the circle at the end. We loved it because there was no chance of hearing any cars and the animal noises were fantastic. We were glad to have a bug net — probably a necessity for this site!

Guide to Madison

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Madison, Alabama, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out Painted Bluff Dispersed Campground

  • Painted Bluff Dispersed Campground offers a unique experience along the Tennessee River, allowing campers to enjoy stunning views while following leave-no-trace principles.
  • Access is primarily by hiking, making it a great choice for those who love adventure and exploration.
  • Campers can enjoy activities like kayaking and swimming, with the added thrill of discovering nearby caves.

Walls of Jericho - Trailhead Campsite for dispersed campers

  • Located near a popular hiking trail, Walls of Jericho - Trailhead Campsite serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding wilderness.
  • While it features a parking lot, the actual camping area is a short walk away, providing a more secluded experience.
  • Campers should be prepared to carry their gear in, as this site is ideal for those who enjoy backpacking and primitive camping.

Top activities while free camping near Madison

  • At Boondock Dispersed Camping Alabama, visitors can enjoy a peaceful environment with no traffic noise, perfect for listening to the sounds of nature.
  • The area around Wolf Pen Hunters Camp offers fantastic hiking trails, making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore.
  • Campers at Lentzville Road can take advantage of the drive-in access, allowing for easy setup and a quick getaway into the wilderness.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Madison, AL is Lentzville Road with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Madison, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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