Best Dispersed Camping near Moody, AL

Dispersed camping opportunities near Moody, Alabama are concentrated in the Talladega National Forest, primarily along the Chinnabee Silent Trail and Skyway Loop areas. These primitive sites require hike-in access and offer no facilities. The Skyway Loop Backcountry Site Near Chinnabee serves as a popular starting point, situated at a trail junction with established fire rings and flat tent areas. According to recent reviews, this site "has been cleaned up and expanded" and features "easy access to water" with "the creek running right alongside."

Most backcountry sites in this region are free with no permits required. Fires are permitted at established rings, but water availability varies seasonally. Campers report that "water levels can be low in winter or mid-summer," making it essential to fill containers when crossing streams. Several sites along Chinnabee Silent Trail provide reliable water access, with one reviewer noting a site that is "right next to a creek for an easy water source and about 50 yards down a side trail so it's nice and private."

The optimal camping seasons are spring and early summer when wildflowers bloom and water levels remain high. Summer brings hot, humid conditions with increased insect activity. Many sites accommodate both tent and hammock camping, with varying capacities from solo spots to group areas. The Chinnabee Silent Trail Backcountry Site 2 is particularly spacious, described as "a large site with two established firepits and multiple cleared areas for tents." Practice Leave No Trace principles in all backcountry areas, pack out all trash, and use only established fire rings. Water from natural sources should be treated before consumption.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Moody, Alabama (18)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Moody, AL

3 Photos of 18 Moody Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Moody, AL

20 Reviews of 18 Moody 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 Moody

Dispersed camping near Moody, Alabama concentrates in the Talladega National Forest, approximately 50 miles east of Moody proper. The terrain features mixed hardwood forests with elevation changes from 600 to 2,400 feet across the region. Fall temperatures average 65-75°F daytime with 40-50°F nights, creating ideal conditions for primitive camping between September and early November when insects decrease but before winter precipitation begins.

What to do

Trailside swimming spots: Several backcountry sites along Chinnabee Silent Trail provide access to swimming holes during warmer months. At Chinnabee Silent Trail Backcountry Site 3, campers can find "a nice backcountry campsite a short walk in from the chinnabee silent parking area" with reasonable proximity to swimming areas.

Night sky viewing: Open areas near Skyways Loop Campground with view offer excellent stargazing opportunities. One visitor noted: "There is ample room for multiple tents and the firepit is large with logs set around for sitting on. There is also some really great spots right near the edge that you could set up a hammock and enjoy the view while you fall asleep."

Trail intersection exploration: The junction of multiple trails at some sites creates hiking options for day trips. Sites like Riverside Skyway Loop Backcountry Site provide "easy access to the many waterfalls that are up the trail and is not too far from the parking at Lake Chinnabee."

What campers like

Ridge camping: Several backcountry sites sit along elevated ridgelines offering valley views. According to one camper at Pinhoti Campground North of Talladega Scenic Drive 1: "This is a nice site slightly off of the main trail that is well organized for a single backpacker or a very small group. Previous hikers have built up a firepit and also a wooden 'bench' type thing that works best for organizing your gear on."

Secluded group sites: Larger backcountry areas accommodate multiple tents or hammocks away from main trails. One camper described Chinnabee Silent Trail Backcountry Site 5 as "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."

Creek-side camping: Sites near water sources reduce the need for long water collection trips. At Chinnabee Silent Trail Backcountry Site 5, "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."

What you should know

Water supply planning: Seasonal variations affect water availability throughout the area. At Skyways Loop Campground with view, one camper advises: "The only downside I would have to say to staying at this campground is that it has almost no option for filling up water...especially in the winter or mid summer the water levels can be low and you won't find any other option till you get to this site."

Trail navigation challenges: Some trail junctions require careful attention to avoid wrong turns. One reviewer noted about the Pinhoti Campground: "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."

Site competition: More accessible sites fill quickly during peak seasons. For Riverside Skyway Loop Backcountry Site, a camper mentions it's "a great option when the other spots can fill up during busy times such as holiday weekends in the spring or fall."

Tips for camping with families

Short-hike options: Some dispersed sites require minimal hiking, suitable for children. At Hollins Hunting Camp, "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."

Large clearing sites: For family groups needing space, certain areas offer expanded capacity. One camper reports about Chinnabee Silent Trail Backcountry Site 2: "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."

Star viewing locations: Clear sky areas provide educational opportunities. At Hollins Hunting Camp, one visitor appreciated being "Open to sky (took awesome star pics here)."

Tips from RVers

Vehicle access limitations: Most dispersed sites require hiking, but some allow vehicle camping with proper equipment. Hollins Hunting Camp offers options where "Small camper trailers could probably make it too. Just be mindful of turn around spots."

Primitive parking conditions: No hookups or amenities exist at drive-in sites. A visitor at Hollins Hunting Camp noted: "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."

Road quality concerns: Access roads may present challenges depending on recent weather. A reviewer of Hollins Hunting Camp mentioned it "has a good road" but "Lacked good signage on the last turn."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Moody, AL is Skyway Loop Backcountry Site Near Chinnabee with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

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