Dispersed camping options near Natural Bridge, Alabama provide access to the diverse ecosystems of Bankhead National Forest, where elevations range from 500 to 1,200 feet throughout the wilderness area. The region contains over 180 miles of streams and receives approximately 56 inches of annual rainfall, creating ideal conditions for the numerous waterfalls and clear creeks that attract campers. Most primitive campsites require self-sufficiency with basics like water filtration and waste disposal.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: Within 15 minutes of Brushy Lake Recreation Area you can access numerous waterfall trails in the Sipsey Wilderness. "This is a great campground which puts you near all the magic of the Sipsey Wilderness Area in the Bankhead National Forest. The trails in the nearby Sipsey are just amazing. If you go hiking, make sure you have AllTrails with a downloadable trail map before you leave the campsite, because there is not great cell service on most trails," notes one visitor.
Paddling on Bear Creek: Launch directly from your site at Twin Forks Campground for a day on the water. The campground sits directly on Bear Creek with many waterfront sites. A camper mentions, "This campground has many beautiful lakeside campsites along Bear Creek. The site is gravel with large wooden beams surrounding it."
Star-gazing: The limited light pollution at several campgrounds creates ideal conditions for astronomy. "We stayed here with 3 dogs and it could not have been better! There's a huge open field with little light pollution to stargaze," reports one visitor to Togetherness Works. Several primitive campsites throughout the forest provide unobstructed night sky views away from developed areas.
What campers like
Well-spaced sites: Clear Creek Recreation Area offers spacious campsites with good privacy. "The lots were beautifully wooded and spacing between each site was adequate. The perimeter lake lots in the Hoot Owl Loop all had steps or path access from the site to the shore. This would be especially nice in the summer," notes one camper.
Peace and quiet: Corinth Recreation Area maintains a quiet atmosphere even when full. "This was by far one of the most quite COE campground we have been to. The camp was full but you would have thought the opposite based on how quite is was. This place has an amazing trail, spots of gorgeous sunset or sunrise gazing, and shade," writes one visitor.
Natural water features: Several campgrounds provide direct water access. "They have about 90 spots for you to camp which includes primitive spots. The campground is very shaded with tall pine trees, for most of the day depending on what site you are on. Most sites have very nice views of the water also," describes a Twin Forks Campground visitor.
What you should know
Permits required: Bear Creek Development Authority (BCDA) permits cost $3 per day or $10 for three days for anyone 16-65 using water access. "To use the lake or go to the beach area that was down the road you had to purchase a BCDA permit for ages 16-65. $3 a day or $10 for 3 day for each individual," notes a Twin Forks visitor.
Cell service limitations: Thompson Creek Trail Campsites and surrounding wilderness have minimal coverage. "No cellular but ok enough data. The roads aren't the best but my van made it despite the muddy potholes," explains one camper. Download offline maps before arriving at most forest campsites.
Seasonal bathhouse closures: Several campgrounds operate with reduced facilities during winter months. "The water spickets are not operational at brushy lake during the winter. But, just a short 3.5 miles down the dirt road water can be obtained from the Owl Creek Horse Camp area," advises a Brushy Lake visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Twin Forks has family-friendly amenities near the entrance. "There is a huge open grass area were all the kids would gather and play. There's a playground at the entrance that has a pavilion, and a basketball court," reports a visitor.
Swimming areas: Some campgrounds offer designated swim areas with safety features. "Swimming area has shaded picnic areas but is down a steep hill a good way from your car. Also small pebbles in swim area are very painful," warns a Corinth Recreation Area visitor.
Hiking difficulty levels: Wolf Pen Hunters Camp provides easy access to varied trails.** "This is a free hunters campground located in Sipsey wilderness. The hiking in this area is incredible and makes you feel like you are in another world," notes one camper. For younger children, stick to designated forest service roads rather than wilderness trails.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Prepare for uneven terrain at most campgrounds. "We had to put a couple boards under the passenger side tires to level our rig; the site was pretty level from front to rear," notes a Twin Forks camper. Bring leveling blocks even at developed campgrounds.
Loop selection: Choose carefully when reserving at larger campgrounds. "We made the mistake of booking the FlyerFly loop, the bathhouse was closed due to COVID. The camp host was very nice and helped us move to Yellowhammer where the bathhouse was open. So if you are looking for a spot near an open bathhouse, Yellowhammer is where it is at," advises a Corinth Recreation Area visitor.
Off-grid preparation: Most campsites near Natural Bridge have limited hookups. "If you can get there quick enough there are some pretty good spots to camp and it's free not to mention right down the road from some of the best hiking trails I have ever seen open year round," mentions a Wolf Pen Hunters Camp visitor.
