Best Dispersed Camping near New Hope, AL

Dispersed camping near New Hope, Alabama centers around the Walls of Jericho area, where primitive camping is permitted at several designated sites. The main option is the Walls of Jericho Trailhead Campsite, a free primitive camping area accessible by foot from the trailhead parking lot. This site serves as a basecamp for hikers exploring the Walls of Jericho trail system and Bear Den Point Loop Trail. Camping is also possible at scattered clearings near the trailhead, though these lack amenities and offer minimal privacy due to proximity to parking and trails.

Access to the Walls of Jericho Trailhead Campsite requires a short walk from the parking area. The site includes several small clearings with basic fire rings but no other facilities. No drinking water is available at the trailhead sites, though water can be found further down the trail. A porta-john toilet is located in the parking lot area, but otherwise, campers must follow leave-no-trace principles. Cell service is reported to be available with some carriers at the trailhead, but service diminishes on the trails. The area is remote with limited access to supplies, so proper planning is essential.

The camping experience at Walls of Jericho sites varies based on specific location. The trailhead sites are convenient but basic. "The trailhead campsite is level and large enough to accommodate many tents," notes one visitor, though another points out that "not a lot of options near the parking lot for hammocks" exist. Many campers use these sites as a staging area before hiking to more remote camping locations along the trail. The camping area near the parking lot has been described as "three separate clearings near the trailhead and parking with small fire pits." These work for car camping or late arrivals but offer limited privacy. For those willing to hike in with gear, more secluded options exist further along the trail, adjacent to water sources.

Best Dispersed Sites Near New Hope, Alabama (3)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near New Hope, AL

2 Photos of 3 New Hope Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near New Hope, AL

8 Reviews of 3 New Hope 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.

  • 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.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2024

    Walls of Jericho - Trailhead Campsite

    Parking Lot Camping

    Read that there was a drive-in camp site at this location. Upon arrival, we found a parking lot with a fence all around it. There were a few fire rings in the parking lot.

    I was not tempted to stay. There was nothing here but a place to park when you go hiking. The only thing here was disappointment and the realization that I needed to go somewhere else.


Guide to New Hope

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near New Hope, Alabama, where nature meets adventure. With stunning landscapes and unique experiences, these spots offer a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near New Hope, Alabama

  • Be prepared for a hike-in experience at the Painted Bluff Dispersed Campground, where you can enjoy breathtaking views along the Tennessee River while following Leave No Trace principles.

Dispersed campers should check out Walls of Jericho - Trailhead Campsite

Kayaking and swimming adventures while free camping near New Hope

  • At the Painted Bluff Dispersed Campground, you can kayak up the river, take a refreshing swim, and explore the scenic bluffs, creating unforgettable memories in a stunning natural setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near New Hope, AL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near New Hope, AL is Walls of Jericho - Trailhead Campsite with a 2.7-star rating from 6 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near New Hope, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.