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Best Dispersed Camping near Oak Grove, AL

20 Reviews

The Talladega National Forest region surrounding Oak Grove, Alabama features predominantly dispersed backcountry camping options along several interconnected trail systems. Primitive sites along the Chinnabee Silent Trail and Skyway Loop offer tent camping in secluded forest settings, with established fire rings and flat areas for setup. Hollins Hunting Camp provides one of the few drive-in options suitable for small trailers and roof-top tent camping. Most sites in this area are free, do not require permits, and allow pets, though they lack developed amenities like showers, toilets, or hookups. The camping landscape is characterized by ridge-top views, creek-side locations, and forest clearings within a network of hiking trails.

Seasonal water availability significantly impacts camping experiences in this region. According to camper reviews, "Water levels can be very low in winter" and "be prepared to not have water for pumping and bring extra in dry times." Spring and early summer offer optimal conditions with higher water levels, wildflower blooms, and comfortable temperatures for swimming at waterfall sites. Late summer brings muggy conditions and potential for lower water levels. Trail intersections can become confusing, particularly "in the fall or winter when there are leaves on the ground." Many sites lack clear signage, with one visitor noting a location "lacked good signage on the last turn," making navigation challenging for first-time visitors.

Ridge-top sites receive consistently high ratings for their expansive views and stargazing opportunities. One camper described the Skyways Loop Campground as having "a direct view out from the ridge and sunset is amazing" where "you can see every star in the sky." Sites near water sources are prized for their accessibility to swimming and drinking water. The Chinnabee Silent Trail backcountry sites are particularly noted for group camping potential, with one site described as having "three built fire rings" and being "perfect for a large group to set up camp." Proximity to waterfalls represents a significant draw, with several campers mentioning the ability to "set up camp and go for a nice evening swim before cooking dinner" as a highlight of their experience.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Oak Grove, Alabama (18)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Oak Grove, AL

3 Photos of 18 Oak Grove Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Oak Grove, AL

20 Reviews of 18 Oak Grove 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 Oak Grove

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Oak Grove, Alabama, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of options available, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Oak Grove, Alabama

  • Make sure to bring enough water, as many sites, like Weogufka State Forest Backcountry Site 1, do not have water sources nearby, requiring you to hike to streams for refills.
  • Be prepared for a hike-in experience; sites such as Skyway Loop Backcountry are accessible only by foot, offering a more secluded and peaceful camping experience.
  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty of areas like Chinnabee Silent Trail Backcountry Site 2, ensuring that future campers can enjoy the same pristine environment.

Scenic views while free camping near Oak Grove

Top activities for dispersed campers near Oak Grove

  • Hiking enthusiasts will love the proximity of Hollins Hunting Camp to various trails, making it a great base for exploring the surrounding wilderness.
  • Fishing and swimming are popular activities near Chinnabee Silent Trail Backcountry Site 6, where you can enjoy the beauty of the creek while cooling off on a hot day.
  • For those interested in star-gazing, the open skies at Skyway Loop Backcountry provide an excellent opportunity to see the stars without light pollution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Oak Grove, AL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Oak Grove, AL is Hollins Hunting Camp with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

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

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