Best Dispersed Camping near Owens Cross Roads, AL

Dispersed camping options near Owens Cross Roads, Alabama include the Walls of Jericho Trailhead Campsite and Walls of Jericho Trailhead Camp. These primitive sites offer free camping with minimal amenities. The Walls of Jericho Trailhead Campsite consists of three separate clearings near the parking area with small fire pits. The site is level and located on the edge of a canyon overlook, serving both the Walls of Jericho trail and Bear Den Point Loop Trail. According to reviews, the trailhead site works well for those arriving late or wanting to car camp before hiking to the falls without gear.

Water access is limited at these sites. Campers must walk down the trail to find water sources, as noted by several visitors. The trailhead campsite has no water nearby, making proper planning essential. A porta-john is available in the trailhead parking lot, but no other facilities exist. Trash cans are located in the parking area; visitors should pack out all waste from campsites. Cell service is spotty, with Verizon reported to work at some locations.

The Walls of Jericho trail system features additional first-come, first-served primitive campsites adjacent to two separate water sources (streams) for those willing to hike in. These sites require carrying all equipment in and out, creating an authentic backpacking experience. The sites offer limited privacy due to trail proximity. As one camper noted, "There are minimal places to stock up on necessities along the road so be sure and come equipped." Hammock camping options are restricted near the parking lot, with only the site directly in front accommodating a maximum of two hammocks. Prepare for self-sufficient camping with all necessary supplies, as the nearest stores are a considerable distance away.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Owens Cross Roads, Alabama (3)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Owens Cross Roads, AL

2 Photos of 3 Owens Cross Roads Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Owens Cross Roads, AL

7 Reviews of 3 Owens Cross Roads 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.

  • 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 Owens Cross Roads

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Owens Cross Roads, Alabama, where nature awaits with stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are options that cater to all types of outdoor enthusiasts.

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 breathtaking views while following leave-no-trace principles.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Owens Cross Roads, Alabama

Exploring the Tennessee River for dispersed campers

  • The scenic views along the Tennessee River make Painted Bluff Dispersed Campground a perfect spot for kayaking and swimming, providing a refreshing way to connect with nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Owens Cross Roads, AL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Owens Cross Roads, AL is Walls of Jericho - Trailhead Campsite with a 2.6-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Owens Cross Roads, AL?

TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Owens Cross Roads, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.