Best Dispersed Camping near Scottsboro, AL

Dispersed camping options near Scottsboro, Alabama include several primitive sites with varying levels of accessibility and amenities. The Walls of Jericho Trailhead Campsite features three separate clearings near the parking area with small fire pits. This site serves as a convenient basecamp for exploring both the Walls of Jericho trail and Bear Den Point Loop Trail. According to reviews, the trailhead site works well "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."

Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed, located within driving distance of Scottsboro, provides more secluded camping opportunities. The forest contains two main campground areas: Davis Pond and Hunters Check Station. Davis Pond offers an open field setting with ample room for multiple tents and good hammock spots. Several campers note that gates close at dark, so arrival before sunset is essential. The area experiences heavy ATV and off-road vehicle traffic during weekends, but riding stops at dusk, allowing for quiet evenings.

No drinking water is available at most dispersed sites in the region. Visitors must pack in all necessary supplies, as convenience stores and markets are limited. Portable toilets may be present at trailheads, but backcountry sites have no facilities. Fire regulations vary by location; established fire rings should be used where available. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) permits camping on certain lands along the Tennessee River following strict leave-no-trace principles, though finding suitable flat areas can be challenging due to steep riverbanks. Most dispersed camping in the area is free but requires self-sufficiency and proper preparation.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Scottsboro, Alabama (6)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Scottsboro, AL

30 Reviews of 6 Scottsboro 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.

  • Cole T.
    May. 14, 2021

    Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed

    Great

    Prentice Cooper is an amazing place and offers two campgrounds and several backcountry camping spots. There is a campground not too far after pulling in the gravel road that has some really nice spots. The other campground requires you to drive down a gravel road for approximately 7 miles and then down some trails that require high clearance. This campground is nice and tooked into the woods with a pond nearby. There are several OHV trails in prentice Cooper and the place can get very crowded on the weekends. Definitely recommend going during the week.

  • 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.

  • Michael M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2022

    Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA

    Good dispersed camping at the blue hole

    It has a blue hole an caves no electricity or running water but the camp sites are pretty good. An the do have a handicap access area for rvs to do disperse camping also an parking for the bluehole ...no one to bother you!

  • S
    Jul. 16, 2016

    Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed

    Dispersed Camping in Prentice Cooper State Forest

    We loved exploring Prentice Cooper State Forest! What a gem! We actually stayed in one of the camping areas, but next time we'd like to backpack instead. We ran a bunch of the trails - enjoyed the views - wonderful spot.

  • Arden S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 19, 2018

    Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed

    Seclusion

    The forest is beautiful but also huge. You can definitely get lost driving around or hiking. If you're looking for a quiet place to camp near Chattanooga this is it.

  • 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.


Guide to Scottsboro

Dispersed camping near Scottsboro, Alabama provides primitive outdoor experiences with varying seasonal accessibility. The forested terrain features elevation changes between 600-1,400 feet with moderate summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F and cooler spring and fall conditions. Winter camping requires extra preparation as some areas close between December and March, and thunderstorms are common in summer months.

What to do

Hiking with pack gear: The Walls of Jericho trail features backcountry campsites along two water sources. "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," notes Blake C. from Walls of Jericho - Trailhead Campsite.

Fishing for bass: Davis Pond at Prentice Cooper offers fishing opportunities. "My husband caught several large mouth bass in the pond too (catch and release)," shares a camper. Another visitor reported "Caught 4 largemouth bass in about 15 minutes of fishing on the pond, largest being about a 1lb."

Cave exploration: Near Blue Hole Dispersed in Georgia (within 45 minutes of Scottsboro), visitors can explore Ellison Cave. "It's right down the road from blue hole and Ellison Cave trail," states one reviewer. The blue hole itself serves as a natural swimming area during warmer months.

What campers like

Seclusion and quiet: Prentice Cooper State Forest provides peaceful camping away from crowds. "If you want to stay here you have to be there before dark as they close the gates at dark. It's basically like having your own small park in the middle of the mountains on a small bass pond," writes Nate H. about Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed.

Free camping options: Most dispersed sites near Scottsboro charge no fees. "Land pass required. No alcohol is permitted. This is a wildlife management area. The camp sites are first come, first serve. They are free," explains Sarah H. about Blue Hole Dispersed.

Hammock-friendly areas: Some sites accommodate hammock setups well. "Great for hammocks and tents," notes Brian W. about Tennessee Wall Camp. These areas typically have mature trees spaced appropriately for hammock suspension.

What you should know

Seasonal closures: Some areas restrict access during winter months. "This is a beautiful WMA area with tons of offshoots along a service road for camping, but please note, 99% of areas are closed between December and March. Had to turn around and find somewhere else to camp for the night," warns Raymond H.

Cell service limitations: Communication can be unreliable in remote areas. "There is also no cell service so make sure you plan accordingly and have an emergency system in place," advises a camper at Walls of Jericho.

Gate timing requirements: Many forest roads close at nightfall. "If you want to stay at davis pond you have to get there before dark, and there is not access for vehicles to get into the campground so it's just tents (no overlanding, unless you're comfortable in the parking lot)," explains Peyton P.

Bathroom conditions: Facilities at primitive sites range from nonexistent to poorly maintained. "DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT even think of entering the 'restroom' at Davis Pond. They really should demolish it. Completely disgusting. And creepy," cautions Lori H.

Tips for camping with families

Check recreational activity schedule: Weekends can be busy with motorized vehicles in some areas. "There a lot of ATV, UTV, dirt bikes, jeeps, etc. riding the area, but there's no riding after dusk, so at Davis Pond it's very quiet and peaceful with only the sounds of nature," reports a visitor at Prentice Cooper.

Pack extra water: No reliable water sources exist at most sites. "We really enjoyed our night tent camping here. There is a parking lot right off the road after a fun ~30 minute drive through residential roads right on the water, then sites with fire pits are scattered throughout a small clearing," notes Suzie K. from Tennessee Wall Camp.

Look for established clearings: Finding level ground can be challenging. "The campground was beyond capacity. Went to the Ada site and it looked like it was a cruel joke? Unsure. But there's no way," reports one camper about overcrowding at Blue Hole.

Tips from RVers

Limited RV access: Most dispersed sites accommodate tents better than vehicles. "There is not access for vehicles to get into the campground so it's just tents (no overlanding, unless you're comfortable in the parking lot)," notes one camper about Davis Pond.

Check road conditions: Forest service roads can deteriorate after rain. "Road is pretty well maintained, spots are good size, some only large enough for tent/car camping. We stayed 3 days 2 nights here in our 21' pop up camper with our generator," shares Ava R.

Research turn clearances: Some forest roads have tight turns unsuitable for larger rigs. "The campsites are level and large enough to accommodate many tents. There are also trees that would be suitable for hammock camping," notes Steve V., indicating the focus on tent camping rather than RV access at many sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Scottsboro, 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 Scottsboro, AL?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Scottsboro, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.