Tent campsites near Scottsboro, Alabama range from lakeside primitive spots to wooded retreats within hiking distance of natural attractions. Located in northeastern Alabama where the Appalachian foothills meet the Tennessee River watershed, the area provides camping options at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,800 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 90°F while spring and fall camping seasons offer milder conditions in the 60-75°F range.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Foster Falls Campground provides access to a network of trails including the Fiery Gizzard Trail. A camper noted, "Hiked the Fiery Gizzard before it was closed then reopened. Was a CHALLENGE! Boulder field Delores! With gorgeous scenery!" The waterfall trail requires moderate fitness but rewards with swimming opportunities in warmer months.
Cave exploration: Sawmill Lake Campsite is located near Petty John Cave for spelunking adventures. "This is a nice primitive camp site just a 2 min walk from Petty John Cave and a 5 min drive to Rock Town Trailhead. Come here to try your hand at rock climbing and spelunking," explains one visitor. Access requires a $15 permit for both Rock Town and cave areas.
Water activities: TGL Adventures offers river access with canoe and kayak options plus shuttle service. A camper described their experience: "We ended up fishing til daylight because the river was physically only 10 steps from our tents... There were even steps to take down to the river where we were able to get in and splash around."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Little River Adventure Company organizes their camping areas to provide seclusion. A camper shared, "My wife and I love coming to this campground, the host is fantastic and very accommodating. It's completely different than any other campground we've been to in the sense that the campsites are secluded and private."
Accessible backcountry experience: Hurricane Creek Campground offers primitive camping with minimal infrastructure but easier access than deep wilderness sites. Jake C. commented, "Hurricane Creek Campground is a great spot for those looking to disconnect and enjoy some time in the southeast." The campground features just two walk-in tent sites with picnic tables.
Abundant hammocking options: Walls of Jericho - Hurricane Creek Backcountry Campsite provides both tent pads and hammock opportunities. "The campsite is level and large enough to accommodate a handful of tents in close proximity to each other. There are also many trees that would be suitable for hammock camping," reports a visitor. The site is approximately 2.7 miles from the Alabama hikers trailhead parking lot.
What you should know
Bathhouse locations: Little River Adventure Company's facilities are positioned at the entrance rather than throughout camping zones. One camper advised, "I do recommend bringing your own toilet accommodations since you'll probably pick a site further from the bath house (which was very clean and maintained)."
Water access considerations: Most primitive sites require water planning. At Blue Hole Dispersed camping areas, there's "no electricity or running water but the camp sites are pretty good." Natural water sources require treatment, with one reviewer noting about Hurricane Creek, "Water can be sourced from Hurricane Creek, but should be treated/filtered."
Road conditions to campsites: Mountain access roads can challenge some vehicles. About Crockford-Pigeon Mnt Bluehole, a camper noted, "Road is pretty well maintained, spots are good size, some only large enough for tent/car camping." However, access to Sawmill Lake includes "extremely rough and washed out" roads where even Subarus "bottomed out several times."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water access: TGL Adventures offers shallow river entry points appropriate for children. A camper reported, "There was a beautiful TeePee set up that was rented out as well. There were even steps to take down to the river where we were able to get in and splash around." The property also includes a playground.
Short hiking options: Little River Adventure Company provides trails manageable for children. "Our kids were amazed by the water access and walking trails. Our dog was also able to free roam in the spot we picked," shares one family. These trails connect to water features without requiring difficult terrain navigation.
Teaching opportunities: Yellow Creek Falls Fish Camp combines peaceful waterside camping with learning experiences. One parent mentioned using the location to "teach my 13 yr old son there is more to life than internet, video games, ect." The market at the campground provides backup supplies for family camping.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Foster Falls Campground accommodates smaller RVs but not large rigs. A reviewer explained the campground "has 26 sites, most of which are very large and spacious" but lacks hookups and favors tent camping setups. Power lines near site 16 may interfere with taller RV configurations.
Generator restrictions: Most tent-focused campgrounds near Scottsboro restrict generator use. At Crockford-Pigeon Mountain, one RVer noted they stayed "3 days 2 nights here in our 21' pop up camper with our generator" without issues, making this an exception to the general quiet camping atmosphere of the region.
Access directions: Approach routes matter for trailers. For Sawmill Lake, a camper advised: "If you have a trailer or rv I recommend coming in from the west direction, if you can tell from maps. The east way had 180 degree sharp turns up the mountain, so may be difficult."
