Top Free Dispersed Camping near Talladega, AL

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Talladega, AL (19)

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Recent Dispersed Reviews In Talladega

19 Reviews of 19 Talladega Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Hollins Hunting Camp
    July 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)

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sky Mtwy Dispersed
    April 4, 2024

    Sky Mtwy Dispersed

    Great spot but:

    This spot is where the lookout tower office used to be. It burned years ago but the concrete pad is still here. Ultimately, Rangers may come by and ask you to move to prepared sites nearby. I think they are concerned about fires as always.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Skyway Loop Backcountry Site Near Chinnabee
    October 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Riverside Skyway Loop Backcountry Site
    April 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Weogufka State Forest Backcountry Site 1
    April 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Chinnabee Silent Trail Backcountry Site 6
    April 12, 2021

    Chinnabee Silent Trail Backcountry Site 6

    Small beach clearing

    First, check out my video review below since that will give you a good idea of what this site offers. Mostly it is a small clearing off the trail along the creek with a firepit and a space to hang your hammock. I would really say this is a last resort site if none of the others nearby are available. However, you do get a lot of privacy and the creek is really beautiful. If you do stay here or at one of the other nearby sites make sure to go for a dip below the falls.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Pinhoti Backcountry Campground near Odum Intersection
    January 1, 2021

    Pinhoti Backcountry Campground near Odum Intersection

    Protected Campsite

    Check out my photos below to get a better look at this site and pull up my other reviews of Cheaha for my take on hiking in the area. This site specifically is a nice protected area a short way off the trail near the intersection of the Pinhoti and the Odum trail. It is not far from a water source though the water is seasonal and can be very low in winter. Be prepared to not have water for pumping and bring extra in dry times. The site itself is well cleared and has an established fire pit. There are also several large boulders that work well to block the wind and make this a more comfortable space in bad weather or when it is cold out.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Chinnabee Silent Trail Backcountry Site 7
    December 18, 2020

    Chinnabee Silent Trail Backcountry Site 7

    Easy water access

    This is a nice sized campsite alongside the river right off of the Chinnabee Silent Trail. Check out my video below for my take on this site. It is definitely one of the larger and more developed backcountry sites along the trail and is far enough back from the river to not have to worry about flooding. I also liked how close it is to the waterfall so you could set up camp and go for a nice evening swim before cooking dinner. It's probably not the best option if you only have a hammock to sleep in but for a tent it is perfect. If you are not an early riser be aware that this site is right alongside the trail so you may hear people who get out on the trail in the morning. Overall, there are many sites to choose from along this trail and most of the year you will have your pick. If you are backpacking in the busy season though this is a great site if you can get it early.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Pinhoti Backcountry Campground near Odum Trail
    December 13, 2020

    Pinhoti Backcountry Campground near Odum Trail

    Pinhoti Group Site

    Check out my other reviews of the area for more discussion of my favorite trails and watch the video below for a good view of this site. Overall, it is a large site with a nice fire pit perfect for a large group. Someone also conveniently set up logs for sitting on. The only downside is this site doesn't have a view from the site itself but it's only a short walk to one of the nearby overlooks. Be prepared to do some serious climbing to get up to the ridge though.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Chinnabee Silent Trail Backcountry Site 5
    September 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Chinnabee Silent Trail Backcountry Site 4
    September 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Chinnabee Silent Trail Backcountry Site 3
    June 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Chinnabee Silent Trail Backcountry Site 2
    June 26, 2020

    Chinnabee Silent Trail Backcountry Site 2

    Amazing backcountry group site

    Not far up the trail from the Turnipseed campground, you reach a giant tree standing in front of a small creek. The trail continues across the water and begins climbing towards the intersection with the Pinhoti atop the ridge. However, if instead you turn right and wander into the woods a short distance you come across an enormous clearing under the tree canopy perfect for a large group to set up camp. Not only is it well protected and have an easy freshwater source but it has not one, not two, but three built of fire rings for all the bonfire fun. This area is one of my favorites to hike in Alabama and this site works great as either a base camp to leave your gear and hike for the day or a stopping point to sleep for the night if you are attempting the entire loop. If you want more details on some of the trails in the area check out my other reviews but if you have more than just a single tent I highly recommend checking this particular site out. A final feature is that if you have any younger campers joining along it is not such a far trek in from where you park so they will have an easier time hauling gear.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Group Camp near Blue Mountain Shelter — Cheaha State Park
    November 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Pinhoti Campground North of Talladega Scenic Drive 1 — Cheaha State Park
    November 1, 2018

    Pinhoti Campground North of Talladega Scenic Drive 1 — Cheaha State Park

    Backpacking site

    I would first go check out my video review of this site below since it will help you get an idea of what is available and help you understand how the space is set up. I also have several videos attached that show some of the more confusing trail components so you don’t get lost. This is a nice site slightly off of the main trail that is well organized for a single backpacker or a very small group. Previous hikers have built up a firepit and also a wooden “bench” type thing that works best for organizing your gear on. This site is easily missed when going along the trail since it requires taking a small path to get to that is overgrown in the summertime. However it is a wonderful option only a couple miles into the trail so I would check it out if you are on your own. There is not easily available water near the site so fill up whenever you pass a stream earlier or go further along where you will pass additional fill up sites. Check out my other reviews of Cheaha for more info on backpacking here.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Skyway Loop Backcountry
    June 1, 2018

    Skyway Loop Backcountry

    Great backpacking site

    I have stayed at this site once but visited it twice now and it is really the second best on top of the ridge while doing the loop. We wanted to stay at the next campground along but were unable to find space. 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. The downside to staying this far along the ridge is that even in times with high water levels it is pretty far away and you will be trekking back and forth a good distance if you don’t fill up along the way. Additionally, this site is located right at the turning point of the trail so everyone who passes will actually loop around your site or pass right through it. Otherwise it is great cause you get a direct view out from the ridge and sunset is amazing!!! Make sure to spend some time out on the rocks at night since you can see every star in the sky. There is nothing special about the firepit but it is nice that there is space to set up several tents in different areas and there are plenty of trees for hammocks. Overall, its worth checking Skyway Loop Campground with view to see if it is available but otherwise staying here is not a bad option at all.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Skyways Loop Campground with view
    June 1, 2018

    Skyways Loop Campground with view

    Best campground on the ridge

    This is by far my favorite campground to stay at if you are planning on spending the night on the ridge while doing the Skyway loop trail. 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. While completing the loop with friends recently we chose this campground for our mid day break to have lunch and relax a little since it was the one with the best view and the most area to hang out right on the edge of the ridge. There is ample room for multiple tents and the firepit is large with logs set around for sitting on. There is also some really great spots right near the edge that you could set up a hammock and enjoy the view while you fall asleep if that is your kind of thing. My friend actually brought along his hammock and took a nap while we sat and ate lunch and relaxed. The only downside I would have to say to staying at this campground is that it has almost no option for filling up water. If you are coming from the north you should pass a few places to fill up after you climb up the mountain and hit the large group campsites. Don’t wait through cause especially in the winter or mid summer the water levels can be low and you wont find any other option till you get to this site. Then it is a nice long walk back to fill up which is not what you want to do at the end of the day after all that hiking (it happened to us :/ ). So overall my suggestions are to fill up at your first chance with water and get here early so you can claim the site and enjoy it. Last of all check out those views and enjoy being out in the beautiful Alabama wilderness.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Skyway Loop Backcountry Site Near Chinnabee
    May 28, 2018

    Skyway Loop Backcountry Site Near Chinnabee

    Fork in the trail

    This campground is located at a point where the trail splits and either goes to the Lake Chinnabee recreation area or turns and continues on the skyway loop south. This is an important point because if you miss the turn you will get lost and not make it around the loop. Make sure to first read my review of the entire loop here. This site is really wonderful because of how easy it is to access, its location on the water, and its large level areas for setting up tents. You can get to the site from any of the 2 skyway loop starting points or you can park at Lake Chinnabee and walk a short distance to get to the campsite. It is still a backcountry site but could theoretically be used by groups who want to just hike in the short distance with more gear. If you are a backpacker completing the loop this is a great place to rest and have lunch or this would be a good night option if you do the loop over 3-4 days. (For a 2 day loop I suggest starting at the southern point and camping at either Turnipseed or Cheaha Falls). This is a great place to visit in Spring or early summer before it gets too hot and while the water levels are still high. You can see some amazing wildflowers and if you make the hike to the top of the ridge nearby the views are spectacular.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Skyway Loop Backcountry
    May 28, 2018

    Skyway Loop Backcountry

    Little campground on the water

    This is a nice little campground right along the river that is one of the few of its size at this point in the loop. I would suggest starting by reading my review from Cheaha Falls Campground which gives a good synopsis of the backpacking loop. This site has a large campfire ring with level space for a couple of tents and plenty of trees for hammocks. There is water here year round though that also means it can get buggy in the summer. We were here in the really early spring and it was amazing! Water levels were high and everything was just starting to bloom. The signage along these trails is also good and they are well traveled though there are a few stream crossings that can get confusing so keep an eye out for turns in the trail, especially in the fall or winter when there are leaves on the ground. If you plan to camp in this site but it is full there are other options in the area so just travel a little further down the trail.



Guide to Talladega

Camping near Talladega, Alabama, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and explore beautiful landscapes. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

What to do

  • Hiking and Biking: Many campgrounds offer trails for hiking and biking. At Oak Mountain State Park Campground, one visitor shared, “The park has so many different activities including hiking and BMX trails.”
  • Water Sports: If you love water activities, check out Wind Creek State Park Campground. A camper mentioned, “We love this campground! Archery, fishing, playgrounds, hiking and so much fun!”
  • Exploring Nature: Campers at Noccalula Falls Park & Campground enjoy the beautiful scenery. One reviewer noted, “The trails are really nice but the campground is in need of maintenance.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-kept restrooms and showers. A visitor at Cheaha State Park said, “The bathhouse was nice and clean.”
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds have roomy sites. One camper at Cherokee Rock Village mentioned, “Each site has a picnic table and fire pit. Very well maintained.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight helpful staff. A reviewer at Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park Campground said, “Wonderful employees, good prices for a great place.”

What you should know

  • Road Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A camper at Rickwood Caverns State Park Campground pointed out, “The park is kind of near a highway and I could hear cars in the evening and at night.”
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For instance, at Turnipseed Campground, one camper noted, “No hookups or running water.”
  • Primitive Camping: If you’re looking for a rustic experience, Cherokee Rock Village offers primitive camping. One camper mentioned, “The bathrooms are always clean and there are tons of spaces to set up a tent.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids. At Wind Creek State Park Campground, a reviewer said, “The marina store has tons of useful items that you could forget to bring along with alcohol.”
  • Plan for Bugs: Some areas can be buggy, especially near water. A camper at Noccalula Falls Park & Campground noted, “There are swampy areas so it is somewhat buggy at dawn and dusk.”
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Campgrounds often have open spaces for games. One camper at Oak Mountain State Park Campground suggested, “Enjoyed walking on the dock and view of the water.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Birmingham South RV Park mentioned, “The concrete at the campsite we had was so bad if you did not watch where you walked you could twist your ankle.”
  • Wi-Fi Availability: Some campgrounds have decent Wi-Fi. A visitor at Wind Creek State Park Campground said, “WiFi good enough to stream.”
  • Be Prepared for Road Noise: If you’re sensitive to noise, consider this before booking. A camper at Birmingham South RV Park mentioned the nearby highway noise.

Camping around Talladega, Alabama, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking a peaceful spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Talladega, AL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Talladega, AL is Skyway Loop Backcountry Site Near Chinnabee with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Talladega, AL?

    TheDyrt.com has all 19 dispersed camping locations near Talladega, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.