Bankhead National Forest offers numerous tent campsites near Trinity, Alabama throughout its 181,230 acres of protected woodland. The forest contains over 90 miles of hiking trails through terrain ranging from 500 to 800 feet in elevation. Winter temperatures typically range from 30-50°F while summer temperatures often reach 85-95°F with high humidity.
What to do
Creek exploration and swimming: Thompson Creek Trail provides multiple access points to clear, turquoise water for swimming. According to Miranda C., "The hike in is not difficult. You do have to cross a stream, which was not as difficult for my 6'2 husband as it was for me at 5'2. The water was clear." The trail offers various swimming holes where families cool off during summer months.
Overnight loop hikes: Create multi-day backpacking routes using the interconnected trail system in Sipsey Wilderness. Many hikers start at Borden Creek Trailhead and connect trails 200, 203, and 207 for two-day adventures. One camper noted, "This particular campsite was where we stayed our second night and it was an amazing option. It is fairly large but buried in the trees so you are both protected in case of storms and won't boil from the sun in the morning."
Wildlife observation: The forest houses white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and numerous bird species. Early morning or evening provides optimal viewing times. At Owl Creek Horse Camp, campers can access 22 miles of trails suitable for wildlife viewing. One visitor mentioned, "We enjoyed staying here after being out of cell service for a few days at brushy lake, so we were able to catch up and coordinate our next destination."
What campers like
Abundant camping options: Backpackers appreciate the frequency of established campsites along trails. At Trail 200 Campsites, flat sandy tent spots remain above flood levels while providing river access. One camper shared, "It is a wonderful site and well worth claiming early since it is close to the parking area, has easy access to the river where you can pump water and swim."
Water accessibility: Nearly all wilderness campsites feature stream or river access within 50 feet. A camper at Trail 207 Site C noted, "Another great backcountry site in Sipsey... it has easy access to water and nice coverage with trees. It is also relatively private but still close to the trail."
Sandy tent platforms: Many sites along Thompson Creek Trail feature sand-based tent pads that provide comfortable sleeping surfaces. Trinity W. observed, "The entire Sipsey Wilderness is gorgeous, but if you want a trail with lots of great spots to camp, this trail is fantastic... You'll find fire pits at most of the sites that previous campers have made, but that's about it."
What you should know
Water treatment requirements: All surface water requires proper filtration or treatment. Bring water treatment supplies as no potable water exists at wilderness sites. Aaron S. noted about Thompson Creek Trail, "As the trail follows Thompson's Creek, it is next to all of the campsites. Water levels tend to be higher during the winter. The water is a beautiful turquoise."
Limited cell coverage: Most wilderness areas have no cellular service. Campers requiring connectivity should consider Owl Creek Horse Camp where "2 bars of Verizon 4G LTE" service exists according to Gregg G.
No reservation system: All backcountry sites operate on first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early on weekends to secure preferred locations, especially at popular sites. Matthew P. remarked about Thompson Creek's Campground 2, "This is a huge campground. Right across the river about 3/4 mile from the trailhead. Easily accessible to fresh water."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water options: Thompson Creek Trail features shallow sections safe for children. Trinity W. advised, "Most of the time, except during dry spells, there are LOTS of waterfalls. Also lots of shallow places for the kids to play in the water. Watch for snakes and bring bug spray."
Short-distance options: For families with young children, choose sites closer to trailheads. Jimmy R. shared, "Me and my 6 year old daughter hiked the trail this past Saturday, July 27, 2019. Had a great time. Definitely be back." Most trail-accessible sites within 1 mile of parking areas provide easier hiking for children under 10.
Group site selection: For larger family groups, seek out Trail 200 Site G which accommodates multiple tents. Asher K. described it as "by far the best site if you have a group of 3 or more tents. It has several firepits and is spread out over a large area. Each individual site has enough privacy while still providing group areas to congregate."
Tips from RVers
Access challenges: Many forest roads leading to trailheads contain potholes and uneven surfaces. Dani K. noted, "The roads aren't the best but my van made it despite the muddy potholes." RVs over 25 feet may struggle on narrow access roads, particularly after rainfall.
Parking limitations: Trailhead parking areas typically accommodate 10-15 vehicles but have limited space for large RVs. Consider visiting during weekdays to ensure adequate parking.
Year-round accessibility: While tent campsites near Trinity, Alabama remain accessible year-round, weather conditions affect road quality. One camper at McDougle Hunt Camp mentioned basic amenities but noted it "gives you easy access to lots of amazing hiking in the area. The don't accept reservations but it doesn't seem to be very crowded ever so you wont need to worry about that."
