Best Dispersed Camping near Trussville, AL

Dispersed camping around Trussville, Alabama centers primarily on backcountry sites in the Talladega National Forest, with several established primitive camping areas along the Chinnabee Silent Trail and Skyway Loop. The Blue Creek Public Use Area offers additional free camping options with river views. Most dispersed sites are hike-in only, particularly along the network of trails connecting to the Pinhoti Trail system. Primitive camping locations typically feature established fire rings but minimal other amenities, requiring self-sufficiency for overnight stays.

Access to many backcountry sites requires moderate hiking, with most campsites located along established trails rather than vehicle-accessible forest roads. The Chinnabee Silent Trail and Skyway Loop provide primary hiking routes to numerous backcountry sites. Water availability varies seasonally, with several campsites positioned near streams or creeks, though filtering is necessary. Camping is permitted year-round in most areas, with no specific time limits mentioned in the data. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, particularly during dry periods, though most sites contain established fire rings for safer use.

The backcountry areas near Trussville feature scenic camping opportunities ranging from riverside locations to ridge-top sites with expansive views. Many sites offer privacy and natural settings, with varying sizes to accommodate different group needs. Campsites along waterways provide both water access and natural soundscapes. "About a handful of spots, all with ample room and privacy. Rough road there, but overall easy access and nice view," notes one visitor about Blue Creek Public Use Area. Another camper describes a ridge-top site along Skyway Loop as having "ample room for multiple tents and the firepit is large with logs set around for sitting on," adding that "sunset is amazing" and "you can see every star in the sky."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Trussville, Alabama (19)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Trussville, AL

6 Photos of 19 Trussville Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Trussville, AL

25 Reviews of 19 Trussville Campgrounds


  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 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.

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 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.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 23, 2023

    Blue Creek Public Use Area

    Great private spot

    About a handful of spots, all with ample room and privacy. Rough road there, but overall easy access and nice view.

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 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.

  • Weather Warrior Media -.
    Jul. 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)

  • Michael P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 6, 2025

    Blue Creek Public Use Area

    Totally Relaxing

    I have camped here several times, alway relaxing and restful. Has a latrine, no water or electric. Has boat ramp and camping areas are near pacer park roads. Local traffic is mostly folks going to boat ramp. Camping area is along bluff over looking the River. Second area is in a grove at the end of the paved road and turn around. Ample space, some folks also pull RV down to an area near the boat ramp. Other that the latrine self-contained rustic camping.

  • Peyton P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Hollins Hunting Camp

    Open and quiet

    Best for overlanding/camper/tents. No marked sites, just pull in and find a spot. I got in around 8 and there were only a couple people here, lots of space and easy to find a private spot. Hardly any bugs, no amenities

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 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.

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 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.


Guide to Trussville

Dispersed camping near Trussville, Alabama centers on the Talladega National Forest, situated approximately 50 miles east of Birmingham. The region features elevations ranging from 600 to 2,400 feet, with most backcountry campsites located between 800-1,500 feet. The area receives about 55 inches of annual rainfall, creating numerous small streams that flow year-round through most camping areas, though water sources can diminish during late summer droughts.

What to do

Waterfall exploration: Multiple sites along the Chinnabee Silent Trail provide access to swimming holes and falls. "This is a nice sized campsite alongside the river right off of the Chinnabee Silent Trail... 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," notes a camper about Chinnabee Silent Trail Backcountry Site 7.

Night sky viewing: Ridge-top sites offer unobstructed star gazing opportunities. At Skyways Loop Campground with view, a visitor reports, "There is ample room for multiple tents and the firepit is large with logs set around for sitting on" adding "enjoy the view while you fall asleep if that is your kind of thing."

River access: Several sites provide direct water access for fishing or paddling. At Blue Creek Public Use Area, one camper mentions, "This camping spot is at the top of the bluff overlooking the river and dam. There are some wooded spots across the street, but I prefer the overlook area."

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Many dispersed areas offer significant separation from other campers. "I arrived late so harder to find spots. Mid-week so no one else here," notes a visitor to Hollins Hunting Camp, adding "Open to sky (took awesome star pics here)."

Water proximity: Campers appreciate sites with stream access for both practical and recreational purposes. A reviewer at Chinnabee Silent Trail Backcountry Site 2 says, "It's also right next to a creek for an easy water source and about 50 yards down a side trail so it's nice and private."

Established amenities: Despite being primitive, many sites feature well-maintained fire rings and cleared tent areas. "This site has been cleaned up and expanded since I last stayed here... 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," reports a camper at Skyway Loop Backcountry Site Near Chinnabee.

What you should know

Water filtration required: All water sources must be treated before consumption. At Skyway Loop Backcountry, a camper advises, "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."

Trail junctions: Several backcountry sites sit at trail intersections, creating both connectivity advantages and privacy considerations. "This site 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," notes a visitor about Skyway Loop Backcountry Site Near Chinnabee.

Fire ring availability: Most established sites contain rock fire rings, though firewood must be collected or packed in. "Previous hikers have built up a firepit and also a wooden 'bench' type thing that works best for organizing your gear on," reports a camper at Pinhoti Campground North of Talladega Scenic Drive 1.

Tips for camping with families

Shorter hike options: For younger hikers, choose sites closer to trailheads. "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," notes a camper about Skyway Loop Backcountry Site Near Chinnabee.

Group-friendly spaces: Several sites accommodate multiple tents. "A nice open area in a pine thicket, this large site has 2 fire rings and is big enough for even large groups to spread out," says a visitor to Chinnabee Silent Trail Backcountry Site 2.

Safety considerations: Be aware of trail markings, especially at water crossings. One camper notes, "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."

Tips from RVers

Limited vehicle access: Most dispersed camping requires hiking, but a few sites accommodate small vehicles. At Blue Creek Public Use Area, a camper reports, "Has a latrine, no water or electric. Has boat ramp and camping areas are near pacer park roads. Local traffic is mostly folks going to boat ramp."

Site dimensions: For those with small trailers, select areas with adequate turn-around space. "This has a good road and decent open spots to set-up. Overlanders (w/rtt) will be the most happy... Small camper trailers could probably make it too. Just be mindful of turn around spots," advises a visitor to Hollins Hunting Camp.

Parking considerations: Some areas have designated parking near trail access points. "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," notes a camper about Skyway Loop Backcountry Site Near Chinnabee.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Trussville, AL is Blue Creek Public Use Area with a 4.4-star rating from 5 reviews.

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

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