Tent camping near Valley Head, Alabama offers diverse options spanning from simple clearings to established sites with bathroom facilities. The area sits at an elevation of approximately 1,200 feet in the foothills of Lookout Mountain, part of the Cumberland Plateau. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F while winter nights can drop below freezing, making spring and fall the preferred seasons for most campers.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: 5-mile hike from Little River Adventure Company leads to several cascades within Little River Canyon. "The owner, Giorgio, is a off-road bike rider and a super host. This is a great spot and I would stay here again in a second," notes Charles H., who appreciated the location's proximity to outdoor attractions.
Rock climbing access: 20-minute drive to Sawmill Lake Campsite puts you near Rocktown, a popular bouldering destination. "If you're looking for amazing scenery, this is not the place. It is, however, a free, primitive camping site just a short 5 min drive (or walk) from the Rocktown trailhead," explains a camper who found the location ideal for maximizing climbing time.
Swimming holes: Several natural pools within the area offer cooling relief during summer months. At Blue Hole Dispersed Camping, "It has a blue hole and caves, no electricity or running water but the camp sites are pretty good," reports Michael M., highlighting the natural swimming area that gives the campground its name.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers value the distance between established pitches at Little River Adventure Company. "The campsites are spaced out good enough and had privacy (hard to find in a lot of camp grounds these days)," observes Brannon, who appreciated being able to camp without seeing neighbors.
Easy trail access: Direct connections to hiking trails from campsites ranks highly in reviews. "Great tent sites, bath house, lots of cool trails," comments Stoney K. about Little River Adventure Company, highlighting how trails start directly from the property.
River proximity: Many sites feature water access for fishing or swimming. "Our kids were amazed by the water access and walking trails. Our dog was also able to free roam in the spot we picked," writes Lonni B., describing the family-friendly water features at Little River Adventure Company.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some sites requires high-clearance vehicles. At Sawmill Lake Campsite, "The road leading up to the campsite is extremely rough and washed out. We were in a Subaru Outback, and it was a very slow-going, bumpy ride — we bottomed out several times," warns one reviewer about the approach conditions.
Bathroom locations: Many campgrounds feature centralized facilities away from most campsites. "The 'bathhouse' advertised was a freezing shed with a horse trough as a shower that was a quarter mile from all of the sites," notes Sam O. about Little River Adventure Company, highlighting the distance to facilities.
Permit requirements: Some areas require land passes or permits. At Blue Hole Dispersed Camping, "Land pass required. No alcohol is permitted. This is a wildlife management area," explains Sarah H., reminding campers about the regulations.
Tips for camping with families
Fire safety: Bring your own fire tools for established fire rings. "The fire pit was also stocked with a chunk of log," notes Lonni B. about Little River Adventure Company, but reminds that you'll need your own fire-starting equipment.
Bathroom planning: Consider portable facilities for sites far from bathhouses. "I do recommend bringing your own toilet accommodations since you'll probably pick a site further from the bath house," advises Lonni B. who camped at Little River Adventure Company with children.
Cooling options: Check for water features to help with summer heat. At Yellow Creek Falls Fish Camp, "We absolutely love this campground. Its peaceful and right by the water! The market is a plus too!" explains Charity G., highlighting the added convenience of having a store nearby for family camping.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most tent camping areas near Valley Head cannot accommodate large RVs. At Hidden Creek Campground, "We were there on a Friday... Our truck is pretty high and 4x4 so wasn't too bad for us but a low car may not fair as well," reports Robyn W., noting the clearance issues.
Pothole navigation: Enter slowly and scout roads before bringing in larger vehicles. "There are a few substantial pot holes, so wouldn't recommend for someone driving a super low vehicle," warns heidi H. about Hidden Creek Campground, reinforcing the access challenges.
Alternative locations: Consider established campgrounds for larger vehicles. At Foster Falls Campground, the sites "are very large and spacious" according to Stephanie J., making them more suitable for modest-sized recreational vehicles than many of the primitive sites closer to Valley Head.
