Best Dispersed Camping near Vestavia Hills, AL

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. Big enough for several overlanding rigs or tents. There is some traffic on this boat ramp road and the occasional ATV will come through. Still, I like this spot. There is also a large spot just a little further down. It’s more private, but view is not as nice.

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.

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

Fun spot. Very easy to get to. Nice big site felt very private only had 2 or 3 cars come by but everything was very low key.

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)

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.