Best Tent Camping near Wilmer, AL

The coastal plains surrounding Wilmer, Alabama offer several tent camping options within a short drive, including Escatawpa Hollow Campground located directly in Wilmer and several primitive tent sites in nearby Mississippi. Airey Lake Recreation Area, approximately 40 miles northeast in Mississippi's De Soto National Forest, provides tent-only camping with designated sites featuring fire rings and picnic tables. Shepard State Park Campground in Gautier, Mississippi, about 30 miles south of Wilmer, offers both primitive tent camping areas and developed sites with electrical hookups. Janice Landing, situated along Black Creek in Brooklyn, Mississippi, provides basic tent camping with five total sites primarily serving as a landing point for paddlers.

Most tent campsites in the region feature level, natural surfaces with minimal site preparation. Escatawpa Hollow Campground provides basic amenities including picnic tables and water hookups, while maintaining a natural setting suitable for tent camping. At Airey Lake, campers should bring their own toilet paper and hand sanitizer, as the single toilet facility offers minimal supplies. Sites at Shepard State Park include fire rings and picnic tables, with most being back-in rather than pull-through. Primitive tent camping areas at Shepard State Park are strategically located near trailheads, making them convenient for hikers. Seasonal considerations include potential hurricane damage closures, as noted at Airey Lake in past seasons.

Tent campers frequently choose Airey Lake for its seclusion and natural setting. According to reviews, "campsites are spaced out throughout the campground, with plenty of room at each one," making it ideal for those seeking privacy. The area around the lake accommodates informal camping beyond the four designated sites, though weekends can become crowded. One visitor noted that Shepard State Park's primitive campsites offer privacy even when the park is busy. At Janice Landing, campers recommend choosing sites on the back side of the loop during warm weather weekends, as the boat launch area can get busy with traffic. Cell coverage varies significantly across these locations, with Shepard State Park reporting 1-3 bars depending on carrier, while Janice Landing has no cell coverage.

Best Tent Sites Near Wilmer, Alabama (8)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Wilmer, AL

3 Photos of 8 Wilmer Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Wilmer, AL

328 Reviews of 8 Wilmer Campgrounds


  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2017

    Blakeley State Park Campground

    Educational Trails

    The park is set up on a historic site where they have several trails set up talking about civil war battles that occurred there. They have two separate areas for camping where one is for RVs and tents and the other is the more basic tent only sites. I visited the tent only area which had many many sites and most had a nice amount of space with a good bit of privacy. I was there in June though and it gets really hot during the day and night and also very buggy. If you were here in the fall or winter it could be a great place to camp though. The bathrooms were nice but nothing special. There is a single bathroom for all of the tent sites so if you are far you could have a pretty long walk. The sites are pretty cool to see so if you are a civil war buff it might be worth checking out. The camping is expensive though at $20 a night for the tent sites and $30 for an RV site. People were friendly though and it was one of the nicest places in the area.

  • Karen L.
    May. 17, 2018

    Blakeley State Park Campground

    Very large park, hiking, camping, battlegrounds

    Blakely State Park is a very large State Park, with different choices for camping. There are larger primitive tent sites, smaller tent sites with power/water hookups, RV sites, two primitive cabins and 2 newer cabins which are very nice. There's TONS of hiking, a battleground for history buffs, a playground, a boatdock, lots of hiking, horseback riding etc.

    I stayed in one of the two Squirrels Nest, which are primitive cabins. Basically open air cabins. 2 walls, a roof and 2 walls of screens. There are two wooden platforms for beds. A twin and a queen, and barstools to sit inside and look out into the woods, over the hill in which they are nestled. There's a sink (but no water) and a cabinet, and outside a large deck with bench seating. Below is a fire pit and picnic table. There is a shared porta potty outside of the two cabins. These cabins are a bit of a drive out in the woods, so make sure your vehicle is up to it. It's very peaceful out there. My cabin was inhabited by mice at night, so I kept my food in airtight plastic paint bucket containers & my belongings covered by garbage bags on one of the platforms and had my air mattress inside a pop-up mosquito tent, so the mice did not bother me. I was after all in their house. I sprinkled peppermint oil around my gear & my bed platform to keep the mice away. Next time I will have my food in a large cooler so that the wildlife is not attracted.

    There are hiking trails by these sites, as well as, steps down the hill, leading off into another trail.

    i would stay there again. Great place to get away.

  • Lisa S.
    Apr. 5, 2021

    Harper - Blakeley State Park

    Beautiful Well Maintained Huge Park

    April 4, 2021 Camper Van Site: Harper #7 Primitive $20 Over 2,000 acres crisscrossed with trails. Interesting replication of the ghost town of Blakeley which disappeared around 1830, but before then it rivaled Mobile in population and economy. Harper loop, where I camped, is at least a mile into the woods and has no hook ups. The sites have picnic tables and fire rings and offer decent privacy. Bath house is 7 minute walk. My shower was cold. Dumpsters near bath house. Staff house nearby. Staff very pleasant and helpful. Wish I could stay more than two nights.

    RV park closer to entrance.

  • Lynn G.
    Sep. 30, 2017

    Blakeley State Park Campground

    Civil war history and beautiful scenery

    When you think Alabama this is the kind of beauty you imagine. The water, huge oak and cypress trees, Spanish moss, boardwalks are all lovely to explore. The Civil War history is interesting and the rangers are well-versed in history (I think they have reenactments sometimes). Great hiking trails (all easy, not too long) that are horse friendly (BYOH). There’s a nature center and lots of different ecosystems.

    Yay: Campgrounds are shaded in fairly dense forests for good privacy. They have simple campsites to full RV campsites, all have a fire ring and similar atmosphere. There are a few different campgrounds, one is tent only. They also have relatively new camping shelters that get you out of the bugs.

    Nay: Close to Mobile so can be crowded. A little expensive for camping. Some areas have just a pit toilet and some have full flush.

    Surprise: amazing cruises along the Delta with lots of wildlife viewing and history!! They have sunset cruises, seafood cruises, and seasonal themed cruises. Definitely the highlight of visiting this whole area. Loved the boardwalk.

  • Chirleen E.
    May. 13, 2020

    Blakeley State Park Campground

    We love Blakely!

    Great tent campground. Most sites have some privacy but a few are close to neighboring sites. Its a short walk to the bathhouse and tons of hiking trails are nearby. Rates are reasonable, picnic tables, and fire rings at the sites. Our favorite nearby camlground!

  • K
    Jan. 23, 2021

    Harper - Blakeley State Park

    Spacious and Historic

    Harper Campground is designed for tent camping, $20 for unimproved and $30 for improved (electricity and water). If you have a $20 site, you have to bum water from one of the $30 sites. The restroom is nice and clean, showers are hot, and dumpsters are close to restrooms, but is a bit of a walk since the campground is so spacious. I rode my bike to use the bathroom. Enough brush to discreetly pop a squat if that’s your style. A small RV or camper van can easily fit in most of the sites. They’re quite spacious and only a couple (17 and 19) had mud pits. Every site is quite flat and clear and has good hammock trees. Sites 20 and up are not very private since the day use people can see right into your camp but otherwise they’re quite private since the shrubs are thick. Lots of cover meant less dew-covered gear in the morning. Each site had a nice wooden picnic table and fire pit. They sell small bundles of wet firewood for $6 a pop online and at the gatehouse so I recommend buying the regular sized dry bundles at the local supermarket a couple minutes down the road. Wildlife was good for birds, and we had an armadillo visit us all 4 nights! The history of the place is also really cool and we did not get any creepy vibes.

  • Alicia L.
    Sep. 9, 2020

    Turkey Fork Rec Area

    Quiet, Clean and Spacious

    We ventured to this campground not knowing what to expect. It did not disappoint! The sites were spaced further apart than many of the other campgrounds we've been. It was quite and peaceful. There were only a few other folks camping at the same time as us but we spoke to a Park Ranger who mentioned it does fill up sometimes on peak weekends. We camp in a pop-up so we rely on the bath houses - these were clean and the showers were hot! Each site had a picnic table and fire ring which also seconds as a grill. I didn't scout out every site but ours was in excellent condition.  They don't "over-manicure" the space between the lake and campsites so it feels more natural and tucked into nature than other places we've been (which we prefer). Better for the environment.  Each RV site had a decent sized parking pad, water hook up, electric hook up; no greywater drain so make sure you take a basin. The sewer dump/trash are located just as you exit the campground like most places. There's also a primitive section where you park in a lot and walk to your site (those were $7/night). We were there during the 2020 Covid debacle so payment was made to the honor box. I assume it's always like that but that may not be true when there isn't a pandemic.  There are two different swimming areas and a boat dock just across the lake from the camp. Highly recommend!

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 27, 2018

    Davis Bayou Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

    Quaint and Beautiful

    It was great to visit this hidden gem again and I was pleasantly surprised at what great shape it was in following Hurricane Irma and other tropical storms last year. We visited in late November/early December so the bugs weren't too bad at all. We did experience an incredible line of thunderstorms but managed to get some exploring in before the weather moved in.

    There are only a few sites here and they are quite small, perfect for small RVs, tents or sleeping in your car. Large oaks and other vegetation provide ample shade for the cooler fall months. Our two four legged fellas enjoyed the flat open grass/dirt area around the campsite and were able to be on their leads without wandering too far in to the thick brush on the edge of the site.

    There's a small picnic table that can be moved quite easily as well as well maintained fire rings at each site. There is fresh water available and electric hookups at each site. The bathrooms are clean, as are the showers. The ranger at the entrance station was friendly and chatty. From the campground you can walk along the road (back toward the Visitor's Center) a ways and the duck into the woods or jump on the boardwalk. Keep your eyes peeled, there are some impressive alligators hanging around.

  • K
    Sep. 22, 2018

    Airey Lake Recreation Area

    I love Airey Lake!

    I have been here many times. This campground is a stop halfway through the Tuxachanie trail. It is a quaint park with 4 designated campsites with tables and fire rings. However, it is very common to see tents all around the lake and other spots including secluded spots that are permissible. The campground is free of charge with no showers and a water pump by the one stall bathroom.


Guide to Wilmer

Tent camping near Wilmer, Alabama offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the tranquility of the outdoors. With several options available, campers can find the perfect spot to set up their tents and unwind.

Tips for tent camping near Wilmer

  • For a free camping experience with essential amenities like drinking water and picnic tables, consider staying at Airey Lake Recreation Area.

Local attractions for outdoor enthusiasts

  • If you're looking for a peaceful retreat, Janice Landing provides a serene environment perfect for float trips along Black Creek.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy a well-reviewed spot with fire pits and tables at Airey Lake Recreation Area, where you can also explore the surrounding trails and natural beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Wilmer, AL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Wilmer, AL is Escatawpa Hollow Campground with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Wilmer, AL?

TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Wilmer, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.