The best camping near Bankhead National Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Bankhead adventure.

91% (16 reviews)

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Bankhead National Forest

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Bankhead National Forest

Outstanding paddling throughout the area

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Houston Recreation Area and Campground

88 sites · RVs, Tents In Bankhead National Forest

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(4)

Brushy Lake Recreation Area

13 sites · RVs, Tents In Bankhead National Forest

Corinth Recreation Area and Campground

52 sites · RVs, Tents In Bankhead National Forest

Great paddling on the lake and the Sipsey Fork nearby

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(5)

Clear Creek Campground

42 sites · RVs, Tents In Bankhead National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Bankhead National Forest

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Hood Lodge

3 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Houston, AL

Learn more about this land:Beautiful pasture and woods to explore. Lots of wildlife all around. Flowing creek is on property and a small cascade. Bankhead National Forest and many hiking trails are very close. No hunting allowed on property, but public hunting grounds are very close. The property is very quiet and serene.

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(2)

Sunrise Campsite at Smith Lake

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Arley, AL

My property is an acre and a half on Smith Lake, AL. It resides in a gated community that is rural but also has access to a boat launch and showers. The property also has access to a pool that requires and additional daily cost of $10 for adults and $5 for kids 16 and younger. You can fish from the campsite and swim in the lake.

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Sipsey Creek Farm

6 sites · Lodging, RVs30 acres · Double Springs, AL

Only Miles from Bankhead National Forest, Sipsey Creek Farm is home to natural caves, bluffs, and waterfalls only accessible through private land. Toilet and kitchen are on site and accessible in the barn. Wake up to a sunrise overlooking a fiber farm, or sleep in a cave. the possibilities are endless.

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Acreage on Sipsey

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Arley, AL

Right on an inlet on the water. Lots of trees. Road access right to the property no 4x4 needed. Full Access to swimming pool, private boat ramp and lodge. Others acreages around but very serene and sits right next to the bank head forest where you can hike, hunt or just get in nature. Flat spot for renting or a gravel driveway to park RV

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Argo’s Park & Trails

13 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · Mount Olive, AL

We are conveniently located 15 miles north of Birmingham AL and 2 miles off of Interstate 65. Our property is approx 21 acres of beautiful hardwoods and pine trees. The front 7 acres is a mixture of open and shaded areas. The back 14 acres consists of trails and roads you can explore. You won’t have any problems finding a place to hang a hammock and relax. There is always wildlife on the property. Come relax and enjoy the land for a few days or come sleep overnight in a safe environment.

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Bama Campground & RV Park

14 sites · RVs84 acres · Double Springs, AL

We are located on 84 acres on the edge of Bankhead National Forest. Our property has many great spots for primitive camping, as well as hiking trails through the forest. Our property has naturally formed caves, and fresh water springs. We have a bathhouse for campers, with showers, restrooms, and washer/dryer combos. We have 14 hookup spots for RV's, with 50 amp breakers for power, as well as water and sewer hookups.

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Bug Tussle Creek Bend

1 site · RV, Tent300 acres · Colony, AL

300 acres of family land since 2000. This area was called Boot's Bottoms growing up and the name stuck. There is a rock wall close to the campsite that was a old grist mill site. Plenty of wildlife, bird watching, wildflowers and creek walking. Some old atv trails for hiking as well. Very remote and quite!Learn more about this land:Setup camp on the banks of Dorsey creek in Bug Tussle. Wooded area with shade in the warm season. Flat ground for tents or plenty of trees for hammocks. Easy access for vehicles directly to the campsite. Fire ring with grill grates present for cowboy cooking. Peaceful with plenty of opportunity to see wildlife. Primitive toilet present. Rock dam in creek is great to entertain kids, old grist mill site couple hundred yards downstream. Logging and ATV present for hiking and wildlife viewing. Deeper sections in creek present for swimming and cooling off in warmer months.

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Bates Farm

26 sites · RVs, Tents44 acres · Decatur, AL

Welcome to Bates Farm - Where Nature Beckons & Adventure Awaits Unveil the mystical allure of Bates Farm, a privately-owned, fantasy-themed haven that spans 44 breathtaking acres, nestled just 8 miles from the Beltline, a world away from the bustling limits of Decatur, Alabama. A world where you can order doordash or instacart while at your private secluded primitive camping site. There is a bath house with private bathrooms, free use of a washer and dryer, coffee maker and free ice from an ice machine. Here, the realms of adventure and tranquility intertwine, inviting you to step into a world of wonders beyond imagination. At Bates Farm, safety and seclusion are the guiding stars. Our meticulously designed private campsites ensure that each group's space is a sanctuary of its own. Escape the ordinary and surrender to the spellbinding embrace of the enchanting wilderness. Bates Farm beckons you to savor the purest joys of existence, to forge unbreakable bonds with the natural world, and to craft enduring memories with your cherished companions at our outdoor venues. As you set forth on your journey to Bates Farm, the very essence of nature will breathe new life into your spirit. Bates Farm extends its arms wide to embrace the daydreamers and adventurers alike. Hikers can enjoy guided glow hikes, at night with regular fantasy themed hikes during the day. Dog owners can get exercise and creek time. Bates farm welcomes school groups, homeschoolers, church gatherings, family reunions, weddings, events, festivals, with parking and amenities. Our realm is open for exploration for one and all. Be it families seeking picturesque picnics or the thrill of car/van/SUV camping, our gates welcome you into a world where fantasy thrives. Discover Bates Farm—a realm that ignites your imagination, nurtures your connection with nature, and creates an everlasting symphony of shared experiences. The call of the wild beckons, and it's a call to which your spirit must answer. Youtube Podcast of all Bates Farm sites https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLedWcgjSlLH69lmSEcxNtpZk34yqYBqWa&si=UoANQrkWNXftucPb Video of Glamping Amenities: https://youtu.be/vHXSFpVur18 Interactive google map of Bates Farm campground https://www.google.com/maps/@34.5307107,-87.1049941,18z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!6m1!1s1JKWe22dLvy3DNVHHMb0CoYGm2mJmxLI?authuser=0&entry=ttu

AdventAge Retreat

153 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents50 acres · Haleyville, AL

Welcome to our tranquil retreat nestled in the heart of nature! This hidden gem offers a unique blend of natural beauty and modern comforts, making it the perfect escape for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Accommodation Features: *Rock Shelters: Discover two stunning rock shelters on the property, providing a picturesque setting for relaxation or exploration. *Ponds: Immerse yourself in the serene ambiance with three beautiful ponds, perfect for catching and releasing fish or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings. *Fishing: Enjoy catch and release fishing in the ponds, providing a soothing and rewarding experience for fishing enthusiasts. *Hiking Trails: Embark on scenic hiking trails that wind through the property, offering breathtaking views of rolling hills, creeks, and lush landscapes. *Camping Options: Choose from wooded or non-wooded camping options, allowing you to tailor your outdoor experience to your preferences. *RV Parking: Bring your RV and utilize the dedicated 30-amp connection, ensuring a comfortable stay amidst nature. *Dump Station: Convenience is key, and our nearby dump station makes RV maintenance hassle-free. *On-site Camper Rental: For those seeking a cozy stay, we offer an on-site camper available for rent, equipped with all the essentials for a comfortable retreat. *Natural Features: Explore the diverse terrain, including rolling hills, babbling creeks, and two enchanting waterfalls during the wet season. *Tranquil Atmosphere: Experience the utmost tranquility in our super quiet and beautiful property, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you're a solo adventurer, a couple seeking a romantic getaway, or a family yearning for quality time in nature, our property offers an unforgettable escape. Book now and immerse yourself in the beauty of our natural haven!

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Fort Bluff Camp Site

1 site · Tent162 acres · Somerville, AL

This camp site has one of the most beautiful bluff views in all of northern Alabama. The mounds located on the bluff date back 10,000-12,000 years ago to the paleo Indian era. You can hike for days and climb up and down the bluff to experience the base of the rocks. Camp with the Indian spirits. This 10,000-12,000 year old Indian site with mounds created by the Indians is one of the most beautiful sites in Northern Alabama. Bring a tent or sleep under the stars on this memorable bluff. Hike over the 162 acres and scale the bluff for an exciting hike along the base of the rocks where Indians also camped long ago.

Sims Cave Park Underground Camping

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Smoke Rise, AL

This is a cave camping experience like no other! We have an outdoor campsite with a large cave you can spend the night in. Spend time around the fire beneath the stars or go below for an unforgettable night below ground. Where else can you go for complete darkness while you sleep? Enjoy a quick tour of our cave & then settle in for a memorable night at Sims Cave Park! We have over 10 acres of nature to roam where you will find your campsite and our cave. Our campsite consists of a Boy Scout wall tent pitched on a platform with a queen sized air matress. A power outlet is available inside the tent. We also have 2 small fans and lights for your use. Next to the tent is a ring for a campfire and a picnic table. The campsite is about 20 yards from the mouth of our cave. The cave has a small gate but opens up to big walking passage once you get down inside. We have a couple hundred yards of big cave that you will have access to. You will get a quick tour of the accessible cave upon check in so that you know the boundaries. We have military cots, as well as big mats and air mattresses available for sleeping inside the cave. We currently have a primitive bathroom (composting outhouse) and showers available. Both of these are about a 100 yard walk downhill from the cave. Parking is also about 100 yards from the campsite. Guests will have access to the cave park grounds. We have a beautifully wooded mountain property with several rocky outcrops. There is also a stream flowing out of our cave next to our big event deck. Guests must remain within the cave boundaries shown to you during your orientation tour. No pets are allowed inside of the cave at any time. We have a small refrigerator available in our check-in cabin that may be used by our guests.

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Wild Violet Gardens

2 sites · RVs5 acres · Birmingham, AL

Wild Violet Gardens is a 5-acre urban homestead that is home to 5 cats, 2 dogs, and 7 humans. We have a garden where we grow a variety of annual veggies and perennials herbs and flowers, lots of open space, and a small creek running along one edge of the property. We are a 2 minute drive from our neighborhood library, 15 minutes from beautiful Turkey Creek Nature Preserve for swimming and wildlife), 15 minutes from the Avondale neighborhood of Birmingham (a young, buzzing area known for its trendy coffee shops and craft breweries, live music venues, and eclectic mix of restaurants) and 20 minutes to Sidewalk Cinema in downtown Birmingham.

The best camping near Bankhead National Forest guide

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Find your sweet home in Alabama’s Bankhead National Forest where skies really are so blue! With 16 wilderness areas to explore, places like the Sipsey Wilderness offer adventure and solitude out on the trails. Horseback riding and bike trails are a rad way to get miles under your feet, while spotting wildflowers and quail galore. Looking to cool off? There’s plenty of fishing and swimming for water lovers, or take shade under Bee Branch, a 500 year old poplar tree that stand majestically in the park. Over 150 miles of hiking trails are a show in all seasons and with sick campgrounds that have all the hook-ups you’re sure to return to Bankhead time and time again.