Forest camping near Decatur

Discover and reserve the best campgrounds, cabins, RV parks, and more.

100% (161 reviews)

United States
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Alabama
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Decatur

100% (161 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Decatur

Community favorites near Decatur

Public campgrounds near Decatur

Outstanding paddling throughout the area

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Houston Recreation Area and Campground

88 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

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(3)

Cathedral Caverns Campground

13 sites · RVs, Tents In Cathedral Caverns State Park

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(3)

Rickwood Caverns Campground

13 sites · RVs, Tents In Rickwood Caverns State Park

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(9)

Monte Sano Campground

114 sites · RVs, Tents In Monte Sano State Park

90%

(5)

Brushy Lake Recreation Area

13 sites · RVs, Tents In Bankhead National Forest

67%

(3)

Corinth Recreation Area and Campground

52 sites · RVs, Tents In Bankhead National Forest

Stories from the community

Great way to entertain kids with dam building next to the camp site during warmer months.

1 night at Bug Tussle Creek Bend

Really great camp spot. Butterflies, beautiful creek and magical all around. Completely surrounded by nature. Spent the day in the water and the evening watching fireflies all throughout the trees.

1 night at Our Little Farm Campsites

Look for the red wagon wheels at the end of the driveway. I set my tent up by the picnic tables. The horses are absolutely adorable. I didn't know what a Tennessee Walker was but they have a 5th gear genetically. There was a foal there with its mom. The horses are kind and gentle. They like to be talked to.

Weekend Trip to Bug Tussle Creek Bend

One of the best campsites my husband and I have stayed at for sure! Absolutely beautiful and private, and we’d defiantly stay there again. We did get flooded out though so if you are staying during the rainy season I’d keep an eye on the creek but other than that it was the perfect site.

Weekend Trip to Bates Farm

Great spot! Helpful hosts. Easy to access and a lot of activities. Good amenities.

David

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Sipsey Creek Farm

Great campsite, nice and secluded. They provide you with a lot of stuff in the tent and the beds are comfortable. All in all I would recommend it to anyone. You can get to it by car but if it rains a lot you're better off in a truck.

Weekend Trip to Bates Farm

We had a great time camping here. The land is very secluded and quiet. The owners offer a wide range of activities for families and those who are interested in archery! My husband and I took advantage of the archery set up. The small bathhouse has everything you need to get cleaned up including private full bathroom with toilet, shower with hot water, sink and storage to place your items. Everything was kept clean as well. Mary and her husband were great hosts and were available to help us as needed. They also gave fun suggestions for things to do in the area as our original plans had been cancelled due to rainy weather. If we are ever back in the area, we will be camping here again!

Weekend Trip to Bates Farm

Great campsites with plenty of privacy. Very clean. Great for kids. Will return

Weekend Trip to Bug Tussle Creek Bend

Super fun spot to camp, extremely private & tucked away. Be mindful of your tent placement if rain is in the forecast as half the campsite floods 2-3” of water (found out the hard way!) haha! Makes for a better story later on. The creek is amazing & the drive down into the site is so fun.

Weekend Trip to York Hollow

Always a fun trip when we visit! Our dogs loved getting to run.

Weekend Trip to Bates Farm

This was a perfect spot for us on our trip to watch Ultimate Frisbee at the Jack Allen park just a few miles away. The couple that met us were super friendly and helpful. My wife is not a big camper but she was glad to have bathrooms available not far from our camp. We would certainly stay again.

Weekend Trip to Bug Tussle Creek Bend

Big Tussle Creek was a very fun experience for my family this Easter Weekend. Even our 4 year old had a blast on the creek walks and swimming. Definitely will be back!

Weekend Trip to Bates Farm

We chose the furthest campsite and this land has everything from out in the open sites, to deep woods sites accessible only on foot. Mary & Wayne made sure we found Jessie's by leading us in their four-wheeler. Vast and beautiful landscape and all of it secluded. Plenty of wood to buy from your gracious hosts at great prices - and delivery, too! Mary showed us her love for flowers and they were blooming! Mary also made sure we got out safely since their Archery range was in full action - no accidents will happen here! The other half of this duo, Wayne, set us up with all that any camper would need and we felt safe and completely at peace. and that's why you come here, for the peace!

1 night at York Hollow

Great spot off a country road and very easy to find. Some traffic that goes by but not bad a t all. Plenty of firewood available. The outhouse was a nice luxury to have available. I will be back.

Weekend Trip to Bug Tussle Creek Bend

Matthew’s spot is awesome! Very private with plenty of room. The creek is amazing and the sound of the rolling water is great for sleeping. Matthew is a great host and we’ll definitely be back!

Weekend Trip to Bates Farm

Mary took us on a tour of the land and it was truly impressive. We are looking forward to camping here. We are allowed to find anywhere on the 45 acres to put down and set up. They will bring us a picnic table and fire pit and sell us wood since we are on motorcycles. Bath house is on-site!

4 nights at Sipsey Creek Farm

We have loved how Andrea has set up the Farm! This was our third stay, and we always have a good time. There are lots of animals that are good around kids, and the lodgings are solid. We will be staying there again.

Weekend Trip to Bug Tussle Creek Bend

Amazing camp spot. Falling asleep to the sound of the running creek water was awesome.

Weekend Trip to Bates Farm

I didn't have a chance to completely explore Bates Farm, but what a nice spot with flush toilets, showers, laundry on site, and lots of campsites to choose from. They are really nice and accommodating, and have lots of kid friendly experiences available. Definitely on my 'repeatable stay' list!

2 nights at Bates Farm

Very peaceful, lots of land to explore, amenities were good, as were the hosts! We would definitely return, lots of options on where to stay, further away from the bath house if you want more remote, play zone is good for younger children. We were able to play fetch with our dog which was awesome considering most places require them to be leashed at all times.

Diana

March 2025

Weekend Trip to Our Little Farm Campsites

Our family had a lovely time camping at Steve's Land. The surrounding scenery was absolutely beautiful – lush fields, and the friendly farm animals were a huge hit with the kids! Waking up to the sounds of chickens and goats was a unique and delightful experience. The hosts were generally welcoming and the overall atmosphere was very peaceful. However, there were a couple of things that could have been clearer in the listing. The listing mentioned a toilet, but I dont know where it is- not readily accessible. Also, while we enjoyed having a fire, the provided fire pit was quite close to the farmer's backyard, making us feel a little like we were intruding. It would be fantastic if there were a few more fire pits scattered around the property, allowing for more privacy and a greater sense of being immersed in nature. Despite these minor issues, we had a memorable stay. The kids loved interacting with the animals, and the peaceful setting was perfect for unwinding. With a few small adjustments to the amenities and more accurate information in the listing, this farm could be an absolute gem. We'd consider returning, but with a better understanding of what to expect. Thanks again !

12 top forest campgrounds near Decatur

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Decatur/Wheeler Lake KOA

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Hillsboro, AL

The inviting waters of Wheeler Lake surround this KOA, perched on a peninsula and dotted with native trees. The campground makes the most of its enviable setting, with sites overlooking the water, right along the waterfront and tucked among shady trees. Thanks to the campground's own boat ramp, it's easy to get out on the lake for a carefree day of fishing, water-skiing or exploring the TVA chain of lakes. A sandy beach welcomes swimmers, and there's plenty of space for strolling, horseback riding and bird-watching. Rent a kayak, canoe, jetski, pontoon boat, or a bike (child/adult sizes) to explore the lakeshore or campground. Max pull thru: 75 feet. If you need to make a booking within the next 24 hours, please give us a call directly 1-256-280-4390 or visit our website (www.koa.com/campgrounds/decatur/) for immediate assistance. Last-minute availability can change quickly, and we're here to help you get set up as smoothly as possible.

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Bates Farm

36 sites · RVs, Tents45 acres · Decatur, AL

Welcome to Bates Farm: A Magical Escape Step into the enchanting realm of Bates Farm, where adventure and fantasy blend seamlessly with the beauty of nature. Our primitive campground, designed with a whimsical theme, offers a truly unique experience for those looking to escape the everyday. We warmly welcome car campers, vintage campers, and groups alike. Tucked away in our vast wilderness, you'll discover a thrilling 3D archery range that challenges your skills and immerses you in the excitement of the hunt. Whether you’re an experienced archer or just starting out, our range promises a fun and engaging experience for everyone. Bates Farm is more than just a campground; it’s a stunning venue for weddings, festivals, and family gatherings. Celebrate your special occasions surrounded by nature's wonders and our magical ambiance, creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones. In addition to camping and events, we offer a variety of nature academy classes in partnership with Shoalseer.org. These classes focus on native plants, animals, and outdoor survival skills, helping you connect with nature and cultivate a more sustainable lifestyle. Our expert instructors provide hands-on experiences that enhance your appreciation for the natural world. Join us at Bates Farm for an unforgettable adventure where fantasy, nature, and education come together. Whether you want to hone your archery skills, host a memorable event, or expand your knowledge of homesteading practices, our farm offers a unique experience that will leave you inspired and rejuvenated. Discover the magic of Bates Farm and embark on a journey like no other! Youtube Podcast of all Bates Farm sites https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLedWcgjSlLH69lmSEcxNtpZk34yqYBqWa&si=UoANQrkWNXftucPb Interactive google maps of Bates Farm: Campground & Amenities with 3D Archery Range Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1wBOshm8CL9Ack0EyOr8W_XL0R4l2oJU&ll=34.53123434966646%2C-87.10236376039353&z=19

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Bug Tussle Creek Bend

1 site · RV, Tent300 acres · Colony, AL

Please search Bug Tussle Creek Bend on Youtube to see the site and details on the drive into the campsite. Thank you! 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 cooling off in warm weather.

The Shelters@Butler Mill

12 sites · Lodging100 acres · Grant, AL

So. Many things to do 9 holes fresbee golf ,3d archery range 12 targets,horseshoes, cornhole, axe throwing. Target side by side rentals, aframe, shelters, teepees, bunkhouse hot showers movie nights much more. 50acres on the paint rock river fishing swimming tubing but best of all peace and quiet primitive campground is key bring all camping stuff leave tent and grill at home all kinds oh grills l”provide these things for you. Go to shelters butler mill. Com all on word,for 8nfo and reservations

Sipsey Creek Farm

8 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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KatzLandia

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents60 acres · Pulaski, TN

This beautiful place has been in my family for 3 generations. Since I was a child I loved having campfires and hiking. I used to imagine cabins speckling its landscape and story’s being told by travelers from far off places! Now that I am owner I can and will build those dreams and share them with as many folks as come to visit us! There’s 60 acres of hills for hiking a peaceful creek for meditation or just stick your feet in! A beautiful bamboo grove where we plan to build a camping platform in the very near future and you’ll be able to sleep in tha bamboo forest! We’ve come a long way in the last year, we have platforms, tents we can set up as glampers for those that love the idea but don’t want to have to set it all up. There’s several old buildings and unfinished projects left behind from my father we have a series of small cabins we will be building with them over the next 2 years it’ll be called “Boho Bottom”. We also host events, so far they are few and small but so much fun!! There is currently one communal bathroom with several more due to be built in the next year or so. As campers come the profit will help with future site development. Look forward to more updates as things develop!! We look forward to camp with you!

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Dug Hill Moto & Outdo Shenanigans

7 sites · RVs, Tents32 acres · Gurley, AL

🏍️ Please note that we are a Motorcycle campground only. Please do not ask for exceptions 🏍️. Monte Sano Mountain rises quietly above Huntsville, Alabama—an unflashy ridge of limestone and shadow that holds more history and wilderness than most who pass it ever realize. It is not a mountain of spectacle but of mood, of subtle discoveries, and of quiet resistance to modern noise. Its slopes are threaded with forgotten wagon paths, foot-worn trails, and the slow, unrelenting work of water. Caves open like cracks in time. Small waterfalls cut through dense forest and vanish into the ground. Towering trees—oak, hickory, and poplar—form a green cathedral overhead, filtering light in ways that feel reverent. In some pockets, the air still carries the chill of the earth itself. Beneath the surface runs a deeper story. Long before Huntsville pushed east, Monte Sano offered its elevation to the sick, the curious, and the stubborn. Tuberculosis patients came in the 19th century, seeking healing in the mountain’s clean, dry air. Naturalists cataloged rare plants here. Native peoples traveled and camped across its ridgelines, long before names were given or boundaries drawn. And yet, despite the time that has passed, the mountain remains unpolished—intact. For those who seek true solitude, a few primitive campsites are available through Hipcamp. These are not curated experiences. There are no toilets. No showers. No host waiting with coffee or gear. Just a trail, a flat spot in the woods, and the sound of your own boots on rock. It is camping reduced to its essential form: a place to lie down among trees and stars, with nothing between you and the mountain but time. Monte Sano doesn’t posture. It does not cater. It exists—and that, for some, is enough.

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Shoal Creek Natural Farm

5 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Westpoint , TN

My son had cancer which motivated us to find a perfect place to live well and grow our own food. We have a five-acre grove of various fruits. A greenhouse and gardens. Appx 100 chickens, goats, sheep, llamas, ducks and vicious geese.Seasonal fruits and vegetables available. Eggs most days. Other specialty products depending on my time and interest.Learn more about this land:We have an island on a canoe/Kayak Creek. Our working farm with goats, sheep, chickens, geese and more is separated by a fence. The appx 8 acre bluff over a diving rock into the Creek. Nature provides groundhogs, deer, birds of prey and many others. Bass and trout laugh and feel safe from me. If you hike you’ll love this. We rappel down the bluff with a simple rope. The island could support volleyball or similar activities if so inclined.

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York Hollow

1 site · RV, Tent14 acres · Pulaski, TN

Campsite is located at the base of York Mountain. Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent, hang you hammock, or park your camper and enjoy the great outdoors. There are a couple of level spots for your tents, as well as a nice rock fire pit for you to use. There is usually plenty of firewood available and there is an outhouse on the site. The pond hasn't yet been stocked with fish, but hopefully soon it will have more than just frogs. But for now the frogs provide great music. This is a rustic campsite, with rocks, roots, and steep terrain. Please bring your own camping gear, including chairs, and please take your trash with you. There is plenty of privacy, even though you are right near a public road that has very little traffic. There are no other campsites nearby and the owner lives 1/2 mile away. Recreation nearby includes Canoeing/kayaking on both the Elk River and Richland creek (shuttles can usually be arranged), Stillhouse Hollow Falls (beautiful waterfall hiking), Trail of Tears Interpretive Center, and Big Creek Winery. Tents/Table/and cots are available to rent as well.

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Fly South RV Campground

4 sites · RVs18 acres · Cullman, AL

Fly South RV Campground, nestled in Cullman, Alabama, offers a gated sanctuary. With 42 sites featuring 30 and 50-amp service, along with full sewer hookups, we ensure your comfort. Reserve your spot online or by calling 256-615-1014. Upon booking, receive a unique gate access code for your stay. Our common area boasts picnic tables, shaded spots, grills, and a dog park for your convenience. Whether you're seeking a long-term RV park or a short-term stay, we accommodate both.

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Short Creek Glamping

3 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Albertville, AL

We offer two RV spots for rent, along with spaces for tent camping, perfect for those seeking a peaceful getaway close to nature. Our RV spots come equipped with electricity and water hookups; however, please note that there is no septic system on-site. For your convenience, Lake Guntersville RV and Campground is just a 15-minute drive away, where waste disposal can be managed before or after your stay. If needed, we can also provide a composting system. Our property spans about 5 acres and includes access to a picturesque creek. Guests are welcome to swim, fish, or kayak in the creek, with the understanding that it is at their own risk, as there is no lifeguard on duty. After rainfall, the creek is especially popular with kayakers as some rapids form. Please exercise caution, as the current can become swift at times. The surrounding area is brimming with activities and natural beauty. Nearby, a vast lake offers fantastic fishing and boating opportunities. Lake Guntersville State Park features a range of activities, including golf, zip-lining, and numerous hiking trails. Beautiful waterfalls are also just a short drive away. For more outdoor fun, Sand Mountain Recreation and Amphitheater offers concerts, sports fields, disc golf, and a water park. The charming town of Guntersville provides a delightful downtown area with unique shops, as well as The Harbor, where you can enjoy food, music, and entertainment. Our neighbors run a working farm with animals and children about, adding to the country charm. Depending on availability, you may be able to purchase fresh eggs, meat, and vegetables from them. Pets are welcome on a case-by-case basis. While we are located in the countryside, our property is adjacent to a busier road, which may have some noise, and there are neighboring farms around. A town with essential amenities, including Walmart, Food City, Aldi, and various restaurants, is just 10-15 minutes away. Please note: This is a non-smoking property, and no smokers are allowed.

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Our Little Farm Campsites

7 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Elora, TN

Learn more about this land: Forest Tent sites and Lawn RV sites. Come choose your place to stay in our forest nestled near the Cumberland mountains. Swimming pool available. Visit our mini farm to include mini horses, mini goats and other mini animals. No restroom facilities.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

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Bankhead National Forest

Arley, Alabama

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(3)

Cathedral Caverns State Park

Grant, Alabama

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(3)

Rickwood Caverns State Park

Smoke Rise, Alabama

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(9)

Monte Sano State Park

Gurley, Alabama

Other options near Decatur

Ditto Landing Marina & Campground

29 sites1 acre · Huntsville, AL

Ditto Landing stands out as a unique destination where the beauty of nature meets recreational opportunities. Situated along the stunning Tennessee River at the southern edge of Huntsville, Alabama, this marina is enveloped by lush greenery and framed by the tranquil foothills of the mountains. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water activities, as the sparkling waters are teeming with bass, bream, and catfish. Sailboats and yachts glide gracefully alongside one another, creating a picturesque scene that captures the essence of outdoor leisure. In addition to its water-based recreation, Ditto Landing is a vibrant hub for special events throughout the year, making it a perfect spot for gatherings and celebrations. Whether you’re looking to relax by the water or engage in exciting outdoor adventures, Ditto Landing offers a serene escape that is hard to match.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets