The best campgrounds near Pinson, Alabama with climbing

If you’re headed to Pinson for climbing, you’ll find over 190 tent camping spots built for the challenge. Crags, boulder fields, and sandstone bluffs surround this area—local favorites for both seasoned climbers and first-timers. Sites start at $25 a night, with the average hovering around $35, and you don’t have to sacrifice basics; most campgrounds offer pet-friendly spaces, showers, and toilets. Between climbs, keep an eye out for deer along the trails or cool off with a swim. The top picks? Parksland Retreat (455 reviews) puts you right at the edge of the action, and Fort Bluff Camp Site (86 reviews) has sweeping views and easy access to bouldering. Pack your gear, plan your routes, and get ready for solid climbs just outside town.

96% (591)

Top-rated campgrounds

If you’re headed to Pinson for climbing, you’ll find over 190 tent camping spots built for the challenge. Crags, boulder fields, and sandstone bluffs surround this area—local favorites for both seasoned climbers and first-timers. Sites start at $25 a night, with the average hovering around $35, and you don’t have to sacrifice basics; most campgrounds offer pet-friendly spaces, showers, and toilets. Between climbs, keep an eye out for deer along the trails or cool off with a swim. The top picks? Parksland Retreat (455 reviews) puts you right at the edge of the action, and Fort Bluff Camp Site (86 reviews) has sweeping views and easy access to bouldering. Pack your gear, plan your routes, and get ready for solid climbs just outside town.

96% (591)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Parksland Retreat

99%

(1070)

41mi from Pinson · 13 sites · Tents, Lodging · Waldo, AL

Parksland Retreat is a 40 acre forest and nature retreat with off grid facilities and homestead all surrounded by the Talladega National Forest. Parksland is in the heart of Talladega National Forest. Come for a hike on the trails on property, nearby Pinhoti trail or swim in the beautiful creek. Furnished Cabins, Bell Tents and Primitive Camping Available for you, your partner, and/or a group. We have Parking for one (1) car per booking. Access to the Retreat grounds and waters where we have swimming, and hiking. Fall - Spring: shared Hot Tub Available Friday nights, Shared Sauna Available with cold plunge Saturday nights. Clothing Optional Property All guests must be 18+ years old LGBTQ+ & BIPOC FRIENDLY Be advised! The bridge located on Berney Station Road over Dry Creek (just West of the turn onto Germany Mountain Rd) is going to be replaced. This section of the roadway will be closed beginning March 3rd and will be closed for approximately one year. Route your arrival from the East on Berney Station road.

2. Fort Bluff Camp Site

89%

(113)

48mi from Pinson · 1 site · Tent · 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.

3. Time Away RV Resort

100%

(5)

35mi from Pinson · 10 sites · Lincoln, AL

Located near I20 and a short walk to Talladega racetrack offering large 40 x 75 gravel, full hook-up, pull-thru RV sites. Learn more about this land:Located near I20 and a short walk to Talladega racetrack offering large 40 x 75 gravel, full hook-up, pull-thru RV sites. Enjoy family friendly fun such as swimming, bicycling, volleyball, basketball, walking trail playground and nearby amenities such as fishing, ATV trails, site seeing, hiking and much more!

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

4. Bankhead National Forest

91%

(17)

195 sites · Arley, Alabama

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.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Pinson

Great paddling on the lake and the Sipsey Fork nearby

100%

(5)

Clear Creek Campground

41mi from Pinson · 42 sites · Tents, RVs · in Bankhead National Forest

Outstanding paddling throughout the area

100%

(4)

Houston Recreation Area and Campground

46mi from Pinson · 88 sites · Tents, RVs · in Bankhead National Forest

67%

(3)

Corinth Recreation Area and Campground

46mi from Pinson · 52 sites · Tents, RVs · in Bankhead National Forest

Stories from the community

M

Matthew

2 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Fort Bluff Camp Site

I love this campsite. I think this was our 4th visit. It's an adventure to get out there but that's part of the fun if you know what to expect.

B

Bennett

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Parksland Retreat

We absolutely loved our stay and plan on returning when we can spend more time enjoying the campground!

Greg

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Fort Bluff Camp Site

Another amazing evening on the bluff. Quite, peaceful location with just enough off roading to get your vehicle dirty.

A

Abby

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Parksland Retreat

Me and my partner had a fantastic time at Parksland retreat, I really can’t say enough good things about our getaway. Our yurt was spacious and clean, the bed comfortable, and our campsite was secluded.

M

Matthew

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Fort Bluff Camp Site

This was our 3rd or 4th trip to the site. It's a beautiful location and the road in is an (unmarked and unlabeled) adventure. I would ignore Chelsea H's advice- she clearly knows how to drive her 2wd CRV! We had a lifted Tundra in our group that took on so much mud it did an alternator on the way home and we had to have it towed....

A

Adam

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Parksland Retreat

A weekend at Parksland is heavenly. Every time we’re there, we’re happy. We’d move in, if we could.

Kevin

October 2025

Tent

3 nights at Parksland Retreat

Very welcoming host and atmosphere within a beautiful natural setting. Psst- P3 isn't really that far, and the hill isn't really that bad.

N

Noemi

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Parksland Retreat

We had an amazing time camping here! It was a wonderful and new experience for both of us — being without clothes truly helped us connect with nature in a beautiful way. Dustin was so kind and welcoming the entire time, and everyone there made us feel like part of a big family. We will definitely be coming back!

M

Mike

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

3 nights at Parksland Retreat

I can’t say enough positive things about the experience of staying on Dustin‘s land. The campsite we stayed in was isolated enough to make you feel like you were by yourself. The common facilities that Dustin shared with his guests made the trip really worthwhile. He has a 2 mile hiking trail on the property that’ll provide you with solitude and a good exercise opportunity. The creek offered a good cold plunge for after the hike. Dustin is a very gracious host. I can’t wait to return.

Dana

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

3 nights at Parksland Retreat

Parksland Retreat was so great again. The hot tub was amazingly done and nice for my first time. It was a great start to the weekend to get to know everyone and set the vibes for the rest of the time. And I cannot stress how great the sauna is. It eased my stressed muscles from the days trail hiking and swimming. If you're hesitating to go because its clothing optional, dont. It's so welcoming and the friendliest campsite in Alabama. You'll only regret why you didn't go sooner. Make sure not to bring to many items if you're camping at the two creekside locations. I learned the hard way and I don't want you to end up like me. Protip: keep your cooler at your car and have a secondary cooler to take down to your campsite.

P

PawPawDrew1

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Parksland Retreat

It is extremely hilly so go light. Host very friendly and pointed out site and where everything was.

H

Han

October 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Parksland Retreat

Incredible scenery and amenities, bathrooms were very clean and the everyone there was very kind and friendly.

M

Makenzie

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Parksland Retreat

Amazing place! Will be back. Tough hike pack light! Well worth it though

R

Raquel

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

2 nights at Parksland Retreat

This was the perfect trip to the most beautiful well kept space! Dustin was very friendly and made us feel very welcome. I definitely would like to come back. This is a beautiful property with beautiful views, swimming and friendly people. When camping a P2 pack as light as possible. It is a steep and far trip if you are having a lot of heavy things. We packed food, equipment for 9 people and a glamping tent. Wouldn’t do that again! We are very out of shape too though! Out of all the campsites we saw I did like ours the best. It was close to potable water and a compost toilet. We enjoyed being further away from the other campsites and had privacy.

Tres

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Parksland Retreat

Had a great time hanging out with Dusty and some of the other campers. He has created such a relaxing place that makes everyone feel at ease. Will definitely be back when I can stay longer. Thanks!

M

Max

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Parksland Retreat

I had such a phenomenal experience. It’s literally paradise with an amazing community. Dustin is also awesome

M

Murray

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Parksland Retreat

It’s the best! And Dustin is great! It’s simple, it’s peaceful, and it’s beautiful.

D

Daniel

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Parksland Retreat

Great place to stay the people was friendly. Ready to go back

D

Daniel

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Parksland Retreat

This was our third time staying at Parksland, and our first time at P3. P3 is very secluded, but it is a bit of a hike. If you travel light and don't mind a long journey downhill and then uphill on the way back, you will do fine. We definitely got a lot of exercise. We stayed for two nights, and were able to get our stuff to/from in two trips. It is very quiet and peaceful. We were able to see a lot of butterflies!

R

Russell

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Parksland Retreat

I always look forward to my Parksland trips! This was the first time I did yurt camping and the bed was so comfy! They were hosting a Fall Equinox Celebration, so there were plenty of fun activities included like morning yoga, a bonfire, a sauna session, and a cacao drink ceremony by the fire. The shower was so relaxing! Tip: Just remember, if you haul something down the hill, you have to haul it back up.