The best camping near Bankhead National Forest

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

91% (16 reviews)
91% (16 reviews)

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Community favorites near Bankhead National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Stay at a public campground in Bankhead National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Bankhead National Forest

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Bates Farm

37 sites · RVs, Tents45 acres · Decatur, AL
Where Nature Beckons & Adventure Awaits  - Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Bates Farm, where fantasy and adventure come alive amidst the beauty of nature. Our fantasy-themed primitive campground offers a unique experience for those seeking a magical escape from everyday life. Nestled within our sprawling acres of wilderness, you'll find a 3D Archery range that will test your skills and immerse you in the thrill of the hunt. Whether you're a seasoned archer or a beginner, our range provides a challenging and exciting experience for all. Bates Farm is not just a campground; it's a venue for festivals and family get-togethers. Host your next gathering in our picturesque setting, surrounded by the wonders of nature and the magic of our fantasy-themed ambiance. Create unforgettable memories with your loved ones as you celebrate special occasions in a truly unique setting. In addition to our campground and event venue, Bates Farm offers a variety of educational classes focused on foraging, homesteading, and living off the land. Learn valuable skills that connect you with nature and empower you to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle. Our knowledgeable instructors will guide you through hands-on experiences that will deepen your appreciation for the natural world. Join us at Bates Farm for an unforgettable adventure where fantasy, nature, and education converge. Whether you're looking to test your archery skills, host a memorable event, or expand your knowledge of homesteading practices, our farm offers a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave you inspired and rejuvenated. Come discover the magic of Bates Farm and embark on a journey unlike any other. Some sites only open Monday-Thursday due to 3D archery range. Onsite Rules & Info Link https://www.canva.com/design/DAFqKEhOLDw/VDn5ZbiQrRcxx826DZ8UQQ/view?utm_content=DAFqKEhOLDw&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor 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 maps of Bates Farm: Campground & Amenities Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1JKWe22dLvy3DNVHHMb0CoYGm2mJmxLI&ll=34.53123434955517%2C-87.10236376039353&z=19 Archery Ranges Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1z2vdwxsD3FMH5THfonUv9AbPat3Wf0g&ll=34.53123434955517%2C-87.10236376039353&z=19 Interactive Bird Watching Hike Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=114CvJTEtf-nM15444GpITlUXVvaDzds&ll=34.53123434955517%2C-87.10236376039353&z=19 Sassy's Blooming Adventure Story Walk Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=12886mVOnR0b5V2gfcxokOkEDp6K5fXc&ll=34.53135696507919%2C-87.10108971111146&z=18 Bates Farm Flower Walk Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1g6zEqywBieXGqbIcB4hOmTZIk0IIE_w&ll=34.53123434955517%2C-87.10236376039353&z=19 Glow Hike Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1HFjg0OF7vUldC-yIN8t3cBo_svw4odQ&ll=34.53123434955517%2C-87.10236376039353&z=19 Muscadines & Blackberries Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1VzD7-R7-CbPdwMTBG-Nt8veBgt3mJn0&ll=34.53123434955517%2C-87.10236376039353&z=19 Archery Range Rules: 1. Always shoot in a safe manner; reckless behavior will not be tolerated. 2. No alcohol on the range while the range is active. 3. Zero tolerance for aggressive behavior or fighting; offenders will be forced to leave. 4. Move in one direction only; if you skip a target do not return to the skipped target. 5. Larger groups should let smaller groups shoot through; be courteous and respect everyone's time. 6. If lookig for arrows, spend no more than 5 minutes searching if others are waiting. 7. If skipping targets 8, 9, 10, you can shoot targets 1,2,3 after completing the course to reach your 20 targets. Campground Rules: 1. Dispose of trash in provided bins. 2. Only have campfires in designated fire pits or rings; burn responsibly. 3. Keep dogs on a leash. 4. Do not cut live trees; dead ones are suitable for firewood. 5. Do not cross caution tape on weekends due to active 3D archery range. 6. Be mindful of wildlife and insects in the wilderness surroundings. 7. Do not touch tractors, farming implements, or archery range targets without permission or being a shooter on the range. 8. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, either 3D archery range A or B will be open and clearly marked; do not hike in the range area. 9. Access the bathhouse only from the gravel parking lot; do not cut across fields. Playground Rules: 1. Use playground at your own risk. Bates Farm is not responsible for injuries 2. All Children under the age of 18 must be supervised by accompanying adult 3. Weight limit of 250 LBS5. 4. No one over the age of 12 permitted to use the playground equipment 5. Improper us of equipment prohibited 6. No glass containers in play area 7. No Bare feet, wear proper footwear 8. No rough play: no pushing or shoving 9. Only one person per swing at a time
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$27
 / night
100%
(42)

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.
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$52
 / night
96%
(26)

Platos Branch Farm RV park

6 sites · RVs20 acres · Rogersville, AL
Platos Branch Farm RV: Named after the large branch that runs thru the property across the horse pasture. There are large fish in the Branch. Which is on private property so you can fish without a state license. The park is located on a working farm. The horses are usually in site. Campers tell us that the stars here at night are a beauty to behold. This is a quiet peaceful place. But still minutes away from the conveniences. Grocery within 5 miles and numerous restaurants. Hope you see us soon. Learn more about this land: RV Spots in the country, Total of 6 RV Spots. Great view of horse pasture with 5 horses. Platos pond across pasture. Great Fishing. Look at the stars and have some peaceful nights. 3 miles to Grocery store and resturants. Joe Wheeler state Park within 5 miles. Awesome trails for hiking or biking. 25 minutes to Florence ( UNA) or Athens. Brownsferry Plant about 20 minutes. Weekly and monthly rates available.
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$27
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(17)

CAMP 222 (A Private Campground)

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Cullman, AL
Welcome to CAMP 222, a private campground nestled on approximately 1 acre of land adjacent to Lewis Smith Lake in Cullman, AL. Experience the tranquility of lake life as you enjoy boating adventures accessed via our private boat ramp. Relax and bask in the sun on our floating sun deck, or unwind in the shade with a nap in one of our hammocks. As night falls, gather around our fire pit to share stories without the distractions of nearby campers. Our campground offers camper hook-ups for water and electricity, although sewer facilities are not available. Guests must either have a camper with a restroom or bring their own camp toilets. Conveniently situated just off Cullman County Road 222, our campsite is within a quarter mile of two gas stations, two independently owned stores offering short-order food options, and a Dollar General. While there may be some road noise from County Road 222, especially during daytime hours, it typically tapers off in the evening and nighttime. Enjoy stunning views of the 4th of July fireworks from Smith Lake Park, as our property provides a prime vantage point. Lewis Smith Lake, managed by Alabama Power, spans 21,000 acres and is the deepest lake in Alabama at 264 ft. The water level varies throughout the year, usually reaching full-pool from April to July before gradually decreasing for the autumn and winter seasons. Please note the rocky shore near the sun deck, which is why jumping or diving from the sun deck is prohibited. The nearby City of Cullman, located approximately 10 miles away, offers abundant shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Additionally, the city hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the Rock The South Music Festival.
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$40
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100%
(2)

Lost Creek Living

3 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Russellville, AL
Enjoy the beautiful, peaceful surroundings of Lost Creek living! We offer nightly/weekly/monthly rental spots for tent campers, car campers, or self contained small camper-vans. We have a place to refill your water but we do not offer any electrical hookups at the moment. Toilet is available. We are located in gorgeous Northwest Alabama. We are 3 minutes from clean, clear, swimmable, boatable and fishable Cedar Creek Lake. BCDA permit is required for use of the lake. ($8.50/daily $12.50/3day) We are located only minutes from many breathtaking waterfalls, caves, hiking trails and an array of creeks and rivers for kayaking or canoeing. Cane Creek Nature Preserve is located 10 minutes away and Bankhead National Forest is 45 minutes. Rattlesnake Saloon is a short 10 minute drive away! You could eat and enjoy a beer inside a really cool cave! If you’re looking for a quiet, safe spot with plenty of nature, bird watching, and peaceful views, this is the perfect spot for you! Well behaved, leashed pets always welcome! 20 mins to Russellville 30 to Muscle Shoals 40 to Florence 1.20 to Huntsville
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$15
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92%
(12)

Mt. Doom's Haunted Woodlands

5 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · Hanceville, AL
Mt. Doom has over 200 acres of woodlands that have not been cut in nearly a century.  We play paintball on a small part of the property on weekends and you can join in!  However, 90% of the area is totally virgin timberland and you could walk all day without seeing another living soul.  Lots of trails and roadways to hike and views off the mountains at every turn.  Less than 1.5 mi. from Mulberry River with whitewater rapids or swimming access.  Some say spirits roam these woods but not in a malevolent way, just strange noises, sudden winds and leaves moving or the feeling of being watched.  Awesome view of the constellations far from ground light clutter and an eerie quietness prevails.  Crows will follow your movements and talk about you right to your face!  An unforgettable destination stop that you will mark on your map for every visit you take to Alabama.Learn more about this land:Over 200 acres of undeveloped southern woodlands surrounded by corporate owned timber lands that are fully accessible for hiking or mountain biking.  Campsite overlooks 20 miles of unobstructed view from a grassy point on the last mountains in the Appalachian Mountain chains.  Very isolated and quiet with good view of constellations at night.  Miles of woodland roadways and trails where you won't see another person but might catch a glimpse of any number of southern woodland creatures.  A little noisy on weekends as we operate a paintball/airsoft field on part of the property, but otherwise you'd be the only people in the woods for miles around.  Paintball "extra" available if you'd like to try a survival game while you are here!
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$15
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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.

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