Best Free Camping in Alabama

Free Camping in Alabama

By Nathan Swartz

From the camping areas in national forests to a slew of campgrounds provided by the Army Corps of Engineers, visitors can find free camping throughout the Cotton State. If you're looking for places to camp for free near Alabama's share of the Gulf Coast, the options are limited to a Walmart parking lot or a highway rest stop. Free RV camping in more natural settings can be found across the northern reaches of the state.

See a map of all free camping in Alabama.

Free Camping in Army Corps of Engineers Campgrounds

The lion's share of free RV camping comes in the form of campgrounds provided by the Army Corps of Engineers. A handful of these are situated near Tuscaloosa, on the banks of the Black Warrior River. Expect dispersed camping with few amenities at most sites. These are primarily parking lots near boat launches, but most have access to restrooms, and at least one has picnic tables and fire rings.

Additional, similar campsites exist on the Alabama River toward the southern end of the state.

While many of these spots can be accessed by mid-sized RVs, they are often a bit more friendly to tent camping. These areas are popular with local anglers, too, so expect early morning arrivals by eager fishermen.

Free Camping in Alabama's National Forests

When it comes to national forests in Alabama, travelers can find free campsites near I-85 in abundance in the Tuskegee National Forest. This is primitive camping, aka boondocking. Don't expect a formal campground; however, unlike your typical dispersed camping scenario, there are designated campsites situated throughout the national forest. A free permit is required and can be acquired at the Tuskegee Ranger District office. These sites are actually designated as "hunt camps," but outside of hunting season, they see little traffic and are spread out in a way that provides ample privacy.

In the William B. Bankhead National Forest, dispersed camping is permitted throughout the forest. A free, designated campground named McDougle Hunt Camp also exists just outside of the Sipsey Wilderness. As with most wilderness areas, cars, RVs, and even bicycles are not permitted within the wilderness boundaries. Additionally, if you plan on doing any hunting, you are required to stay in the designated hunting camps, though non-hunters can camp in a more dispersed fashion throughout the national forest.

Alabama's Talladega National Forest, east of Birmingham, allows for primitive, dispersed camping as well. The boat launch at Sweetwater Lake is one such campsite, though don't expect any facilities as this is pure boondocking in some of the state's most beautiful country.

More Free RV Camping Options in Alabama

County parks across the state provide free access to camping near towns like Waterloo, AL, and outside of Montgomery. Off the highway, overnighters can be had in many business parking lots, from the usual Cracker Barrel, Cabala's, and Walmarts to the more unusual Burger King overnight "truck lot."

Near the southern end of the state, one of the most popular camping destinations is the Wind Creek Casino & Hotel parking lot. No matter what your ideal camping experience looks like, Alabama promises to have something for everyone and something free for everyone as well!

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Recent Alabama Free Campsite Reviews

Spanish Fort, AL

Bass Pro Shops

Mar 23, 2024

"Great Overnight."

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Felt safe and practically unlimited space. Parked in the lot that was facing the entrance, but the furthest away with two other RVs. Over there you could barely hear the highway. Can also walk to other restaurants in this shopping complex.

Shorter, AL

Victoryland Casino

Mar 22, 2024

"Quiet Place To Overnight"

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We needed a quiet place to stop for the night on our way home. This site fit our needs perfectly. We dry camped for the night in the RV/Bus parking lot. We have a 32’ unit with a 24’ trailer hauling a car. It was tight but the parking lot was mostly empty so it was no issue. To be safe we went into the casino and asked security for permission...
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DarthVador
2 reviews
Hartselle, AL

Cracker Barrel

Mar 12, 2024

"Good Stop"

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A little road noise but otherwise a good place to spend a night. And it’s Cracker Barrel, so they have great food!!

camper-790503
1 review
Montgomery, AL

Wind Creek Casino

Mar 04, 2024

"Safe and not too loud"

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Stayed here over night, not alot of noise, flatt, safe, i have never stayed at a casino parking lot before but i would not mind staying again here.

camper-907542
6 reviews
Spanish Fort, AL

Cracker Barrel

Feb 10, 2024

"Lots Of Space For Class A Motorhome with Toad"

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Tons of room behind the CB to park your rig. We were there on a Friday night. Not too crowded. Even quieter on Saturday morning. Lots of grass for dogs. Even have a garbage can for you to use for pet waste. Had dinner and breakfast. Minimal car noise.

mcbeachmom
3 reviews