Best Car Camping Spots

[elbowman]

Hello All,

Wanted to ask if anyone knew of good spots to car camp at in the Sipsey. I unfortunately need to sleep with a medical device that requires I lug around a deep cycle marine battery for power at night. And as much as I like the Borden Creek Trailhead, I would like to open myself up for other camping options.

Anyone know of any other good spots to camp with your car near by? Car would need to be close enough, that I can carry the 30+ lb battery into the woods to camp.

Thanks. Eric

[montysano]

I think Capsey Creek would be a great candidate.  From County Road 41, turn at the historic marker for Looney's Tavern.  At the fork, stay right.  Continue to where this road (FS 266) crosses the creek.  Park on the near side and hike upstream.  There's an old logging road; it's easy going.  Probably 100 yards from the bridge is a nice little hemlock grove overlooking the creek.  We've car camped there; the only downside is that you can hear the traffic at night.

The hike upstream from there is quite nice.  If interested, PM me for further details on the hike.

[Old Hickory]

Brushy Lake Recreation Area has a small camp ground. First come first serve. I use it when camping with my six year old. It lets us car camp and be close enough to to day long hikes.

[elbowman]

I have used Brushy on several occasions. Nice little primitive campground. Even has a hot shower available.
Anyone else have trouble with that dog from the last farmhouse before the lake entrance? Chases my car every time I go down there!

Eric

[Joshua Szulecki]

Anyone else have trouble with that dog from the last farmhouse before the lake entrance? Chases my car every time I go down there!

Eric

No. But... I spent 30 minutes outside of Hoosier NF the other weekend because two dogs decided a foot in front of my car was a good place to nap. First they chased my car, got out in front of it, barked at it, then settled in for a nap. Moving the car resulting in more barking. I had my dog, which only made the situation more obnoxious. The judicious application of graham crackers eventually solved the problem, but resulted in hunger later in the day.

I'm drawing a blank on a good car camping destination right now...

[angrysparrow]

How about the obvious choice?  The campground at Brushy Lake...  Granted it's outside of the wilderness, but still within the NF. 

It is often totally unoccupied, and has some great dayhikes available in the area.  IMO Brushy Creek is as scenic as the Sipsey River.

[AlabamaDan]

Good info thanks