Places to Camp near Fort Payne, AL

Camping near Fort Payne, Alabama

Fort Payne, Alabama, is a hidden gem for camping enthusiasts. Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, this area offers a variety of campgrounds that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you're looking for a serene spot to pitch your tent, a cozy cabin, or a full-hookup RV site, Fort Payne has something for everyone. The campgrounds here are known for their natural beauty, friendly staff, and a plethora of outdoor activities that make for an unforgettable camping experience.

From the breathtaking waterfalls at DeSoto State Park Campground to the rock climbing adventures at Cherokee Rock Village, Fort Payne offers a diverse range of camping options. Families, solo adventurers, and RVers alike will find plenty to love about camping in this scenic part of Alabama. Read on to discover what makes camping near Fort Payne so special, what you can do while you're here, and tips to make your stay even better.

What to Do

Fort Payne is a haven for outdoor activities. Hiking, fishing, and rock climbing are just a few of the adventures that await you. The area is rich in natural beauty, with numerous trails, lakes, and rock formations to explore.

  • At DeSoto State Park Campground, you can hit almost all of the trails and see four waterfalls and amazing rock formations. "Stayed the weekend and hit almost all of the trails, saw 4 waterfalls and so many amazing rock formations," says Greg S. in his review.
  • Cherokee Rock Village is a must-visit for climbing enthusiasts. Twan M. mentions in his review, "Best climbing in the southeast, bouldering and sport, and a lot of RC car rock crawling."
  • For a more relaxed experience, you can enjoy fishing or a peaceful walk around the lakes at James H 'Sloppy' Floyd State Park Campground. "Did take a walk around the lakes and it was very pleasant," shares Shirley D. in her review.

What Campers Like

Campers love the natural beauty, well-maintained facilities, and friendly staff at the campgrounds near Fort Payne. The area offers a mix of activities and amenities that cater to different types of campers.

What You Should Know

While camping near Fort Payne offers many perks, there are a few things you should be aware of to ensure a smooth experience. Some campgrounds have specific rules or lack certain amenities, so it's good to be prepared.

  • At Cherokee Rock Village, alcohol is not allowed, and there are no electric hookups. Jamie mentions in his review, "Only issues at all was showers had no hot water that night and the local drink around at night drinking crowd was little aggravating."
  • James H 'Sloppy' Floyd State Park Campground has easy access but requires careful maneuvering to get centered between the fence post and the culvert. Shirley D. advises in her review, "Swing wide to get centered between the fence post and the culvert."
  • At Little River RV Park and Campground, the WiFi works great, but it's a good idea to confirm your reservation details ahead of time. William M. shares in his review, "The attendant did an outstanding job via texts to provide me all the information I needed for a smooth entry into the campsite."

Tips for Camping with Families

Camping with family can be a rewarding experience, especially in a place as beautiful as Fort Payne. Here are some tips to make your family camping trip enjoyable and stress-free.

  • Choose a campground with plenty of activities for kids. DeSoto State Park Campground offers numerous trails and waterfalls that are perfect for family adventures. Greg S. mentions in his review, "There are three trailheads that leave directly from the campground."
  • Look for campgrounds with clean and well-maintained facilities. DJody H. notes in his review, "Clean place with very friendly staff. Lots of hiking trails. Bath house was clean."
  • Consider campgrounds with easy access and spacious sites. Shirley D. shares in her review, "Getting into the sites was easier. They are big, spacious, level gravel and a decent distance apart."

Tips from RVers

RVers will find Fort Payne to be a welcoming destination with campgrounds that cater to their needs. Here are some tips from fellow RVers to make your stay more comfortable.

  • Ensure you have the necessary adapters and hookups. Paul M. mentions in his review, "The camp host was very helpful and gave us a 50 amp adapter that we needed."
  • Look for campgrounds with full hookups and clean facilities. David shares in his review, "This RV Park has all the standard features, full hookups in every site, clean enough bathrooms, great laundry."
  • Choose campgrounds with good WiFi and easy access to amenities. Tracy C. notes in her review, "WiFi worked great. Water and sewer hookups easy to get to."

Camping near Fort Payne, Alabama, offers a mix of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and well-maintained campgrounds that cater to different types of campers. Whether you're hiking to waterfalls, climbing rocks, or simply enjoying a peaceful night under the stars, Fort Payne has something for everyone.

Best Camping Sites Near Fort Payne, AL (122)

    Camper-submitted photo from DeSoto State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from DeSoto State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from DeSoto State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from DeSoto State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from DeSoto State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from DeSoto State Park Campground

    1.

    DeSoto State Park Campground

    73 Reviews
    374 Photos
    412 Saves
    Alpine, Alabama

    Situated atop northeast Alabama’s Lookout Mountain, Desoto State Park is a 3,500-acre nature preserve and recreation destination that features vibrant forests, gushing waterfalls, and rugged mountain scenery. The park is located 8 miles northeast of Fort Payne, and approximately 75 miles east of Huntsville making it a great place camping near Atlanta. Dedicated in 1939, the park was named after Hernando de Soto, the renowned 16th century explorer. Prior to its dedication, most of the park’s roads, trails and facilities were constructed through the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a Depression-era works program that improved many of the country’s parks and forests, while providing jobs and skills to millions of struggling Americans. The park boasts many local legends, including one that suggests that the area may have been settled by Welsh explorers, centuries before Columbus’s arrival in the New World. Visitors are invited to learn more about DeSoto State Park by camping in the park.

    The campground at DeSoto State Park features 94 full-hookup sites for tent and RV campers. Sites have either back-in or pull-through parking pads, and can accommodate large vehicles/trailers. Each site is equipped with picnic tables and cooking grills, and there are two comfort stations available with restrooms, showers and laundry facilities. A dump station is located onsite. The park also has a primitive tent campground that offers 16 sites with fire pits. Picnic tables, cooking grills, potable water, trash receptacles, and vault toilets are located in this campground’s central area. There are also two primitive backpacker camps with sleeping shelters and fire pits, but no water or trash service. In addition to camping, the park also offers a variety of chalets, cabins and motel rooms for those less interested in roughing it. Other amenities include picnic areas, an outdoor pool, tennis courts, and a playground. Campsite rates range from $15–$36/night, plus fees; other accommodation rates vary.

    Visitors will find a variety of seasonal activities to enjoy at DeSoto State Park, from hiking and fishing to geocaching and zip-lining. Start your visit by checking out the CCC Museum and Benefield Interpretive Center to learn about the park’s history, flora and fauna. Drop into the country store and purchase a trail map for the park’s 30 miles of hiking and biking paths. Trails range in distance and difficulty, so there’s a path for everyone. There’s even a barrier-free boardwalk trail. Swimming, fishing and kayaking can be enjoyed on the West Fork Little River, which runs right through the park. The park also hosts guided hikes, campfire programs, and community events. Thrill-seekers can get a bird’s eye view over the park on the Aerial Adventure zipline course, which includes six ziplines and seven sky bridges, and golfers can tee off at the DeSoto Golf Course, just a few miles south of the park.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $38 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground

    2.

    Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground

    124 Reviews
    654 Photos
    914 Saves
    Trenton, Georgia

    Resting on the western edge of northwest Georgia’s Lookout Mountain, Cloudland Canyon State Park is more than 3,000 acres—one of the state’s largest parks—of rugged geology, and offers visitors hiking, camping, rock climbing and more along the park’s most iconic feature: the deep gorge cut through the mountain (elevation varies from 800 to more than 1,800 feet!) by the Sitton Gulch Creek. Multiple waterfalls and cascades, including the uber-popular Hemlock Falls, can be found throughout the gorge, making this park feel like a hidden gem around Lookout Mountain.

    Staring at the geographic anomaly isn’t the only thing to do at this park, however. Beyond the countless miles of hiking, biking and horse riding trails, geology fanatics can find rock climbing, rappelling and spelunking across the park—cave tours are even offered for beginning cave explorers at Sitton’s Cave.

    The park holds a massive variety of camping options, including 72 spots suitable for both tent and RV campers, 30 walk-in sites, 13 dispersed sites, 16 cottages and 10 yurts, each in a different area of the park. With this many options, campers can find seclusion all around.

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Cabins

    $65 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Cherokee Rock Village
    Camper-submitted photo from Cherokee Rock Village
    Camper-submitted photo from Cherokee Rock Village
    Camper-submitted photo from Cherokee Rock Village
    Camper-submitted photo from Cherokee Rock Village
    Camper-submitted photo from Cherokee Rock Village

    3.

    Cherokee Rock Village

    30 Reviews
    231 Photos
    287 Saves
    Leesburg, Alabama

    Tent, RV and Primitive Camping

    Daily Use Fee - $8 per vehicle for standard cars and trucks, $16 per vehicle for passenger vans, and $21 per vehicle for buses.

    Camping Fee - $19 per vehicle for standard cars and trucks, $26 per vehicle for passenger vans, and $36 per vehicle for buses and RVs.

    We are open 24/7 every day. A self-pay box is located at the front entrance to pay for admission after hours. We also have annual passes that are $45 for a year it makes camping half off.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $0 - $35 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from West Rim - Cloudland Canyon State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from West Rim - Cloudland Canyon State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from West Rim - Cloudland Canyon State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from West Rim - Cloudland Canyon State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from West Rim - Cloudland Canyon State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from West Rim - Cloudland Canyon State Park

    4.

    West Rim - Cloudland Canyon State Park

    41 Reviews
    158 Photos
    383 Saves
    Trenton, Georgia

    West Rim Campground at Cloudland Canyon State Park is a gem tucked away near Rising Fawn, GA. This spot has a lot to offer, from its diverse hiking trails to its well-maintained campsites. If you’re into hiking, you’ll love the trails here. They range from easy walks along the canyon rim with stunning vistas to more challenging treks through the gulch, where canyon walls tower above you. The waterfalls are a sight to behold, though they can be a bit underwhelming after dry spells.

    The campsites themselves are spacious and provide good privacy, thanks to the wooded surroundings. You’ll find clean facilities, including hot showers and well-kept restrooms. Some sites come with full hookups, which is a nice perk if you’re bringing an RV. There are also yurts available, which are equipped with beds and heating/AC, making them a great option during the hotter months.

    Pets are welcome, so feel free to bring your furry friends along. And if you’re planning to stay a while, you’ll appreciate the sanitary dump stations and the availability of firewood. The campground is also big rig friendly, which is a plus for those with larger setups.

    Visitors have mentioned the recent renovations, which include nice pads and good cell service. The West Rim Loop is particularly noted for its serene environment and the beautiful Cherokee Falls, which you can hike to directly from the campground. Whether you’re here for a night or a week, the combination of natural beauty and solid amenities makes this a fantastic spot to set up camp.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $8 - $110 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from James H 'Sloppy' Floyd State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from James H 'Sloppy' Floyd State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from James H 'Sloppy' Floyd State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from James H 'Sloppy' Floyd State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from James H 'Sloppy' Floyd State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from James H 'Sloppy' Floyd State Park Campground

    5.

    James H 'Sloppy' Floyd State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    95 Photos
    131 Saves
    Summerville, Georgia

    Welcome to James H. 'Sloppy' Floyd State Park Campground, nestled near Summerville, GA. This place is a gem for anyone looking to unwind in nature. The campground is open year-round and offers a peaceful retreat with plenty of amenities to make your stay comfortable.

    The campsites here are spacious, level, and well-maintained, with gravel pads and plenty of shade. You’ll find electric and water hookups, showers, toilets, and even a sanitary dump station. Pets are welcome, so feel free to bring your furry friends along. Each site also comes with a picnic table, perfect for outdoor meals.

    One of the standout features of this campground is its tranquility. Visitors often mention how quiet and serene it is, making it an ideal spot for relaxation. The park itself is beautiful, with lots of trails for hiking and two lakes stocked with fish. Whether you’re into fishing or just want to take in the scenery, you’ll find plenty to do.

    The camp hosts and staff are frequently praised for their helpfulness and friendliness. They go out of their way to ensure you have everything you need, from providing adapters to helping you find parts for your RV. The park is also noted for its cleanliness, with immaculate facilities and well-kept grounds.

    For families, there’s a large playground that kids will love. And if you’re into exploring, don’t miss out on the nearby Paradise Gardens in Summerville, a fascinating spot for art lovers.

    So, pack your gear and head over to James H. 'Sloppy' Floyd State Park Campground. Whether you’re here for a weekend or an extended stay, you’re in for a treat.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Guntersville State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Guntersville State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Guntersville State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Guntersville State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Guntersville State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Guntersville State Park Campground

    6.

    Lake Guntersville State Park Campground

    41 Reviews
    99 Photos
    206 Saves
    Guntersville, Alabama

    Lake Guntersville State Park offers Town Creek Primitive Campground which provides primitive campsites (boondock camping allowed 7 night maximum) on the water, bathhouses, boat rentals, ethanol-free gas (accessible by water), and the Town Creek Fishing Center.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
  1. 7.

    Little River RV Park and Campground

    19 Reviews
    64 Photos
    95 Saves
    Fort Payne, Alabama

    Little River RV Park & Campground is located on beautiful Lookout Mountain in DeKalb County of Northeast Alabama, and near the historic city of Fort Payne. We are now open and have 42 sites for camping. All sites have Fire Rings. Picnic Tables are at all sites except tent sites without power. We offer 26 sites that are full hook-up, 7 of which are pull thru sites. We also have 8 tent sites with power and water and 8 tent sites with no power and water. Limited sites offer Cable and WiFi. We also have backwoods camping with a short hike. We have a Showerhouse, Laundry Room, Fishing Pond, Playground, Horseshoes and on site Hiking Trails. We are a pet friendly campground with pets on a leash. We are just 2 miles from Little River Canyon National Preserve and 8 miles from Desoto State Park.

    Little River RV Park & Campground is uniquely situated in an area that provides for the various needs of youth, young adults, the middle aged, and the young at heart. Whether you are looking for some peaceful time way in the country from those 9 to 5 workdays and rush hour traffic, a time of nature walks and hiking, or a camping excursion with the family, Little River RV Park & Campground offers all the amenities and beautiful scenery for your recreational needs.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $27 - $40 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Noccalula Falls Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Noccalula Falls Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Noccalula Falls Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Noccalula Falls Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Noccalula Falls Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Noccalula Falls Park & Campground

    8.

    Noccalula Falls Park & Campground

    35 Reviews
    71 Photos
    149 Saves
    Gadsden, Alabama

    Noccalula Falls Park and Campground is the premiere destination for family fun and camping! Enjoy our great location, easy access, low prices, and great events all year long.

    When checking in at Noccalula Falls Campground, you will be greeted by one of our friendly staff members who will assist you with all your camping needs. The campground is security gate controlled, which allows us to keep the area secure for our campers.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
  2. 9.

    Little River Adventure Company

    8 Reviews
    27 Photos
    139 Saves
    Fort Payne, Alabama

    The Little River Adventure Company features adventure rentals and 40 acres of dispersed tent camping in a natural unimproved property surrounded by Straight Creek and Yellow Creek. Conveniently located near the entrance to the Little River Canyon National Preserve. One mile from Little River Falls, and one mile to the WMA roads trailhead. Close to DeSoto Falls, Yellow Creek Falls, Cherokee Rock Village, Hippie Hole, and many other local attractions. We welcome dogs, cyclists, riders, kayakers, climbers, musicians, and all nature lovers.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash

    $25 - $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Wills Creek RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Wills Creek RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Wills Creek RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Wills Creek RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Wills Creek RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Wills Creek RV Park

    10.

    Wills Creek RV Park

    7 Reviews
    8 Photos
    7 Saves
    Fort Payne, Alabama
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
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Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Fort Payne, AL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Fort Payne, AL offers a wide range of camping options, with 122 campgrounds and RV parks near Fort Payne, AL and 6 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Fort Payne, AL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Fort Payne, AL is DeSoto State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 73 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Fort Payne, AL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Fort Payne, AL.

What parks are near Fort Payne, AL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Fort Payne, AL that allow camping, notably Allatoona Lake and Carters Lake.