Campsites near Alpine, Alabama cluster along the northeastern edges of Lookout Mountain, where elevations range from 1,200 to 1,700 feet. This mountainous terrain creates significantly cooler summer temperatures compared to surrounding lowland areas. Winter camping requires preparation for overnight temperatures that often drop below freezing from November through March, with occasional snow possible at higher elevations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Tranquility Campground offers a 6-acre catch-and-release lake for campers. "There is a 6 acre lake for fishing but it's catch & release. And no swimming or kayaks allowed," notes reviewer Julie H.
Rock climbing access: The sandstone bluffs provide excellent climbing opportunities for all skill levels at Cherokee Rock Village. "I have camped here at least once every season and gone around 7 times. It's my favorite place to camp! There's so many climbing routes that I love," shares reviewer Jess C.
Off-road exploration: Campers interested in motorized recreation can find trails near Mentone. "Lots of hiking and off roading for 4 wheels drives. WiFi/Cell not great, but could text out," mentions Tamela J. about Tranquility Campground.
Historic sites: Visit the Alabama Band museum near Fort Payne. "The park is near Desoto State Park and Little River Canyon National preserve, and the Alabama (band) museum," notes Randy G. from Wills Creek RV Park.
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Little River Adventure Company provides primitive camping with genuine privacy. "It's completely different than any other campground we've been to in the sense that the campsites are secluded and private," shares Dakota F.
Mountain temperature: The elevation provides relief from summer heat. "This is one of the few parts of Alabama that is cool enough to camp in the summer (still hot but not miserable)," mentions Asher K. about Tranquility Campground.
Rock formations: Cherokee Rock Village offers unique boulder camping. "We camped at one of the primitive sites under a huge boulder. Wonderful climbing and spectacular views! We explored the caves and climbed the rock formations," writes Dori H.
Private campsites: DeSoto State Park Campground offers well-spaced sites. "The sites were well spaced apart and maybe because it was April there were a lot of open spots," notes reviewer Gerri.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. At DeSoto State Park, one camper reported: "I work remotely and internet was a challenge. I have phones with Verizon and T-mobile service as well as AT&T and T-Mobile hotspots. The verizon phone was the only service that got any signal at all, and it was spotty."
Access challenges: Many campgrounds require navigating mountain roads. At Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground, "The east rim is home to several cabins, the group lodge, one of the full service campgrounds, and the main trailhead, as well as the ADA accessible overlook trail which is where many of the iconic photographs of this park come from," explains Stephanie J.
Gate access procedures: Some primitive areas require special check-in. At Little River Adventure Company, "Giorgio has an amazing set up here. He was super helpful and accommodating. We were in a mini van and were still able to navigate the grounds and dirt road pretty easily," shares Lonni B.
Seasonal considerations: Fall offers prime conditions for viewing changing leaves. "Foliage was still pretty, but would have been better end of October," notes Tamela J. about camping in the Mentone area.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. At James H 'Sloppy' Floyd State Park Campground, "There are double sites to pick from and a nice handicap site next to the showerhouse. At the far end there is a playground and one site right behind it. So be careful not to pick it if you don't want to listen to the raucous noises of children," advises Shelly S.
Educational activities: DeSoto State Park offers naturalist programs for kids. "They have scout activities, a Junior Ranger program, playgrounds, swimming pools, and plenty of trails to hike," writes Arden S.
Multi-activity parks: Cloudland Canyon provides family-friendly amenities. "This side is very popular for day use as the one mile out and back hike to Cherokee Falls draws in campers and people from Chattanooga coming in to enjoy the towering waterfall and the swimming hole below," explains Stephanie J.
Site selection strategy: Choose campsites strategically for family needs. At Cherokee Rock Village, "The tent sites are scattered along half the loop through the park, but there are no specific sites with numbers. Instead there are lots of picnic tables and fire rings and it seems you just pick an open spot," notes Kent H.
Tips from RVers
Satellite considerations: Tree cover impacts reception at many campgrounds. At Wills Creek RV Park, "Internet using Verizon (nomad) for work is only ok. My husband was able to work on conference calls etc. but had one dropped call and while he was working I wasn't able to use our internet," reports Ryan & Lorri R.
Power options: Most campgrounds offer various electrical setups. At 1776 RV And Campground, a reviewer noted, "14 Gravel RV sites FHU 30/50 6 tent sites with electric and water. If you plan on using your cell up here...don't very poor signal but WI FI works great all over the park."
Site leveling challenges: Many mountain campgrounds require leveling equipment. At DeSoto State Park, "We found our second site 25 especially challenging to back into. There are drop off gulleys at the end of sites and maybe experienced RVers think nothing of it, but we thought it was tricky," shares Gerri.
Driving approach: Choose access routes carefully. "Accessing the campground from the north can be a little bit harrowing as the roads are steep with hairpin curves and somewhat narrow. The route from the south is much easier particularly if you have a large motorhome or a long fifth wheel," advises Bret D. about DeSoto State Park.
