Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Cherokee, AL

Mulberry Creek Camp accommodates tent campers, RV travelers, and cabin guests with pets. The campground features full hookups including water, electric, and sewer connections for RV sites, while offering clean, well-maintained facilities for all guests. Both camping areas provide access to the Tennessee River, with one section located directly on the waterfront and another just off the river. Extremely well maintained grounds with owners described as "the absolute best" make this a standout option for pet owners. ['Campground data and reviews near Cherokee, Alabama is regularly updated on The Dyrt.'] Colbert County Rose Trail Park allows pets with spacious sites that are easy to access. The park provides water hookups, electric service, showers, and picnic tables at each campsite.

Dogs can enjoy the waterfront areas at several campgrounds near Cherokee. Second Creek Recreation Area offers a quiet setting on the lake with concrete picnic tables at each site, making it convenient for pet owners to enjoy meals outdoors with their animals. Brush Creek Park provides free camping with multiple spots featuring concrete tables, portapotties, and direct water access for swimming and fishing opportunities. The park includes separate areas for RVs with necessary hookups and tent camping sections. Heritage Acres RV Park maintains a secure environment with large bathrooms featuring spacious showers, making it practical for campers with pets who need to clean up after outdoor adventures. Most campgrounds in the area have spacious sites allowing dogs room to explore while remaining on leash.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Cherokee, Alabama (76)

    1. Tishomingo State Park Campground

    50 Reviews
    Tishomingo, MS
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (662) 438-6914

    $26 / night

    "We were fortunate enough to get a spot right on the lake. It is such a perfect place to get away from it all.

    We were there for 5days . We got on the Natchez Trace parkway. Also we went to Tupelo."

    "Site 13 with electric and lake side was perfectly level and near restroom with showers, which were large!"

    2. Brush Creek Park

    8 Reviews
    Cherokee, AL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 760-5878

    "Pretty woodland all around. There is a bathhouse with toilets, sinks, and cold showers. The bathhouse is pretty centrally located and there are electric lights around it. Usually not crowded."

    "Lots of shade close to lake with wildlife too"

    3. Mulberry Creek Camp

    3 Reviews
    Cherokee, AL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 627-7328

    $35 - $550 / night

    "It was so awesome that not just their 2 Campgrounds were entertained, but also the surrounding small towns."

    4. J.P. Coleman State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Iuka, MS
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (662) 423-6515

    "The sites are rather narrow with varying sizes and locations for outdoor living space. Pay close attention to the states website regarding vehicle size maximums."

    "Fire pits provided, very clean with great walking trails, dog friendly. Easy access!!"

    5. Tuscumbia RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Tuscumbia, AL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 383-2363

    "This campground is just several miles from the Alabama Music Hall of Fame! How perfect was that! We found this travel park has everything one needs for a pleasant, relaxing stay."

    6. Second Creek Rec Area

    4 Reviews
    Cherokee, AL
    13 miles

    "Good location and easy to get to. We have been camping here for years good spot for fishing kayaking and just good family time. They have on site porta potties and picnic tables."

    7. Heritage Acres RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Tuscumbia, AL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 383-7368

    $33 - $48 / night

    "Secure/safe campground thanks to hosts and close to town."

    "The gravel was nicely manicured the concrete pad was pristine and the area surrounding the camp was beautiful."

    8. Pickwick Landing State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Savannah, TN
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (731) 689-3129

    "We had a good time there, but there were homeless dogs roaming around that we called about but they didn't seem to care. Poor doggies!"

    "Older campsite some improvements needed in the parking locations. Nice quiet, camping plenty of trees great for the dogs. Watching the squirrels chasing their nuts."

    9. Colbert County Rose Trail Park

    1 Review
    Iuka, MS
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 360-2764

    10. McFarland Park Campground

    4 Reviews
    Florence, AL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 760-6416

    "There are no trees or bushes between spots, but the whole campground is situated with forest and creek on one side and the Tuscumbia River on the other."

    "There is a marina, RV and tent campsites, a playground near the campground, and on the other side of the marina is another playground. There is the River Bottom Grill at the Marina."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Cherokee, AL

357 Reviews of 76 Cherokee Campgrounds


  • Jennifer H.
    Mar. 19, 2025

    Bama Campground & RV Park

    Great campground to hike Bankhead National Forest

    This is a great little campground tucked away on the edge of Bankhead National Forest. The location of the campground makes it an excellent location to enjoy the numerous waterfall hikes in the area. The campground was laid out well with spacious gravel sites and full hookups. Sites 2-4 had good views of the pond/field, sites 10-15 backed up to the tree line to provide a little shade all other sites had full sun. The camp host was super friendly and helpful. They have a general store, laundry, bathhouse, and small dog park. The campground has hiking trails on the property if you don’t have time to visit Bankhead NF. If you’re in the area or wanting to spend time in Bankhead NF I’d recommend checking this campground out.

  • Never Sitting S.
    Nov. 19, 2020

    Piney Grove Campground

    This is one of the best!

    We reserved a waterfront spot, but our rig wouldn’t fit despite the website saying so, no biggy though. Was able to swap spots and enjoyed our stay. Very nice park, nice beaches and great for walking pets. Most amenities were closed for the season/ COVID. Great staff. We had few bars (Verizon) and no service on t-mobile. Overall great experience, can’t go wrong with any spot.

  • Rebekah C.
    Aug. 22, 2021

    Dismals Canyon Cabins and Primitive Campsites

    Great choice for Visitors of Dismals Canyon

    We stayed in early August for 2 nights in the Sleeping Waters campground.

    We got there pretty late (after dark) for setting up camp, and I do not recommend doing that. It's about a quarter of a mile walk to the campsite, but the site is absolutely gorgeous! Very secluded and very roomy! The waterfall at the campsite is not large, but it still makes noise.

    After we got everything set up and got all the lights out, we noticed the glowing dismalites along the Canyon wall behind our tent!! It was super cool. We also had a creek flowing with crawdads, minnows, and bull frogs. Plenty of wildlife!!

    The canyon was pretty cool! The waterfalls were awesome and I loved all the spur trails. Disclaimer: be prepared to get your feet wet!!

    The Canyon and campsite were pet friendly. Dogs were even welcome in the country store!! Just not in the seating area for the Soda Fountain.

    I have few, minor complaints.. 1) I booked this campsite earlier in the year (early spring, I believe). I specifically wanted a night tour. They did not tell me that they wouldn't have night tours at that time of year. I wish I would've known, as I would've planned the trip for spring or fall. 2) the gate to get into the Canyon after hours for the bath house was difficult to operate. I'd pinch the code in and it wouldn't open. It would take several tries. The gate for the campsite area worked great! 3) The gate leading to the campsites was not marked. At night, it was challenging to determine where to park. 4) In the Canyon itself, not all of the landmarks were marked!! We had a map, but we had never been there before, so we weren't able to find everything easily.

  • Thom T.
    Oct. 10, 2018

    Green Acres RV Park

    Best RV park in Savannah,TN

    This campground is well maintained. The grounds are Meticulously maintained, the staff will do everything possible to make your stay as pleasant as possible. There is a beautiful pool open seasonally, all sites will accommodate large Rigs, with full power (20amp, 30amp, 50amp) service. Sewerage and fresh water. There is strong WiFi and basic cable is included. I’ve camped here a few times now and couldn’t be more happier. This is a pet friendly park, ( Fido, just need to be on a leash and picked up after.) There are showers, bathrooms and 24/7 laundry facilities. So come as strangers, leave as friends.

    All sites are excellent....

  • A
    Jun. 26, 2022

    Whitten Park Campground

    Gorgeous and well-kept

    The campground in Jamie L. Whitten Historical Center is easy to find close to the highway. Staff at the entrance was very friendly and helpful. The site was PERFECT: level concrete pull-thru big enough for our 40' rig and Jeep, adorable picnic and firepit area overlooking the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway peeking through the beautiful trees. Hookups right where you needed them. And lots of beautifully maintained trails through the woods for walking our dogs. Two thumbs up!

  • Cyndi H.
    Mar. 10, 2021

    Whitten Park Campground

    A Tombigbee View

    Our 3/3/21-3/6/21 stay at Site 60 provides easy access to a fishing pier, walking paths and enjoyable sunsets. Sites are a comfortable size and located with adequate forrest canopy that provides shade for most. We enjoy several afternoon paddles on this stretch of river.

    Outside the campground entrance the Underground Railroad Bicycle Trail goes along the road and continues to the lock for walking and peddling.

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2023

    Dismals Canyon Cabins and Primitive Campsites

    Cabins are nice but expensive

    Located in Northwest Alabama, not far from the Sipsey Wilderness, Dismals Canyon offers an unparalleled camping experience that stands out in the state. While it may lean toward the higher end in terms of cost, the memories you create during a special weekend getaway here are absolutely worth it. During our most recent visit, we chose to stay in one of the cozy cabins, but the campgrounds also present an excellent lodging option. These cabins feature a generously sized kitchen, a warm and inviting living room complete with a fireplace, and two comfortable bedrooms. Outside, there are ample spaces perfect for relaxation and al fresco dining. The campgrounds are situated just across the street from the rest of the park and require a short stroll to reach. They offer a variety of camping choices, each with its unique appeal. For more detailed information about these options, you can refer to their website. A standout experience during our stay was embarking on the night hike the first evening we arrived. This adventure allowed us to explore the canyon in the darkness before immersing ourselves in its beauty during daylight hours. We were fortunate enough to enjoy a private tour on a Friday night and were treated to a mesmerizing display of glow worms, which call this canyon home. While the trails within Dismals Canyon may not be particularly lengthy, you'll find yourself utterly captivated by the allure of the surroundings. Be sure to allocate a full day to fully explore and lose yourself in the canyon's enchantment. In summary, Dismals Canyon delivers a camping experience like no other in Northwest Alabama, close to the Sipsey Wilderness. Whether you opt for the cozy cabins or the campgrounds, you'll be treated to a remarkable getaway. Don't pass up the opportunity to embark on a night hike to witness the canyon's beauty illuminated by the glow worms. With its captivating charm, Dismals Canyon guarantees cherished memories.

  • Jon S.
    Oct. 23, 2019

    Joe Wheeler State Park Campground

    Nice lakeside park

    Nice quiet park out on the lake. We were in loop C at the end of the improved sites. The site was level, but the power, water, and sewer were all closer to the center or front of the site than the rear. That wasn’t a dealbreaker, but the sewer was a good bit higher than the paved pad. This made dumping the black tank a little iffy at best. That aside, the park is full of deer, squirrels, birds, all kinds of stuff for the kids to look at. The playground is a bit dated, and the bathhouse could use renovation, but was functioning and relatively clean. The sites are too close together which was nice. It looked as though all of the improved sites had a fire ring and picnic table. There was a dumpster at the end of our loop where the road to the primitive campsites started, so it was only about a minute walk away. The camp store at the front had all the essentials and some souvenirs, as well as the laundry facility. Everyone we met there, including the staff and volunteers, were all great. The kids loved it, and we will definitely be back to the park again.

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2019

    Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site (Trail 200 Site B)

    Better sites further down the trail

    This is a very small site on a busy trail that is located smack dab in the middle of the path. It does have easy access to water and a nice flat area to set up a tent but that is about it. There are much nicer more established sites a little further down that I would recommend more highly. Also, because of its location near the start, it gets pretty busy here. 

    Sipsey Wilderness is a protected but unmaintained area in Northwest Alabama that is well known for its intersecting creeks, streams, and rivers that play together with the many waterfalls and magical rock faces. The wilderness area is contained within the larger Bankhead National Forest and is accessible from a variety of different trailheads many of which are only reachable on dirt roads. Hiking here you definitely get the feeling that you have left the rest of the world behind and are in complete wilderness. Different times of year provide completely different experiences whether its the exciting and boundless blooms of spring, the overgrown wild of summer, the bold and expansive colors of fall, or the high river levels and easy boating access of winter. Just make sure to always do your research and plan ahead since it can change so drastically depending on when you go. My favorite is either fall or spring since the summer can be particularly hot and buggy.

    This trip we had planned to kayak down the river from the Sipsey River Trailhead to the Highway 33 Bridge take out but were thwarted by a recent lack of heavy rain and unusually low river levels for the season. Several sites online suggested over 4 feet gauge height would be fine but after talking to the Rangers we were told the only time that it was really navigable was in the winter or fall for a couple of days after a major rainfall. With that plan out the window, we decided instead to throw some packs in the car and move our gear around to make it a semi backpacking/hiking trip.


Guide to Cherokee

Cherokee, Alabama offers several pet-friendly camping options along the Tennessee River with elevation ranging from 410 to 530 feet above sea level. The area experiences mild winters and hot summers with average annual rainfall of 55 inches. Camping areas range from developed sites with full hookups to primitive riverside spots where temperatures typically reach 90°F during summer months.

What to do

Water activities on the Tennessee River: At J.P. Coleman State Park Campground, campers can boat, fish, and swim in the river. "We stayed on campsite #55. It was back away from the water but we had a clear view to the water," notes Laura D. The park also offers mini golf near the entrance and a small playground.

Disc golf courses: McFarland Park Campground provides a full disc golf course as part of its amenities. "It is a very large park/campground. There is a marina, RV and tent campsites, a playground near the campground, and on the other side of the marina is another playground," writes Trinity W. The park sits directly on the Tennessee River offering multiple recreation options.

Historical sites: Visit nearby Shiloh Military Park when staying at Pickwick Landing State Park Campground. "The Shiloh Military Park nearby kept us busy for a whole day and we spent the evening swimming (real pool, not just a lake) and grilling and campfire at this campground," reports Kim B. The area combines outdoor recreation with historical exploration.

What campers like

Spacious waterfront campsites: Campers appreciate the direct water access at Second Creek Rec Area. "We camp here regularly on the weekends. Good location and easy to get to. We have been camping here for years good spot for fishing kayaking and just good family time," says Jake W. The area has concrete picnic tables and is maintained by local volunteers rather than TVA.

Clean facilities: Many dog-friendly campgrounds near Cherokee maintain excellent bathroom facilities. "Clean campground, bathrooms were clean with plenty of warm water. They have vending machine, washer/dryer on site," writes amber about J.P. Coleman State Park. These amenities make extended stays more comfortable for campers with pets.

Affordability: Some locations offer free camping with basic amenities. "Nice lake view from site 45," notes a reviewer about J.P. Coleman, though they mention being "able to reserve 368 days prior to arrival" indicating planning ahead is beneficial for securing preferred spots, especially during peak seasons when waterfront sites fill quickly.

What you should know

Seasonal considerations: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity. "We checked into this campsite after a disastrous experience and the previous one that we were already checked into. We stayed in a premium site which was level with a concrete pad, a cute little bistro table and a picnic table," shares Bonnie C. about Heritage Acres RV Park, suggesting having backup options is wise during busy seasons.

Uneven terrain: Many campsites in the area have leveling challenges. "The campsites are terribly unlevel. I can honestly say that is the only negative. The campground is very shady & they just improved the bathhouse," reports nickie F. about Pickwick Landing State Park. Bringing leveling blocks is recommended for RV campers.

Security concerns: Some free camping areas have reported safety issues. "First impressions pulling in I was thinking it was going to be awesome but while setting up we noticed thrash all over. The wife picked up a full bag of garbage while I was setting up," writes James R. about Brush Creek Park. Sites with gate attendants typically offer more secure environments.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas and swimming options. "This campground is in my hometown of Florence, AL. It is right on the Tennessee River and it is a very large park/campground. There is a marina, RV and tent campsites, a playground near the campground, and on the other side of the marina is another playground," explains a reviewer about McFarland Park.

Safety around water: Most riverside camping areas lack lifeguards. "Bruton Branch campground is really pretty and if you get the last 2 spots you have plenty of space for a group with a rock beach to fish from or to swim in," says Brittni F. about Pickwick Landing, suggesting securing campsites away from water edges when camping with small children.

Bathroom facilities: Quality varies significantly between parks. "Bathrooms were clean with plenty of warm water. They have vending machine, washer/dryer on site. They also have small playground at entrance and small area of mini golf," reports amber about J.P. Coleman State Park, highlighting features that make family camping more comfortable.

Tips from RVers

Site selection: When booking at Tishomingo State Park Campground, consider specific site recommendations. "The new section - sites 38-62- is amazing! Just perfect. Beautiful large sites with lake views and perfectly paved and landscaped. The rest of the campground needs the same treatment asap and is in rough shape," advises Greg S.

Premium sites worth the upgrade: At Heritage Acres RV Park, spending extra for premium sites makes a difference. "We stayed in a premium site which was level with a concrete pad, a cute little bistro table and a picnic table. The gravel was nicely manicured the concrete pad was pristine and the area surrounding the camp was beautiful," notes Bonnie C.

Leveling challenges: RVers should come prepared with leveling equipment. "Super easy access from the Natchez Trace Parkway. All sites are level concrete but narrow. No room for error on either side. Grills and some picnic tables close to each site but not close to be convenient to an RV kitchen," reports Wendy T. about Tishomingo State Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Cherokee, AL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Cherokee, AL is Tishomingo State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 50 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Cherokee, AL?

TheDyrt.com has all 76 dog-friendly camping locations near Cherokee, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.