At 25 miles from Dutton, Lake Guntersville State Park offers additional camping options beyond equestrian facilities. The park sits at approximately 600 feet elevation with surrounding mountain terrain reaching 1,200-1,500 feet. Fall temperatures in this region range from 45°F to 75°F, creating comfortable camping conditions after summer's heat and humidity subside.
What to do
Fishing at accessible points: Lake Guntersville State Park Campground provides multiple shoreline access areas for anglers. "We had a great time. Very clean place and great fishing!" notes Collin D. about the opportunities available directly from the campground.
Rock climbing for various skill levels: Cherokee Rock Village offers spectacular climbing opportunities 40 miles from Dutton. "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 Jess C., highlighting the year-round climbing potential.
Hiking through canyons: Walls of Jericho - Clark Cemetery Backcountry Campsite requires a 3.1-mile hike to reach from the Alabama trailhead. According to Steve V., "The Clark Cemetery campsite is a moderate sized campsite along the Walls of Jericho trail and is located just yards from the Clark Cemetery and the Turkey Creek Bridge."
What campers like
Waterfront camping spots: At Fairview Campground, campers appreciate direct water access. "Great campground on the water and spacious sites. Water access at your campsite to swim or kayak," explains Clinton N., highlighting the convenience of lakeside camping.
Cave exploration: Near Cherokee Rock Village, visitors can access underground adventures. "There is a near by water falls and cliff jumping called High Falls. I love going to the drive-in movie theatre near by only $15 per vehicle to watch 2 movies!" mentions Jess C.
Primitive camping with river access: Davis Pond Campsite provides free camping with basic amenities. "Down a long and winding (and dusty) gravel road into the WMA is the Davis Pond camp site, a real gem with shady trees and a fishing pond," writes William S., describing the remote location.
What you should know
Limited shade coverage: Lake Guntersville State Park Campground has experienced significant tree loss. "A few years ago a tornado took out a lot of the big pines so it's a bit hot with very little shade. But it's still the best place to camp around Guntersville!" says Greg H.
Cell service limitations: Mountain Cove Resort, about 35 miles from Dutton, offers beautiful scenery but limited connectivity. Nathan T. warns, "There is no cell service and no Wi-Fi. Off the grid. There is a country store on site with minimal need items."
Difficult access roads: Some campgrounds require careful navigation. The road to Sawmill Lake Campsite can be challenging: "If you have a trailer or rv I recommend coming in from the west direction, if you can tell from maps. The east way had 180 degree sharp turns up the mountain, so may be difficult," advises Mitchell M.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for children: Lake Guntersville State Park Campground offers multiple water-based options. "The park maintains a splash pad, basketball and tennis courts, playground, shady dog park, and clean bathhouses," according to L&A C., detailing family-friendly amenities.
Multiple accommodation options: Horse campgrounds near Dutton, Alabama often provide various lodging choices. L&A C. notes that Lake Guntersville State Park has "several types of sites, monthly, cabins and tent camping."
Playground access: Sharon Johnston Park provides extensive recreation options for children. "It's a great site to bring the kids. In the summer the pool is open which is great for the hot days. There's also a track, a baseball field, and soccer fields," explains M&P M.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: When selecting equestrian camping spots near Dutton, consider site layout. "Most spots are very close together so you don't eat much privacy. Super crowded on the weekends," Scott M. cautions about Lake Guntersville State Park Campground.
Hookup availability: Fairview Campground offers various connection options. "Some sites have Full Hook-up, 50 amp. (Sewer not available on water sites.)," notes Becky S., providing important information for RVers requiring specific utilities.
Road access for larger vehicles: Access to some camping areas requires careful planning. Alanna R. mentions about Lake Guntersville State Park, "We went to the state park for the weekend. Stayed in the A area which we were told had sewer (it does not but it's very close to the dump station)," highlighting the importance of verifying amenities before arrival.
Traveler
