Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Fort Payne, AL is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Fort Payne is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Fort Payne, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
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.
$38 / night
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.
$65 / night
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.
$0 - $35 / night
$8 - $110 / night
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.
Discover a quaint destination in the heart of Alabama’s mountains at Little River Campground. Set on 38 beautiful acres, we provide an ideal home base for enjoying the region’s most famous natural attractions, from cascading waterfalls to rugged canyons and beyond. Just a short drive from Fort Payne and I-59, our campground offers private RV sites, unique glamping accommodations, and primitive camping for those who crave a simpler escape. With adventure at your doorstep at your home away from home.
$45 - $55 / night
Temporarily closed for renovations.
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.
** We are closed for the Winter Season and will reopen March 2025 **
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.
$25 - $30 / night
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.
$38 / night
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.
$0 - $35 / night
$8 - $110 / night
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.
Discover a quaint destination in the heart of Alabama’s mountains at Little River Campground. Set on 38 beautiful acres, we provide an ideal home base for enjoying the region’s most famous natural attractions, from cascading waterfalls to rugged canyons and beyond. Just a short drive from Fort Payne and I-59, our campground offers private RV sites, unique glamping accommodations, and primitive camping for those who crave a simpler escape. With adventure at your doorstep at your home away from home.
$45 - $55 / night
Ranger
Read that there was a drive-in camp site at this location. Upon arrival, we found a parking lot with a fence all around it. There were a few fire rings in the parking lot.
I was not tempted to stay. There was nothing here but a place to park when you go hiking. The only thing here was disappointment and the realization that I needed to go somewhere else.
Guide
The campground is very clean and like new. We used our pop up and the site we used was very level.
Excellent hiking and views of the canyon.
Traveler
Cold night. No firewood. Alone. It's okay.
Traveler
Great sites with fire pits.
Scout
Bob has a wonderfully serene campground for both RV’s and tent camping. I invite everybody looking for a quiet place on Mentone to visit 1776 RV.
ScoutVery well kept RV campground.
Scout
Chief Ladiga Trail mountains
Guide
Great camping option for first come. Glad to get plenty of options for sites. Long drive in. Hosts were great and even deliver firewood to your site. Clean bathrooms, showers, and overall campground. Only had one guest with many kids playing late into night, past quite hours (if any are posted), but we found out it was Fall break and kids were out of school all week. Great hike around the lake and boatramp for trolling motors only.
TravelerI love this campground. It's located right off the main highway, and has pull-through spots with full hookups. But the best part is the screaming fast internet! We work from home and the internet was so fast, people were amazed when I told them I was at a campground. We didn't even try to use our 5G system. The rates are great, too!
Ranger
Beautiful peaceful camping ground. Walking distance to Sitton Gulch. Campground was clean and the staff is very friendly. Waterfalls were dry at the time of our visit, but it was still a beautiful site.
RangerWe loved this State Park. The campsites were pristine, spacious, and well-planned. We enjoyed the hiking trails and reconnecting with nature. There was an on-site camp store with everything we needed.
Scout
I tent camped on a drive-in deluxe site in September with my dog. The host, Giorgio, was pleasant and helpful. He had firewood for sale on the property at a reasonable price.
As another reviewer noted, the bathhouse is at the very front of the property away from the campsites, but the toilet and shower were clean and perfectly adequate.
My site was flat, spacious, and easy to unload and set up on. The rest of the sites also looked very spacious and fairly flat. The campground's location is very convenient to Little River Falls.
My one quibble would be that, although the site definitely feels secluded, there was a little bit of road noise at night from the main road. It wasn't nearly enough to keep me awake, but YMMV if you're sensitive to it. The host mentioned that the sites at the back, where I was, were closer to the road and would be louder than the sites in the front of the property.
I would recommend this campsite to any drive up tent campers looking for a convenient, serene campground in this part of Alabama. I will be a repeat patron here.
Traveler
Somewhat crowded, but it was a holiday weekend. Very clean bathrooms and campground. Employees were extremely friendly, inviting, and knowledgeable!
Guide
Land pass required. No alcohol is permitted. This is a wildlife management area. The camp sites are first come, first serve. They are free. Only 2 sites with tables. If you like dispersed camping you'll probably enjoy it. If you prefer a campground, this is not for you.
Guide
This campground is side by side hook ups. Not a tree one in the site area. Beautiful view of the mountain. We did not stay the night.
Guide
The Pocket is our favorite place to camp. You're under a good canopy, so lots of shade. The creek is great for kids to play in. There's no need to bring water, just a container. There's a natural spring that flows out of the ground in the day area. We drink this water every day. We are local to The Pocket, so we fill jugs for home here as well. It is very cold water. No matter the temperature, you'll cool off in the spring. No showers but they do have a bathroom house. No water or power hookups. Site 10 is right next to the creek and gets the most sun. Site 7 is close to the day area, and people tend to intrude on your privacy in this site. Other than that, the campground is awesome! Our favorite sites are 6 and 23.
Traveler
Very rude employees at booking. Fair warning, if you don’t have a brand new RV, don’t bother calling. They only want the new and fancy ones there. Shame as it’s a great location.
Scout
Deep ditches around my site made it very, very difficult to park my van - terrified that one of my wheels would fall off the edge. Don’t think I will be back.
Scout
I didn’t get the chance to have an experience because they would not even rent to me because I have mixed breed rescue dogs.
ScoutGreat location near I-75. Just stayed for a quick overnight.
LegendVisited Lake Guntersville State Park, for the day. After taking our granddaughter to Screaming Eagle Zip-line Adventures, located at the gorgeous Lodge, we visited the Campground…and it’s amazing! At the office, we were helped by Rocky, who was friendly and knowledgeable! We received CG info and a map, as well as rates. We are already planning our next trip to visit! The general store was stocked with necessities, as well as souvenirs. Of course we had to get some ice cream! There are several types of sites, monthly, cabins and tent camping. There are boat slips (local rentals) and a Pavilion on the water, basketball and tennis courts, playground, shady dog park, splash pad, and clean bathhouses. Firewood and ice can be purchased at the store. There are also many trails to hike and bike . It is easy to see that this SP is well maintained! The SP Lodge is worth visiting, which has a nice restaurant. LGSP has a golf course, and the quaint town is close by and has shopping and several restaurants.
Legend
Marshall County Park, is easy to find/see right on 431. Nothing fancy, but well maintained property, and plenty of room for parking and boating.
Scout
Had a great time camping this weekend at Greensport campground .This was our first time camping my wife and I and our 9 year old grand daughter. The staff were very helpful, lots of planned activities for the kids. Scenery was great , lots of amenities. Will definitely be be back soon.
Traveler
Overall we enjoyed this stay! GPS wants to take you to where the road dead ends but the actual turn off is before the end of the road on the right where the big wood sign is. The first road is pretty nice but then the road forks. We went right which goes up, passed an open gate followed the road LOTS OF DEEP POTHOLES. The road then opens up to a four way, we kept going straight, followed the road down and then came to three sites all empty. It was quiet and we were alone so overall we enjoyed other than the deep potholes. Our truck is pretty high and 4x4 so wasn’t too bad for us but a low car may not fair as well. We were there on a Friday
Guide
This place did not disappoint. Wife and I were wanting to stay at Desoto State Park but it was full. The husband and wife duo that owns this took us in and treated us like royalty. They looked after us and even stayed up all night to help everyone watch the weather during a tornado watch. RV spots were very shady from all the trees and super quiet. Beautiful piece of property. Bath houses kept hot water too!
Scout
This is a beautiful place. If you’re looking for more primitive and secluded places to camp this place is mainly for POEPLE with rvs.
Ranger
What a beautiful place. Stayed the weekend and hit almost all of the trails, saw 4 waterfalls and so many amazing rock formations. There are three trailheads that leave directly from the campground, which is a well-kept and clean place with well spaced sites. The upper loop is on a hill, but the sites are spaced out slightly more than the lower loop. The lower loop was more level and a bit newer. The best sites are in the 60s on the outer part of the lower loop. Just a wonderful place to spend a weekend.
Camping near Fort Payne, Alabama, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're into hiking, fishing, or just relaxing by the campfire, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Camping around Fort Payne, Alabama, has something for everyone, so pack your gear and enjoy the great outdoors!
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 121 campgrounds and RV parks near Fort Payne, AL and 7 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 7 free dispersed camping spots near Fort Payne, AL.
What parks are near Fort Payne, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 parks near Fort Payne, AL that allow camping, notably Allatoona Lake and Carters Lake.
