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Best Campgrounds near Fort Payne, AL

865 Reviews

Several campgrounds surround Fort Payne, Alabama, with options for different types of campers. DeSoto State Park Campground works well for families who want to hike trails and see waterfalls, and it has both RV and tent sites along with basic restrooms and picnic tables. Little River RV Park and Campground sits a few miles from town and includes full hookups plus a small fishing pond. Wills Creek RV Park has bigger sites that can handle larger RVs and is close to Fort Payne. You can reach all these campgrounds on good roads, though some spots might need vehicles with higher clearance because of rough ground. Some campsites give you more space from neighbors than others. Most camping areas have good tree cover for shade when Alabama gets hot in summer. Watch for fire rules, which can change during dry weather. It's smart to make reservations ahead of time, especially on weekends and during busy seasons. You typically don't need special permits to camp here, but double-checking never hurts. Most places let you stay up to two weeks, giving you plenty of time to check out the area. Fort Payne has camping that works for quick trips or longer stays.

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Best Camping Sites Near Fort Payne, Alabama (138)

    1. DeSoto State Park Campground

    74 Reviews
    Alpine, AL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 845-5075

    $38 / night

    "Desoto State Park campground is located about 15 miles from Fort Payne Alabama. Nice spacious sites some gravel and not very level."

    "Desoto State Park is one of our favorite Alabama places to visit, located in Northeastern Alabama and the southern end of Lookout Mountain."

    2. Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground

    183 Reviews
    Trenton, GA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 657-4050

    $10 - $270 / night

    "Campground Review:East Rim Campground Pro’s: 1-Handicap Accessible, there is a cabin which is also HDA. 2- If your visiting for a get together your right next to the day use area and there is a picnic"

    "But we didn’t let that stop us hiking the West Rim Loop Trail and camping at the Walk In Campsite. We loved the views, waterfalls, and walk ability of this park."

    3. Little River RV Park & Campground

    19 Reviews
    Fort Payne, AL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 619-2267

    $45 - $55 / night

    "This is my go to campground in fort Payne Alabama. The owners are super nice!! There is a pond with cute ducks!! You can buy a bundle of fire wood for $5."

    "This campground is in a great location with amazing trails, history stops, waterfalls, and more located very close by. The owner stopped by our RV to welcome us and is very friendly and helpful."

    4. Little River Adventure Company

    9 Reviews
    Fort Payne, AL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (866) 729-1148

    $25 - $30 / night

    "I had seen postings for the Little River Adventure Company over the last few moths and while looking at the map, I realized it was close to the TAT as it dips into AL (Sam's route), which I would be riding"

    "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."

    5. Wills Creek RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Fort Payne, AL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 845-6703

    "Easy to get to from I-59 in Fort Payne. They have some sites that are shaded, but the pull through sites are in an open area."

    "Quiet RV park close to Ft Payne and surrounding parks such as Desoto state Park. Close to Little River Canyon waterfall among others. (A must see)."

    6. Cherokee Rock Village

    33 Reviews
    Leesburg, AL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 523-3799

    $0 - $35 / night

    "We attended North Alabama trails and recreation’s Rock and Rig event here. The park is beautiful with amazing views."

    "the locals) since 2011, starting back when it was still largely undeveloped and free…totally worth paying for these days - they’ve made it such a great place: showers, bathrooms, dumpsters, plenty of walk-in"

    7. James H 'Sloppy' Floyd State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Summerville, GA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 857-0826

    $15 - $180 / night

    "Easy access to campground. Swing wide to get centered between the fence post and the culvert. Then you are home free. Getting into the sites was easier."

    "Close to home but a nice clean campground. Decent trails. nice lake to jave a lazy day next to..."

    8. Tranquility Campground

    7 Reviews
    Mentone, AL
    9 miles
    Website

    $25 - $35 / night

    "This review is for Tranquility RV and Campgrounds in Mentone Alabama. I really enjoyed camping here."

    "A beautiful and peaceful space for tent or RV camping very close to downtown Mentone as well as Desoto State Park."

    9. 1776 RV And Campground

    5 Reviews
    Mentone, AL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 619-1776

    "Nice quiet small campground just outside downtown Mentone. Friendly helpful camp host, clean bathhouse, full hook ups and great wifi access so husband could work from camper."

    "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!"

    10. Hurricane Creek Campground

    1 Review
    Alpine, AL
    4 miles
    +1 (334) 300-7474
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Recent Camping Photos near Fort Payne, AL

357 Photos of 138 Fort Payne Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Fort Payne, AL

865 Reviews of 138 Fort Payne Campgrounds

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground

    Beautiful park, great hiking

    Cloudland Canyon is one of Georgia’s prettiest parks. There are 2 campgrounds. West Rim campground has more privacy, with the sites in the trees. Sites in The East Rim campground are closer together, and is noisier.. There are also backcountry campsites. The West Rim Loop Trail, considered one of the top 10 hikes in the United States, according to Backpacker Magazine starts in the West Rim Campground. There is also a strenuous waterfall trail into the canyon. The campground was water and electric sites. There are no full hookup sites, but there is a dump station. Modern showers and bathrooms.

  • b
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Campville LLC

    Great stay

    Super clean campground with great amenities!! Only a mile from 75 but doesn't feel like it's located by the interstate. Highly recommend checking the place out!

  • dolphmike The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Walls of Jericho - Trailhead Campsite

    Quite

    Quite at night, but the primitive camping area is overgrown, and I have seen a lot of trash in the woods. Stayed one night just to hike the trail the next morning.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Calhoun A-OK Campground

    Now called CedarBreak…

    Not KOA anymore - the campground has been renamed CedarBreak. New owners and they are very nice and helpful. Nicely Renovated office and store. Upgraded our site when they knew our plans. Minor sound from adjacent road, other than that very quiet, clean, nice layout with trees, good site spacing, I’ll be back.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Lake Guntersville State Park Campground

    Great place for kids

    We went to Guntersville State Park campground for our first camping trip and really enjoyed it. We went on Labor Day weekend so it was pretty full. Even though nearly every campsite was booked, there was plenty of room for kids to roam, ride bikes, and play. I was really surprised how quiet it was despite the number of people there. No noise issues (other than my own kids). We spent alot of time at the playground and also a morning on the beach area. We’ll definitely be back one day.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Wills Creek RV Park

    Convenient location

    This was an overnight stay on our way to the Smokies. Easy to get to from I-59 in Fort Payne. They have some sites that are shaded, but the pull through sites are in an open area. Gravel roads and pads (thankfully, as everything around was standing in water from the recent downpour)

    The facility is dated, but clean and an easy on and off on the way through.

    Nightly rate was $45

    WiFi worked

  • Stephanie S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Misfit Mountain

    Cute off grid cabin

    We had a great experience here! It is such a cute cabin with everything you need including a luxurious outdoor shower and composting toilet. The trails on the property looked nice and well maintained but we unfortunately didn’t get a chance to try them. I would just recommend texting the host before showing up as it can be tricky to find and she has some additional info that’s useful.

  • Brian W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Tennessee Wall Camp

    Fantastic spot and great for hammocks as well

    Great for hammocks and tents

  • L
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Desoto Falls State Park

    Nice well spaced sites

    Very clean, well spaced sites. Google GPS to us directly to the campground. Be sure to check in at the store

Guide to Fort Payne

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.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at DeSoto State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, “Stayed the weekend and hit almost all of the trails, saw 4 waterfalls and so many amazing rock formations.”
  • Rock Climbing: If you're into climbing, check out Cherokee Rock Village. A reviewer said, “Best climbing in the southeast, bouldering and sport, and a lot of RC car rock crawling.”
  • Fishing: Goose Pond Colony is great for fishing. One visitor shared, “The kids have loved the playground and fishing.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the parks. A review for Buck's Pocket State Park Campground noted, “The park is operated by the state and is very clean and staffed by friendly people to help.”
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers mention the helpfulness of the staff. At Little River RV Park and Campground, one camper said, “The owner came around and she was very sweet.”
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the views. A review for Tranquility Campground stated, “The campground is very wooded and well cared for with separate sites for tent only and RV camping.”

What you should know

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for mosquitoes at Goose Pond Colony. One camper warned, “The water next to the campground is relatively stagnant so the mosquitoes here are horrendous!”
  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell service. A visitor at Buck's Pocket State Park Campground mentioned, “There is absolutely no cell service or TV stations available due to the geographic makeup of the park.”
  • Seasonal Water Levels: Some creeks may be dry depending on the season. A camper at Buck's Pocket State Park Campground noted, “The creek in the campground is bone dry.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: DeSoto State Park Campground is great for families. One reviewer said, “There are also so many great places to swim when it gets hot including DeSoto Falls and the stream that runs through the park.”
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities planned. A camper at Cherokee Rock Village mentioned, “The views are awesome, climbing is awesome & camping is awesome.”
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A review for Little River Adventure Company said, “Our kids were amazed by the water access and walking trails.”

Tips from RVers

Camping around Fort Payne, Alabama, has something for everyone, so pack your gear and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What tent camping options are available near Fort Payne?

Fort Payne offers excellent tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. DeSoto State Park Campground provides dedicated primitive camping areas with gated access to prevent unnecessary traffic, making it ideal for tent campers seeking tranquility. The park features numerous hiking trails and historic TVA sites. For a more unique experience, Little River Adventure Company offers tent sites with essential amenities and convenient access to outdoor activities. Their location is perfect for those exploring the Trans-America Trail. Both locations provide beautiful natural settings typical of the Lookout Mountain region, with elevations around 1,700 feet offering cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands.

Are there any state parks with camping facilities near Fort Payne?

Yes, there are excellent state parks with camping facilities near Fort Payne. Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground is a nearby option with handicap-accessible sites and facilities, including a specially designed cabin. The East Rim Campground is conveniently located next to day-use areas, making it perfect for group gatherings. Another option is James H 'Sloppy' Floyd State Park Campground near Summerville, which offers drive-in and walk-in access with reservable sites, toilets, and big-rig-friendly spaces. Both parks provide beautiful natural settings with hiking trails and recreational opportunities within reasonable driving distance from Fort Payne.

Where are the best campgrounds in Fort Payne, Alabama?

Fort Payne boasts several outstanding campgrounds. Little River RV Park & Campground is a local favorite located less than a mile from Little River Canyon National Park. The facility offers various lot options, affordable firewood ($5/bundle), and features a charming pond with ducks. The owners receive consistent praise for their hospitality. Another excellent option is Tranquility Campground in nearby Mentone, providing a peaceful retreat with full amenities. For those seeking larger sites or traveling with RVs, Wills Creek RV Park offers expanding facilities, though the newer sites can be somewhat tight for larger rigs.

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