Cabins near Fort Payne, Alabama sit at elevations between 1,200 and 1,700 feet, making them significantly cooler in summer than lower-lying areas. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from December through February, with occasional snow at higher elevations. Primitive and walk-in cabins typically remain 5-10 degrees cooler than valley temperatures due to the elevation and tree cover.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Access multiple waterfall trails from DeSoto State Park Campground. "We explored DeSoto falls and went to Little River canyon. There is a canyon rim drive if you can't hike. You must spend some time in this area to explore it all. Some of the waterfalls are seasonal dependent upon rainfall," notes a camper.
Fishing access: Several cabin locations offer direct fishing opportunities. At Tranquility Campground, "There is a 6 acre lake for fishing but it's catch & release. And no swimming or kayaks allowed," according to a visitor.
Cave tours: When staying at cabins near Lookout Mountain, explore underground options. "The Cave tour is a must, but prepare to get dirty," advises a camper at Cloudland Canyon State Park.
Swimming areas: Several cabin locations feature swimming options during warm months. "Summertime you can swim, Spring has full waterfalls and beautiful flowers, Fall has colorful leaves, and the winter gives just enough bare trees and icicles for great pictures," notes one visitor describing the seasonal activities.
What campers like
Private campground feel: Many cabin campers appreciate secluded settings. At Mentone Campground, visitors enjoy "quiet and relaxing... Friendly helpful camp host, clean bathhouse, full hook ups and great wifi access so husband could work from camper."
Nature trails: Access to walking paths directly from cabin areas ranks highly. "The park has many hiking trails, water falls, close to Little River Canyon. Beautiful all year long," comments a visitor about DeSoto State Park.
Fast internet access: Surprisingly, several cabin locations offer excellent connectivity. "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," notes one visitor to 1776 RV and Campground.
Consistent hot water: Cabin and shower facilities with reliable hot water receive praise. "Bathhouse was clean and had the best hot water shower I have had in a campground," noted one visitor at DeSoto State Park.
What you should know
Winter accessibility: Most cabins remain open year-round with heated options. "Winter camping was good. Some sites might be tight if campground is full," notes a visitor to Noccalula Falls Campground.
Booking considerations: Some locations don't accept reservations. "If you plan to camp here, be advised that they don't take reservations! I have no idea how, or why they do business this way, but that's how it is. So you show up and hope for the best!" warns a visitor about Goose Pond Colony.
Cell reception limitations: While some locations offer good WiFi, cellular coverage varies dramatically. "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," explains a camper at DeSoto State Park.
Road access challenges: Some cabin areas require navigating steep roads. "The route from the south is much easier particularly if you have a large motorhome or a long fifth wheel," advises one camper about accessing the campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Select cabins based on amenities for children. At James H 'Sloppy' Floyd State Park Campground, "Great pull through spots and great playground for kiddos... very clean!" notes a visitor.
Junior Ranger programs: Some cabin locations offer structured activities. "They have scout activities, a Junior Ranger program, playgrounds, swimming pools, and plenty of trails to hike," explains a camper about the family-friendly options.
Beware bathroom distances: With children, consider cabin location relative to facilities. "The facilities were very clean and spacious but not very accessible. We had to walk nearly a quarter of a mile just to reach them on the camp roads," explains a visitor about bathroom access.
Seasonal activities: Plan around special events at cabins. "After Thanksgiving the gardens next door have a fabulous Christmas light display," mentions a visitor to Noccalula Falls Campground.
Tips from RVers
Navigating mountain roads: Cabins in the Fort Payne region often require careful driving. At Lake Guntersville State Park Campground, "Great mountainous drive to get to the entrance of the park. Right on the banks of Guntersville lake which has great fishing and watersports."
Site angles and backing challenges: RV cabins may have unusual positioning. "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," notes a DeSoto visitor.
Tree coverage variations: Many cabin areas have experienced weather damage. "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!" explains a visitor describing the changed landscape.
