Located in northeastern Alabama, Fort Payne sits at elevations ranging from 1,100 to 1,750 feet above sea level in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The region features rugged terrain with limestone canyons, dense forests, and several rivers and lakes. Winter nights can drop below freezing while summer daytime temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, requiring visitors to prepare for seasonal conditions.
What to do
Hiking the waterfalls trail: Visitors to Cloudland Canyon State Park can explore multiple waterfall trails with varying difficulty levels. "The long hike around the canyon and down into it provided amazing views! I'm always thrilled to find camping areas where I can have the convenience of my car-but can avoid the noise of RVs - and you definitely get that here!" (Abby M.)
Fishing on Lake Guntersville: Lake Guntersville State Park Campground offers shoreline fishing options at most sites. "The park is one of the nicer parks. Great mountainous drive to get to the entrance of the park. Right on the banks of Guntersville lake which has great fishing and watersports." (Brad W.)
Water activities at Marion County: Located near Highway 41, this park provides easy access to water recreation with minimal costs. "Swimming, soccer, baseball, boating, disc golf, para course all right here. Water and electric at site and dump site (didn't use). At $20 it was a nice stop for a night." (Cori H.)
Cave exploration: The region around Fort Payne offers limestone cave systems worth exploring. "The Cave tour is a must, but prepare to get dirty. We have camped every GA State Park but four. Hard to beat Cloudland." (G F.)
What campers like
Privacy in natural settings: Many glamping guests in Fort Payne value secluded sites with natural barriers. "We have not been able to see the inside of the yurts, but they are spaced away from each other and off the road, and offer a lot of privacy; the loop that serves the yurts it not connected to any other road." (Stephanie J. at Lookout Mountain-Chattanooga West KOA)
River views and water access: Waterfront glamping sites often receive higher ratings. "Clean, and well maintained. Tent camping along the edge of the river. Fire pits or grills, picnic tables, clean bathroom, and hot showers. If you are a light sleeper, the traffic noise from the highway might be disturbing." (Deborah H.)
Affordability of basic sites: Several campgrounds near Fort Payne offer budget-friendly glamping options. "Affordable.... could be a little better maintained. Overall pretty good for a weekend get a way." (Jeff W. at Marion County Park)
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms are consistently mentioned as important features. "The bath house has showers and running hot water. Our backcountry campground had a fire pit and even a picnic table, and was nestled beside a babbling brook." (Anna M.)
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Glamping accommodations vary significantly by season. "Sites are mostly level and bathhouses are clean and close. Waterfalls were weak but we knew this going in July but still great views. Our next trip here will be in the fall." (Richard F.)
Reservation requirements: Most glamping sites require advance booking, especially for weekend stays. "We were placed in the new addition of the park, where the sites were very tight and the utility hookups where in a strange position. The turn at the end of the new sights was a bit sharp if you have a long rig." (Randy G. at River Rocks Landing)
Limited Wi-Fi access: Most glamping sites have minimal or no internet connectivity. "There is free WiFi, but it is more for show than for use; very slow and unreliable. Also, the shower rooms are much in need of an update and be more available." (Katie D. at Cedar Creek RV & Outdoor Center)
Site selection strategy: Research site locations before booking for best results. "The West Rim camping loop has a total of 48 tent/RV sites with 30 or 50A hookups, water, gravel tent pads, picnic tables, and fire rings. This loop is far more wooded and offers a greater variety of site size and privacy." (Stephanie J.)
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "Kids loved the pool and jumping pillow. Very rocky throughout campground." (Jill P.)
Security features: Several campgrounds offer increased security measures. "The gate is locked after 8pm, but you can get a key for a deposit of $10, which you get back when you leave. This means it is pretty secure at night." (Rose Alice W.)
Family programming: Some glamping sites schedule special events for families. "Every fall break James H. "Sloppy" Floyd SP puts on a stellar Halloween haunted campground. The decorations are worth the short drive from Chattanooga, TN. The kids really enjoyed the short hike to the primitive camping for a keep tent camping trip before staying in the main campground." (Brian P.)
Wildlife awareness: Wildlife encounters are common at Fort Payne glamping sites. "This campground offers well-shaded, and secluded sites. Beware of the raccoons. They are very clever. I spent a little time raiding their trash stash." (Jan P.)
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: RV sites vary considerably in size and privacy. "The sites by the office are close to the highway, but it isn't that busy or loud. Very family oriented and peaceful. The only bad thing…. the flies! Bring fly traps." (Paul L.)
Water pressure issues: Some RV sites have inconsistent water pressure. "Down side: water pressure was slightly over 40 psi which made my water pump run continuously until I just shut it off." (Michael)
RV size limitations: Not all glamping sites accommodate larger rigs. "Campground loop road has a steep entrance turning in from the main road that goes through the park and the campground loop itself is very winding. Most of the sites were fairly level and shaded. Power and water at sites." (Kelli L.)
Pull-through availability: Some sites offer easier access for larger vehicles. "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." (Scotty W. at Wills Creek RV Park)
