Fort Payne sits at the foothills of Lookout Mountain with elevations ranging from 800 to 1,800 feet, creating distinct camping microclimates throughout the region. Summer temperatures average 85°F while winter nights can drop below freezing. The area's unique sandstone geology creates diverse camping terrain from creek beds to elevated ridge sites.
What to do
Kayaking at Cedar Creek: Located near Cave Spring, Georgia (about 30 minutes from Fort Payne), Cedar Creek RV & Outdoor Center offers excellent paddling opportunities. "Great little place to camp on the river. Family friendly and awesome river but crowded sites and bath house is poorly located and not big enough to accommodate the campground," notes one visitor.
Hiking to waterfalls: Little River RV Park & Campground provides easy access to multiple waterfall hikes. "This is your average RV and tent campground with large pull in sites and hookup that is the closest option for camping to Little River Canyon. The canyon itself does not allow any camping," explains one camper, adding that the "canyon is gorgeous and provides for some amazing views especially if you drive the entire scenic road and stop at all the lookouts."
Swimming in natural areas: Several campgrounds offer access to swimming holes during summer months. "Sites are unlevel and tight. but lrc is a awesome park and awesome swimming," says one Little River visitor, highlighting the natural water features available nearby.
What campers like
Fast internet for remote workers: Some campgrounds near Fort Payne now offer surprisingly good connectivity. As one camper at 1776 RV And Campground explains: "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."
Fishing opportunities: The lakes and rivers around Fort Payne provide excellent angling. Greensport RV Park and Campground, located about 45 minutes from Fort Payne, earns praise for its fishing access: "We have been here at Greensporte RV for 63 days and having a great time. The wife and I have been enjoying the pool and talking to the other guests. I've been boating and fishing."
Mountain scenery: The elevated terrain creates distinctive camping views. One visitor to 1776 RV And Campground described it as "wonderfully serene" while another mentioned the proximity to "lots of hiking trails within a short drive."
What you should know
Variable site sizes and leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain. One camper at Little River RV Park & Campground mentioned, "Most sites have a slight to moderate slope to them. Lots of shade." This variability requires proper leveling equipment and site selection attention.
Campground amenity differences: Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. At Wills Creek RV Park, one reviewer noted positive aspects despite limitations: "Clean, friendly staff, huge spots... great for a last minute stop, not far off the interstate!" Meanwhile, another campground had a reviewer caution that "the Laundry/Shower facilities were quite a distance from where we were camped."
Weather impacts: The mountainous terrain creates unique weather patterns. "Gravel roads and pads (thankfully, as everything around was standing in water from the recent downpour)," mentioned a Wills Creek RV Park camper, highlighting how proper site drainage becomes essential during typical regional storms.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation programs: Some campgrounds organize family activities. At Greensport, one visitor shared: "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."
Playgrounds and water features: Many sites offer dedicated children's areas. "The playground was fun for my kiddos although it really wasn't age appropriate for our 3 year old twins very well," noted a visitor at Cedar Creek RV & Outdoor Center, suggesting parents with very young children check playground suitability.
Family-friendly environment: Different campgrounds maintain varying atmospheres. One camper at The Cove RV Resort and Campground appreciated that "Everything was perfect from the first call until the day we left. Big spots. Shower houses were very clean and big pool."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: Many RVers note proximity challenges. According to one camper at Cedar Creek: "While the RV sites aren't very private, there is plenty of space to escape your neighbor." This suggests selecting end sites or sites bordering open areas when possible.
Internet reliability: Connectivity varies significantly across campgrounds near Fort Payne. A 1776 RV And Campground visitor mentioned: "Phone number is now 256-619-1776. 14 Gravel RV sites FHU 30/50 6 tent sites with electric and water. If you plan on using your cell up here...don't very poor signal but WI FI works great all over the park."
Leveling requirements: The mountainous terrain creates challenges at many RV sites. A Wills Creek camper shared: "The sights weren't particularly level, all gravel and the grass appeared hastily sown over unleveled soil with large clumps of clay and rocks present." This highlights the importance of bringing adequate leveling blocks when RV camping near Fort Payne, Alabama.
