Are you in need of a campground near Gaylesville, AL? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Gaylesville is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Gaylesville, AL. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
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
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.
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.
$8 - $110 / night
** 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
This popular park on Lake Allatoona is ideal for swimming, water skiing and fishing. Visitors can bring their own boats or rent from nearby marinas. A sand swimming beach is nestled in a cove and surrounded by trees, providing a great place to cool off during summer. Picnic shelters and group shelters may be rented for meetings, parties, reunions and other celebrations. Guests often stay overnight in rental cottages, a spacious campground, or the park’s lakeside yurt. While best known for the 12,000 acre lake, Red Top Mountain is also a hiker’s haven. More than 15 miles of trails wind through the forested park, providing opportunities for exercise and nature photography. A short, paved trail behind the park office is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, welcoming guests to explore a reconstructed 1860s homestead. The gravel-topped 4 mile Iron Hill Trail is open to both hikers and bikers, offering pretty views of the lake’s shoreline. Named for the soil’s rich red color caused by high iron-ore content, Red Top Mountain was once an important mining area. Iron pour programs are occasionally held near the Vaughn Cabin behind the park office. The park also maintains Allatoona Pass Battlefield, a historically significant battlefield due to the well-preserved trenches and earthworks.
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
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.
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.
Guide
Red Top Mountain State Park is beautiful and Lake Allatoona is large. Campsite 50 is a premium tent only walk-in site (a few dollars more). It sits on a point that sticks out in the lake. There is no shade or tree cover, so it's not "private". There are 3 other sites near by on the walk-in area and there are no boundaries or barriers between so your neighbors are in full view. There is no electric near the tent pad, the electric pole is 150+ feet away near the parking area. You probably could run 175 feet of electric extension cord... but it would have to run past the three other sites... so don't plan for electric. There is water right by the pad with a ton of pressure. The tent pad was large but extremely hard to drive tent stakes into... smaller stakes worked better. The bathhouse was an uphill hike probably 300 ft away but was modern and clean with hot showers and good water pressure. The park is clean and scenic. The staff is very courteous, friendly and helpful. There are plenty of opportunities to hike, fish and boat.
This park is about 30-40 minutes outside of Atlanta right off of I-75. If you are in a tent... you will hear I-75 traffic all night so keep in mind, that while it looks like country, you are not deep in nature... the drone of the highway will remind you. There is a train that blows its whistle that will wake you up 3 times each night and also remind you that you are not deep in the woods. The winding roads through the park outside the campground also seemed to be very popular with motorcyclists who like loud pipes.
The name Red Top Mountain is derived from the red soil in the area that was popular for the mining of abundant iron ore. But don't look for "mountains" here... you have to travel further north for more dramatic elevation.
Overall, a nice park, pretty scenery but not as secluded, quiet and relaxing as expected for tent camping.
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
I slept really well last night here, and the camp host and guests were just great. Heated bathhouse with warm shower was definitely a highlight on a chilly morning!
Only downside in my mind was that I booked a tent site, only to find that the tent sites are down the hill from all the other sites, so if you book them you will have to haul your stuff down to the lake. It did sound like the night-time fishing would be awesome though!
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.
GuideRecently stayed a couple of nights and was mostly impressed with the state park. I’m a tent camper but if I had an RV or trailer, I would definitely have trouble getting into my site (78). Many of the other sites I saw would have similar problems for trailer campers, as well. The park is in close proximity to I-75, so I could hear the distant sound of big rigs and the occasional police sirens. There is also railroad tracks somewhere that are close enough to hear train whistles in the wee hours of the morning. But the scenery of Lake Alatoona was beautiful and the staff I dealt with were all friendly and helpful. The bathroom facilities I used were very clean.
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.
Guide
Layover on our way to NM. Easy in and out. Gravel lot and level. Nice campground with amenities for kids. Self check in believe because it was the off season. Meet me at canoeing campground right off the river.
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.
Scout
This place was a nightmare. I booked primitive site #4, that whole site is on a hill, the only flat place is where you park, and that's not really flat either. Needless to say it was difficult to set anything up; tents, food, games, etc... The campsites at this campground are very close together, and unfortunately our neighbors were very inconsiderate blasting country music all night long, they literally pulled an all-nighter, no joke, even after my wife and I asked them to turn the concert down at 3:30am, they got silent for about 1 to 2 minutes, and then started it right back up. The lake area where you swim is pretty gross, there are tons of people in a relatively small area, and pontoon boats pull right up to where the rope is that contains the swim area and cook out on their grills smoking out the swim area while idling petrol fumes and exhaust in to the water. We did manage to have some fun with making a fire, and although the lake was disgusting, it did feel good because it was 100 degrees outside. We decided to pack up and leave a day early, it was that bad. Find another campground to go to, or change your dates of your trip to avoid this place, do whatever you need to do to not end up here.
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
Legend
Stayed at site 13, level gravel sites with picnic table on concrete pad, fire ring, FHU. Extended stays at the back of park and closer to hwy 20. There is a nice dog park, playground, covered pavilion, laundry room, dated bathroom, but clean. Shirley reserved our spot, and helped us pull through,and hook up, with our new RV! There is a little path/bridge, so We walked over to Camping World to get our bigger RV. The next morning, we had a few questions, so the Camping World service employee, came over (on a golf cart)to answer them. We decided to stay another night, and it was easy enough for Shirley to extend our reservation. If we were in the area again we would go back. There is a lot to do in the area….Talladega National Forest, Talladega SuperSpeedway and Cheaha State Park.T-Mobile was good, and paid about $30 night with Good Sam Discount. This Campground is also known as CWGS Campground of Oxford.
Camping near Gaylesville, Alabama, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're into hiking, fishing, or just relaxing in nature, there are some great spots to check out.
Camping near Gaylesville, Alabama, has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, you'll find a spot that suits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Gaylesville, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Gaylesville, AL offers a wide range of camping options, with 117 campgrounds and RV parks near Gaylesville, AL and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Gaylesville, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gaylesville, AL is DeSoto State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 73 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gaylesville, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Gaylesville, AL.
What parks are near Gaylesville, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 parks near Gaylesville, AL that allow camping, notably Allatoona Lake and Carters Lake.
