Mentone, Alabama sits at approximately 1,700 feet on Lookout Mountain, where the elevated terrain creates distinct microclimates across seasons. The area features numerous natural waterways, with Little River flowing atop Lookout Mountain rather than through valleys like most rivers. Campgrounds near Mentone offer diverse camping experiences ranging from highly developed sites with full amenities to primitive settings with limited facilities.
What to do
Hiking waterfall trails: DeSoto State Park Campground has numerous hiking options for all skill levels. "We covered most of the trails on the map. You can hike right off the campground loop or go down to the visitor center to other hikes. All were on rocky uneven surfaces, and muddy in a few spots but not terribly strenous," notes one visitor.
Cave exploration: Near Sawmill Lake Campsite, visitors can explore underground features. "This is a nice primitive camp site just a 2 min walk from Petty John Cave and a 5 min drive to Rock Town Trailhead. Come here to try your hand at rock climbing and spelunking. The permit was 15 dollars to access Rock Town and the Caves," reports a camper.
Mountain biking and motorized recreation: Little River Adventure Company offers both equipment and nearby trail access. "They also rent out pedal and motor bikes for exploring the parkway along the canyon," mentions a reviewer. The campground also provides water access points for swimming and kayak launching.
What campers like
Secluded sites: At Tranquility Campground, campers appreciate the natural setting. A visitor noted, "RV spots were very shady from all the trees and super quiet. Beautiful piece of property. Bath houses kept hot water too!"
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground maintains excellent facilities. A reviewer states, "They are well appointed, well maintained, and absolutely beautiful, and are spaced out to offer a feeling of seclusion: perfect for winter getaways, or for people who enjoy total creature comforts at night with nearby adventure during the day."
Seasonal variety: James H 'Sloppy' Floyd State Park offers different experiences throughout the year. "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," reports a visitor. The park has two accessible lakes and various trail options.
What you should know
Cell service and connectivity: Many campgrounds have limited or no cell coverage. At 1776 RV And Campground, a camper reported, "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."
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging approaches, particularly for larger vehicles. At DeSoto State Park, a camper warns, "Be careful to take Desoto Parkway up. Google tried to send us on an alternate road that had a big sign saying ABSOLUTELY no trucks - and from other reviews we gather that's the more trecherous one."
Reservation requirements: Most developed sites require advance planning. Cloudland Canyon State Park uses a different system: "There are no reserve ahead sites, only reserve ahead choice. Once you check in you go pick a site. So no telling where you may end up only that you will have a site for the night."
Tips for camping with families
Season selection matters: DeSoto State Park offers different activities depending on the time of year. A camper explains, "Each season offers something different. Summertime you can swim, Spring has full waterfalls and beautiful flowers, Fall has colorful leaves, and the winter gives just enough bare trees and icsicles for great pictures."
Playgrounds and recreational options: Campgrounds with organized activities help keep children engaged. "The park has 2 easily accessible nice lakes, good trails & plenty of mountain scenery. The campground has good pull through sites with plenty of trees & varying elevation to help with privacy. The bath house & playground are nice," notes a visitor at James H 'Sloppy' Floyd State Park.
Swimming and water play: Wills Creek RV Park serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby swimming holes. "The park is near Desoto State Park and Little River Canyon National preserve," mentions a reviewer, which offers natural water features during warmer months.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many mountain campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Little River RV Park & Campground, a reviewer warns, "Sites are unlevel and tight. But LRC is a awesome park and awesome swimming."
Utility placements: Check hookup locations before settling in. One RVer at Wills Creek RV Park noted, "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 neighbors' utilities actually were under our awning when extended)."
Size restrictions: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. Mountain Cove Resort has limitations, with a camper noting, "This campground is side by side hook ups. Not a tree one in the site area. Beautiful view of the mountain."
