The northern Alabama mountain town of Mentone sits at 1,700 feet elevation on Lookout Mountain, creating cooler summer temperatures compared to surrounding areas. Dispersed camping sites at several campgrounds provide access to the area's waterfalls, hiking trails and mountain vistas. Cell service varies significantly across the area, with stronger signals typically available closer to town.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Access multiple trails directly from DeSoto State Park Campground, leading to seasonal waterfalls and swimming holes. "We spent 5 days covering 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 strenuous."
Explore Little River Canyon: The 12-mile canyon offers hiking, rock climbing, and swimming at multiple points. "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."
Cave tours: Visit Cloudland Canyon State Park for cave exploration opportunities. "The Cave tour is a must, but prepare to get dirty." Just 45 minutes from Mentone, the park offers a variety of recreational activities beyond cave tours.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: 1776 RV And Campground offers spacious sites minutes from downtown Mentone and DeSoto Falls. "We stayed on sites 4, 25 and 31. The sites were well spaced apart and maybe because it was April there were a lot of open spots."
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness ranks high in camper satisfaction across multiple parks. "The bath house is nice, clean and well lit. The trails that lead from the loop to the bathhouse often end up in the back of sites but no one seems to mind."
Weather considerations: The mountain location creates varied conditions. "Summer temperatures remain cooler than surrounding Alabama regions, making this area more comfortable for pet camping during warmer months." Fall brings colorful foliage while winter can create icicles for photography opportunities. "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 icicles for great pictures."
What you should know
Terrain challenges: Most campgrounds feature uneven terrain and elevation changes. "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 treacherous one. This route wasn't bad but for someone who hates windy mountain roads without a camper attached, it did give me a few stomach drops."
Limited connectivity: Tranquility Campground and other sites offer varied cell reception. "WiFi/Cell not great, but could text out. If you want to get away this is your place." Some campgrounds counter this with dedicated WiFi: "The most beautiful I've stayed. There are not a lot of amenities but the beautiful site of those mountains. Be warned... There is no cell service and no Wi-Fi. Off the grid."
Reservation planning: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "We stayed here in our 5th wheel for five nights but had to move twice as we couldn't book a spot for the entire weekend."
Tips for camping with families
Junior Ranger programs: James H 'Sloppy' Floyd State Park Campground offers educational activities for children. "If you're looking for a spot to carry your kids on one of their first trips, this would be the perfect place. They have scout activities, a Junior Ranger program, playgrounds, swimming pools, and plenty of trails to hike."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "Site 37 does not have as much privacy being in the center of the loop, it does have one of the most perfect climbing trees I have ever seen in a public campground."
Dog friendly options: Most campgrounds near Mentone welcome pets with standard leash rules. "We stayed here on our way up to Kentucky. We only stayed 2 nights in site 34. Sites are large and semiprivate. This area of Alabama has numerous outdoor activities." Remember that while dog friendly campgrounds near Mentone are common, activity restrictions may apply for pets.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for large rigs: Carefully review site dimensions when booking. "We stayed in the primitive camping area of this park twice now. The area is kept clean, has potable water from a centrally positioned faucet, and pit toilet. The campsites are along a gated gravel service road for security. A key to the gate is provided at checkin."
Leveling considerations: Little River Adventure Company and other area campgrounds require attention to leveling. "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."
Access roads: Some campgrounds have challenging approach roads. "If you have a trailer or rv I recommend coming in from the west direction, if you can tell from maps. The east way had 180 degree sharp turns up the mountain, so may be difficult."
