Best Campgrounds near Scottsboro, AL

Scottsboro, Alabama serves as a gateway to several established campgrounds with varied accommodation options. Jackson County Park and Goose Pond Colony Resort Campground provide waterfront camping directly in Scottsboro, while Lake Guntersville State Park Campground sits approximately 20 miles southwest. These developed campgrounds support multiple camping styles including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Most facilities maintain year-round operations with amenities such as electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities. The surrounding area also features Cathedral Caverns State Park Campground and Buck's Pocket State Park Campground, both within 30 minutes of Scottsboro.

Campground access throughout the region remains consistent year-round, though summer months bring higher occupancy rates, particularly at waterfront locations. Most established campgrounds require reservations, especially during weekends and holiday periods. The terrain varies from lakeside flat areas to more elevated positions in nearby state parks, with most sites accessible via paved or well-maintained gravel roads. Cell service varies by location, with stronger coverage at campgrounds closer to Scottsboro proper and more limited connectivity in outlying areas. Weather conditions remain mild through spring and fall, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and high humidity. A camper observed that "the sites each have fire ring, grill, electric, water and gravel drives. Most sites are wooded with lots of shade, and most sites are mainly level."

Waterfront camping represents a significant draw for visitors to the Scottsboro area, with multiple campgrounds offering direct access to Guntersville Lake and the Tennessee River system. Campers frequently mention the fishing opportunities and water recreation as highlights of their stays. The state park campgrounds provide more extensive trail systems and natural features, with DeSoto State Park receiving particular praise for its hiking options. According to one visitor, "There is great hiking nearby and the sites are large enough for a lot of people. Make sure to take a hike to the beautiful waterfall." Mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate both tent and RV camping are common throughout the region, though tent campers may prefer the more secluded primitive sites available at some of the state parks. Most developed campgrounds provide standard amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, and access to bathhouses.

Best Camping Sites Near Scottsboro, Alabama (142)

    1. Lake Guntersville State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Guntersville, AL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 571-5455

    "This is a nice state park in a small town in north Alabama. The lake is really pretty and the campground has a nice view of it."

    "Although the furthest away from a bathhouse, we truly enjoyed this site. It’s “pick your own” and we picked the site next to Seals hiking trail along the water."

    2. Cathedral Caverns State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Woodville, AL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 728-8193

    $14 / night

    "If you are looking for a Cave experience in Norh Alabama that little kids can handle, this is it."

    "state employees live fulltime within walking distance of the campsites."

    3. Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground

    183 Reviews
    Trenton, GA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 657-4050

    $10 - $270 / night

    "Campground Review:East Rim Campground Pro’s: 1-Handicap Accessible, there is a cabin which is also HDA. 2- If your visiting for a get together your right next to the day use area and there is a picnic"

    "But we didn’t let that stop us hiking the West Rim Loop Trail and camping at the Walk In Campsite. We loved the views, waterfalls, and walk ability of this park."

    4. DeSoto State Park Campground

    74 Reviews
    Alpine, AL
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 845-5075

    $38 / night

    "If you have a large group you want to take camping in Alabama I highly recommend this site. There is great hiking nearby and the sites are large enough for a lot of people."

    "This part of Alabama is absolutely stunning, at close to 1700 feet in elevation, this area provides some of the most elevation in the state with absolutely stunning natural beauty."

    5. Goose Pond Colony Resort Campground

    9 Reviews
    Langston, AL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 912-0075

    "The location makes it easy to too access the TN River for boating, which is great. However the water next to the campground is relatively stagnant so the mosquitoes here are horrendous!"

    "Right on the water at lake Guntersville, golf course, restaurant, walking trails, boat ramps & docks, play ground, basketball court & much more!"

    6. Monte Sano State Park Campground

    76 Reviews
    Brownsboro, AL
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 534-6589

    $14 - $30 / night

    "This site backs up to a draw and each evening just before dust we could watch the deer walk up through. 

    The bathhouse is centrally located, newer, and cleaned daily."

    "This land trust and state park offers a fun little get away in northern Alabama, just outside the city of Huntsville."

    7. Buck's Pocket State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Langston, AL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 659-6288

    "There are clean and well stocked bathrooms located at the park office and also includes a laundry facility. The office also sells firewood and ice if needed."

    "Only one row is actually on the creek with most situated a little further away but in easy hearing distance of the rapids."

    8. Little Mountain Marina Resort

    9 Reviews
    Grant, AL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 582-8211

    "I don’t like how you can’t pick your spot and you just have to drive around until you find one you like. My kids love the pools and the indoor pool is awesome during colder months. My kids love that."

    9. Jackson County Park

    2 Reviews
    Scottsboro, AL
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 574-4719

    "We weren’t lucky enough to stay in the gated in area with lake front spots. We had to stay in a gravel lot with full hookups. That was the only downside."

    10. Honeycomb Campground

    18 Reviews
    Grant, AL
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 582-9884

    "There are few places in Alabama that RVers can camp on a pristine Lake Front. Honeycome Campground is located on Lake Guntersville; AL."

    "Stayed at site 74 lakeside, plenty of room. Great site"

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Recent Reviews near Scottsboro, AL

964 Reviews of 142 Scottsboro Campgrounds


  • William  Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Marion county park Tennessee

    Hospitable spot to overnight with great fishing

    Spent the evening of the 9th Sept at Marion County Park near Chattanooga, right on the water, along Hwy 41. Fantastic hosts…Lots of fishing going on all around us. Good camping spot…level, water and electricity for $38.00. Bathhouse was older but clean with lots of hot water. Downside, only one shower stall had a bench for changing and there was no counter at the bathroom sink. The other downside was the traffic noise across the beautiful water from I-24. Very welcoming spot just off of I-24

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground

    Beautiful park, great hiking

    Cloudland Canyon is one of Georgia’s prettiest parks. There are 2 campgrounds. West Rim campground has more privacy, with the sites in the trees. Sites in The East Rim campground are closer together, and is noisier.. There are also backcountry campsites. The West Rim Loop Trail, considered one of the top 10 hikes in the United States, according to Backpacker Magazine starts in the West Rim Campground. There is also a strenuous waterfall trail into the canyon. The campground was water and electric sites. There are no full hookup sites, but there is a dump station. Modern showers and bathrooms.

  • dolphmike The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Walls of Jericho - Trailhead Campsite

    Quite

    Quite at night, but the primitive camping area is overgrown, and I have seen a lot of trash in the woods. Stayed one night just to hike the trail the next morning.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Lake Guntersville State Park Campground

    Great place for kids

    We went to Guntersville State Park campground for our first camping trip and really enjoyed it. We went on Labor Day weekend so it was pretty full. Even though nearly every campsite was booked, there was plenty of room for kids to roam, ride bikes, and play. I was really surprised how quiet it was despite the number of people there. No noise issues (other than my own kids). We spent alot of time at the playground and also a morning on the beach area. We’ll definitely be back one day.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Wills Creek RV Park

    Convenient location

    This was an overnight stay on our way to the Smokies. Easy to get to from I-59 in Fort Payne. They have some sites that are shaded, but the pull through sites are in an open area. 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

    WiFi worked

  • Peyton P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed

    A few pull offs

    You can stay at either Hunter’s check campground or Davis Pond. If you want to stay at davis pond you have to get there before dark, and there is not access for vehicles to get into the campground so it’s just tents (no overlanding, unless you’re comfortable in the parking lot). I pulled off just off one of the trails and set up. It was quiet and private. Not buggy

  • Tucker K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed

    Not as quiet as I thought

    There’s some good spots in the backcountry if you can find them, but be prepared to search quite a bit. The roads are pretty dense not many places to pull off. Night time is great but gunshots started at 6:30 at a nearby gun range and dirt bikes started hitting the roads not much later.


Guide to Scottsboro

Scottsboro, Alabama sits at the southern end of the Appalachian Mountain range with an elevation around 650 feet above sea level. The camping areas near Scottsboro experience typical southern climate patterns with 90% humidity levels common throughout summer months. Access roads to many campgrounds involve navigating mountain terrain with significant elevation changes, requiring careful driving for larger RVs.

What to do

Hiking trails: Cathedral Caverns State Park features several trails from beginner to moderate difficulty levels. The backcountry sites require hiking a mile along designated paths. "There are also hiking trails and gemstone mining, although we did not take advantage of either of these. We were there for the Cave Run - a 10km or half marathon where the last 1.2 miles AND finish are INSIDE the cave, which was very cool!" according to Lee D.

Cave exploration: Cathedral Caverns State Park offers daily guided tours through one of Alabama's most impressive cave systems. The cavern features a 126-foot-wide, 25-foot-high entrance and maintains a constant 60°F temperature year-round. "We have been in many caves and this one is very nice," notes a visitor. Tickets cost $19.95 for adults with discounts for seniors and children.

Water recreation: Lake Guntersville provides 69,000 acres of water surface for boating, fishing, and swimming. Buck's Pocket State Park offers access to Sauty Creek when water levels permit. "There are a few hiking trails that range in levels of difficulty, we hiked the trail to the overlook that I would classify as pretty arduous, the pay off was the Little Sauty Creek waterfall near the top and the beautiful vista of Point Lookout," mentions Tony C.

What campers like

Scenic viewpoints: The mountains surrounding Scottsboro provide numerous overlook opportunities. Cloudland Canyon State Park, while technically in Georgia, sits only 45 minutes from Scottsboro and offers dramatic canyon views. "The park can be spoken of in two separate sections; the East Rim and the West Rim. The East Rim is home to several cabins, the group lodge, one of the full service campgrounds, and the main trailhead, as well as the ADA accessible overlook trail which is where many of the iconic photographs of this park come from," reports Stephanie J.

Site privacy: Many campgrounds offer well-spaced sites with natural barriers. "Sites are gravel and vary; some are back-in, some are pull-through and some are parallel. Site 32 was very generous in size although not completely level. There was one picnic table, one set of water/electric utilities, and two fire rings," notes Lee D. from Cathedral Caverns.

Clean facilities: DeSoto State Park maintains exceptionally clean shower houses. "Bathhouse was clean and heated. The toilets and showers have a curtain for privacy which IMO feels less private. When I was in the shower, someone opened the curtain not realizing (!) that someone was in there. Warm water at the sinks and showers was appreciated on a damp and chilly day," reports a camper.

What you should know

Cellular connectivity: Cell service varies dramatically throughout the region due to mountainous terrain. DeSoto State Park has limited coverage. "I work remotely and internet was a challenge. I have phones with Verizon and T-mobile service as well as AT&T and T-Mobile hotspots. The verizon phone was the only service that got any signal at all, and it was spotty," warns Gerri.

Site selection challenges: Some parks don't allow advanced site selection. "I don't like how you can't pick your spot and you just have to drive around until you find one you like," notes a camper at Little Mountain Marina Resort. Goose Pond Colony operates on a first-come basis without reservations, which can be problematic during busy periods.

Severe weather history: Tornado damage has affected several campgrounds in the area. "Full hookup sites. Great views. Due to tornados in recent years, there are not many trees," notes Jaime W. about Lake Guntersville State Park. Several reviewers mention similar tornado impacts limiting shade options at campgrounds.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly activities: Little Mountain Marina Resort offers extensive recreational options. "Our little family absolutely loves this place. So much for us to do, indoor/outdoor pool, putt-putt, game room, etc.... Plus!!! They have chocolate gravy on the menu for breakfast!" raves Elizabeth P.

Educational opportunities: State parks in the region offer junior ranger programs and interpretive activities. "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," suggests Arden S.

Safety considerations: Buck's Pocket State Park features challenging terrain that requires supervision. "It is real wilderness they let you explore without huge constraints. It's awesome. Hike to the top lookout and see the little sauty falls. Then hike down the dry creek... No cell service to call for help," warns Lauren B.

Tips from RVers

Campsite access: Several campgrounds have challenging approach roads. "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. This route wasn't bad but for someone who hates windy mountain roads without an camper attached, it did give me a few stomach drops riding with the 5th wheel behind us," advises Gerri.

Site leveling challenges: Jackson County Park offers waterfront sites but some require careful setup. "We weren't lucky enough to stay in the gated in area with lake front spots. We had to stay in a gravel lot with full hookups. That was the only downside," reports Gretchen.

Hookup limitations: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. "The downside is that there is no sewer hook up but they do have a honeypot service and 2 dump stations," notes a camper at Honeycomb Campground. Several best places to camp near Scottsboro, Alabama offer water and electric only, requiring strategic planning for longer stays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available in Scottsboro, Alabama?

Scottsboro and its surrounding area offer several excellent camping options. Goose Pond Colony Resort Campground is located right in Scottsboro, offering lakeside camping with full amenities and boat access. Jackson County Park provides another convenient option within Scottsboro with water access and reservable sites. Within a short drive, you'll find additional campgrounds like Honeycomb Campground near Grant, Little Mountain Marina Resort near Langston, and DeSoto State Park slightly further away. The region benefits from its location near Lake Guntersville and the Tennessee River, creating numerous waterfront camping opportunities with scenic mountain backdrops. Most campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during peak seasons.

What options are available for tent camping around Scottsboro?

Tent campers have several great options around Scottsboro. DeSoto State Park Campground offers spacious tent sites with beautiful hiking trails and a stunning waterfall nearby. The park sits at nearly 1,700 feet elevation, providing cooler temperatures in summer. For backcountry enthusiasts, Walls of Jericho - Hurricane Creek Backcountry Campsite offers primitive camping about 2.7 miles from the Alabama hikers trailhead. The site is level and located near the junction of Tennessee and Alabama trails. Other tent-friendly options include Buck's Pocket State Park, which features wooded sites, and Cathedral Caverns State Park, where you can combine camping with underground cave exploration.

Are there places to set up an RV or camper near Scottsboro?

Wills Creek RV Park offers dedicated RV camping near Scottsboro, though sites in their newer section can be somewhat tight with utilities positioned in unusual locations. The park accommodates large rigs but has some sharp turns to navigate. For a more spacious option, Shellmound RV Resort & Campground is located near Jasper, TN, just a short drive from Scottsboro. It sits on picturesque Nickajack Lake and offers convenient access from I-24. Additional RV-friendly options include Little River RV Park & Campground and Honeycomb Campground. Most RV parks in the area provide water and electric hookups, with many offering full hookups including sewer. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak camping seasons.

Can I find camping near Scottsboro that's open right now?

Most campgrounds around Scottsboro operate year-round, though amenities may vary seasonally. Monte Sano State Park Campground remains open all year with 15 full hookup sites, 59 water and electric sites, and 21 primitive tent sites. The park features wooded surroundings and extensive hiking trails. Tranquility Campground in Mentone also stays open throughout the year, offering lakefront campsites with water and power hookups. For real-time availability, it's best to call campgrounds directly or check reservation systems online. Many campgrounds in the region experience higher occupancy during spring and fall when temperatures are mild, and during summer holidays. Winter camping is often available with fewer crowds, though some water facilities may be limited to prevent freezing.