Amanda F.
Legend
LegendMonte Sano State Park Campground
Great place
Such a great place with friendly staff! They run a great park and it is quiet too!
Camping near Scottsboro, AL
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Scottsboro, Alabama serves as a gateway to several campgrounds with varied accommodation options. Camping near Scottsboro ranges from waterfront RV hookups and tent sites to cabin rentals, with Jackson County Park and Goose Pond Colony Resort Campground providing waterfront camping directly in Scottsboro, while Lake Guntersville State Park Campground sits approximately 20 miles southwest. These 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 Campgrounds near Scottsboro (153)
1. Lake Guntersville State Park Campground
"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
"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."
from $14 / night
Check Availability3. Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground
"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."
from $10 - $270 / night
Check Availability4. DeSoto State Park Campground
"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."
from $38 / night
Check Availability5. Goose Pond Colony Resort Campground
"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
"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."
"On top of Monte Sano in the woods and a world away from the town -- although it's close by. So many trails to run or walk and a playground for the kiddos. This has primitive camping as well as W/E/S."
from $14 - $30 / night
Check Availability7. Buck's Pocket State Park Campground
"Plenty of hiking trails and the primitive camp sites were very rustic and scenic! This area has a lot to do with other Alabama State Parks close by."
"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."
8. Jackson County Park
"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."
9. Little Mountain Marina Resort
"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."
10. Honeycomb Campground
"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"
Drive Time
- 38 min from Huntsville, AL
- 1 hr 2 min from Decatur, AL
- 1 hr 5 min from Gadsden, AL
- 1 hr 7 min from Chattanooga, TN
Recent Camping Photos near Scottsboro, AL
389 Photos of 153 Scottsboro Campgrounds
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Goose Pond Colony Resort Campground
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South Sauty Creek Resort
Britton E.
Cathedral Caverns State Park Campground
P C.
Buck's Pocket State Park Campground
Nic S.
Dekalb County Public Lake
Dwight L.
Little Mountain Marina Resort
Mary L.
River Ridge Retreat Guntersville
Greg H.
Lake Guntersville State Park Campground
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Stevenson Municipal Park
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Honeycomb Campground
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TGL Adventures
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Walls of Jericho - Clark Cemetery Backcountry Campsite
Recent Reviews near Scottsboro, AL
1018 Reviews of 153 Scottsboro Campgrounds
- S
Sherri B.
TravelerCloudland Canyon State Park Campground
Scenic & Serene
Lots of hiking trails for all levels with beautiful views of waterfalls and canyon. Visitor center is currently under construction so check in at temporary location now. West rim campground seems more desirable, secluded, and natural. East rim campground closer to trailhead and current check on location.
Taylor H.
GuideRocky Mountain Recreation and Public Fishing Area
Socially secluded
Site 24 has a large pad that easily fit our 14x10 tent. It is part shade, our tent was in a little bit of sun when we arrived around lunchtime but only for a couple hours. The fire ring has a cooking grill. The wooden railing around our site came in handy for drying towels and didn’t obstruct our view of the water. We loved the lighting bugs around our site at night. Right next to the gravel path to the fishing area, it has a metal bench and a timed fish feeder.
- JJosh P.Guide
Tennessee Wall Camp
Avoid.
The road to get to the sites is long, bumpy, and very curvy (so you’ve got to go slow). The sites themselves were full of trash, graffiti, and a homeless camp. We elected to not stay.
- cceleste D.
ScoutThe Cove RV Resort and Campground
Great campground!
This place has a pretty spring fed lake and a pool. Very clean and an attentive staff.
- BBenjamin G.Scout
Cherokee Rock Village
Great last minute trip
Clean and easy to get to.
Beretta K.TravelerSpectacular Sunrise RV Park LLC
Amazing view!
We stayed one night, but wish we could have stayed more! The scenery was amazing, we even took the little path in the woods to go out to “Buzzards Point” to get an even better look at the view. There was tons of precut firewood stacked at the entrance to use in the firepit. There is also nice table and chairs on a deck overlooking the view to have your morning coffee and watch the sunrise. We will definitely be back to stay again!
- GGary S.Scout
hillside Rv village llc
Clean, well maintained basic RV park
All gravel with some spaces having grass patches between sites. Some road noise but not too bad. Priced right for what you get.
Rusty R.GuideDitto Landing City Campground
Cheap but not maintained
I was excited to be camping on the river near Huntsville, but this is not the place to do it. Sites are narrow, not mowed, and multiple of them were flooded bogs. I have added pictures of my site. I definitely won’t be back, I’d much rather stay at Monte Sano, it was immaculately maintained.
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.
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