The best camping near DeSoto State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next DeSoto State Park adventure.

100% (2 reviews)
100% (2 reviews)

This mountainous paradise offers trails, waterfalls, and scenic views across the Appalachian Mountains.  

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Community favorites near DeSoto State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in DeSoto State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near DeSoto State Park

85%
(270)

Running Water Creek

23 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Guild, TN
Running Water Creek is a unique, fully off grid campground just 20 minutes to downtown Chattanooga. We have 80+ campsites spread out over 120 acres. Most of the roads are accessible in any small car, but some roads require 4x4 (they're marked with a sign). We have a bath house with toilets, showers, and sinks and even offer hot water! Our well and cabins are all solar powered as we are not on the electric grid. Some info about the property: -we DO NOT have water or power hookups -we have gravel roads with a 5 MPH speed limit on the property (if you drive too fast the roads will seem rough) -we are right next to a highway and train tracks so there will be some noise (some days are better than others and we have no way of predicting how many trains will/will not go by) -none of our campsites have picnic tables (please plan accordingly) -most campsites have fire rings built, but if you choose a site without one you need to build your own
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$25.20
 / night
98%
(399)

Woodybrooke Farm Campground

12 sites · RVs, Tents650 acres · Ider, AL
FREE CANOE RENTAL with any booking for Spring 2024!! Pristine property with 4 stocked fishing ponds. Camp privately beside the water and relax in the canopy of our certified Alabama Treasured Forest. Swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, wildlife and bird watching. Amenities and activities available at Woodybrooke: *4 stocked ponds with bream and bass for fishing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking. *On-site canoe, jon boat and kids' kayaks rental available. *Firewood for campfires for purchase or wild harvest *Pristine private camping in a certified Alabama treasured forest on the southern edge of Cumberland Plateau *Hiking, biking, and wildlife watching opportunities *Potable fresh spring water available year-round. Complimentary coffee and tea. available for purchase farm-fresh eggs. *Hot outdoor shower, composting toilet, and community kitchen with drinkable spring water from the spigot and electricity ay community kitchen. *Electrical available at sites 6, 7, and 8 *Wi-Fi at commons area. Located a short distance renowned Cloudland Canyon, Little River Canyon, DeSoto State Park, Lookout Mountain hang gliding, horseback riding and the artsy community of Mentone Alabama. Located 35 minutes from Chattanooga on southern edge of Cumberland plateau. Easy drive to amazing overlooks. We are 97 miles from Atlanta, 107 miles from Birmingham, 120 miles from Nashville located 5 minutes off interstate! GPS location is 34.70560* N, 85.61740*
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$32
 / night
94%
(181)

Quail Run Farm

18 sites · Lodging, Tents120 acres · Chattanooga, TN
We have a working farm with sweeping views of Lookout mountain and only 12 minutes from all the comforts of downtown Chattanooga. Our expansive 120-acre property provides campers with the freedom to choose their camping spots anywhere on the farm. Farm animals include horses, cattle, hogs, chickens, goats, bees, stocked ponds, gardens and much more. We have strategically placed signs throughout the property to help you identify potential neighbors. If you desire the company of ducks, consider setting up camp near our picturesque duck pond. For those who prefer the rustic crowing of roosters to a phone alarm, we have four chicken coops dispersed across the farm. Our horses freely roam the front pastures. The cows enjoy grazing on lush grass and taking refreshing dips in the ponds. They also relish watching the sunset from the hill's vantage point, as it offers the best view on the farm. We are a working farm with staff tending to various jobs throughout the day. We have a map to show some of the popular locations campers have enjoyed in the past, but it is first come first serve. We intentionally leave some of our fields uncut. In some fields, the grass can come up above the knees. If you are picky with the grass, these are pastures on a farm and we do not cut them. We leave that to the animals to take care of. All of our staff are super friendly and happy to help guide you to the best camping spot and answer any questions. In searching for your campsite please note that there may be livestock in and around certain areas as we rotate pastures. Please respect farm rules and do not camp in a pasture with cattle and do not enter any gated area without speaking to someone on the farm who knows which fields the cattle is in. Potable well water can be located from the blue spigot outside of the staff housing area, in between the orange and green tiny home, and outside the outdoor shower. Fire rings and chopped wood are ready for you to borrow and return by the outdoor shower area. Our outdoor shower is located by the yurts. If you are interested in a more posh experience, we have yurts and tiny homes for rent. We have a pool that is available to rent privately during your stay. You can use the Swimply app to book your time or you can message us through HipCamp, and we can set that up for you. Embracing farm life is not just an adventure but also a valuable learning opportunity, whether you're a family or an individual seeking a taste of the countryside lifestyle. We hope to see you soon on the farm!
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$31.20
 / night
98%
(72)

Rolling Ridge Stays

3 sites · Lodging12 acres · Resaca, GA
Personal Pond and Flower Farm hosting 3 Unique Tiny cabins.. Located 6 mins from I-75 on exit 320.Check our pictures! This property has a private 1 acre stocked pond for recreation and 3 unique off grid accommodations. NO ELECTRIC, NO A/C, FANS PROVIDED. This is a working Family Flower Farm! You will hear noises from land management on Weekdays 9-5. Weekday prices reduced to reflect this! We love meeting our guests, and like to provide unique experiences. The property has a pond and rolling hill views with beautiful dogwoods and pines throughout. Each off grid living space offers direct access to the water and boasts a full array of cooking, cleaning, and living items. This property hosts a full camp bathroom including an on grid toilet, sink, and shower. A beautiful getaway and also a portion of the northern picket line during the Civil War at the battle of Resaca. Civil war relics are often found right here on the property. ~PET FEE- We are a pet friendly facility. If you plan on bringing your furry friend, please add the "PET FEE" located under Extras when booking.
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$63.75
 / night
98%
(68)

Whippoorwill Woods Nature Retreat

3 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · South Pittsburg, TN
Opening May 13th 2024 for the camping season! Two years ago our multi-generational family decided to go on an adventure. We had talked about moving to the woods for years, but finally decided to turn our dreams into reality. After hiking through what felt like every property for sale over 100 acres in North Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee, we finally found the perfect spot. Why do we call our property Whippoorwill Woods? Did you know that whippoorwills don’t nest in trees? They lay their eggs on the ground in the forest. They’re birds that love camping! As soon as we heard the whippoorwills start singing in the spring, we knew it was the perfect name. We’re so excited to share our property with campers who love nature as much as we do. We specifically set up the campsites to give as much privacy as possible. We hope you’ll come visit and soak up the bird songs, the wind in the trees, and the beautiful sunsets over the mountains. We have 20 acres of savannah grassland full of native plants and wildflowers and over 80 untouched acres full of awesome rock formations and creeks with waterfalls available for you to hike. There's a stocked fish pond for catch and release fishing and a gorgeous view overlooking the Cumberland Plateau and the Sherwood Valley. Experienced and beginner campers are welcome! We live on one side of the property, so we’re available to assist (setting up tents for the first few times is no joke!) or we’re happy to give you as much space and solitude as you need. We have three campsites available in the native savannah grassland, and one that is a "hike-in and choose your favorite spot in the woods" site. We have a porta-potty available, but if you're hiking in, you'll want to bring some WAG bags with you. If you have any questions, or if there’s anything we can do to help, don’t hesitate to ask! We look forward to your visit! The Jansohn and Combs Families
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$28
 / night

The best camping near DeSoto State Park guide

Overview

About

The Little River Canyon cuts through this large, accessible state park, creating natural beauty with multiple waterfalls and trails to explore across DeSoto State Park’s 3,500 acres. The park’s primitive campsites are excellent for tent camping, while a variety of cabins, RV sites with hookups, and even wall tent sites are also available within the park. The option to use modern restrooms between hikes, fishing trips, and time spent kayaking the river can be a nice bonus. A pool, picnic sites, and other common areas are also available to DeSoto campers. Just seven miles from Fort Payne, DeSoto State Park serves as a nice getaway for Alabamians looking for some time in nature.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for getting away: DeSoto State Park has two backpacking sites with weather shelters and tent platforms.
  • Best for glamping: Take advantage of DeSoto’s wall tent campsites for a comfortable experience that requires no tent setup or breakdown.
  • Best for tent sites: The primitive DeSoto campground has 18 sites with fire rings, toilets, and water. Individual and group sites are available in the primitive zone.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. The park’s primitive sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Summer weekends are popular, so arriving on a weekday is ideal for snagging a site. 
  2. Wall tent sites, group sites, and a camping cabin can be reserved in advance via the Alabama State Parks reservation system.
  3. If you prefer cabins or a motel, these are reservable in advance or on-site. Check availability by calling first, as they can fill during the busy season.
  4. Some campsites are designed for RVs and trailers with reservations possible in advance or on-site.

When to go

DeSoto State Park’s mountaintop location and the presence of a cold river help maintain a nice climate year-round. March, April, and May are often busy with the best weather, so it’s best to make camping reservations in advance for this time. Summer is hot and humid, but the park’s trees and river help cool things down. Like spring, fall is also a great time to visit for moderate temperatures. Winter is cooler and has less traffic, but temperatures tend to hover right above freezing at night. Winter camping is possible with appropriate warm weather gear.

Know before you go

  • The Little River is an excellent place for kayaking and swimming in hot weather. Bring your swimsuit and take advantage of the cool waters.
  • The park store is helpful for last-minute needs, but visitors should still stock up on groceries and supplies in a nearby town like Fort Payne.
  • The park is dog-friendly with enforceable leash rules.
  • Park rangers advise caution for large rigs driving the park. GPS is not always accurate, and drivers should call ahead for special directions.

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