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.

Top-rated campgrounds near DeSoto State Park

83%
(301)

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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from 
$25.20
 / night
95%
(46)

Little Bluff

1 site · RV, Tent30 acres · Wildwood, GA
Just ten miles from Downtown Chattanooga, Little Buff is the spot to park your van or pitch your tent! We have beautiful mountain views and convenient access to I-24. The Tennessee River, historic attractions, outdoor adventures, and urban life are all nearby. Enjoy a private, roomy campsite with a fine gravel surface, fire pit, bench, and observation point. You will have plenty of space for your rig, vehicles, tents tables and chairs, canopy, or whatever clever camping system you employ. There's an outhouse, a potable water hydrant, and an electric power station on the property. Be sure to check out the extras. We have Firewood for sale: $10 for a big bundle of seasoned, split hardwood. Don't forget the kindling for a quick blaze! We can also supply a generator, all gassed up and ready to go. Please take a moment to read and observe the RULES. They are simple and important. We want to keep your visit fun and safe and affordable, as well as preserve the property for future guests. We are so glad you are coming to Little Bluff. Thank you for booking and enjoy your stay!
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$28
 / night
92%
(54)

Maclellan Island- An Urban Oasis

2 sites · Tents19 acres · Chattanooga, TN
YOU MUST PROVIDE WATERCRAFT OF SOME KIND TO GET TO MACLELLAN ISLAND! Maclellan Island is a unique 18.8-acre wildlife sanctuary situated in the middle of the Tennessee River, in the heart of downtown Chattanooga. It is accessible by water only. The island is home to a great diversity of plants, animals, and birds. Campers can enjoy easy wildlife viewing in a true urban wilderness setting. Muskrats, geese, and kingfishers can be seen feeding at the water’s edge, while the forest is home to songbirds, turkeys, raccoons, owls, possums, foxes, and woodpeckers. It's a great place to quietly watch nesting osprey and great-blue heron as well as an important feeding area for migrating warblers. IMPORTANT: Maclellan Island is accessible by boat ONLY. You will need to provide your own transportation to and from the island, either using your own boat or by renting a kayak/SUP from a local outfitter. We recommend renting kayaks from L2 Outdoors who launches from Coolidge Park. Maclellan Island’s earliest inhabitants were Indigenous People whose island community was likely an extension or suburb of Citico, a nearby village. Farmed in the 1800’s and early 1900’s, the island was plowed for many years and largely free of the trees which shade it today. Floods have covered the island from time to time and drove away numerous early settlers including one early farmer, Abel Kesterson, who survived rising waters in 1867 only by holding onto the horns of his cow as they swam to safety. The island eventually passed through the hands of several prominent companies as well as a number of more rambunctious inhabitants. Finally in 1954 Maclellan Island was donated to the Chattanooga Audubon Society by Robert J. Maclellan for preservation as a wildlife refuge. If you'll be arriving by a motorized boat, you will need to use a public boat ramp. The closest one is at the Tennessee River Park. Coolidge Park has a kayak/canoe/SUP launch and you can park cars in their parking lot overnight for a fee.
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$20
 / night
100%
(32)

River Ranch @ Summerville, GA

2 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Summerville, GA
Welcome to your private oasis and PRIMITIVE CAMPING (no public restrooms) at River Ranch in Summerville, GA! One camping group at a time, meaning, you’d be the only camper on site! Our property features a serene lazy river perfect for a relaxing float, as well as standup paddleboards available for rent. For your convenience and enjoyment, we also offer a BBQ grill and a Ping Pong table for rent (please make sure to rent in advance). This adds a touch of fun and comfort to your wilderness experience. With plenty of space for tent camping, we also provide a tent rental that includes setup (NOT available on last-minute bookings). Located just one hour north of Atlanta, this property provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Please Note: This is a primitive campsite. There are no public bathroom facilities on the property. Guests MUST bring their own camp appropriate toilets and dispose of waste properly in designated areas. Disposable toilets Despite the rustic setup, the barn is equipped with electricity (30 amp), allowing you to charge your devices and stay connected if needed. Book now and experience the perfect combination of luxury and nature. Follow, like, and share your camping experience on Instagram for a $5 Starbucks giftcard: https://www.instagram.com/river.ranch.georgia/
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from 
$45
 / 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.
100%
2 ratings · 0 reviews
  1. DeSoto State Park