The best camping in Little River Canyon National Preserve, AL

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100% (23)

The best camping in Little River Canyon National Preserve, AL

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
The Cynefin  Luxury Safari Tent

2. The Cynefin Luxury Safari Tent

95%
(47)
13mi from Little River Canyon National Preserve · 1 site · Lodging · Mentone, AL
About this space We invite you to our little slice of paradise! Enjoy the natural beauty of Lookout Mountain in Mentone, AL. Folklore Forest has 270 feet of Little River Frontage for you to enjoy. Considered to be the purest, natural flowing river in the state, bring your fishing gear and kayaks. Listen to Pipwild Spring trickling over the mossy rock waterfall. Sit at the water’s edge under canopies of rhododendrons and holly trees, and sit at your campfire and view the stunning starry nightscape. The space Our 10x12 foot canvas safari tent offers a cozy 120 sq ft of space which can accommodate a twin size mattress in addition to the provided queen bed. Here's what you find inside: - Queen size bed with headboard, memory foam mattress, and antimicrobial waterproof cover. - Comforter, 4 pillows (with antimicrobial covers), and furry blanket. - Side table with reading material and games. - Wood camp stove (for heating the tent on chilly nights or cooking). - Heat powered stove fan. - Bundle of camp stove sized firewood. - Mr Heater propane space heater with 30 lb propane tank. - 6 person Coleman pop up tent. - Yoga Mat - Cart with coffee, silverware, plates, cups, bowls, French press, salt/pepper, sugar, kitchen and grill utensils, cutting board, and oven mitt. - Butane camp stove with fuel. - Battery powered fan/light combination. - Portable battery powered lantern. - Cast iron skillet, non stick skillet, medium sauce pan, small wok, and kettle. - 3 wash tubs. - Handmade broom. - 1 person hammock. Here's what you'll find outside: - agon to help you bring luggage down from the car or to gather firewood. - 6ft picnic table. - Cafe table and two chairs. - 2 Adirondack chairs. - Combination fire pit/grill. - Solar powered cafe lights. - Solar shower. - Camp toilet with bags and Absorbent Gel Liquid Waste Gelling and Deodorizing Powder - Trash can and trash bags. - 5 gallon Coleman water cooler. You need to bring: - Towels and rags - Food - Toilet paper and paper products - Bug spray for summer months. Also recommended to bring: - Ice or dry ice - Extra wood (you can burn any fallen wood/twigs you find but don’t cut trees! - Extra water (river water is pure but we always recommend boiling or filtering anything you drink) Guest access Folklore Forest is on 3 acres and has 270 feet of River Frontage at your disposal. Little River is considered to be the purest, natural flowing river in the state. Bring your fishing gear and kayaks. Sit on the rocks at the base of the waterfall under the rhododendrons and holly trees, and wade in the water in the warm months. Park on the side of the road in front of the Cynefin sign. There are solar lights illuminating the path to the tent if you arrive after dark. There you will find a that you can use to bring your luggage down. Other things to note • The river will rise and fall depending on how much rain we are getting. It tends to be lower late summer to early fall. We cannot guarantee water levels. • This is primitive off grid camping. There's no electricity or running water. We recommend bringing a portable battery pack to charge devices. • Please be respectful of any wildlife (there are white tail deer, raccoons, weasels, harmless black snakes, mink, foxes, coyotes, many birds, and the extremely, and we do mean extremely, rare black bear), while fishing in the little river is allowed, hunting is prohibited.
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$102
 / night
Woodybrooke Farm Campground

5. Woodybrooke Farm Campground

98%
(439)
20mi from Little River Canyon National Preserve · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · Ider, AL
FREE CANOE RENTAL with any booking for Spring!! 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 currently paused. *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
River Ranch @ Summerville, GA

6. River Ranch @ Summerville, GA

99%
(43)
20mi from Little River Canyon National Preserve · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · 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 paddle boards and floats 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 northwest 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 are available to purchase. 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 gift-card: https://www.instagram.com/river.ranch.georgia/
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from 
$45
 / night
We have red buds!

9. Forest at Sand Mountain

95%
(49)
29mi from Little River Canyon National Preserve · 4 sites · Tents · Trenton, GA
22 acres of Private, Magickal forest spanning the bottom valley all the way to the top of Sand Mountain. The mountain has several natural terraces and flat areas suitable for campers to choose from including a nice spot overlooking a rock garden. As you ascend Sand Mountain, the vegetation thins revealing spectacular views of Lookout Mountain especially in the fall & winter months after the leaves have fallen. At the very top of the property are 30+ ft high cliffs with a cave. It has a colorful collection of lichen growing in it and we have named it our 'Mandala cave'. The cave is great for meditation. Rejuvenating guided hikes to the cliffs & caves are available upon request. This is raw land & raw forest. If you enjoy bush craft, there is plenty of material for you to build a lean-to, tipi, or structure of choice. Trees range from poplar to multiple species of oak. Natural wildlife include deer, wild turkeys, scorpions, and ticks. You're welcome to bring fluffy as we've never seen any predators, but there is a slight chance there could be some around. A lost animal on the mountain could be near impossible to find. We have 2 male cats. Unfortunately, the Earth does what she wants and weather forecasts can't be relied upon. We've had sunny days that have been forecasted to rain and un-predicted downpours. It can be raining at the top or the bottom of the mountain but not at the campsites in the middle.
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from 
$30
 / night
Magnolia Campground at Hixson Farms

10. Magnolia Campground at Hixson Farms

91%
(90)
30mi from Little River Canyon National Preserve · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Chickamauga, GA
Are you trying to talk your spouse into moving to a farm and starting your own homestead? Come spend time on a real working farmstead. Spend your days petting goats, feeding snacks to the pigs, and listening to cows moo in the field. Collect your own eggs from the coop and fresh veggies from the garden. Meet Fergus and Ellie, our Scottish Highland calves. Then hang out by the campfire or swing in a hammock in the evenings. Take a tour of our 12 acres and learn the ins and outs of homesteading. We are a first-generation farm and we love sharing our passion. You’ll be picking out a farm of your own in no time! Includes 30 or 50 amp hook-ups, septic, water, and wi-fi. Just a few miles from Cloudland Canyon State Park and historic downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Chickamauga, Georgia.
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$35
 / night
Canoeing is the Creek with Boy Scouts.

11. Burton's Beautiful Hollow

95%
(49)
30mi from Little River Canyon National Preserve · 2 sites · Tents · Cave Spring, GA
This creek property was probably used by the Creek and then the Cherokee as a campsite because of the abundant water and wild life. Later is was farm land and in the 1920's had approximately fifty mules working the land. The Old barn and blacksmith shop are still here. In 1977 the government planned to put a four lane toll road through here but was stopped by the oil embargo which caused the right of way to be auctioned. We were able to buy 200 acres for a small amount of money and have been raising cattle and camping on it every since that time. As a Scout Master I have been using this site for camping for the past 15 years. Time to let others enjoy. Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent or hammock in a grove of hardwood trees in a nice meadow on the banks of Lake Creek with old timey swimming hole. It is about 8 feet deep in center going to about 4' at sides and 20 feet long. Big stone grill is provided as well as large fire pit. Kindling and firewood is provided. ten minute walk to the main house for potable water and other needs.  37 acre farm with hills and a wide variety of wildlife and plants to inspect. Camp is in rural area couple hundred yards off county road but secluded. Plenty of deer, turkey, geese, wild ducks, beaver and other wild life in the area. A secondary campsite is provided down the creek with area for tent near creek. Fire pit and firewood is provided.
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from 
$25
 / night
Valley View Campground

13. Valley View Campground

91%
(11)
35mi from Little River Canyon National Preserve · 20 sites · RVs · Trenton, GA
Welcome to Valley View Campground! Nestled in the heart of nature, Valley View Campground is your home away from home. Whether you’re planning a peaceful weekend or a long-term stay, we offer the perfect place to relax, recharge, and reconnect with the outdoors. We are located between two beautiful mountains. Lookout mountain and sand mountain. Our campground features: 20 spacious, full-hookup sites, ideal for RVs of all sizes A scenic loop layout with easy-to-access pull-throughs and back-in sites Complimentary Wi-Fi and garbage service. Valley View is close to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Located nearby popular attractions such as Cloudland Canyon, Rock City, and Ruby Falls and the lookout mountain Incline Railway. Valley View is great for weekend adventurers, traveling workers, and long-term guests—especially linemen and contractors looking for a comfortable and convenient place. Each site offers a unique view of local hang gliders who often launch nearby and soar overhead. It’s a favorite for guests who enjoy watching the colorful gliders in flight – a peaceful and inspiring touch of adventure right from your campsite. Please note: Our campground is conveniently located close to the interstate for easy access and travel. You may hear some highway and occasional train noise during your stay. No bathhouse on premises
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$55
 / night
Cabin and Barn on 20 Peaceful Acres

14. Cabin and Barn on 20 Peaceful Acres

99%
(46)
37mi from Little River Canyon National Preserve · 1 site · Lodging · Lookout Mountain, GA
It's like having your own private summer camp! The unfurnished cabin is dry and clean. A huge upgrade from a tent (feel free to pitch your tents if you like)! The bathhouse offers hot showers, a flush toilet, and sink. The open pole barn has a deluxe camping kitchen set up with pots and pans, a propane stove, a coffee maker, and a dishwashing sink. There is also a dining table and chairs. While the property is close and convenient to Chattanooga, once you are enjoying the serene woods, shady trees, starry nights, and quality time with family and friends you will forget all about the city! While there are no full-time residents on the property, there is a small functioning horse farm about 100 yards from the camping area. On most days the owner will stop by to care for the horses, and teach riding lessons.
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$67
 / night
Little Bluff

15. Little Bluff

93%
(51)
40mi from Little River Canyon National Preserve · 1 site · Tent, RV · 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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from 
$28
 / night
Rolling Ridge Stays

16. Rolling Ridge Stays

99%
(103)
40mi from Little River Canyon National Preserve · 3 sites · Lodging · Resaca, GA
Reviews speak for themselves! 3 Unique Off grid 120 sqft cabins on a 1 acre private pond with propane HEAT. 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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$64
 / night
Quail Run Farm

18. Quail Run Farm

94%
(212)
42mi from Little River Canyon National Preserve · 31 sites · Tents · 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. If you are interested in a more posh experience, we have yurts and tiny homes for rent 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!
Pets
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from 
$35
 / night
Sunset viewing from The Point.  Bring your own chairs, firepits are provided.

19. Whippoorwill Woods Nature Retreat

98%
(99)
42mi from Little River Canyon National Preserve · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · South Pittsburg, TN
Opening March 1 for the 2025 camping season! Three 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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from 
$35
 / night
NW GA Farm Stay

20. NW GA Farm Stay

100%
(132)
43mi from Little River Canyon National Preserve · 4 sites · RVs, Lodging · Taylorsville, GA
Footehills Farmhouse is a small family owned and operated farm in Northwest, GA, in the little town of Taylorsville. We are stewards of 18 beautiful acres, and nestled between hills covered in hardwoods and Old Taylorsville Church Cemetery. We are very close to Atlanta, GA, Red Top Mountain State Park, The Booth Museum, Tellus Science Museum and the City of Cartersville, GA. Enjoy our local winery and brewery as well. GA mountains and apple country are a short 1.5 hour drive from our location. Our farm is a small local market style farm, hosting many TN Fainting Goats (enjoy all the kids in the spring), Sheep and spring lambs, around 40 or so chickens and piggies depending on the season. We also grow figs, herbs garlic and veggies. Please note this is an RV site only no tent camping and no latrine tents allowed. We also have a one dog policy. Thank you for looking at our property.
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$42
 / night
100% (23)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Little River Canyon National Preserve adventure.

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The best camping in Little River Canyon National Preserve, AL guide

Overview

About

This little river has a bit of everything for an adventurer and a family. Scenic views atop Lookout Mountain let you see the surrounding countryside and leave you in awe of nature's wonder. The meandering river has a waterfall, tide pools and bluffs overlooking the waterway. Pick a spot, any spot, in this nature preserve to have an afternoon picnic or an all-day hike.

Start your exploration at Little River Falls, a picturesque and tranquil area in the northern part of the park. This is where the canyon begins. The boardwalk overlook gives you a close-up view of the falls and the surrounding hillsides. The falls are great to see any time of year, but the autumn foliage makes this waterway sparkle from October into November.

If you fancy a scenic drive rather than a hike, follow route 176 along the western border of the preserve. Trees line some of the routes, so a canopy of color awaits you if you choose to drive. In the summer, the trees offer shade. Several scenic overlooks give you majestic views of the canyon below, so drive slowly and pull over to enjoy the splendor of the area. Overlooks are great places to eat lunch.

Little River Canyon is only open during daylight hours, so you should find a campsite somewhere nearby. The Fort Payne area has plenty of things to do aside from the natural wonder of the canyon, which means there are many prime camping spots in northeastern Alabama.

100%
23 ratings · 11 reviews

Top cities near Little River Canyon National Preserve