Camping in DeSoto State Park

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Top-rated campgrounds near DeSoto State Park

83%
(309)

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
98%
(91)

Rolling Ridge Stays

3 sites · Lodging12 acres · 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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$63.75
 / night
100%
(38)

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 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 
$36
 / night

Other options near DeSoto State Park

Camping in 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