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)

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

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near DeSoto State Park

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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

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Dark Hollow

5 sites · RVs, Tents14 acres · Crossville, AL

Dark Hollow Park provides beautiful, private, and secure primative campsites. Potable water and a composting privey are available. The camp host is on site if there are any questions. There is a one-mile hiking trail, a small stream and waterfalls located a short hike down into Dark Hollow. The Hollow is rich in history. There is a small Amphitheater in the bottom of the hollow where permanent water remains year-round. Dark Hollow has played many roles from sanctuary to battleground over the years. There are numerous activities within a short distance.

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(191)

Quail Run Farm

19 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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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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Fireside Camp + Lodge

30 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents22 acres · Sequatchie, TN

Tucked away on Sequatchie Mountain, this little campground and hostel invites you to experience some of East Tennessee's best parks for climbing and hiking. Cliffs and waterfalls are minutes away at near by Foster Falls, Denny Cove and Castle Rock. The hostel offers 3 bedrooms, fast internet, complete kitchen, comfortable beds, smart TV, fire pit, and laundry. The campground offers dispersed sites with fire pits and picnic tables, as well as clean bathrooms and a communal barn with a microwave, fridge, games, tables and chairs. You can walk our 22 acres and even take a short hike out to our bluff. Make sure to say "Hi" to our chickens and our barn cat, Strawberry, on the way. Add in the view of the stars and that makes this the perfect basecamp after a long day out.

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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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Magnolia Campground at Hixson Farms

5 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · 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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Little River Adventure Company

34 sites · Tents40 acres · Fort Payne, AL

Our 40 acre ADV base camp is top rated by riders, climbers, paddlers, cyclists, hikers, and explorers visiting the Little River Canyon National Preserve, DeSoto State Park, and Lookout Mountain area. We are also a Destination Yamaha Location renting bikes and ebikes. No RVs or heavy vehicles please.

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(73)

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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(25)

Cottaquilla Creek Campground

15 sites · Tents50 acres · Jacksonville, AL

Welcome to Cottaquilla Creek!! We have over 50 acres of farm land with pastures, meadows, giant hardwood trees, large spring with wading pool, mountain bike trail and a 5 acre lake stocked with bass, bream and catfish. Close to town yet far enough out in the country to see the stars at night. The Pinhoti trail is just down the road, along with Hurricane mountain trail, a little traveled wildlife and nature excursion on National forest land. There is so much nearby for nature lovers, including Coldwater Mountain, Talledega National Forest, Terrapin creek, etc. 2 adults per campsite bookings, kids under 21 camp for free. there is 2 lakefront campsites along with camping in a secluded meadow, pasture campsite and a campsite along a spring fed creek. https://www.facebook.com/reel/1357051888191651

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(19)

The Riverbank Campground

4 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Calhoun, GA

Welcome to The Riverbank Campground, the perfect spot for a laid-back, rustic outdoor adventure! Conveniently located less than 2 miles from I-75, tucked away on the banks of the Oostanaula river, our campground offers a no-frills, back-to-basics experience for folks who love the great outdoors. Less than 5 miles away from the campground, you’ll find historical sites like New Echota, Resaca Battlefield, and Fort Wayne, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history. 🏞️ Waterfront RV Sites We have four RV sites right on the river, each with power and water hookups. These spots give you the best of both worlds: modern conveniences and a prime view of the water. 🏕️ Tent Camping There’s plenty of space for tent camping too. Find a cozy spot under the trees close to the river, and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. Amenities 🔥 Fire Pit: Our fire pit is perfect for cooking up some grub, making s’mores or just relaxing with a cold drink. Gather 'round, swap stories, and enjoy the simple pleasures of campfire life. 🎣 Fishing: Drop a line from our dock and see what bites. The river’s full of fish, so bring your gear and get ready for some good old-fashioned fishing. 🛶 Kayaks and Tube Access: Bring your kayaks or tubes and float downstream and soak up the sun and scenery. There is an access point less than 2 miles upstream you can shuttle to, float downstream & take out directly at the campground. At The Riverbank Campground, it’s all about enjoying the basics: good company, good times, and the great outdoors. Whether you’re fishing, paddling, or just kicking back by the fire, you’ll feel right at home here.

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NW GA Farm Stay

4 sites · Lodging, RVs18 acres · 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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Cabin and Barn on 20 Peaceful Acres

1 site · Lodging20 acres · 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.

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

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.
Wall tent sites, group sites, and a camping cabin can be reserved in advance via the Alabama State Parks reservation system.
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.
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.