The best camping near Cathedral Caverns State Park

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

100% (3 reviews)
100% (3 reviews)

Discover the grandeur of Cathedral Caverns State Park and its natural wonders.  

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Top-rated campgrounds near Cathedral Caverns State Park

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Bates Farm

37 sites · RVs, Tents45 acres · Decatur, AL
Welcome to Bates Farm: A Magical Escape Step into the enchanting realm of Bates Farm, where adventure and fantasy blend seamlessly with the beauty of nature. Our primitive campground, designed with a whimsical theme, offers a truly unique experience for those looking to escape the everyday. We warmly welcome car campers, vintage campers, and groups alike. Tucked away in our vast wilderness, you'll discover a thrilling 3D archery range that challenges your skills and immerses you in the excitement of the hunt. Whether you’re an experienced archer or just starting out, our range promises a fun and engaging experience for everyone. Bates Farm is more than just a campground; it’s a stunning venue for weddings, festivals, and family gatherings. Celebrate your special occasions surrounded by nature's wonders and our magical ambiance, creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones. In addition to camping and events, we offer a variety of nature academy classes in partnership with Shoalseer.org. These classes focus on native plants, animals, and outdoor survival skills, helping you connect with nature and cultivate a more sustainable lifestyle. Our expert instructors provide hands-on experiences that enhance your appreciation for the natural world. Join us at Bates Farm for an unforgettable adventure where fantasy, nature, and education come together. Whether you want to hone your archery skills, host a memorable event, or expand your knowledge of homesteading practices, our farm offers a unique experience that will leave you inspired and rejuvenated. Discover the magic of Bates Farm and embark on a journey like no other! Youtube Podcast of all Bates Farm sites https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLedWcgjSlLH69lmSEcxNtpZk34yqYBqWa&si=UoANQrkWNXftucPb Interactive google maps of Bates Farm: Campground & Amenities Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1JKWe22dLvy3DNVHHMb0CoYGm2mJmxLI&ll=34.53123434955517%2C-87.10236376039353&z=19 Archery Ranges Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1z2vdwxsD3FMH5THfonUv9AbPat3Wf0g&ll=34.53123434955517%2C-87.10236376039353&z=19
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$27
 / night
95%
(38)

The Cynefin Luxury Safari Tent

1 site · Lodging3 acres · Mentone, AL
***Update, we are building a cabin on the property. During the week for the there may be construction noise. We are discounting our weekday rates during construction.*** 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: - Little red wagon 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: - Sheets - 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! - Cooler - 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 "Little Red Wagon" 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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$101.15
 / night
94%
(42)

Forest at Sand Mountain

4 sites · Tents22 acres · Trenton, GA
22 acres of Private, Magickal, 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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$30
 / night
98%
(415)

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
100%
(88)

The Ponderosa

4 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · South Pittsburg, TN
PLEASE READ before you book! PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT! Pool closes the second weekend of Sept. 2025 we will have a brand new pavilion in pool area! WE WILL BE UNDER CONSTRUCTION BUT IT WILL NOT INTERRUPT OUR HIPPIES STAY. We rent our pool out on weekends but if you would like to have it while you are here let us know and we will rent it to you if it's not booked. $300 all day We look forward to seeing everyone! See Lodge cast iron factory. Enjoy our small town. We're close to Rock City and the Chattanooga choo choo and other great sites in Chattanooga Tn. Enjoy our swimming pool that opens in Late May but closes on the first cold snap, usually end of Sept every fall. Many amenities such as bathhouse, free Wi-Fi, grill, corn hole game and fire pit with wood. South Pittsburg, Tn is the home of Lodge Cast iron! Every year there is a National Cornbread Festival. Bring a tent and stay with us! POSITIVES OF STAYING WITH US 1. We will treat you like family. 2. We supply firewood. 3. We supply gas for the grill. 4. The pool is yours at no charge if there is no party scheduled. 5. We have free coffee in our pool area kitchen. A small refrigerator and a microwave. 6. HOT SHOWERS!! shampoo, conditioner, soap, towels and washcloths provided. 7. Bathroom and sink 8. Back porch to relax on if you choose to. 9. Free Wi-Fi 10. Kayaking in area. 11. Hiking trails all over the Jasper Highlands! very close to us. 12. We have two horses you can pet and spend time with, but don't turn your back on the brown one! she will bite your butt! lol! (This should've been in the negatives, lol!!) Here are the NEGATIVES OF STAYING AT THE PONDEROSA 1. We have 5 German shepherds in a kennel that will welcome you upon your arrival with barking. They settle down eventually. 2. We have a nosy Monkey named Daisy Mae who watches our campers and pool parties continually. 3. We rent our pool out so it may not always be available to you when you're here and the bathroom is shared with them during your stay. 4. Our property is across the street from a scrap metal yard that opens too early.
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$35
 / night
Booked 2 times

Little River RV Park & Campground

64 sites · RVs, Tents38 acres · Fort Payne, AL
Discover a quaint destination in the heart of Alabama’s mountains at Little River Campground. Set on 38 beautiful acres, we provide an ideal home base for enjoying the region’s most famous natural attractions, from cascading waterfalls to rugged canyons and beyond. Just a short drive from Fort Payne and I-59, our campground offers private RV sites, unique glamping accommodations, and primitive camping for those who crave a simpler escape. With adventure at your doorstep, including kayak, bike, and fishing rentals, plus RV and boat storage, your perfect getaway awaits. Explore Nestled less than 1 away from Little River Canyon National Preserve, and less than 10 miles away from DeSoto State Park, our campground provides an ideal homebase for enjoying the great mountainous outdoors of Northeast Alabama. Relax Featuring all the amenities you expect – including private well spaced sites, high speed fiber Wi-fi, clean restrooms and showers, social spaces, friendly staff, and more. Take a breath when you visit us, our team has you covered. Experience We deliver key items like propane and firewood directly to your site, collaborate with local businesses to offer exciting experiences and services, and host regular events for guests to create an unforgettable stay.
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$25
 / night

The best camping near Cathedral Caverns State Park guide

Overview

About

Holy bat caves, Batman! Cathedral Caverns State Park (originally named the Bat Caves) offer massive caverns that would be idyllic for a superhero's underground lair. Check out the "frozen" waterfall with a stalagmite forest, and some of the world's largest stalagmites measuring a whopping 45 feet tall. Kids will love to sift through buckets of mining dirt to find precious gemstones, and we doubt the occasional adult wouldn't mind it, either. Backcountry campers have the ability to hike in here, too. Only a short drive away from Lake Guntersville, we think this is a great road trip pit stop for outdoor and comic book enthusiasts alike.

Notable campgrounds

  • Improved Campsites: Equipped with modern amenities, these sites offer a comfortable stay amid the park's natural beauty.
  • Primitive Tent Camping: For a more rustic adventure, these areas provide a perfect setting for stargazing and connecting with nature.
  • Backcountry Campsite: Ideal for the intrepid backpacker, this secluded spot promises solitude and an immersive outdoor experience.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early to secure your spot, as the park's unique attractions make it a popular destination.
  • Consider visiting during the weekdays for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
  • Stay flexible with your dates, as alternative options may open up outside of peak times.
  • Explore nearby camping options to ensure you have a backup plan in case the park is fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Cathedral Caverns State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers longer days for exploration, though it can be quite warm. Winter is serene, but prepare for cooler temperatures.

Know before you go

  • Check the park's Facebook page for daily updates on conditions and events.
  • Pets are not allowed in park buildings or inside the cave, so plan accordingly.
  • The cave maintains a comfortable 60°F temperature year-round, making it a pleasant visit any time.
  • Remember to bring a light jacket for the cave tours, as the temperature can feel cool.
  • For cave tour reservations, it's recommended to book in advance to guarantee your spot.

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