DeSoto State Park RV & Campground Guide
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DeSoto State Park spans over 3,500 acres at the top of Lookout Mountain in Alabama. It features waterfalls and a plethora of wildflowers in the spring and was developed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Today, it is a popular destination for fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, and boating. Some of the programs the park offers are Yoga on the Mountain, horseback riding, geocaching, and zipline tours. Summer months at the park are hot and humid, and the winters are wet and cold.
Nearby Cities:
Gadsden, AL
Fort Payne, AL
Valley Head, AL
Menlo, AL
Spring 40-80 F
Summer 61-90 F
Fall 39-85 F
Winter 30-54 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in DeSoto State Park
Campground Accommodations
DeSoto State Park Campground
Water hook-up: Yes
Electrical hook-up: Yes
Sewer hook-up: Yes
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 80 feet
Other amenities: Showers, restrooms, fire rings, picnic tables, laundry
Little River RV Park & Campground
Just 12 minutes’ drive away is theLittle River RV Park & Campground, located on beautiful Lookout Mountain in DeKalb County. There are 42 sites available, 26 of which have full hookups for RVs. As well as being 8 miles from DeSoto State Park, the campground is just 2 miles from Little River Canyon National Preserve.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: cable TV, showers, picnic tables, fire rings, laundry room, fishing pond, playhouse, on-site hiking trails.
DeKalb County Public Fishing Lake
What could be nicer than camping at this 120-acre lake? The on-sitecampground facilities provide electricity and water hookups, as well as some standard amenities to help you have a comfortable stay. This place is a fishing lover’s paradise, with the lake brimming with species such as largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, and crappie.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: no
Wifi: N/A
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: fishing pond, boat ramp, restrooms, boats for rent, fishing piers, pavilions.
Tranquility RV & Campground
When you stay atTranquility RV & Campground, you’re less than a 10-minute drive from the state park. This quiet, heavily wooded setting features plenty of separation between the sites, so it’s the ideal place to “stop, rest, slow down, and reflect”, as is their motto! Nightly rates range from $30 to $35.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: no
Wifi: N/A
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: dump station, welcome center, bath house, private lake for fishing (no license required).
What to Do at
DeSoto State Park
At DeSoto State Park, you can fish, swim, hike, bike, boat, or have a relaxing picnic. If you do not bring your own, you can rent kayaks, beach equipment, and mountain bikes at the park office. Kids will enjoy the playground and swimming in the pool. There is even an on-site restaurant where you can grab a bite to eat after an exhilarating day outdoors.
Inside DeSoto State Park
From the area’s 30+ miles of hiking and mountain biking trails to its events, workshops, and expeditions – there’s something to suit every single family member when staying at DeSoto State Park.
Hiking : There are over 30 miles of trails which will allow you to explore the ridges, waterfalls and river in beautiful DeSoto State Park, as well as 11 + miles of mountain bike trails for those who don’t want to wander on foot. The terrain on the trails can vary from easy to strenuous. The Talmadge Butler Boardwalk Trail can also be found within the park and is suitable for travelers of all abilities.
Kayaking : There’s no better way to enjoy a scenic trip up the West Fork of Little River than on a kayak. Miller’s Bend Paddle Shack in DeSoto Falls Picnic Area is open on Fridays and the weekend, offering single sit-on-top kayaks for $15 per hour and tandem sit-on-top kayaks for $25 per hour.
Events and Programs : The state park teams up with local organizations to bring visitors a wide range of events and programs each year, including campfire talks, classes, demonstrations, guided interpretive or fitness hikes, tours, outdoor adventures, workshops, and more. Most programs are free or charge a small supply fee.
Ziplining : DeSoto State Park has partnered with Screaming Eagle Ziplines and Aerial Adventures to offer a sky trail in the trees. There are six ziplines that range from 100 to 350 ft in length and seven sky bridges that range from 50 to 150 in length. Price costs $49, excluding taxes.
Swimming : If you fancy cooling down with a swim, the state park has an Olympic-size pool complete with a diving board and ADA-lift. The pool is located close to DeSoto State Park's picnic area. Entry costs $4 per swimmer.
Fishing
At the park, you can fish from the shore or boat. Common catches include bluegill, bass, and trout. While you are likely to hook something at any time of year, most agree that the fall offers the best fishing.
Geocaching
Geocaching offers you and your traveling companions a fun day of treasure hunting. You can use a GPS device or your smartphone to locate the caches at the park. After you find one, you can take a prize from the container. However, you are expected to leave a family-friendly item behind for the next adventurer.
Nature Watching
At DeSoto State Park, you'll discover the Benefield Interpretive Center, where you can learn more about nature and the wildlife at the park. Park staff will educate you about the mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians who make the area their home before you head out to spot them for yourself.
Stargazing
DeSoto State Park offers annual stargazing events. Or, you can take a snack to the picnic area or water to enjoy the wonders of the heavens on a clear night.
Flora and Fauna
At DeSoto State Park, you can see many bird species, including red-headed woodpeckers, orioles, yellow-headed blackbirds, yellow throats, and bald eagles. Throughout the park are wildflowers and blooming trees that are beautiful and breathtaking. During the spring, you'll see columbine, Catesby's trillium, and sweet white violets.
Hiking
Guests enjoy the many hiking trails at DeSoto State Park. Laurel Falls and Lost Falls trails offer leisurely walks featuring waterfalls. Blue Overlook Trail has a vantage point with spectacular views of the park below. If you are looking for a challenge, the DeSoto Scout Trail spans 3.1 miles of strenuous uphill hiking.
Boating
Rent a kayak at Miller's Bend Paddle Shack and follow a scenic route up the Little River. The kayaking trip gives you beautiful views of the park, the lake, and the forest areas. You can also explore the lake by boat, but only trolling motors are allowed.
Swimming
You can enjoy a refreshing swim at designated lake areas, and there is an Olympic-sized swimming pool. You'll find the pool near the picnic area, and there are plenty of lounge seats around the water to relax and sunbathe.
Biking
Visit the country store at DeSoto State Park to get trail maps for mountain biking. There are 35 miles of trails suitable for peddlers that offer a range of difficulty levels.
How to Get to
DeSoto State Park
Starting from the city of Birmingham, get onto the I-59 North and take exit 218 toward Fort Payne. Turn left at the end of the on-ramp onto Hwy 35. Drive one mile and turn left onto Hwy 11 North. Drive 1.5 miles, then turn right by Fort Payne City Park onto 5th Street Northeast. Continue up Lookout Mountain, watch for the flashing caution light, then turn left onto County Road 89. Continue for about 5.5 miles until you see the DeSoto State Park entrance.
Entering DeSoto State Park
Parking is available at the entrance and near the swimming pool. The fee is $4 per vehicle.
Whether you love water sports or are excited to explore Alabama's great outdoors on land, you will find an adventure that suits you at DeSoto State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions About DeSoto State Park
The weather during the summer in Alabama can be oppressive and cause the park's streams to dry up and river water levels to decrease significantly. Other times of the year offer a more comfortable visit and a better experience for watersports.
Keep an eye out to see various birds, including waterfowls, woodpeckers, orioles, and bald eagles. You may also spot deer and smaller critters like raccoons, foxes, and chipmunks.
The campground at the park has 94 full hook-up sites. Each also has a fire ring, picnic table, and nearby restrooms.
You are not required to reserve a camping spot at DeSoto State Park. However, the campground tends to reach maximum capacity fast. To guarantee a spot, you must pay for your first night of camping when you make your reservation. The overnight camping fee is $19 per night.
Yes. Your pets are welcome at DeSoto State Park. You can walk them on the park's roads, and you can bring your furry family members on the trails for some exercise. They must be on a leash, and you are expected to clean up after them.