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DeSoto
Overview
DeSoto State Park offers a serene escape atop Lookout Mountain in northeast Alabama. Known for its lush forests and stunning waterfalls, this park provides a classic state park experience with modern conveniences. It is a destination where nature takes center stage, offering travelers a chance to reconnect with the outdoors. Whether you are visiting for the vibrant autumn colors or the delicate spring blooms, the park serves as a gateway to the natural wonders of the Appalachian foothills.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just outside Fort Payne, AL, the park sits on the scenic Lookout Mountain plateau. The surrounding landscape is defined by rugged ridges, deep canyons, and the winding Little River. This high-altitude location provides cooler temperatures during the summer months and a brilliant display of foliage in the fall. The area is characterized by mountain laurel and rhododendrons, which line the many trails and creeks that crisscross the park’s expansive acreage.
Amenities & Park Features
The park features an improved campground with 94 sites, many of which offer full hookups including water, sewer, and 50-amp electricity. RVers will find a mix of back-in and pull-through sites designed to accommodate various rig sizes. Key facilities include:
- Modern bathhouses and centrally located laundry rooms
- Cable TV hookups and wireless internet access in designated areas
- A playground, picnic shelters, and a seasonal swimming pool
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Adventure is never far away, with the spectacular DeSoto Falls located just a short drive from the main campground. Visitors can explore over 25 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails that weave through the forest. A short drive takes you to the Little River Canyon National Preserve, one of the deepest canyons in the region. For a touch of local culture, the nearby town of Fort Payne offers charming shops and museums dedicated to history and music.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an ideal choice for nature enthusiasts and families looking for a balanced outdoor retreat. It caters well to retirees seeking a quiet, scenic stay and hikers wanting direct trail access from their campsites. While it offers modern amenities, it remains a peaceful haven best suited for those who prioritize outdoor recreation over high-end resort luxuries. It is a perfect home base for exploring the unique geological features of Alabama.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Eric B
Quick walk from the parking lot to the falls viewing area down a flight of cement steps. At the landing you can walk out on top of the falls and you can walk to the end of the railing along the cliff and see the full length of the falls. A dam right above the falls forms a lake in front of the parking lot. Nice peaceful area. Restrooms there and a they are building an attached gift shop and heating the whole thing so it can be used on a more year round basis instead of shutting the water down during the winter. Worth a stop if you are nearby.
Julie Turner
My cousin and I spent 3 days at the state park primitive campground. It was so quiet and peaceful. The entire park was well appointed. The hiking paths were clear and easily accessible.
VICTORY Redemption
🌲 DeSoto State Park – A Hidden Gem in Alabama! 🌊 DeSoto State Park is truly a gem! Conveniently located just eight miles northeast of Fort Payne, Alabama, it’s nestled atop the breathtaking Lookout Mountain. The park is surrounded by rushing waterfalls, peaceful trails, and the sweet fragrance of wildflowers that will absolutely take your breath away. The cabins are gorgeous — so well maintained and beautifully kept! The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about the trails, always ready to help and share great tips. And the restaurant… Wow! The food is absolutely amazing, full of flavor, and served with such warm hospitality. From the peace and tranquility of nature to the soothing sound of the waterfalls, this place is pure healing for the soul. I didn’t want to leave! I can’t wait to come back and experience this slice of paradise again. 🌿💧✨
Laura McCann
This is officially one of my favorite state parks now! Everyone was so friendly! The staff and campers. I felt very welcome here. Lots and lots of stuff to do with just the campground! Including the DeSoto falls. The only negative thing was the roads in and out we're so dangerously steep. But if you can make the climb, then it's definitely worth this stay!
Kaja SWIEB
Beautiful place, waterfalls, hiking trails, pool and campground. Restaurant open on the weekends. Different picnic areas, dog friendly. Some easy hikes and some strenuous if you want to get to the bottom of DeSoto falls.
Adrianna Libersat
We’ve camped here two years in a row and drive the 13 hours because we LOVE it here. It’s so nice and calm in primitive camping. Theres the options to showers and flush toilets in the main campground included if you’d like them. Some good little hikes in the area & our dog just loves the fall foliage
Lisa Johnson
We have held the Johnson family reunion here for 40 something years now where most of our family from all over the southeast US converges to enjoy a long weekend together. We always enjoy our time here whether we're in an A-frame chalet or a rustic cabin. They have two dog friendly cabins which we always take advantage of, as well as a fire pit (bring camp chairs), a front porch that used to be screened (but is no longer screened and that is something I do miss). There is a fully equipped kitchen, although I always prefer to pack my favorite easy-clean pans, skillets and utensils. The cabins have a wood-burning fireplace indoors as well so the cabins typically do smell a bit like campfire indoors-something to note if you were sensitive to that. Their front desk is always helpful with information regarding the local hikes available. There is a park, a volleyball court, and a swimming pool, on site as well as a store with basic food and camping supplies and gifts. You can buy firewood there as well as fire starters, lighters etc. at the country store they have also subtracted the screaming eagle zip line and that's something you can also pay to do. It's about $70 per person which is a little bit steep considering the zip line but our two teenagers had fun doing this. There's also a kayaking tour available nearby and that something a big group of our family did together that was fun. There are trails right from the state park as well as numerous local trails and things to do. De Soto Falls in Indian River, Falls and Little River Canyon scenic Drive, and Little River Canyon Center are also something I'd recommend along the way. The country music group Alabama has a museum about 20 minutes away since they are from Fort Payne as well. Because there is bear activity, you have to take your trash to the front desk to dispose of it and dumpsters. We have over the years, found a dead scorpion between our sheets, and this particular year ticks are extremely active and have had multiple people with ticks on them, even not being in the woods just walking through the grass so just a heads up to remember to check for ticks! This is a state park that we really enjoy.
Anthony Stowe (Future Speed PC)
We had a wonderful time. There's so much to do here. The campground is clean and well-maintained. The campground itself has plenty to do, but there there's a lot of sightseeing around the area. Caves, mountains, canyons, waterfalls plenty of God's beautiful creation to take in. We spent a full week packed with activities. The number one
Susan Hardee
First, I’ll start with the campground ⛺️. Hands down the best campground I’ve camped at to date. The ladies at the Country Store where you check in are super friendly and very helpful. Warning cell service in the campground is very limited and the only service that works is Starlink. Also, deer frequently run through the campground so take care about leaving food out unless you don’t mind sharing with the wildlife. Second, De Soto Falls is about 7 miles up the road. Very beautiful man made falls surrounded by the beauty of nature, some very cool artistic stairs, and a very cold mountain water lake. No shore fishing permitted and its swim at your own risk. And again, warning no cell service available here. You have to get five miles towards town before you pick up cell service. Third, this is the home town of the band Alabama so if you’re a fan you can drive in to the historic downtown area and take selfies with their statues.
Sheryl Scott
Can't say enough good things about this park. Great sites. Pretty private. Super clean. Peaceful. Lots of trails. The waterfall is close. Fort Payne is also close, and a cute little town.