If you were going to completely refurbish a state park and spend two million dollars doing so, what kind of things would you do? Maybe large, level camp sites with a picnic table and fire ring at each one. Why not throw in 20, 30 and 50 Amp hookups at each site and while we are at it, cable television? How about paved roads and new shower/restroom facilities? At DeSoto State Park they did all of that and more. There are 94 sites including an ample number of pull- through sites and additional primitive camping. I believe all of the sites are large enough for forty footers.
There are actually so many amenities that just listing them all would take too much space. However, to give you an idea, they have a picnic and play area, swimming pool, cabins, lodge motel and restaurant as well as 15 miles of hiking and walking trails. Wi-Fi is available at the Country Store/information center and the lodge. The two days we spent at DeSoto State Park did not give us a chance to check out everything, but it was a very positive experience.
Scottsboro
DeSoto State Park is located adjacent to Fort Payne, Alabama, which is approximately half way between Chattanooga, TN, and Gadsden, AL. While there are a number of ways to get to DeSoto State Park, if you have a large RV coming in off of I-59 at exits 222 or 218 should be your best bet. Specific directions are available on the web site and the reservations operator will also provide information.
All sites are .50 plus 11% tax. There is an additional charge on weekends from March to October. They also have buddy sites charged at twice the single site rate. Senior discounts (62 and up) are 15%. While I am not familiar with buddy sites, they seem to be pull through sites with double hookups. They are a great idea for a group get together.
The Mountain Inn Restaurant offers three meals a day and a buffet on Sunday. We were excited to learn there was a restaurant at DeSoto State Park and we tried their breakfast fare our first morning. The restaurant and lodge are rustic and most pleasant. Unfortunately the food did not meet our expectations. I suggest that if you need to eat breakfast there you try the continental breakfast which consists of coffee, juice and a muffin. The biscuits, bacon and sausage were less than satisfactory. Of course I cannot comment on lunch or dinner.
We made reservations via telephone and it was an easy process. Check in at the Country Store was quick and the staff answered all questions. Basic supplies and some souvenirs are available at the store.
Seven or eight miles east of DeSoto State Park is the small town of Mentone. There you will find several restaurants and a some interesting shops. County Road 89 from the park to Mentone is not one you want to take with a large RV. In fact our 21 footer was about as big as I would want to drive on that road east of the park. On the way to Mentone you will pass Cloudmont Ski and Golf as well as DeSoto Falls.
Within 25 miles of the park you can check out the Alabama (music group) Fan Club - http://www.thealabamaband.com -, and the Sequoyah Caverns along with a variety of other attractions. Within 50 miles you can visit "Unclaimed Baggage" (yes that's where your lost luggage winds up) in Scottsboro, AL. Russell Cave National Monument and the Cathedral Caverns State Park are also within 50 miles. Huntsville, AL, and Chattanooga, TN, are within 75 miles of DeSoto State Park.
If you enjoy the serenity of natural settings plus the comfort of home then take your RV to DeSoto State Park.
DeSoto State Park
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