By Marla Ballard
Reporter
DEKALB COUNTY - According to amateuradventure journal.com Americans spend $167 billion on camping gear, accessories, and trip-related expenses each year. In 2020, 16 percent of new campers tried camping because of the pandemic. As of 2021, seven in ten households identify themselves as at least occasional campers or glampers. Almost one-third of campers stayed within 50 miles of home in 2021. DeKalb County has multiple campgrounds to choose from.
Highview RV only offers five sites to choose from, but the view is enormous. The quaint campground is situated on the brow of Lookout Mountain with a 180-degree view of the valley that connects to Sand Mountain. Owner Jamie Griggs said, “I’m set up here for the big rigs and offer full-hookup. Every site has a great view, it’s the perfect place to watch the sunset.” Highview RV is located at 22891 County Road 89, Mentone. Call 678-552-3922. More enhancements and improvements are in the works. Follow on Facebook.
DeSoto State Park hosts over 90 campsites. While the campground is open all year, one of the two loops is closed during winter months. One bonus is that full-hookup includes cable television. Other perks include: swimming pool, zip line, adjacent hiking trails, bath houses, country store, and restaurant. Bicyclist will enjoy the mountain biking trails or the paved loops in the campground for riding. Call 256-845-5075. Located at 7104 DeSoto Pkwy. NE, Fort Payne. Go to alapark.com
Wills Creek RV Park is located in the heart of Fort Payne. The 46-acre park currently offers 64 sites with more planned in the future. The adjacent creek attracts deer creating a peaceful setting although being conveniently located within five minutes of restaurants and shopping. The property offers a pavilion for parties and a game room with billiard tables. WiFi, a bathhouse, community firepit, and four cabins are some of the other conveniences. Located at 1310 Airport Road W. Fort Payne. Follow on Facebook or go to willscreekrvpark.com. 256-845-6703.
Little River Adventure Camping has the unique feature of renting adventure toys. They are Alabama’s first and only Destination Yamaha Location. The 40-acre adventure tent campground is also perfect for paddlers, climbers, and hikers. Go to littleriver.us for complete details. Located at 95 County Road 295. Phone 866-729-1148.
Tranquility RV & Campground is in Mentone. A canopy of trees shades the 40 campsites next to a small private lake. Dump station, eight-foot picnic table, and fire ring with grill are some of the amenities offered April 1 - November 15. Their motto is - “A place to stop, rest, slow down, and reflect.” Located at 3680 County Road 165. Call 256-634-3686. Info @ tranquility campgrounds.com and Facebook.
Little River RV Park & Campground is open year round with 42 sites for camping, 26 are full-hookup, 7 of which are pull-thru sites. Shower house, laundry room, fishing pond, playground, and hiking trails are part of the experience. Address 1357 County Road 261. Phone 256-619-CAMP. Go to littleriverpark.com or follow on Facebook.
