DE SOTO STATE PARK
In the rustic tradition of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), Desoto State Park is accented by rushing waterfalls and fragrant wildflowers. The atmosphere of the CCC further enhances the restaurant, lodge and cabin facilities. Nestled atop beautiful scenic Lookout Mountain in northeast Alabama, this 3,502-acre park provides Mountain Chalets, Log & Rustic Cabins, Motel Rooms, Meeting Rooms, and also has both Improved & Primitive campgrounds. Also features a picnic area with playground, Olympic-size swimming pool, nature center with interpretive programs and live animals, tennis courts, & 15 miles of hiking & mountain biking trails. DeSoto State Park is located eight miles northeast of Fort Payne, Alabama.
Established in 1939, the park is located atop Lookout Mountain in northeast Alabama. Named after explorer Hernando de Soto, it covers over 3,500 acres of forest and river landscapes.
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) developed initial infrastructure during the Great Depression era. They built cabins using local stone and timber to blend with natural surroundings.
In addition to CCC's work on trails and buildings, they also constructed a dam creating a large lake for recreational use.
Over time amenities expanded including campsites, chalets along Little River's west fork gorge rim area plus an Olympic-sized swimming pool added later.
Today visitors enjoy hiking or biking through miles of scenic terrain while spotting diverse wildlife species native to this region.
Log CabinsThese beautiful cabins opened to the public in the Spring of 2006 and have been popular ever since. A picnic table and grill are located outside each cabin. Log Cabins feature a full kitchen and living room! The new cabins have Cable TV, kitchen with utensils, and central heating and air conditioning. The living room has a sleeper sofa and fireplace. Log Cabins can sleep up to 6 people. Each of the new cabins have 2 bedrooms with double beds.
Rustic Log Cabins
Enjoy the atmosphere of the Civilian Conservation Corp with all the modern conveniences. These rustic cabins were built in the mid-1930s. Enjoy a night around a cozy fire in DeSoto's Rustic Cabin
Four-Person Rustic CabinOne bedroom with a double bed and either 2 twin beds or 2 studio couches in living room. Rustic cabins have cable TV, linens and basic cookware, tableware and utensils. Rustic cabins have fireplaces.FREE Wireless Internet Access available.
Chalets
These comfortable A-frame chalets are surrounded by Northeast Alabama's beautiful woodlands and rolling terrain. Enjoy a hike down to the West Fork of Little River right out your back door. Chalets have cable TV, linens and basic cookware, tableware and utensils. All chalets have fireplaces.Chalet guests have complimentary access to the swimming pool during summer months. No Pets. Handicapped facilities available. FREE Wireless Internet Access.
DeSoto State Park offers 78 improved sites located in a beautiful setting.
Campsites are well-spaced with natural flora for privacy.
The campground has 58 water and electric back-in sites, 10 water, electric and sewer back-in sites, and 10 water, electric and sewer pull-thru sites.Two comfort stations with restrooms and hot showers are located on the campground.
Reservations require a deposit of the first night by credit card and should be made well in advance.
Check-out time is 11:00 am.
Primitive Camping:
DeSoto State Park?s Wilderness Area is comprised of 20 individual campsites (8 people and two tents per site) and two group campsites (up to 30 people per site). Each individual campsite has a fire pit and enough room for two tents (tents must be within 20 feet of the fire pit). Two pit toilets and a central water faucet are located in the wilderness area. Campers are allowed access to the Improved Campground to use comfort stations.
RV Storage
DeSoto State Park has limited RV storage area for campers and RVs. Please e-mail or call for more information or availability of space.
DeSoto's Lodge was built by the Civilian Conservation Corp during the 1930s. At the time it was used as a group lodge and a dance hall. During the late 70s additions were added around the main part of the Lodge and a motel constructed next to it. Inside the main lobby you can still see the front center stone with the word 'Lodge' carved into it. The original part of the structure was turned into the Mountain Inn Restaurant, which is still in operation today.
Motel Rooms
2 double beds, 1-2 guests or 1 king bed, 1-2 guests. Motel guests have complimentary access to the swimming pool during summer months. Corporate rate available. All rooms have telephone and cable TV. No Pets. Handicapped facilities available.
Open Seasonally-Pool opens May 23, 2009. Pool Hours: Monday-Sunday, 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Free swimming 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. ADA lift available. Lifeguards on duty. No refunds or rainchecks.
Pool Parties are available during the open season. Party hours are 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.One lifeguard is provided--25 people limit.Call the park office to reserve your pool party.
Weiss Lake provides almost 36,000 acres of fishing along the Coosa River, with about 426 miles of shoreline. Located 20 miles from DeSoto State Park in Cherokee County.
DeKalb County Lake is 120-acres located on Sand Mountain one mile north of Sylvania, Alabama.