Primitive Campsites

We are excited to announce that the new online camping reservation system is now live. Feel free to make your reservations by using the new online tool, calling the park office or simply walking in. We encourage advance reservations. Please keep in mind this online reservation system is new. If you experience any issues we would appreciate your feedback. Thank you for choosing the Alabama State Parks.

New Online Camping Reservation Tool

Primitive Campsites

DeSoto State Park is the place to camp in the great outdoors! DeSoto State Park features Improved & Primitive campgrounds, with campsites located in a wooded, mountainous setting. Backpacking Campsites are an option as well.

DeSoto State Park's Primitive Campground is comprised of 18 individual wooded campsites, a wall tent site, camping cabin, and 3 large group sites. (Wall tent site, camping cabin, & group sites must be reserved separately)

Each individual campsite has a fire ring and enough room for two tents. A vaulted toilet, picnic tables, grills, trashcans, a picnic shelter, and a water faucet are centrally located in the campground. Campers are allowed access to the Improved Campground (approx. 1 mile away) to use comfort stations showers, flush toilets & laundry rooms.

DSP Primitive Campground Map (PDF)

The primitive area is secured by a padlocked gate; a key to the Primitive Campground gate will be issued at time of check-in. Turn in the issued key in at the Country Store on check-out; after hours use the key drop box outside the Country Store door. The access to the primitive campground is a gravel road. Parking is a short distance from each site, & most sites are considered walk-ins. Campsites are chosen by the individual at the time of check-in.

One-time Reservation Fee for all overnight accommodations - $4.75
3.75% Resort Fee applied to each night

Additional Information

A deposit of one-night's rent plus resort and transaction fees are required to hold a reservation.
Cancellation of a reservation has to be within 72 hours of arrival.
Campsite chosen at time of check-in. Check out time: 11:00 AM
We recommend that reservations for holiday weekends should be made at least 3 months in advance.

Campsites are on a “first-come, first-serve” basis.
Group sites available for large groups only, by reservations only. Group rates are for scout groups, church groups, school group, etc.
Open-air or tent camping only-No pop-ups or camper shells allowed.
Campsites chosen at time of check-in. Please note tents must be within 20 feet of the fire pit on site.