Top 5 Camping Spots in Tri-State Area

At Eagle Eye we love taking life outside… camping, backpacking, car camping, overlanding, glamping, or whatever you call it. Experiencing God’s creation and exploring the beautiful outdoors is something we’re passionate about. We’d love to share a few of our favorites with you. There’s more to explore in our backyard than you think.

A lot of you may not know what to take with you camping. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’ve put together a Vlog of our favorite gear here: https://youtu.be/uui4btqZmnQ

1) Little River Canyon X Desoto State Park | Fort Payne, AL
Desoto State Park is nestled atop beautiful Lookout Mountain in scenic Northeast Alabama and accented by many rushing waterfalls and fragrant wildflowers that will simply take your breath away. Developed in the late 1930s, the hard-working and dedicated men of the CCC made many natural enhancements to the park that have withstood the test of time and will last for future generations. Whether you’re a nature hobbyist, outdoor enthusiast, or sporting fanatic – DeSoto State Park has plenty to do to keep you pleasantly entertained. Kayaking, fishing, hiking, biking, cycling, rappelling, bouldering, picnicking, wildflower expeditions, and just plain ole’ exploring nature – they literally have it all! From Camping Cabins to Primitive Campsites, something to meet everyone’s level of camping.

2) Mount Cheaha State Park | Delta, AL
Take a trip to the highest point in Alabama. At 2,407 feet above sea level, Cheaha Resort State Park, located on top of Cheaha Mountain, has breathtaking views and fun recreational activities. This 2,799-acre mountaintop retreat offers visitors a little bit of everything. From quiet surroundings and accommodations to a magnificent lodge that can be used for family and group functions. Named by the Creek Indians “Chaha” meaning high place, Cheaha Resort State Park is truly a magnificent Alabama destination.

Located in the middle of the Talladega National Forest, the park is ideal for access to the Kentuck ORV-ATV Trail. Additionally, the park is home to the Cheaha Trailhead of the Pinhoti Trail, which connects with the Appalachian Trail and accesses the Odum Scout Trail, and the Chinnabee Silent Trail. Here hikers can experience tranquility, native wildlife and beautiful waterfalls.

Some call it roughing it, others say “It’s Real Camping”. Organized groups can pitch tents in our private camping area, or if your going solo there are other semi-primitive campgrounds. Not up for sleeping in a tent? They also have hotels, cabins, and chalets near by.

3) T. H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park | Port St. Joe, FL
St. Joseph Peninsula State Park on the Gulf of Mexico across the bay from Port St. Joe, where visitors can swim, sun and play on 9.5 miles of snow-white sand beaches lapped by clear, aqua-blue waters. The park is rated as one of the best state parks in the U.S. and one of the best beaches in the nation. Visitors can explore the untouched natural beauty of the Wilderness Preserve or fish and snorkel in the gulf or tranquil grass flats of St. Joseph Bay. St. Joseph Peninsula State Park offers a variety of camping facilities, 119 campsites with water, electricity, picnic table and grills. A special tent area is available for youth groups and seven cabins are furnished with kitchens, fireplaces, bathrooms, heat and air. For a primitive experience, campers can hike or kayak into the Wilderness Preserve. Daytime visitors can enjoy picnicking, beach activities and boat ramp access to St. Joseph Bay. Fishing and snorkeling are great ways to enjoy the abundant marine life in the gulf and bay. Favorite catches include sea trout, redfish, flounder, spanish makerel, whiting, pompano, blue crabs and bay scallops. Hike along the gulf beach, bay shore and interior passageways of nature trails to observe the park’s wildlife and natural beauty. A map of the preserve is available at the entrance station. The park is noted as an excellent birding and wildlife observation area. During fall migration the peninsula is an important stopover point for a variety of bird species. The park has one of the most productive sea turtle and shore bird nest beaches in the panhandle.

4) Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park | St. George Island, FL
Miles of undeveloped beaches on this barrier island provide the perfect setting for this park, which offers ample opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, canoeing, boating, hiking, camping and nature study. Two natural boat ramps provide access to the bay for small boats. Anglers can fish for flounder, redfish, sea trout, pompano, whiting, Spanish mackerel and other fish off the beach or in the bay. Few parks offer better opportunities for shelling. Sea turtles and shore birds such as the snowy plover, least tern, black skimmer and willet nest in the park during the summer. The park has six large picnic shelters equipped with grills, tables and nearby restrooms. The campground features 60 campsites with water, electric, a central dump station and two bathhouses. Two primitive campsites can be accessed by a 2.5-mile trail or by canoe or kayak. A primitive group camp area is available for scouts and other organized groups. Annual special events include the Coffee in the Campground from November through February, Coastal Cleanups in September and weekly interpretive programs in the fall. Other events and ranger programs are available throughout the rest of the year. Located on St. George Island, 10 miles southeast of Eastpoint, off U.S. 98.

5) F.D. Roosevelt State Park x Pine Mountain | Pine Mountain, GA
At 9,049 acres, Georgia’s largest state park is a hiker’s and backpacker’s haven. More than 40 miles of trails, including the popular 23 mile Pine Mountain Trail, wind through hardwood and pines, over creeks and past small waterfalls. Many visitors are surprised to find rolling mountains 80 miles southwest of Atlanta. Above King’s Gap is Dowdell’s Knob where President Franklin D. Roosevelt sometimes picnicked and pondered world affairs. A life-size sculpture of the president now welcomes visitors to the overlook.

Several park amenities were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, including cottages and the Liberty Bell swimming pool fed by cool springs. A wooded campground sits near the edge of a small fishing lake, and privately operated stables offer guided horseback rides. In 1924, FDR came to this part of Georgia to swim in naturally warm springs that offered relief from polio. Today, nearby Roosevelt’s Little White House State Historic Site invites visitors to see his modest home, a museum and the pools that first drew him here.

Make a plan to go see one of these spots before the year is over. Just a few hours drive and you’ll be able to explore, camp and take life outside. There’s more to do in our area than you imagined, so take advantage of it.

Just remember that Eagle Eye Outfitters is here to outfit you on your way. Shop Hiking Apparel and outdoor apparel from quality brands you trust.