State Parks Near Gadsden, Alabama

7 state park units lie within 50 miles of Gadsden, including 1 park across the line in Georgia. The closest is Lake Guntersville State Park, about 28 mi north of town. None are within 25 miles, so plan on a half-day trip.

Closest park
Lake Guntersville State Park28 mi north
Within 25 miles
0of 7 within 50 mi
With camping
75 with cabins
Dog-friendly
0pets allowed

State parks near Gadsden, nearest first

Straight-line distance from central Gadsden; driving distance is usually longer.

  1. Lake Guntersville State Park

    28 miles north · Guntersville, Alabama · State Park

    The park supports golf, historic sites, boating, wildlife watching, and fishing. The official site lists about 36 miles of trails. On the water side, there is a swimming beach and boat or kayak rentals.

    312 campsitesCabins/lodgingSwimmingHikingFishingBoatingAccessible features

    Hours, fees and rules for Lake Guntersville State Park →

  2. Buck's Pocket State Park

    32 miles north · Scottsboro, Alabama · State Park

    Popular activities here are off-highway vehicle riding and hiking.

    CampingHiking

    Hours, fees and rules for Buck's Pocket State Park →

  3. Cheaha State Park

    39 miles south · Delta, Alabama · State Park

    The park supports mountain biking, historic sites, fishing, biking, and picnicking. Overnight options include 136 campsites across 5 camping areas, with RV sites with full hookups, tent sites, primitive or hike-in sites, and group camping.

    136 campsitesCabins/lodgingHikingFishing

    Hours, fees and rules for Cheaha State Park →

  4. DeSoto State Park

    41 miles northeast · Fort Payne, Alabama · State Park

    Visitors come for horseback riding, mountain biking, historic sites, canoeing and kayaking, and swimming. The official site lists about 35 miles of trails.

    CampingCabins/lodgingSwimmingHikingFishingBoating

    Hours, fees and rules for DeSoto State Park →

  5. Cathedral Caverns State Park

    41 miles north · Scottsboro, Alabama · State Park

    Popular activities here are cave tours, historic sites, and hiking. Overnight options include campsites, with tent sites and primitive or hike-in sites. If you'd rather not camp, the park offers cabins.

    CampingCabins/lodgingHiking

    Hours, fees and rules for Cathedral Caverns State Park →

  6. James H. Floyd State Park

    49 miles northeast · Summerville, Georgia · State Park

    Popular activities here are canoeing and kayaking, boating, wildlife watching, fishing, and geocaching. Water access includes a boat ramp and a fishing pier.

    29 campsitesCabins/lodgingHikingFishingBoating

    Hours, fees and rules for James H. Floyd State Park →

  7. Rickwood Caverns State Park

    50 miles west · Gardendale, Alabama · State Park

    Popular activities here are cave tours, historic sites, swimming, picnicking, and hiking. Overnight options include 5 campsites across 2 camping areas, with RV sites with electric hookups, tent sites, and group camping.

    5 campsitesSwimmingHiking$7

    Hours, fees and rules for Rickwood Caverns State Park →

Best picks by activity

Camping near Gadsden

  1. Lake Guntersville State Park 28 mi north · 312 campsites
  2. Buck's Pocket State Park 32 mi north · Campground listed
  3. Cheaha State Park 39 mi south · 136 campsites
  4. DeSoto State Park 41 mi northeast · Campground listed
  5. Cathedral Caverns State Park 41 mi north · Campground listed

+ 2 more in the list above

Cabins and lodging near Gadsden

  1. Lake Guntersville State Park 28 mi north · Cabins or other roofed stays
  2. Cheaha State Park 39 mi south · Cabins or other roofed stays
  3. DeSoto State Park 41 mi northeast · Cabins or other roofed stays
  4. Cathedral Caverns State Park 41 mi north · Cabins or other roofed stays
  5. James H. Floyd State Park 49 mi northeast · Cabins or other roofed stays

Swimming near Gadsden

  1. Lake Guntersville State Park 28 mi north · Beach, pool or swim area
  2. DeSoto State Park 41 mi northeast · Beach, pool or swim area
  3. Rickwood Caverns State Park 50 mi west · Beach, pool or swim area

Hiking near Gadsden

  1. Lake Guntersville State Park 28 mi north · Hiking trails listed
  2. Buck's Pocket State Park 32 mi north · Hiking trails listed
  3. Cheaha State Park 39 mi south · Hiking trails listed
  4. DeSoto State Park 41 mi northeast · Hiking trails listed
  5. Cathedral Caverns State Park 41 mi north · Hiking trails listed

+ 2 more in the list above

Fishing near Gadsden

  1. Lake Guntersville State Park 28 mi north · Fishing listed
  2. Cheaha State Park 39 mi south · Fishing listed
  3. DeSoto State Park 41 mi northeast · Fishing listed
  4. James H. Floyd State Park 49 mi northeast · Fishing listed

Questions about state parks near Gadsden

What is the closest state park to Gadsden?

Lake Guntersville State Park is the closest, about 28 miles north of Gadsden in a straight line. Next are Buck's Pocket State Park and Cheaha State Park.

How many state parks are near Gadsden?

7 state park units are within 50 miles, and 0 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.

Which state parks near Gadsden have camping?

7 parks list camping, the nearest being Lake Guntersville State Park, Buck's Pocket State Park and Cheaha State Park. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.

Are dogs allowed at state parks near Gadsden?

None of the parks listed here say dogs are allowed. Check each park page before bringing a pet.

Are there free state parks near Gadsden?

None of the nearby parks list free entry; most charge a daily vehicle fee or accept an annual pass. Fees are on each park page.

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Built from official park data and updated as parks change; this list was last rebuilt Oct 30, 2026. Features shown are those the official source lists. Filter these parks on the map.