Campground Policies and Rules

Effective Date: November 2026
Location: Fort Payne, Alabama

Welcome to DeSoto Bluffs Campground. We are committed to providing a safe, clean, and respectful environment for all guests. These policies apply to all campers, visitors, and pets on the property. By making a reservation or entering the campground, you agree to comply with all rules and regulations outlined in this document.

Violations of these policies may result in warnings, fees, or immediate removal from the property without refund. We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a positive experience for everyone.

General Campground Rules

Check-In and Check-Out

• Check-in time: 3:00 PM
• Check-out time: 11:00 AM
• Early check-in and late check-out may be available by prior arrangement and are subject to availability and additional fees
• All guests must register when booking and present valid photo identification on request
• The registered guest is responsible for all individuals and vehicles associated with their reservation

Occupancy and Vehicles

• Maximum occupancy per site is listed at the time of booking and may not be exceeded
• Only registered guests and visitors approved by management are permitted on-site
• Each campsite is allocated parking for one RV/camper and one tow vehicle or passenger vehicle
• Additional vehicles must be approved in advance and may incur a daily parking fee
• All vehicles must display a current registration and be parked within designated areas
• Off-road vehicles (ATVs, dirt bikes, etc.) are not permitted on campground property

Site Boundaries and Privacy

• All guests must remain within their designated campsite boundaries
• Walking through another guest's campsite without permission is prohibited
• Use established pathways, roads, and trails to move throughout the campground
• Trespassing on occupied sites or entering another guest's RV, tent, or structures without invitation is strictly prohibited
• Guests must respect neighbors' privacy and maintain a respectful distance from other campsites

Safety Policies

Fire Safety

Fire safety is a top priority at DeSoto Bluffs Campground. All guests must follow these rules to protect themselves, others, and the natural environment.

• Campfires are permitted only in the campground's designated fire pits
• Fires must never be left unattended
• Children must be supervised by an adult at all times when a fire is burning
• Use only seasoned firewood; gathering wood from the property or surrounding areas is prohibited
• Do not burn trash, plastics, treated wood, or any hazardous materials
• Keep fires at a manageable size (no larger than 3 feet in height or diameter)
• Maintain a cleared area of at least 10 feet around the fire pit, free of flammable materials
• A water source (hose, bucket of water, or fire extinguisher) must be readily accessible at all times when a fire is burning
• All fires must be completely extinguished before leaving the campsite or going to sleep

Proper Fire Extinguishing Procedure:

• Douse the fire thoroughly with water, stirring ashes and embers
• Continue adding water and stirring until all embers are cool to the touch
• Use a shovel to spread and separate remaining coals
• Feel the ashes with the back of your hand to confirm they are completely cool
• Never cover a fire with dirt alone; water is required for complete extinguishment

General Safety Rules

• Speed limit on all campground roads is 15 mph; strictly enforced
• Children under 12 must be supervised by an adult at all times
• Running, roughhousing, or loud play near campsites, roadways, or fire pits is prohibited
• Campground grounds, trails and shared areas must be used respectfully and according to posted rules
• Weapons, fireworks, and illegal substances are strictly prohibited
• Report any hazards, injuries, or emergencies to campground management immediately

Pet Policies

We welcome well-behaved pets at DeSoto Bluffs Campground. However, pet owners are fully responsible for their animals' behavior and must follow all rules to ensure the safety and comfort of all guests.

Dogs per Reservation and Restricted Breeds

• No more than two pets per reservation
• Due to insurance regulations, we do not allow the following dog breeds at our facility:
  • Rottweilers
  • German Shepherds
  • Belgian Malinois
  • Staffordshire Terriers
  • Alaskan Malamutes
  • Siberian Huskies
  • Doberman Pinschers
  • Chows
  • Akitas
  • Bull Terriers
  • All bulldog breeds
  • All "bully" breeds
  • All "pit bull" breeds
  • Mixed breeds that include any of the above

Leash Requirements

• All dogs and cats must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times when outside of your RV, tent, or enclosed vehicle
• Pets are never permitted to roam freely, even within your campsite
• Pets must be under the owner's physical control at all times
• Leashes must be held by a responsible person capable of controlling the animal
• Pets may not be tied or tethered to trees, posts, or picnic tables and left unattended

Pet Behavior and Conduct

• Pets must not bark excessively, growl, lunge, or display aggressive behavior toward people or other animals
• Disruptive or aggressive pets must be removed from the campground
• Pets are prohibited from entering bathhouses, pavilions, playgrounds, pool areas, or any other enclosed public facilities
• Do not leave pets unattended at your campsite for extended periods
• Pets in distress (barking, whining, overheating) must be attended to immediately

Waste Disposal

• Pet waste must be picked up immediately and disposed of in designated trash receptacles
• Do not leave pet waste on the ground, in neighboring campsites, or along pathways and trails
• Carry waste bags with you at all times when walking pets
• Pet waste stations with bags and disposal bins are located throughout the campground

Rabies Vaccination and Health

• Proof of current rabies vaccination is required for all dogs and cats; documentation must be provided upon request
• Pets showing signs of illness must not be brought to the campground
• Flea and tick prevention is strongly recommended

Littering and Waste Management

Keeping DeSoto Bluffs Campground clean is a shared responsibility. All guests must dispose of waste properly to protect the environment and maintain a pleasant experience for everyone.

Waste Disposal Rules

• Place all trash in tied bags and deposit in designated dumpsters or trash receptacles
• Do not leave trash outside your campsite, along roadways, or in natural areas
• Recycling bins are available; please separate recyclables according to posted instructions
• Do not overfill trash receptacles; if full, take your trash to another designated location or notify management
• Dumping of household trash, construction debris, or bulk items is prohibited
• RV waste (gray water, black water) must be disposed of only through the sewer connection at your site, using a sealed sewer hose; dumping on the ground is strictly prohibited and illegal

Site Cleanliness

• Keep your campsite clean and free of litter during your stay
• Before checkout, remove all trash, personal belongings, and debris from your site
• Dispose of charcoal, ash, and coals properly in designated receptacles after they are completely cool
• Do not leave food, food wrappers, or waste outside overnight; this attracts wildlife and pests

Noise and Quiet Hours

Quiet Hours

• Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM daily
• During quiet hours, all noise must be kept to a minimum to respect fellow campers
• Loud music, power tools, and other excessive noise sources are prohibited during quiet hours
• Voices, laughter, and conversations should be at conversational volume

General Noise Courtesy

• Keep music, television, and radio at reasonable volumes at all times
• Generators are not permitted
• Be mindful of sound carrying across campsites, especially in the evening
• Campground staff may enforce noise restrictions at any time if disturbances are reported

Alcohol, Smoking, and Controlled Substances

• Alcohol consumption is permitted in moderation at individual campsites by guests 21 years of age or older
• Intoxication or disorderly conduct will not be tolerated and may result in immediate removal
• Smoking (cigarettes, cigars, vaping) is permitted at campsites but must be done considerately; do not allow smoke to drift into neighboring sites
• Dispose of all cigarette butts and smoking materials properly in trash receptacles; do not discard on the ground or in fire pits
• Illegal drugs and controlled substances are strictly prohibited; possession or use will result in immediate removal and law enforcement notification

Visitor Policy

• Registered guests may have day visitors with prior approval from management
• All visitors must be registered in advance and pay the visitor fee
• Visitors are subject to all campground rules and policies
• The registered guest is responsible for the conduct and any damages caused by their visitors
• Visitor vehicles are subject to parking fees
• Visitors must leave by 10:00 PM unless special arrangements have been made

Damage and Liability

• Guests are financially responsible for any damage to campground property, facilities, or landscaping caused by themselves, their visitors, or their pets
• Report any pre-existing damage to your campsite or amenities to campground management immediately upon arrival
• Removal, destruction, or alteration of trees, plants, rocks, or natural features is prohibited
• Repairs or modifications to campsites (digging, trenching, nailing into trees, etc.) are not permitted without prior written authorization
• DeSoto Bluffs Campground is not responsible for theft, loss, or damage to personal property
• Guests camp at their own risk; the campground is not liable for injuries resulting from accidents, natural conditions, or guest negligence

Refund and Cancellation Policy

• Cancellations made 14 days or more prior to arrival: Full refund minus processing fee
• Cancellations made 7–13 days prior to arrival: 50% refund minus processing fee
• Cancellations made less than 7 days prior to arrival or no-shows: No refund
• Guests removed from the campground for rule violations will not receive a refund
• Campground management reserves the right to issue refunds or credits at its discretion in cases of extreme weather, facility closures, or other extraordinary circumstances

Enforcement and Management Discretion

• Campground management and staff reserve the right to interpret and enforce these policies as necessary to maintain safety, order, and respect for all guests
• Guests who refuse to comply with staff instructions or campground rules may be removed immediately without refund
• Management reserves the right to refuse service, terminate stays, or ban guests from future visits for serious or repeated violations
• These policies are subject to change; guests will be notified of updates at check-in or via email for future reservations
• Law enforcement may be contacted in cases involving illegal activity, threats, violence, or endangerment of persons or property

Emergency Contact Information

Campground Phone: 256-997-7393
After-Hours Emergency Line: 256-997-7393
Local Emergency Services (Police, Fire, EMS): 911
Non-Emergency Police (Fort Payne Police): 256-845-1414

Acknowledgment

By completing your reservation and staying at DeSoto Bluffs Campground, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by all policies, rules, and regulations set forth in this document. Thank you for helping us create a safe, clean, and enjoyable environment for all guests.

Management Contact:
DeSoto Bluffs Campground, LLC
Fort Payne, Alabama 35967
admin@DeSotoBluffsCampground.com
855-3CAMPRV

This document reflects the current policies of DeSoto Bluffs Campground and is subject to change at management’s discretion.

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