Facility Details - HOUSTON RECREATION AREA, AL

Overview

Houston Recreation Area is situated on the shore of Lake Lewis Smith in Bankhead National Forest. This popular destination has day-use areas and a campground.

The campground consists of 3 loops with standard sites, most of which are private with lake views. There are also picnic areas, including a group shelter, and facilities for boating and swimming.

Natural Features:

Bankhead National Forest is located in northwestern Alabama, and its prominent feature is the Sipsey Wilderness. Known as "The Land of a Thousand Waterfalls," it's an area of abundant streams, old-growth forests, limestone bluffs and lush canyons.

Lake Lewis Smith boasts more than 500 miles of shoreline marked by high rock bluffs. The water is clear and deep and provides excellent fishing.

Recreation:

Visitors have access to a sand swimming beach and boat ramp. Popular activities include boating, jet skiing and water skiing.

The lake provides excellent fishing for Kentucky Spotted Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass. There are also hiking trails in the area, including the 1.4-mile High Rock Loop and the 1.9-mile Fox Run Loop.

Facilities:

There are hot showers, water spigots and flush toilets on the premises. Camp sites have paved parking spurs, tent pads, picnic tables and fire pits.

A host is available, and visitors can purchase firewood and ice.

Nearby Attractions:

Two nearby attractions within Bankhead National Forest are the Little Natural Bridge and the 19th-century Pine Torch Church. Another popular attraction in the local area is Houston Civil War Jail.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
Accessible Boat Ramp Accessible Flush Toilets Accessible Picnic Areas Beach Access Berry Picking Biking Birding Boat Ramp Boat Trailer Parking Boat-In Sites Boating Campfire Circles Campfire Programs Drinking Water Dump Station Educational Programs Entrance Station Firewood Vendor Fishing Flush Toilets Grills Hiking	Host Ice Machine Jet Skiing Lake Access Mountain Biking Non-Motorized Boating Outdoor Showers Parking Area Paved Roads Pets Allowed Picnic Area Picnic Shelters Ranger Station Scenic Overlooks Showers Swimming Trailheads Trash Collection Vault Toilets Visitor Center Water Skiing Wildlife Viewing

Know Before You Go

Gate hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; after hours access is available
Alcohol is not allowed in park
The campground has a two vehicle and two tent maximum per single site; $4 fee for additional vehicles
Click here for more information about National Forests in Alabama

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
34.12139, -87.28556
34°7'17"N, 87°17'8"W

From Double Springs, Alabama, take Highway 278 east for 8 miles. Turn south on County Road 63 and continue for 4 miles. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 118 and continue for a mile.