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Camping

Established Camping

Corinth Recreation Area

About

National Forest

National Forests in Alabama

Overview

The Corinth Recreation Area is a state-of-the art campground located on the on the shores of the upper part of Lewis Smith Lake in Winston County. Initially built in the 1960s and renovated in 1998 it offers facilities for individual and group camping, picnicking, swimming, and boat launching.____ Check-out time for Corinth is no later than 12:00pm the day of departure. Check-in time is no earlier than 2:00pm. This 2 hour window allows our staff adequate time to clean and maintain each site. Two camping loops contain 52 campsites, with electrical, water, and sewer hookups. There are four bathhouses, with warm showers, serving the camping areas. A boat ramp is provided for campers. An entrance station with an electronic gate is available to control access to the campground. Corinth also offers eight rustic tent camping sites with nearby community hydrants and a bathhouse. No garbage bins are in the campground; users are required to pack out trash and deposit it in the dumpsters by the dump station.____ADA accessible sites are available.__ The day use portion of the recreation area focuses on the swimming beach, served by a bathhouse with an outdoor beach shower. Twenty-nine family picnic sites are available nearby, and paved access paths connect all. Near the beach is a 100-person group picnic pavilion, with a flush toilet that serves both it and a portion of the picnic sites. A 1.25-mile hiking path is located along the shoreline of the lake. A year-round boat launch is available, with an SST vault toilet; and it has boat/trailer parking. A separate boat launch is available to the campground.____ Welcome to the Corinth Recreation Area...____ Use the Recreation.gov Mobile App. Visitors on-the-go can use the Recreation.gov mobile app to reserve and pay for upcoming stays, reducing the need for on-site transactions and cash handling. Download the Recreation.gov app through the Apple App Store or on Google Play. Functionality of the iPhone app available here... __ Functionality of the Android app available here... __

Recreation

Day-use visitors and campers have access to a boat ramp and swim beach.____ The lake provides excellent fishing for Kentucky Spotted Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass.____ Hikers can access the 1.3-mile Bobwhite Trail.____ Interpretive programs are hosted during the summer.

Facilities

Day-use visitors and campers have access to a boat ramp and swim beach.____ The lake provides excellent fishing for Kentucky Spotted Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass.____ Hikers can access the 1.3-mile Bobwhite Trail.____ Interpretive programs are hosted during the summer.

Natural Features

The 180,000+ acre Bankhead National Forest is in northwestern Alabama, and its prominent feature is the Sipsey Wilderness . Known as "The Land of a Thousand Waterfalls," the Sipsey is__at the juncture of three separate geologic areas: the Appalachian Plateau, the Cumberland Plateau and the Coastal Plain. The vegetation from these three unique environments blend into a remarkable diversity of species, with overlapping ranges creating many unusual plant associations. The Sipsey is a 12,726 acre area of swift streams, waterfalls, sandstone cliffs, undisturbed gorges, majestic hardwood forests, wildflowers, birds, animals and is home to Alabama's largest tree, a tulip poplar with a 21-foot circumference at its base.__ Lewis-Smith Lake (or Smith Lake) is located in the counties of Cullman, Walker and Winston. The 300-foot high dam, completed in 1961 by Alabama Power Company, impounds the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River to form the lake. Smith Lake has a surface area of 21,200 acres, 500 miles of shoreline, a watershed area of 944 square miles, a retention time of 435 days, and a maximum depth of 264 feet. What's Happening in Your Alabama National Forest Video __

Nearby Attractions

Four nearby attractions within Bankhead National Forest are:__ The Little Natural Bridge__is the longest rock arch east of the Rockies. It was formed 200 million years ago when the sea washed the sandstone away leaving iron ore veins holding the bridge. In this area thrive 27 varieties of Ferns and a number of Canadian Hemlocks traced to the Ice Age. Satellite Map of Natural Bridge Park __ The 19th-century Pine Torch Church is one of the oldest churches in Alabama and one of only four surviving log churches. The church is located in the Bankhead Forest in Lawrence County at the intersection of Country Roads 70 and 73 Several online sources say it was built in the 1890s but a sign at the site claims in was built in the 1840s. According to legend, Pine Torch got its name from the pine knots that were set ablaze to light the building after dark. It is made of hand-hewn logs. The original floor, made of hand-hewn poplar planks, was stolen piece-by-piece and was replaced in 1940, according to a historic marker at the site. The original roof was made of hand-split wooden shingles. It was later replaced with tin. Behind the church is a cemetery whose grounds are covered with sand to make maintenance easier. A newer and larger wooden church was built at the back of the property. It is still in use. Satellite Map of the Pine Torch Church__ The Houston Civil War Jail - Houston, Alabama served as the first county seat for Winston County. The area known today as Winston County was originally established in 1850 as Hancock County, named after John Hancock, signer of the Declaration of Independence. In 1858 the county was renamed Winston after the first native-born governor of Alabama, John Anthony Winston. Old Houston, located a few miles away from present day Houston, was the first county seat. Citizens voted to move the county seat to present day Houston in the late 1850's and a log jail was constructed at that time. The jail burned during the Civil War and was rebuilt in 1868. The Houston jail was built of hand-hewn logs filled with nails to prevent prisoners from "sawing their way to freedom". The jail held prisoners and provided a site for court. In 1884 the county seat was moved from Houston to present day Double Springs. Houston Historical Society__ Discover the Incredible Variety of Habitats and Birds in the Bankhead National Forest. Birding on the Bankhead __

Suggest an Edit

Location

Corinth Recreation Area is located in Alabama

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Double Springs, travel 8 miles east on Hwy 278; turn right at Corinth Recreation Area sign on County Road 57.__Satellite Map__

Address

CORINTH RECREATION AREA 2540 COUNTY ROAD 57
Double springs, AL 35553

Coordinates

34.105 N
87.32 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

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1 Star

48%
40%
10%
0%
10%

4.5

out of 5

25 Reviews

Reviewed Apr. 16, 2024

Overnight stay

Excellent place for an overnight rest on trip out West. Clean, spacious rv sites, and great views of lake.

Site14
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Corinth Recreation Area by tom J., April 16, 2024
Reviewed Jan. 3, 2024

Worst camping experience ever

The natural beauty in that area is amazing however the camp ground in firefly loop leaves little to be desired and the camp host/hostess are extremely rude. Electric sites are advertised that they accommodate 2 tents however they do not. There is very little area to set up and the gravel is like concrete. There is grass and they don’t tell you a head of time but you can’t set up on the grass unless you are in the tent camping area. It’s is overpriced and poorly staffed.

Site32
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Corinth Recreation Area by Brittni F., January 3, 2024
  • Review photo of Corinth Recreation Area by Brittni F., January 3, 2024
  • Review photo of Corinth Recreation Area by Brittni F., January 3, 2024
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jul. 9, 2022

Great Family Fun Zone

We went with friends and don't remember which site this was, but yellowhammer was a great loop. Great trails for kids and we took the canoes out for lots of fun! This campground was well maintained with very nice bath houses!

SiteYellowhammer
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Corinth Recreation Area by Olivia M., July 9, 2022
  • Review photo of Corinth Recreation Area by Olivia M., July 9, 2022
  • Review photo of Corinth Recreation Area by Olivia M., July 9, 2022
  • (12) View All
Reviewed Apr. 20, 2022

Nice place

Well designed campground in the hills of Northern Alabama. Sites are well spaced. Well maintained. The lake is pretty. Each site has fire pit and table. The price was a little high even with the senior pass. Not much cell service.

Site16
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Oct. 17, 2021

Hidden Gem

We got lucky when we picked sites and ended up with one of the best ones. The staff were super friendly. The campground is quiet and has no light pollution. There are trails all around. Will be back again for sure!

Site38
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Corinth Recreation Area by Donnie D., October 17, 2021
  • Review photo of Corinth Recreation Area by Donnie D., October 17, 2021
  • Review photo of Corinth Recreation Area by Donnie D., October 17, 2021
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Sep. 30, 2021

Fantastic Scenic and Quiet Campground

This place was AMAZING. Wonderful and huge site with easy access to the bathhouse. The bathhouse itself was extraordinarily clean. Our hosts were fantastic and helpful providing maps and reasonably priced ice and firewood. Ease of access to nearby Bankhead National Forest. Beautiful spot and we can’t wait to come back!

SiteYellowhammer 5
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Corinth Recreation Area by Brian D., September 30, 2021
  • Review photo of Corinth Recreation Area by Brian D., September 30, 2021
  • Review photo of Corinth Recreation Area by Brian D., September 30, 2021
  • (9) View All
Reviewed May. 24, 2021

Quietly Spacious

This was by far one of the most quite COE campground we have been to. We made the mistake of booking the FlyerFly loop, the bathhouse was closed due to COVID. The camp host was very nice and helped us move to Yellowhammer where the bathhouse was open. So if you are looking for a spot near an open bathhouse, Yellowhammer is where it is at.

Like is said, peace and quite was the theme of the weekend. The camp was full but you would have thought the opposite based on how quite is was.

This place has an amazing trail, spots of gorgeous sunset or sunrise gazing, and shade.

We can’t wait to come back!

Site29
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Corinth Recreation Area by Genie C., May 24, 2021
  • Review photo of Corinth Recreation Area by Genie C., May 24, 2021
  • Review photo of Corinth Recreation Area by Genie C., May 24, 2021
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Apr. 23, 2021

favorite spot

We loved out spot here. The campground was very quiet. Both camp hosts were extremely nice and helpful. There are beautiful views overlooking the lake and lots of hiking trails and waterfalls. We had dinner nearby at Lakeshore Inn. We liked the food, servers were friendly and outside dining available with pretty scenery.

Site16
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Corinth Recreation Area by Cody J., April 23, 2021
  • Review photo of Corinth Recreation Area by Cody J., April 23, 2021
  • Review photo of Corinth Recreation Area by Cody J., April 23, 2021
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Apr. 20, 2021

Pretty country, clean site

Well maintained and peaceful, with pretty good space between sites. First come first serve, but note that you need a gate code from the hosts, so be careful arriving after hours.

Easy access to Bankhead. Would go again if we were in the area.

Site56
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Corinth Recreation Area by jeremy G., April 20, 2021
  • Review photo of Corinth Recreation Area by jeremy G., April 20, 2021
Reviewed Apr. 9, 2021

Nice National Forest Campground

I arrived without a reservation trying to get one of the first come first serve spots. There is a gate without intercom, so you can’t just drive up. I called the phone number listed and the woman on the phone gave me the gate code and told me which sites were available. Worked out pretty well. Stayed in 22. One bathhouse is open. Another one I tried was locked due to Covid. Clean. Yellohammer sites have full hookup. Then there are tent sites. I was contemplating getting a tent site with my van, but they were pretty unlevel and small. There is a public boat ramp and one specifically for the campground. Water level was still very high in the lake after recent rains and storms.

Reviewed Apr. 8, 2021

Nice area for RV camping and boating

I went here for tent camping and had a nice time but it was mostly families with RVs. There is a nice lake where a lot of people were boating as well. I did the firefly loop and I was the only tent camper everyone else was in an RV. Restrooms at the campground were closed due to covid. Also they emailed me the gate code and info to get into the campground but I didn’t see it until after I left. I luckily ran into the campground host and she was able to direct me.

Reviewed Mar. 9, 2021

So close to great trails

This is a great campground which puts you near all the magic of the Sipsey Wilderness Area in the Bankhead National Forest. We last camped here in May 2020 on Yellowhammer 21 and there was a bit of a sewer smell in that area when it’s hot, so beware of that, but otherwise the campground is great. The trails in the nearby Sipsey are just amazing. If you go hiking, make sure you have AllTrails with a downloadable trail map before you leave the campsite, because there is not great cell service on most trails, and it’s easy to get turned around in some places. They also sell a waterproof Cart-o-Craft map in the stores nearby that can be super helpful.

Reviewed Mar. 2, 2021

Wonderful Campground

The was a nice, quiet campground.  The site had plenty of space, level, and easy to back into.  there is a nice overlook and plenty of hiking trails.   We were on the yellow loop

SiteY11
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Corinth Recreation Area by Mike M., March 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Corinth Recreation Area by Mike M., March 2, 2021
Reviewed Jan. 10, 2021

Perfectly Designed for RV Newbies!

Loved this park! It was our first trip in our new Travel Trailer and it couldn't have gone better. We stayed at Yellow Hammer site #9 easy pull through with plenty of room. Not only did all the sites have amazing scenery but the roads were well maintained. Full hookups and AT & T cellphone coverage good enough for working from Trailer. Verizon cellphone coverage didn't work here. Each site fully equipped with fire ring, picnic table, and lantern poles. Wood available for purchase from host. 

Beach & Bath houses were closed due to COVID-19

We spent a lot of time walking with our kids on the trails and riding scooters around the campsite roads. Nature trails were extremely well kept with great views on the water

Best site is Yellow Hammer #17

SiteYellow Hammer #9
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Corinth Recreation Area by Thomas H., January 10, 2021
  • Review photo of Corinth Recreation Area by Thomas H., January 10, 2021
  • Review photo of Corinth Recreation Area by Thomas H., January 10, 2021
Reviewed Oct. 16, 2020

Not for tents

We stayed here for two nights to kayak the Sipsey River nearby. The location is great. I don’t know about the other spots but the Yellow Hammer loop is not meant for tents. We were told by the host we could not pitch a tent on the grass so we had to pitch a tent on a gravel/concrete slab. There is water and electric hook ups. One of the two bathroom facilities was open. The showers were hot! This is a very family friendly campsite, we heard children playing loudly late into the night (so bring ear plugs) lol.

Reviewed Sep. 23, 2020

Beautiful and Quiet

I couldn’t believe how quiet and beautiful the park was. We were surrounded by the biggest trees I had ever seen in person. Hiking to the falls was the best activity for our family. We are planning on returning!

The rv sites are huge, and well spaced out. The camp hosts were nice and helpful.

  • Review photo of Corinth Recreation Area by Brandi , September 23, 2020
Reviewed Jun. 25, 2020

Beautiful quiet sites

We have camped here twice and love it.  The sites are large and wooded.  There are walking trails and lake overlooks.  Boat launch and swimming beach are available on Smith Lake.  Most sites have full hookups and 30/50 Amp service.  Only problem was Verizon phone service was not good.  During the Covid-19 time, only one restroom with shower is open only for tent campers.

SiteF49 & Y9
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Corinth Recreation Area by Jeffrey U., June 25, 2020
  • Review photo of Corinth Recreation Area by Jeffrey U., June 25, 2020
Reviewed May. 25, 2020

Very clean and enjoyable place

We stayed only one night, there was one available bathroom for primitive/tent campers only at the time due to COVID, great view of the lake and quite despite a full camp. We’ll definitely be returning again.

  • Bathroom
    Play button icon
  • Review photo of Corinth Recreation Area by Dwight  L., May 25, 2020
  • The lake view overlook
    Play button icon
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Apr. 6, 2020

Peaceful

Awesome campground! Sites are shady, far enough apart, Super hosts! Super clean! Great hiking trails and Sipsey hiking trails to lots of waterfalls real close! Boat ramp easy to launch your water craft!

  • Review photo of Corinth Recreation Area by Renee W., April 6, 2020
Reviewed Sep. 1, 2019

We'll Be Back!

**Corinth Recreation Area– USFS **

Corinth Recreation area is located near the town of Double Springs, Alabama. The area is operated and maintained by the United State Forest Service (USFS) and can be reserved through www.recreation.gov. There are 52 total sites here and most reserved on line, there are a few sites only available as walk ins. This area is very clean and really quiet at night, the campgrounds are near the lakes edge but not lakeside. The sites are very well maintained, paved and gravel with full services including sewer. There are two RV campgrounds, Firefly and Yellowhammer. We stayed at Yellowhammer as this had more shaded sites than Firefly. There’s also a few tent only sites between the two loops. The bathrooms were clean and the staff was pleasant during our visit, we stayed five days and found so much to see near by the campground. There is very nice boat ramp on the park for easy access to Smith Lake, the beach area is also a great asset. Clean with a well-marked swimming area with bathrooms near the beach area. 

The Houston Jail (http://soloso.com/houston/) was a few miles away, this is the only surviving jail constructed from logs in 1818. It’s a historical landmark and worth the short drive to go and see. 

Natural Bridge Park (https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/alabama/natural-bridge-al/) is located in Natural Bridge, Alabama is also nearby. This rock formation is the longest sandstone natural rock bridge east of the Rocky Mountains. It’s a good hike through well marked trails and there is a small gift shop that also sells refreshments.

Dismals Canyon (https://www.dismalscanyon.com/) is thirty miles from the campground near the town of Phil Campbell, Alabama. This natural formation will make you question if you are really in Alabama. The hike is a good way to spend the day in a shaded but humid natural wonder. You can also attend a night hike to see the dismalites that only reside in a few places in the world. 

The Bankhead National Forest surrounds the entire area. The forest is huge and trying to visit the area waterfalls and trails without a plan is not recommended. Take the time to study the area maps and map the accessible roads before heading out. We actually stopped by the NSFS Office to ask for information, there was also a large map of the area there you can take a picture of that will help you with your planning. 

We had a wonderful time here at Corinth, we especially liked the campground and the deer that would come out to graze every evening. This coupled with the fireflies really made this stay memorable, we’ll be back.

Site15
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Corinth Recreation Area by Tony C., September 1, 2019
  • Review photo of Corinth Recreation Area by Tony C., September 1, 2019
  • Corinth Church - Still active
    Play button icon
  • (27) View All
Reviewed Aug. 5, 2019

Very friendly and clean

This campground is ran by good people. The restrooms and grounds are kept very clean. They ride around to keep watch so no worries about anything. Would recommend to anyone.

Reviewed Aug. 31, 2018

Great Campground

My husband and I have traveled twice to this campground and we always look forward to going. The lake is beautiful and the facilities are good too. Great workers as well!!

Reviewed Aug. 1, 2018

Nice Park

This is a really nice family park. RV spaces are a great size. Really nice swim area on Smith Lake. Some of the cleanest and clearest water around. Plenty of biking and hiking opportunities. Just a short drive to Natural Bridge park, restaurants, groceries and more.

  • Review photo of Corinth Recreation Area by Terry J., August 1, 2018
  • Review photo of Corinth Recreation Area by Terry J., August 1, 2018
  • Review photo of Corinth Recreation Area by Terry J., August 1, 2018
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jul. 11, 2018

Nice

Swimming area has shaded picnic areas but is down a steep hill a good way from your car. Also small pebbles in swim area are very painful. It's a nice place but definitely not so friendly on your feet.

Month of VisitJuly

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Corinth Recreation Area have RV hookups?

According to TheDyrt.com, Corinth Recreation Area has 50 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

What is the max vehicle length at Corinth Recreation Area?

Corinth Recreation Area allows vehicles up to 50 feet.

Are fires allowed at Corinth Recreation Area?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Corinth Recreation Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Corinth Recreation Area have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Corinth Recreation Area does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Corinth Recreation Area?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is good.

How hard is it to get a campsite at Corinth Recreation Area?

Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Corinth Recreation Area. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Corinth Recreation Area, try setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts

Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Corinth Recreation Area?

There are 61 campsites at Corinth Recreation Area and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts