## 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...][1]\_\_\_\_ 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... ][2]\_\_ [Functionality of the Android app available here... ][3]\_\_ 
## 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

 All facilities are wheelchair accessible.\_\_ Flush toilets, drinking water and showers are offered for both campers and day-use visitors.\_\_\_\_ The campground offers spacious standard sites with full hookups that can accommodate RVs of any size.\_\_ Sites contain paved parking spurs, picnic tables, grills and tent pads.\_\_ There is a reservable group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 100 people, as well as 29 first-come, first-served picnic sites. 
## Natural Features

 The 180,000+ acre [Bankhead National Forest][4] is in northwestern Alabama, and its prominent feature is the [Sipsey Wilderness][5] . 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 ][6]\_\_ 
## 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 ][7]\_\_ 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][8]\_\_ 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][9]\_\_ Discover the Incredible Variety of Habitats and Birds in the Bankhead National Forest. [Birding on the Bankhead ][10]\_\_ 

[1]: https://www.dropbox.com/s/nrcw3icsuj3b26f/Welcome%20to%20The%20Corinth%20Recreation%20Area%20with%20QR%20Codes%20%26%20Map.pdf?dl=0
[2]: https://recreationonestopprod.servicenowservices.com/external?id=kb_article&amp;sys_id=e314be5edb5cbf00bbe83a8c7c9619a3&amp;table=&amp;utm_campaign=2020+-5+-+21+Field+Connection+-+May+%232+%28FINAL%29&amp;utm_content=Second+Edition+May+Field+Connection&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=Newsletter
[3]: https://recreationonestopprod.servicenowservices.com/external?id=kb_article&amp;sys_id=05d2f3bbdb93730011ac348c7c9619c9&amp;table=&amp;utm_campaign=2020+-5+-+21+Field+Connection+-+May+%232+%28FINAL%29&amp;utm_content=Second+Edition+May+Field+Connection&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=Newsletter
[4]: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/alabama/about-forest/districts/?cid=fsbdev3_002553
[5]: https://webcam.srs.fs.fed.us/psd/sipsey/
[6]: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd584698.mp4
[7]: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Natural+Bridge+Park/@34.0926803,-87.6315145,14922m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x8887de66f838639f:0xdd606d5ac9735bd!8m2!3d34.0936111!4d-87.6152778
[8]: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pine+Torch+Church/@34.3223133,-87.2981973,3720m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x888819f502b38463:0x4376d4a459b571a1!8m2!3d34.321575!4d-87.2990988
[9]: http://www.soloso.com/houston/index.html
[10]: https://www.dropbox.com/s/umt2xty3fzzu2mk/Birding

Corinth Recreation Area

**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.

We'll Be Back!

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. 

Nice Park

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! 

Peaceful

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.

Very clean and enjoyable place

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.

Beautiful quiet sites

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.

Beautiful and Quiet

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 &amp; 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 &amp; 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

Perfectly Designed for RV Newbies! 

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

Wonderful Campground

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.

Pretty country, clean site

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. 

favorite spot 

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! 

Quietly Spacious 

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!

Fantastic Scenic and Quiet Campground 

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!

Hidden Gem

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!

Great Family Fun Zone

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. 

Worst camping experience ever

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