Established Camping

Houston Shelter

1 Review

About

USDA Forest Service

National Forests in Alabama

Overview

Houston Shelter is a group picnic site nestled on the shore of Lake Lewis Smith in Bankhead National Forest. This is a popular recreation area offering a variety of activities. Shelter is first come first served. Site is walk-up only.

Recreation

Day users can enjoy a beautiful sand swimming beach. Other activities include motorized and non-motorized boating and water skiing. Anglers can fish 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 nearly 2 mile Fox Run Loop.

Facilities

The picnic facility offers tables, flush toilets, grills and drinking water. A boat ramp and showers are nearby.

Natural Features

Bankhead National Forest is located in northwestern Alabama. The prominent feature of the area is the Sipsey Wilderness. Known as "The Land of a Thousand Waterfalls," the Sipsey Wilderness encompasses 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.

Fee Info

<p>The Houston Recreation Area Shelter is non-reservable but available on a first-come, first-served basis. The use fee is $20.00 per day, plus $4.00 per vehicle deposited in the fee tube at the Houston Recreation Area entrance.__</p>

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Site Types

Tent Sites
Group

Features

For Campers

Picnic Table
Pets

For Vehicles

Water Hookups

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Lynn G.

Ranger

Reviewed Sep. 30, 2017

No camping

There is no camping at the shelters, you can reserve shelters for picnics. See the entry for Houston recreational area for a campsite within the Bankhead National Forest.

Location

Houston Shelter is located in Alabama

Directions

About 50 miles southwest of Decatur, take Highway 278 east from Double Springs for 8 miles. Turn south on County Road 63 and continue for 4 miles. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 118 and travel a mile to the campground.