Houston Shelter
Closed — Closed for the season. The pavilion is available for day-use May 1 through October 31. Day-use parking operates May through September. The boat ramp is open year-round.
Forest Service firefighters responding to wildfire in Perry County
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2026 Fee Free Dates
In Alabama, national forests are great escapes! There’s something for everyone who enjoys the great outdoors, and the fee-free days provide a great opportunity to visit a new place or an old favorite. All standard amenity sites, such as day-use and picnic areas, are waived during fee-free days.…
Rules for Forest Visitors
In the case of an emergency or road side assistance is needed, please call 911.
Leon Brook Hines Lake Closure
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Shooting Range Prohibitions
ALERT! National Forests in Alabama (Bankhead, Conecuh, Talladega, Tuskegee) Shooting Ranges Restrictions - Alcohol Use, Range Area, Target and Ammunition.
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Occupancy and Use Forest Order - Coleman Lake, Pine Glen, Warden Horse Camp, Shoal Creek RD
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Occupancy and Use Forest Order for Various Camps on Bankhead District
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Prohibited Hunting/Occupancy and Use Forest Order in Bankhead District
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Occupancy and Use Forest Order - Drinking Alcohol and Camping Without a Permit
Possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages and camping without a written permit from the Forest Service is prohibited in the following areas: Kinlock Falls, all lands located within one-half radius of the falls, Kinlock Spring and Kinlock shelter on the Bankhead Ranger District.
National Forest Wilderness Order
Prohibitions in the Wilderness for the Sipsey Wilderness, Bankhead Ranger District, of the National Forests in Alabama. See detailed information below.
Occupancy and Use Forest Order - Morgan Lake
The following are prohibited at Morgan Lake as set forth in 36 CFR 261.58: Being in the area after sundown or before sunrise.Possessing and/or consuming an alcoholic beverage as defined by state law. See full closure order below.
Public Health and Safety - Target Shooting
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Food Storage Forest Order
You must properly store food or refuse to prevent access by wildlife. You must not placing, leave, deposit any food, bait or refuse in a manner likely to attract or concentrate any wildlife, whether for purposes of hunting or viewing animals.
Occupancy and Use Forest Order - Fishing
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Protection of Species Forest Order - Gopher Tortoise
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Occupancy and Use Forest Order - Open Pond Recreation Area
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Occupancy and Use Forest Order - Blue Lake Recreation Area
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Public Health and Safety Forest Order - Protection of Wildlife (Alligators)
The feeding, or otherwise molesting of, alligators is prohibited on the Conecuh National Forest. See full closure order below.
Occupancy and Use Forest Order - Houston, Corinth, Clear Creek and Brushy Creek Campgrounds
There is a 14 day limit on camping in the Houston, Corinth and Clear Creek, and Brushy Lake Recreation Areas of the Bankhead Ranger District of the National Forests in Alabama. See full closure order below.
Cave Habitat Forest Order - Indiana and Gray Bats
Going into, or being in caves designated as closed for the protection of endangered, threatened, or rare species of animals. See full closure order below.
Target and Skeet Shooting Forest Order
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Rules for Camping
Camping in developed recreation areas is limited to 14 consecutive days and there is a 24 hour waiting period to return. Camping in dispersed areas (hunt camps) is limited to 21 consecutive days. There is a 10 day waiting period before returning to the same area/location. Don't forget:Leaving…
About
Houston Shelter is a group picnic pavilion located on the scenic shoreline of Lake Lewis Smith within the William B. Bankhead National Forest. This day-use facility accommodates up to 50 people and operates on a first-come, first-served basis during the recreation season. The shelter is part of the Houston Recreation Area, which features a sandy swimming beach, modern bathhouse, boat launch, and access to hiking trails including the High Rock Loop and Fox Run Loop. Bankhead National Forest is known as the Land of a Thousand Waterfalls and encompasses the Sipsey Wilderness with its limestone bluffs, old-growth forests, and abundant streams. Lake Lewis Smith offers over 500 miles of shoreline with clear, deep water ideal for fishing Kentucky Spotted Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass, as well as motorized and non-motorized boating and water skiing. Note that Houston Campground (a separate facility in the recreation area) remains closed to the public, but the day-use areas, pavilion, and boat ramp are operational during their respective seasons.
Directions
From Double Springs, 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 travel 1 mile to the recreation area.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $20 - $24 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (205) 489-5111 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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