Closed

The campground is closed to the public under a Forest Service occupancy order. The day-use facilities operate seasonally from early May through late September with a $4 parking fee.

Wind Advisory issued October 10 at 11:43AM CDT until October 10 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Birmingham AL

11:43 AM — 7:00 PM

* WHAT...Winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. * WHERE...Clay, Fayette, Greene, Jefferson, Lamar, Marion, Pickens, St. Clair, Sumter, Talladega, Tuscaloosa, Walker, and Winston Counties. * WHEN...Until 7 PM CDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Trees could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

William B. Bankhead National Forest

Conecuh National Forest Closures Due to Hurricane Isaias

The USDA Forest Service is closing Open Pond Campground, Open Pond Day Use Area, Blue Lake Recreation Area, and the Conecuh Shooting Range beginning 10/8/2026 until it’s safe to reopen these sites to the public because of anticipated impacts from Hurricane Isaias.Check the latest weather…

William B. Bankhead National Forest

Blue Horse Trail Closure

The Blue Horse Trail from FSR 500 west to FSR 540 (haul road 545) is closed due to active timber cutting and skidding operations along the trail and adjacent road. For public safety, this area will remain closed for approximately 8–10 weeks. Please avoid the trail until work is complete.

About

Houston Recreation Area sits on the shore of Lake Lewis Smith within William B. Bankhead National Forest in Winston County, Alabama. Originally developed as a campground, the overnight camping area is currently closed to the public under a Forest Service occupancy and use order. The site operates as a seasonal day-use facility from early May through September. Visitors can enjoy a sand swimming beach with a modern bathhouse featuring showers and flush toilets, 14 picnic sites, and a group shelter that accommodates up to 50 people. A boat launch provides year-round lake access for fishing and water sports. Day-use parking costs $4 per vehicle during the operating season. The boat ramp is available year-round at $4 per vehicle. The group pavilion can be reserved through Recreation.gov for $20.

Directions

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.

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed —
Toilets Yes
Dump Station —
Wifi —
Pets Allowed —
Showers Yes
Electric Hookups —
Water Hookups —
Sewer Hookups —
Camp Store —

Vehicle

Max RV Length —
Max Trailer Length —
Big Rig Friendly —
Pull Through Sites —

Contact

Phone +1 (205) 489-5111

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

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