Houston Valley
Closed — Closed for the season. Cherokee National Forest typically closes developed recreation areas from late fall through mid-spring. No drinking water has been available since 2019.
Access disruption south of Parksville Lake for Culvert Replacement
The Forest Service plans to begin work Dec. 31, 2025 that will disrupt access to Indian Creek Road (NFSR 302) on the Cherokee National Forest south of Parksville Lake in Polk County. Access will be disrupted while 100 culverts are replaced.
Little Sylco Project closes portion of FS 221
The US Forest Service plans to disrupt access to portions of FS 221 beginning Nov. 10 south of Parksville Lake while permanent water crossing repairs are completed to improve access across the Cherokee National Forest in Polk County.
Little Milligan Boat Ramp Temporary Closure Planned
Temporary closure for Little Milligan Boat Ramp Recreation Area is planned to start in the fall of 2025 for visitor health and safety during logging operations. A specific start date for the closure is to be determined.
About
Houston Valley Recreation Area is located at 1,800 feet elevation along Tennessee Scenic Highway 107 in Cherokee National Forest, positioned centrally between Paint Creek and Weaver Bend. The recreation area is nestled along the edge of a hardwood forest where fall colors are particularly spectacular. The facility includes eight individual picnic sites, two group picnic areas, and a pavilion containing three large picnic tables. The pavilion is adjacent to two single tables with grills. A green-space restroom and trash facilities are located a short distance from the pavilion. An open grass area provides space for games and group activities. Houston Valley primarily operates as a day-use area with one large group camping site available that can accommodate up to 72 people. Nearby attractions include the renovated Meadow Creek Fire Tower lookout platform, Burnette Gap Trailhead, and Bubbling Springs Rifle Range. Brush Creek Road leads to Weaver Bend and Allen Branch Pond, which features an accessible quarter-mile trail. Equestrian trails, hiking trails, and mountain biking opportunities are readily accessible from the recreation area.
Directions
From Greeneville, take TN 70 south about 10 miles, turn right onto TN 107 west, and travel nine miles. Houston Valley is on the left. From Newport, travel US 25/70 south, turn left onto TN 107 east, and travel five miles to Houston Valley on the right.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | Yes |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (423) 638-4109 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Photos
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