Houston Valley
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.
Campsite limitations
Specific Camping prohibitions1. Camping for more than 14 days in developed and dispersed areas. Camping in anylocation is limited to 14 consecutive days. On the 14th consecutive day, the camper andparty must leave that area/campground for a minimum of seven days before returning foranother stay. If…
Camping not permitted within 300 feet of the Cherohala Skyway
Camping restricted along Skyway to beyond 300 yards.
motorboats restricted on Forest Service Lakes
Possession or operating a vessel powered by an internal combustion engine of any size or propelled by any other machinery rated greater than 5 horsepower is prohibited on McKamy Lake, Indian Boundary Lake, and Allen Branch Pond.
Cherokee National Forest enters Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
USDA Forest Service officials initiate Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on the Cherokee National Forest beginning Friday in response to extreme fire danger due to prolonged drought. The restrictions will prohibit fires outside of developed recreation sites. Drought conditions persist across the…
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. This Emergency Repair is in response to flood damage that…
Access disrupted to Chilhowee Recreation Area and Forest Service Road #77
UPDATE: Construction crews closed access to Chilhowee Recreation Area for road construction and paving. This is a phased project with adjustments to Chilhowee access throughout the phases. The long-term improvement project includes installation of dumpster pads for bear-proof dumpsters and…
Little Milligan Boat Ramp Temporary Closure Planned
The Little Milligan Boat Ramp Recreation Area is temporary unavailable to the public for visitor health and safety during Hurricane Helene salvage logging operations.
Closure order prohibiting protected areas pertaining to Paint Rock
Going into or being upon or in the area of closure (this includes all forms ofpresence, including as a pedestrian or by any and all other means)
Wilderness Closure Orders
This Forest Order is associated with Wilderness Areas limitations concerning stay duration, group size limits, mechanized equipment, camping and camping equipment.
Donley Cabin Camping Limitations
Limits to Donley Cabin exist to preserve small group opportunities in a remote setting. No overnight occupancy by more than 6 persons. No stays in the area except for 6 person limit authorized between sundown and sunrise. No discharge of firearm, air rifle, or gas gun within 500 feet of Donley…
Equestrian animals prohibited around Citico Creek
Equestrian animals are prohibited from going into or being upon the critical habitat portion of Citico Creek for the protection of threatened and endanger species.
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.
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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