Houston Shelter

National Forests in Alabama — lakeside, fishing, hiking

Location: DOUBLE SPRINGS, AL, AL

Price: From $20 per night

Rating: 4 out of 5 (0 reviews)

Season: May through October

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.

Cell coverage (FCC estimate): moderate signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas. Best carrier: T-Mobile.

Amenities: Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Flush Toilets, Drinking Water, Showers, Fishing, Boat Launch

Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/houston-shelter to be notified when sites open up.

Houston Shelter offers a scenic group picnic site on Lake Lewis Smith's shore with a sand swimming beach and excellent water activities including boating, fishing for Kentucky Spotted Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass, and hiking trails. Campers praise it as very peaceful with clean, well-maintained facilities.

Wildlife alert: Western Pygmy Rattlesnake and Eastern Copperhead present in area; also White-tailed Deer, Wild Turkey, and Alabama Map Turtle

Insider tips for Houston Shelter: First come, first served site — arrive early, especially on weekends Walk-up only access, no reservations available Boat launch available but note from recent camper that pier repairs may be needed

Skip Houston Shelter if: You need RV hookups — no hookups available at this site. You require advance reservations — site is first come, first served only. You visit outside May-October — seasonal operations only.

Best time to visit Houston Shelter: May-October — Campground operates seasonally May through October only.

Nearby campgrounds: Corinth Recreation Area (BANGOR, AL), Clear Creek (Al) (Bangor, AL), Burchfield Branch Park (ADGER, AL), Rocky Branch Day Use Park (Cottondale, AL).