HOUSTON SHELTER
Federal / Recreation.gov
Photo from the managing agency (Recreation.gov / agency). Confirm current conditions before you go.
Overview 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. Site is walk-up only. Recreation Day users can enjoy a beautiful sand swimming beach. Other activities include motorized and non-motorized boating and water skiing. Anglers can fish for Kentucky Spotted Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass. There are also hiking trails in the area, including the 1.4 mile High Rock Loop and the nearly 2 mile Fox Run Loop. Facilities The picnic facilit
Location
Research the approach roads and terrain here. When you're ready to drive, open directions in your preferred app below.
Research map · not turn-by-turn nav
34.12444, -87.29806
Get directions
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Tip: download offline maps before you lose cell service in the woods.
Trip-ready check
Live · National Weather Service · updated 9:58 AMWhat to check the night before you leave — forecast, alerts, and daylight for Double Springs, AL.
Today
74°F
Mostly Sunny
wind 0 mph
Tonight
45°F
Partly Cloudy
wind 0 mph
Tuesday
76°F
Mostly Sunny
wind 0 mph
Tuesday Night
46°F
Mostly Cloudy
wind 0 mph
Wednesday
75°F
Partly Sunny
wind 0 mph
Wednesday Night
44°F
Partly Cloudy
wind 0 mph
Forecast: weather.gov point forecast. Conditions change — re-check the morning you leave.
Everything you need to know
- Drive time (set your own plan)
- Not estimated for this listing — map it from your home
- Access
- See details
- Hike-in
- Confirm on site / map
- Pass required
- Check site (America the Beautiful often covers day-use; camping fees separate)
- Parking
- See facility details
- Camping fee
- See Recreation.gov
- Max stay
- Check local rules
- Reservation
- Required · Recreation.govWindow: Typically 6 months rolling (check site)
Schedule this trip
Pick nights that show openings, save them to My Trips, then reserve on Recreation.gov so the campsite is actually held for you.
Immerse helps you plan and track dates. Official reservations (and payment) happen on Recreation.gov for public campgrounds — that's what actually holds your site.
Sample 2-night immersion plan
A starting template — not a booked itinerary. Adjust once you lock dates on Recreation.gov or with a host.
Day 0 — Departure
- Leave with buffer for the ~drive + grocery / ice stop
- Arrive, set up camp, short walk to orient
- Simple dinner + early night if traveling after work
Day 1 — Main immersion
- Longer hike or creek time in the afternoon
- Campfire, quiet evening
Day 2 — Morning + departure
- Slow morning, coffee, short walk
- Pack out (Leave No Trace)
- Optional stop on the way home
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