Houston Shelter

National Forests in Alabama, Alabama

Sold out? We check Houston Shelter for cancellations and email you the moment a site opens.

Cancellation alerts

Sold out for your dates?

ArriveLeave

Free to start. Email alerts included.

As of October 2026, Houston Shelter is a campground in National Forests in Alabama with 1 campsite. Houston Shelter is booked through Recreation.gov.

PermitSnag checks Houston Shelter for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
Houston Shelter is located at 34.1244° N, 87.2981° W.

Houston Shelter reservations and next available dates

October 2026

November 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Campsites at Houston Shelter

Amenities

restrooms
showers
potable water

At a glance: Setting: Forest.

Things to do: fishing, boating, swimming, hiking.

About Houston Shelter

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 facility offers tables, flush toilets, grills and drinking water. A boat ramp and showers are nearby.

Natural Features

Bankhead National Forest is located in northwestern Alabama. The prominent feature of the area is the Sipsey Wilderness.

Known as "The Land of a Thousand Waterfalls," the Sipsey Wilderness encompasses an area of abundant streams, old-growth forests, limestone bluffs and lush canyons.

Lake Lewis Smith boasts more than 500 miles of shoreline marked by high rock bluffs. The water is clear and deep and provides excellent fishing.

Rules and notices at Houston Shelter

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 29, 2026. Check Houston Shelter on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Gate hours are from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; after hours access is available

Fee authorizes 1 vehicle; additional vehicles must purchase a day-use permit for $4

Parking is 300 feet away from the shelter; people may be dropped off at the shelter

Click here for more information about National Forests in Alabama

Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

Site is walk-up only.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Houston Shelter FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Houston Shelter?

Houston Shelter is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at Houston Shelter?

Cancellations happen frequently at Houston Shelter, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Houston Shelter have?

Houston Shelter has 1 campsites.