Bankhead National Forest

1070 Highway 33
Double Springs, AL 35553

Phone
205-489-5111

Explore Bankhead National Forest Recreation Sites

The William B. Bankhead National Forest is Alabama's largest National Forest, with 181,230 acres, and is home of Alabama's only National Wild and Scenic River, the Sipsey Fork. It is located in northwestern Alabama, around the town of Double Springs; it is named in honor of William B. Bankhead, a longtime U.S. Representative from Alabama.

Known as the "land of a thousand waterfalls," this vast monument to nature and man is popular for hiking, horseback riding, hunting, boating, fishing, swimming, canoeing and more. Within the forest lies the Sipsey Wilderness with a host of wildlife and an abundance of swift streams, limestone bluffs, and waterfalls. Native American relics abound in Bankhead, one of the Southern United States's premier sites for petroglyphs, prehistoric drawings, and rock carvings, at sites such as the Kinlock Shelter.

The forest was established as Alabama National Forest on January 15, 1918 with 66,008 acres. On June 19, 1936 it was renamed Black Warrior National Forest, which in turn was renamed William B. Bankhead National Forest on June 17, 1942.

Places to Picnic

Brushy Lake Recreation Area 
offers everything from camping, picnicking, boating, and fishing to sanitary facilities including a bathhouse.

A 33-acre lake, Brushy Lake has 13 campsites that accommodate very small recreational vehicles and tents.

Campers occupy sites on a first come, first serve basis.

Clear Creek Recreation Area 
is one of Alabama's most popular areas, and the largest recreation site located on the shores of Lewis Smith Lake.

The area contains modern conveniences for individuals who enjoy camping, picnicking, swimming, boat launching, hiking and biking.

There are four camping loops containing 102 campsites, and single and double units with electrical and water hookups. A children’s playground is provided for campers.

Camping at Clear Creek may be reserved by calling 1-877-444-6777 or visit on-line at www.recreation.gov. All other camping throughout the forest is on a first come, first serve basis.

Call 1-877-444-6777 or visit on-line at www.recreation.gov to reserve group picnic shelters at Corinth, Houston, and Clear Creek Recreation Areas.

Houston Recreation Area 
offers 88 rustic campsites, 14 picnic sites, a group shelter for up to 50 persons, showers, drinking water, swimming, hiking trails, and a boat launch. Day users can enjoy a beautiful sand swimming beach and a modern bathhouse.

Call 1-877-444-6777 or visit on-line at www.recreation.gov to reserve group picnic shelters. Camping is on a first come, first serve basis.

Natural Bridge Picnic Area 
is the oldest national forest recreation site in Alabama.

There are picnic tables and a paved trail (approximately 3/8 mile) that takes visitors to a natural rock arch set amidst a hardwood forest.

Sipsey River Picnic Area 
has a beautiful river trail, tables, and a canoe launch.

Visitors can enjoy an environment of solitude while surrounded by natural settings.

Corinth Recreation Area 
is a relaxing, modern, state-of-the art campground located on the shores of Lewis Smith Lake. It offers facilities for individual and group camping, picnicking, swimming, and boat launching.

There are two camping loops containing 52 new campsites, with electrical, water, and sewer hookups. The day-use area contains dressing rooms and warm showers, 29 picnic sites, a 100-person pavilion, a swimming beach, and a double-lane boat ramp.

Call 1-877-444-6777 or visit on-line at www.recreation.gov to reserve group picnic shelters. Camping is on a first come, first serve basis.

Page 1 of 1