Forest Information
The (William B.) Bankhead National Forest is located in
northwestern Alabama and is comprised of 180,581 acres. There
are four developed campgrounds, all of which meet the selection
criteria.
The Bankhead National Forest might be considered a multi-camping
experience forest. Camping opportunities range from primitive,
dispersed camping (found throughout the Forest) to the full hook-
up, RV-focused Corinth campground located on Lewis Smith Lake
near Double Springs, AL. Brushy Lake campground, adjacent to a
small, very picturesque lake, is a more "traditional" National
Forest campground offering a fire-ring, table, communal water
spigots and a level space under mature hardwood and pine trees to
pitch a tent.
Clear Creek considered "backyard" campgrounds for Birmingham, AL,
offer recreational opportunities in and near the campground making
it a good destinations. Activities such as the Natural Bridge (the
longest east of the Rockies), Little
Natural Bridge, Looney's Tavern Amphitheater and Park (currently
closed), Houston Civil War Jail, and Pine Torch Church (so called
because the worshipers used "pine torches" for lighting their
1850-constructed church).
In case you weren't aware, in the 1860's, a large number of the
Winston County residents (in the southern portion of the
Bankhead) refused to side against Old Glory. Their attempt to
withdraw from the state of Alabama and form the Free State of
Winston was met with force. At a community meeting held at
Looney's Tavern on July 4, 1861, the 3000 residents of Winston
County vowed to maintain neutrality and peace. However, they
were not able to achieve either. During the 1860's life was hard
for those Jacksonian Democrats, both economically and
politically.
An RVrs delight has to be Corinth campground with its 48 full-
hookup campsites and dedicated, separate tent sites. A path between
sites 15 and 16 leads to a Lewis Smith Lake overlook, great for an
after dinner stroll.
North of Houston Recreation Area, on County Route 63 (GPS
coordinates: N34 10.514;W87 16.643), is the Little Natural
Bridge. A paved trail leads the visitor to an up-close look at a
natural bridge. Visitors can explore under, around and through
this beautiful sculpture of nature. Bring a picnic lunch. Other
examples of how water is nature's principle sculpting tool are
found along the delightful Ravine Trail in the Clear Creek
Recreation Area. Hikers along this trail can envision long ago
people using a rock shelter in foul weather or as a camping place
during hunts.
Although it didn't meet our selection criteria (no designated
sites), Owl Creek Horse Camp (GPS coordinates: N34 19.414;W87
16.643) provides open camping for equestrian campers. It has
some amenities, such as a vault toilet, water spigots, high lines
and hitching rails. Twenty-five miles of horse trails are
accessible from campground.
The Bankhead National Forest may not have the "excellent" fishing
opportunities of some National Forests but the camping, hiking,
biking and other recreational opportunities make up for any
frustration experienced by the fisherman. The diversity of
recreational activities and camping opportunities found in the
Bankhead will make it a favorite for the one-time visitor or for
everyone who visits time and time again.
ADDRESSES
SUPERVISOR ADDRESS
2946 Chestnut St.
Montgomery, Alabama 36107-3010
334-832-4470
RANGER DISTRICT ADDRESSES
Bankhead
1070 Hwy 33
Double Springs, Alabama 35553
205-489-5111 |
