The William B. Bankhead National Forest covers 181,230 acres of northwestern Alabama and is one of four National Forests in Alabama. Known as the "land of a thousand waterfalls," the forest is home to the only Wild and Scenic River in Alabama—the Sipsey Fork. Along with the Sipsey Fork, this forest harbors several streams, an incredible number of elegant waterfalls, and a display of wildlife second to none in the South. Equestrian trails, hiking trails, and various recreational areas supply all the fun for which any Alabama visitor could wish. A recently discovered thriving endangered species—the Black Warrior Waterdog—indicates the reserve's continued wild side despite the human activity.
Camping in William B. Bankhead National Forest
Camping in an RV is the best way to explore a national forest as large as this one; you can move from campsite to campsite with ease, allowing you to experience the entirety of this wonderland. To rent an RV for you and your family, use RVshare to find one close to you or your destination.
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Corinth Recreation Area Campground
Corinth Recreation Area Campground offers 52 RV campsites. The campground is a modern, fully equipped facility that sits near Double Springs, AL, deep within the William B. Bankhead National Forest. It sits on the shores of Lake Lewis Smith, which offers amazing fishing opportunities. The campground has a modern boat ramp that is capable of handling boats of any size. An electrically operated gate increases campground security. All facilities are ADA accessible. Watersports such as skiing are allowed on the lake. Hunting, fishing, boating, kayaking, and canoeing are among the activities guests can enjoy. The campground is open from mid-March to mid-October.
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Clear Creek Recreation Area Campground
The Clear Creek Recreation Area Campground offers 102 RV campsites. The campground provides a boat ramp for easy access to the lake and an extended pier that serves as a boat ramp with access to Lake Lewis Smith. The fishing pier is ADA accessible. A swimming beach lets guests play in the water on hot summer days. Paved hiking trails wander throughout the campground and change into bark dust-covered trails along the lakeshore.
Water Hookup: Yes
Electric Hookup: 50 amp
Sewer Hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi Available: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, lantern hooks, warm showers, restrooms with flush toilets
Fee: $30 per night
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Houston Recreation Area Campground
Houston Recreation Area Campground offers 88 RV campsites. The campground sits on the Lake Lewis Smith shoreline. It has a fully operating boat ramp that allows easy access to the lake. Hiking trails run throughout the campground, through the forests surrounding them, and along the lakeshore. A swimming beach allows sunbathing and a swim during the hot summer months.
Water Hookup: Yes
Electric Hookup: 50 amps
Sewer Hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi Available: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Restrooms with flush toilets, warm showers, fire rings, picnic tables, dump station
Fee: $13 to $26 per night
Activities in William B. Bankhead National Forest
Visitors to the William B. Bankhead National Forest find themselves faced with a plethora of recreational choices. Flora and fauna found within the forest boundaries vary significantly from highland trees to swampland bogs. Wildlife is just as varied as plant life. Timberwolves and coyotes are found on the high ridges inside the forest; deer, ground squirrels, and some endangered species are found throughout the forest's lower levels.
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Horseback Riding
Horseback riding trails let visitors enjoy the park's scenic views on separate tracks from hikers and bicyclists. One path is available for ATV enthusiasts. Altogether, there are over 90 miles of trails in this National Forest.
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Fishing
Streams run everywhere in the park. Licensed anglers are welcome to try their luck wherever they find a convenient pool. The reservoir known as Lake Lewis Smith is full of trout, bass, crappie, catfish, and several other fish species.
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Nature Watching
Bird watching and observing wildlife habitats is a major draw that brings guests to this National Forest in droves. With the diversity of wildlife that inhabits this forest's valleys and hills, lovers of nature flock to this area.
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Stargazing
Sections of this National Forest are far from the glare of city lights, making it great for stargazing.
How to get to William B. Bankhead National Forest
Address: 1070 Highway 13, Double Springs, AL 35553
Fee: Entry fee $0
If you are thinking about a family vacation, consider the William B. Bankhead National Forest. The incredible array of adventures and activities in this national forest will keep you and your family busy for your entire vacation. The best way to take advantage of the opportunities at this national forest is by camping in an RV. Both you and your family will remember this trip for a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions About William B. Bankhead National Forest
Does William B. Bankhead National Forest offer free camping sites?
Yes, there are free camping sites in William B. Bankhead National Forest. Dispersed camping is allowed in the general forest and wilderness. There are also several paid campgrounds including Corinth and Clear Creek Campgrounds. Those two campgrounds are open in summer and have electric and water hookups.
Is there a limit to how long you can camp in William B. Bankhead National Forest?
Yes, there is a limit to how long you can camp in William B. Bankhead National Forest. If you are camping in a developed recreation area, you may camp for up to 14 consecutive days, and there is a 24-hour waiting period before you can return.
Dispersed campers are limited to 21 consecutive days. You must then wait 10 days before returning to the same area again.
Is William B. Bankhead National Forest open all year round?
Yes, William B. Bankhead National Forest is open year-round. Developed campgrounds are only open from April - October, and dispersed camping is allowed during hunting season.
What is the closest town to William B. Bankhead National Forest?
Some of the closest towns to William B. Bankhead National Forest include Double Springs, Grayson, and Houston, Alabama.
What type of wildlife lives in William B. Bankhead National Forest?
The different types of wildlife that live in William B. Bankhead National Forest include white-tailed deer, turkeys, raccoons, rabbits, squirrels, and a variety of birds.
