How much does camping cost at Brushy Lake Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Brushy Lake Recreation Area range from $5/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Can I see photos of campsites at Brushy Lake Recreation Area before I book?

Yes! Brushy Lake Recreation Area has 2 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Brushy Lake Recreation Area?

Brushy Lake Recreation Area is open March-November (water availability).. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Brushy Lake Recreation Area?

Brushy Lake Recreation Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Brushy Lake Recreation Area?

Fire policies at Brushy Lake Recreation Area: Fires are allowed in designated grill fire pits provided at each campsite.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Brushy Lake Recreation Area have?

Brushy Lake Recreation Area has 12 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Brushy Lake Recreation Area?

Pets are not allowed at Brushy Lake Recreation Area. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Brushy Lake Recreation Area?

Brushy Lake Recreation Area offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Brushy Lake Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Brushy Lake Recreation Area include Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Brushy Lake Recreation Area

Q: Is Brushy Lake Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Brushy Lake Recreation Area operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping is first-come, first-serve only. No reservations are offered and availability trends are busiest during weekends.

4.29

57 reviews

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

700 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

700 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Brushy Lake Recreation Area

$5.00 - $5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Day Use: $3 per vehicle per day

Standard Site Fee$5.00

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Campground Map

Brushy Lake Recreation Area

34.2963, -87.2701

Nearby places

Wren: approximately 12 miles.

Nearby supplies

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Driving directionsIn Wren, AL, at the intersection of State Rts. 36 and 33, take Rt. 33 south 5.3 miles to Pine Torch Church Historic Site and County Rt. 70 signs. Turn left onto Rt. 70 and go 5.2 miles to Brushy Lake sign. Turn left after the sign, onto Forest Rt. 245, and go 1.7 miles to campground on right.

Road access includes gravel parking aprons, seasonal erosion on interior roads, and low-hanging branches. Travel trailers are not recommended due to lack of turnaround and challenging terrain. Motorhomes over 30' should detach towed vehicles.

Weather at Brushy Lake Recreation Area

Best Time to Camp at Brushy Lake Recreation Area

Fall delivers the most comfortable conditions. Daytime highs reach the mid-50s to mid-70s°F, with nights cooling into the 40s and 50s. Leaf color peaks, fishing improves, and wildlife becomes more active along the shoreline. Weekends fill, but weekdays stay peaceful. Summer brings warmth suitable for lake activities, though bugs increase. Winter offers solitude but water services shut down December through February.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall offers comfortable temps, peak leaf color, improved fishing and is highlighted by reviewers.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March-November (water availability).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round; however, water and flushing are only available March-November.

About Brushy Lake Recreation Area

Brushy Lake Recreation Area sits on the shores of a 33-acre lake in Bankhead National Forest, offering 12 campsites beneath mature hardwoods and pines. Sites run $5 per night and accommodate tents and RVs up to 30 feet, though low-hanging branches may limit clearance. Most sites sit adjacent to the lake, and vault toilets serve the camping area.

Brushy Lake Recreation Area primarily supports primitive camping for tents and small RVs. The sites are well-shaded and offer a rustic experience near the 33-acre lake.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the most comfortable conditions. Daytime highs reach the mid-50s to mid-70s°F, with nights cooling into the 40s and 50s. Leaf color peaks, fishing improves, and wildlife becomes more active along the shoreline. Weekends fill, but weekdays stay peaceful. Summer brings warmth suitable for lake activities, though bugs increase. Winter offers solitude but water services shut down December through February.

ElevationPerched at a comfortable 700 feet above sea level, Brushy Lake Recreation Area enjoys the perfect elevation for year-round camping. This gentle height provides relief from summer's intensity while remaining accessible throughout the seasons, creating an ideal microclimate where hardwoods and pines thrive in harmonious abundance.

Natural Features and SceneryThe 33-acre lake sits at 700 feet elevation, surrounded by mature hardwoods and towering pines that provide shade and privacy across the camping area. The forest canopy filters light onto gravel parking aprons and shoreline sites. Fall brings color. Golds, reds, and oranges. That draws visitors specifically for the show. The lake mirrors the surrounding forest, and wildlife sightings include deer, turkeys, and migrating songbirds.

Geological RegionDeep within the legendary Bankhead National Forest, Brushy Lake Recreation Area showcases the best of Alabama's natural heritage. This 33-acre watershed lake, cradled by ancient hills and surrounded by a diverse ecosystem of mature hardwoods and towering pines, represents the timeless beauty of the Southern Appalachian foothills. The forest's rich biodiversity and dramatic topography create a landscape that has captivated visitors for generations, offering both solitude and adventure in one of Alabama's most treasured wild places.

Scenic ViewsSeveral campsites overlook Brushy Lake. From the fishing pier and campgrounds, visitors often enjoy serene water views.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available. The campground exclusively supports primitive camping with no frills.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

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Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

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Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutTwelve numbered sites spread along the lake, each with a tent pad boxed by railroad ties, a picnic table, grill fire pit, and a pole with a hook for trash bags. Gravel parking aprons suit smaller rigs. Reviewers complain the tent pads contain rocks that damage tent floors, so bring a ground cloth or extra padding.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; reservations not offered.

Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is first-come, first-serve only. No reservations are offered and availability trends are busiest during weekends.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations are not applicable as reservations are not offered.

AccessibilityA paved trail links the campground to the day-use area. The fishing pier is wheelchair-friendly, though no specific campsite accessibility features are mentioned.

Site SizeBest suited for tents and small recreational vehicles up to 30 feet. Parking aprons are gravel, and low hanging branches may limit access for larger vehicles.

PrivacyThe campsites are nestled within mature hardwoods and pines, offering ample shade and a sense of privacy. Most sites are adjacent to the lake, enhancing the natural ambiance.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesSites closer to Brushy Lake are recommended for scenic views and proximity to water activities. Visitors should aim for mid-week stays to avoid weekend crowds.

Best Campsitesnull

Amenities available

Brushy Lake Recreation Area offers a mix of basic amenities tailored for tent and small RV campers. The campground has 13 sites, each equipped with a picnic table, grill fire pit, and a level tent pad boxed with railroad ties. Potable water availability is seasonal, with two shared water spigots functioning from March to November. Restroom facilities within the campground are vault toilets, while the nearby day-use area offers flush toilets and cold-water showers (when open). There are no hookups for water, sewer, or electricity, and trash disposal is managed via critter-proof communal garbage cans.

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Brushy Lake Recreation Area is ideal for nature enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, fishing, enjoying wildlife, and other forms of outdoor recreation. The lake and surrounding forest make it a peaceful retreat.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife hazards may include ticks, snakes (specifically water moccasins), and poison ivy. Low-hanging branches pose challenges for larger vehicles.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyFires are allowed in designated grill fire pits provided at each campsite.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced but no specific time is mentioned.

Emergency Servicesnull

Trash & RecyclingCommunal critter-proof garbage cans are available for trash disposal. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesMost campsites are adjacent to Brushy Lake, and a paved trail leads to a wheelchair-friendly fishing pier. Activities include fishing (bream), canoeing, and kayaking along Brushy Creek.

Camp Hostnull

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.3

57 reviews

Satisfactory

Brushy Lake Recreation Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's tranquility, affordable rates, and well-equipped but rustic campsites. The proximity to a lake and the natural scenery are frequently praised, although some complaints about inconsistent amenities (e.g., showers and flush toilets) are noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 57 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the campground's peaceful atmosphere, natural beauty, and affordability. Direct quotes include: 'The sounds of nature were very peaceful,' and 'Great quiet place for the whole family!

Based on 57 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include the lack of cell service, seasonal closure of water facilities, and uneven maintenance of amenities like showers. One user noted, 'The water didn't work for the first week we...

Based on 57 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site reviews often praise the proximity of sites to the lake and their privacy. Specific site numbers were not mentioned.

Based on 57 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend arriving on weekdays to secure a site, bringing plenty of water and hand sanitizer due to limited facilities, and exploring the nearby hiking trails and fishing pier.

Based on 57 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and Fall are highlighted as ideal camping seasons for their pleasant weather and vibrant scenery. Winter is quieter but colder, with limited water facilities. Summer reviews mention bugs and...

Based on 57 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Only $5 to camp and located along a watershed so plan for bugs.' 2. 'The road to camp was twisty turny not unlike a roller coaster!' 3. 'Great week of camping and lots to see around the...

Based on 57 reviews

Accessibility Features

The paved trail to the day-use area and fishing pier is noted as wheelchair-friendly, but no specific campsite accessibility reviews were provided.

Based on 57 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No detailed reviews addressing pet policies or experiences were mentioned.

Based on 57 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Canoe or kayak paddlers, bream anglers, and tent campers who want genuine quiet on a budget. The wheelchair-accessible fishing pier and calm 33-acre lake suit a laid-back family trip, and fall weekdays are practically empty at those rates.

Skip if

Rocky tent pads have torn up floors for multiple reviewers, so bring a thick ground cloth or a cot. No hookups, no cell signal, and water shuts off December through February make this a hard sell for anyone needing connectivity or winter comfort.

Nearby Campgrounds

0.0

(1)

Houston Recreation Area

National Forests in Alabama

Houston Recreation Area sits in the National Forests of Alabama at low elevation, offering tent and RV camping with access to a lake for boating, fishing, and swimming. Operated by the U.S. Forest Service, the campground draws visitors for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing along forested trails. Spring brings comfortable temperatures, wildflowers, and active songbird populations, making it a popular season for outdoor recreation.

Corinth Recreation Area

CORINTH RECREATION AREA, 2540 COUNTY ROAD 57, DOUBLE SPRINGS, AL 35553

Corinth Recreation Area sits in the Bankhead National Forest near Double Springs, Alabama, operated by BA Services, Inc. This mid-sized campground offers full hookups for RVs and tent sites, with access to hiking, fishing, swimming, and boating. The surrounding Sipsey Wilderness and lake views draw campers seeking forest scenery and fall color, with clean facilities and spacious sites frequently praised by visitors.

$22.00 - $58.00 / night

Clear Creek Recreation Area, 8079 Fall City Road, Jasper, AL, 35503

Clear Creek sits in the National Forests in Alabama near Jasper, operated by BA Services, Inc., with access to Lewis Smith Lake and the Sipsey Wilderness. This large campground offers electric and water hookups, showers, and a dump station for both tent and RV campers. Visitors come for hiking, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing among wooded, spacious sites, with fall bringing peak foliage and cooler weather.

$24.00 - $85.00 / night

Campgrounds

Brushy Lake Recreation Area

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Brushy Lake Recreation Area sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Brushy Lake Recreation Area offers everything from camping, picnicking, boating, and fishing to sanitary facilities including a bathhouse. Brushy Lake is 33-acres and has 13 campsites that accommodate very small recreational vehicles and tents. Campers occupy sites on a first come, first serve basis. <strong>Water and flushing is only available March - November. </strong></p>

About the campground

The elevation is 700 ft. The campground, situated in mature hardwoods and pines, is tranquil and rustic and best-suited for tent, car and slide-in campers. Most sites are adjacent to Brushy Lake and are tucked into dense hardwoods providing ample shade, fair privacy, and the promise of good Fall color. A paved trail links the campground to the day-use area and a wheelchair-friendly fishing pier that reaches into Brushy Lake. Possible day trips are: Bankhead's Little Natural Bridge, Houston Civil War Jail, Pine Torch Church, Helen Keller's Florence home, the Alabama Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ave Marie Grotto in Cullman, Moulton's Jesse Owens Memorial and several historic or natural areas.

Seasons & access

No potable water November 1 through May 15.

Facilities

There are flush toilets and wheelchair friendly hot showers in the adjacent day-use area.

Water activities

Brushy Lake is 33 acres. Power boats are limited to electric motors.

RV information

The parking aprons are gravel with some interior road erosion. There is NO turn around; travel trailers are not recommended and motorhomes over 30' should detach towed vehicle. Be aware of low hanging branches throughout.

Directions

In Wren, AL, at the intersection of State Rts. 36 and 33, take Rt. 33 south 5.3 miles to Pine Torch Church Historic Site and County Rt. 70 signs. Turn left onto Rt. 70 and go 5.2 miles to Brushy Lake sign. Turn left after the sign, onto Forest Rt. 245, and go 1.7 miles to campground on right.

National Forest: Bankhead National Forest
Ranger District: Bankhead
Elevation: 700
Rate: $5 per day
Maximum Stay: 14
Open Season: All year