Is Howard Meadows Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Howard Meadows Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Are there showers at Howard Meadows Campground?

Howard Meadows Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Howard Meadows Campground have?

Howard Meadows Campground has 7 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Howard Meadows Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Howard Meadows Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Howard Meadows Campground?

Howard Meadows Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Howard Meadows Campground?

Popular activities at Howard Meadows Campground include Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Howard Meadows Campground

2.83

6 reviews

Top 10% in CAFall

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Mountain Camping California

Quick Facts

3,924 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,924 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Howard Meadows Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Howard Meadows Campground

39.8785, -122.9919

Nearby places

null

Weather at Howard Meadows Campground

Best Time to Camp at Howard Meadows Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most reliable combination of mild daytime temperatures, clear trails, and very low crowds — ideal for solitary camping at a six-site, remote meadow like Howard Meadows. Expect daytime highs roughly 60–80°F (15–27°C) with crisp nights dropping into the 30s–40s°F (0–9°C); hiking, wildlife viewing, and quiet photography are at their peak. Stream flows are lower than spring but fishing can still be productive, and foliage/late-season color and light make for excellent backcountry day Peak months: October, September, May Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 10% in CA

Fall cited as best season for mild temps, clear conditions, and very low crowds.

Planning Tips

About Howard Meadows Campground

Howard Meadows Campground sits in the Mendocino National Forest foothills, a six-site primitive spot managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Campers come for fishing at nearby Howard Lake, vault toilets, fire rings, and the kind of quiet that comes with a very small, remote foothill meadow. Fall brings the best weather and solitude for those willing to navigate forest roads.

Howard Meadows Campground is a primitive campground with six developed sites suitable for tent camping. It does not accommodate RVs or offer group camping facilities.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most reliable combination of mild daytime temperatures, clear trails, and very low crowds — ideal for solitary camping at a six-site, remote meadow like Howard Meadows. Expect daytime highs roughly 60–80°F (15–27°C) with crisp nights dropping into the 30s–40s°F (0–9°C); hiking, wildlife viewing, and quiet photography are at their peak. Stream flows are lower than spring but fishing can still be productive, and foliage/late-season color and light make for excellent backcountry day Peak months: October, September, May Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation3924 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a meadow ringed by conifers in the national forest. Howard Lake sits close enough to walk to for swimming and fishing. At this elevation, you get forest cover around the sites and open meadow areas. Reviews mention the natural beauty but note that wildlife sightings can be hit or miss despite the remote setting.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available; only primitive camping is offered.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

There are no group camping sites available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation Platformsnull

AccessibilityThe campground does not specify accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.

Site SizeThe six developed campsites provide adequate space for tent camping, but detailed measurements are not provided.

PrivacyVisitors describe the campground as quiet and secluded, with limited traffic and few other campers.

Total Campsites7 campsites

Recommended Sitesnull

Amenities available

Howard Meadows Campground offers a basic camping experience with six developed sites and a single vault toilet. There is no water available at the campground, making it essential for visitors to bring their own water supplies. Visitors appreciate the peaceful and remote environment of the campground.

Fire rings

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Howard Meadows Campground

Howard Meadows Campground offers opportunities for remote and quiet camping. Visitors enjoy the nearby Howard Lake, which is about a 15-minute hike from the campground. Activities include fishing, swimming, and wildlife observation.

Fishing3.0/5

Water Sports2.0/5

Small lake access exists but no kayak rentals, launches, or mentions of paddling opportunities.

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Very small, remote six-site campground with low traffic suggests good dark-sky potential.

Photography3.5/5Meadow, conifers and lakeshore offer decent landscape/photo opportunities though not dramatic.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available at the campground.

Trip Planning Tools

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

2.8

6 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Howard Meadows Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Howard Meadows Campground is praised for its quiet, remote, and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the clean vault toilet and the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Access to Howard Lake is noted as a highlight, though the lack of amenities such as running water and trash disposal requires preparation.

Review Summaries

Based on 6 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors highlighted the campground's tranquility, cleanliness of the vault toilet, and the opportunity to enjoy Howard Lake for fishing and swimming. The remote location ensures a peaceful camping...

Based on 6 reviews

Common Concerns

Some visitors found the directions to the campground misleading, with maps causing confusion. The lack of running water and trash facilities are also noted as drawbacks, requiring campers to bring in...

Based on 6 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring sufficient water, trash bags, and sun protection due to the lack of facilities and hot weather. Four-wheel drive is recommended for navigating the roads leading to the...

Based on 6 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is described as hot during the summer months, with sunburn being a concern for visitors. Seasonal conditions such as snowfall or extreme cold are not discussed in the reviews.

Based on 6 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Very peaceful and quiet spot... You need a 4WD to get there." - Justin Weist 2. "We could see a full sky of stars at night. Truly away from anything." - Ines Schmidt 3. "The vault bathroom was...

Based on 6 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 6 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically mention pet policies or pet-related experiences.

Based on 6 reviews

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Howard Meadows Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

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Provider

Go if

You want a quiet, off-grid foothill retreat with fishing access and don't mind minimal amenities or tricky directions.

Skip if

You need running water, reliable wildlife viewing, or easy-to-follow signage to reach your campsite.

Nearby Campgrounds

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(8)

Little Doe Campground

Mendocino National Forest, Covelo, CA

Little Doe Campground sits at 3,700 feet in Mendocino National Forest near Covelo, offering 11 primitive tent sites for $6 per night. The remote location delivers genuine solitude, though accessing it requires navigating unpaved, rocky roads that reviewers recommend tackling with a 4WD vehicle. Vault toilets are clean, but there's no potable water or trash service.

Howard Meadows Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Howard Meadows Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Howard Meadows Campground

Best Time to Camp at Howard Meadows Campground

Planning Tips

About Howard Meadows Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at Howard Meadows Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Howard Meadows Campground

Best Time to Camp at Howard Meadows Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at Howard Meadows Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns