Howard'S Gulch Campground

Star4.23
46 reviews

Quick Facts

4,600 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Campground is genera...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Modoc National Forest site

Official Website
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Howard'S Gulch Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$15 per night for standard campsites, with a $5 fee for additional vehicles per day (maximum of two vehicles per site). America the Beautiful Senior...
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.23

Satisfactory

Based on 46 reviews

44 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacyquietcleansites

Some mention

cell service

"User reviews highlight the campground's peaceful nature, cleanliness, and convenient access off the highway. However, its limited facilities, lack of water, and occasional maintenance lapses in restroom supplies are noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Howard'S Gulch Campground

41.4858, -120.9689

Driving directionsFrom Canby, CA, take State Rts. 89/139 west 0.6 miles to an intersection. Turn right onto Rt. 139 north 5.9 miles to tent symbol highway sign. Turn left at sign onto Forest Rt. 42N14 (gravel) and go 0.2 miles to campground.
The campground is easily accessible via State Rt. 139; however, some reviews mention that the road into the campground is rough and gravel-based.
Nearby places
Canby (approximately 6.5 miles), Alturas (approximately 14 miles)
Nearby supplies
Information not provided.

Best Time to Camp at Howard'S Gulch Campground

From the fresh awakening of mid-May through the golden days of late October, Howard's Gulch welcomes visitors with ever-changing seasonal moods. Summer brings warm, comfortable days perfect for exploration, while early fall transforms the landscape with crisp mornings and star-filled nights. As winter approaches, the campground enters its quiet season, with snow and freezing temperatures creating a natural closure that allows the land to rest and renew. Each season paints the gulch in different hues, from spring's vibrant greens to autumn's warm palette of golds and russets.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer brings warm, comfortable days ideal for hiking and relaxing (site open mid-May+).

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 5% in CA

Autumn highlights: aspen groves 'burst into flames' of yellow and gold; excellent fall color.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Open from mid-May; late spring offers awakening nature but limited window at season start.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground generally closed outside mid-May to late October; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Information not provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Campground is generally open from mid-May to late October, with facilities available as weather permits.
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts provided.

About Howard'S Gulch Campground

Tucked away in a serene tree-lined gulch, Howard's Gulch Campground offers an intimate escape where the whisper of wind through pines replaces the clamor of daily life. This hidden gem features a single, thoughtfully designed loop that winds through the landscape, creating private pockets of tranquility for each campsite. Whether you're seeking a peaceful weekend retreat or a memorable stopover on your journey through Northern California, the campground serves as your gateway to exceptional day hikes and some of the region's most rewarding birdwatching opportunities.
Howard's Gulch Campground primarily supports tent and small-vehicle camping with basic amenities.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Camping limit of 14 days.

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers limited recreational activities, emphasizing hiking and picnicking within a quiet and scenic environment.
HikingA 1.5-mile hiking trail is available and noted for its beautiful rock formations. The trail is a stop on the Basin and Range Birding Trail.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is part of the Basin and Range Birding Trail, providing birding and general wildlife-viewing opportunities.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo water availability; campers must bring their own supply. Vault toilets are available, but some reviews mention supply issues like missing toilet paper.
Active AlertsNo current alerts provided.
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.

Weather at Howard'S Gulch Campground

Reviews

4.2
46 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Howard'S Gulch Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's peaceful nature, cleanliness, and convenient access off the highway. However, its limited facilities, lack of water, and occasional maintenance lapses in restroom supplies are noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 46 reviews

What Campers Love

"Beautiful clean campground and surprisingly quiet for being right near the highway." "Sites are well cared for and provide adequate privacy." "Great for birding and relaxing away from the crowds."
Based on 46 reviews

Common Concerns

"No water available, so come prepared." "Some maintenance issues in the vault toilets, like missing toilet paper." "Small campground, so space may be limited during peak times."
Based on 46 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water and toilet supplies. Arrive early during weekends as the campground is small and can fill up.
Based on 46 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Most users find the campground peaceful and optimal during the operational season (mid-May to late October). Negative comments emerge during peak times due to limited capacity.
Based on 46 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Sites are spaced nicely apart with woods to hike right behind." "Small surprise on our way, but it was a lovely and quiet place." "Had the whole campground to ourselves!"
Based on 46 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Some users recommend arriving early to secure a spot due to the campground's small size, especially on Fridays or weekends.
Based on 46 reviews

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair-friendly vault toilets received positive mentions.
Based on 46 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are permitted but must be leashed. Users appreciate the pet-friendly policy, but they emphasize cleaning up after pets.
Based on 46 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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