How much does camping cost at Howard's Gulch Campground?

Camping fees at Howard's Gulch Campground range from $15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Howard's Gulch Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Howard's Gulch Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Campground is strictly first-come, first-served with no reservation system.

What is the best time to visit Howard's Gulch Campground?

Howard's Gulch Campground is open Information not provided.. 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 Howard's Gulch Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Howard's Gulch Campground?

Fire policies at Howard's Gulch Campground: Information not provided.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Howard's Gulch Campground have?

Howard's Gulch Campground has 11 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Howard's Gulch Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Howard's Gulch Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Howard's Gulch Campground?

Howard's Gulch Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Howard's Gulch Campground?

Popular activities at Howard's Gulch Campground include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Howard's Gulch Campground

4.05

46 reviews

Top 11% in CAFall

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

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

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

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Howard's Gulch Campground

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight Use: Single Site: $15 per night Additional Vehicle Fee: $5 per vehicle per night $15/single campsite per day with a maximum of 2 vehicles.

Standard Site Fee$15.00

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

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Howard's Gulch Campground

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

Howard's Gulch Campground

41.4858, -120.9689

Nearby places

Canby (approximately 6.5 miles), Alturas (approximately 14 miles)

Nearby supplies

Information not provided.

Weather at Howard's Gulch Campground

Best Time to Camp at Howard's Gulch Campground

Fall delivers the best overall experience, with crisp daytime temperatures in the 50s to 60s°F and cold nights dropping to 25 to 35°F. September and October bring autumn color to the meadows and shrubs, quieter trails than summer, and no mosquitoes. The elevation makes for excellent stargazing on clear nights. The campground operates from mid-May through late October, closing when snow and freezing temperatures arrive.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 11% in CA

Described as best overall: crisp days, cold nights and autumn color in meadows and shrubs.

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.

About Howard's Gulch Campground

Howard's Gulch Campground sits in a tree-lined gulch within Modoc National Forest at 4,600 feet elevation, offering 11 sites with picnic tables and grills for $15 per night. The small loop provides a peaceful retreat near Highway 139, with adequate spacing between sites and access to hiking and wildlife viewing. Reviews consistently praise its cleanliness and quiet atmosphere despite the nearby highway.

Howard's Gulch Campground primarily supports tent and small-vehicle camping with basic amenities.

Historical Significance

The Highway 139 Auto Tour and Howard's Gulch Interpretive Sites provide information about the area's geological formation and cultural heritage through on-site panels.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best overall experience, with crisp daytime temperatures in the 50s to 60s°F and cold nights dropping to 25 to 35°F. September and October bring autumn color to the meadows and shrubs, quieter trails than summer, and no mosquitoes. The elevation makes for excellent stargazing on clear nights. The campground operates from mid-May through late October, closing when snow and freezing temperatures arrive.

ElevationPerched at 4,600 feet above sea level, Howard's Gulch offers a refreshing mountain climate that provides natural air conditioning on warm summer days and crisp, invigorating mornings that awaken your senses. This elevation creates the perfect balance—high enough to escape the valley heat, yet comfortable enough for relaxed camping. The mountain air carries the scent of pine and wildflowers, while the altitude gifts visitors with exceptionally clear night skies perfect for stargazing.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a gulch surrounded by pine-clad slopes that rise protectively around the meadow floor. This Basin and Range landscape was shaped by ancient volcanic activity and tectonic forces that created the area's distinctive gulches and ridges. Scattered deciduous shrubs and meadows take on autumn color in September and October, while the sheltered position creates a natural amphitheater with changing light throughout the day. Duncan Reservoir sits two miles away for fishing.

Geological RegionSet within the majestic Modoc National Forest, Howard's Gulch showcases the dramatic beauty of the Basin and Range geological province. This unique landscape tells a story millions of years in the making, where ancient volcanic activity and tectonic forces sculpted the distinctive gulches and ridges that define the region today. The campground's sheltered position within its namesake gulch creates a natural amphitheater, surrounded by pine-clad slopes that rise protectively around the meadow floor, offering both shelter and stunning vistas that change with every shift of light.

Scenic ViewsViews of pine forests and meadows are available. The short hiking trail offers vistas of rock formations.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo accommodations beyond campsites are provided.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are provided.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Camping limit of 14 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Information not provided.

Groups

No designated group camping sites are provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSingle loop with 11 sites. Each site includes a picnic table and grill, with spacing that provides adequate privacy between neighbors.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available, as the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityCampground is strictly first-come, first-served with no reservation system.

Cancellation PolicyInformation not provided.

AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available.

Site SizeThe campground offers 11 combined sites, each equipped with picnic tables and grills.

PrivacySites are described as nicely spaced apart, providing adequate privacy.

Total Campsites11 campsites

Recommended SitesReviews suggest arriving early, especially on weekends, as the campground is small and can fill up quickly.

Amenities available

Howard's Gulch Campground is praised for its serene and quiet environment, tucked in a tree-lined gulch. It provides a peaceful retreat for campers with minimal facilities.

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers limited recreational activities, emphasizing hiking and picnicking within a quiet and scenic environment.

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

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 Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; vault toilets are provided.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Howard's Gulch Campground

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.1

46 reviews

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

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

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

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

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

Birders, light hikers, and anyone wanting a genuinely uncrowded stop near Alturas. The 1.5-mile trail hits the Basin and Range Birding Trail, Duncan Reservoir is 2 miles east for trout, and fall nights drop cold enough for serious stargazing.

Skip if

No potable water on-site means you're hauling everything yourself, and the vault toilets have run out of supplies more than once. Add zero cell service until you hit the highway, and this isn't a comfortable base for families expecting basic conveniences.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

0.0

(5)

Cottonwood Flat Campground

Modoc National Forest

Cottonwood Flat sits at 4,680 feet in Modoc National Forest with a handful of primitive sites near a meadow. Access is genuinely difficult. Unmaintained roads and poor signage make finding the campground a real challenge, and at least one visitor couldn't locate it at all. If you do find it, you'll have solitude and space.

Primitive

9.921 km

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Less Visited

0.0

(3)

Reservoir F Campground

Modoc National Forest

Reservoir F Campground sits along a mountain reservoir in Modoc National Forest at 4,977 feet elevation. The campground offers primitive tent sites beneath tall pines, with spacious spots close to the shoreline. It's a simple, quiet setup with a new toilet facility but no running water.

Tents

Primitive

13.086 km

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Less Visited

3.8

(23)

Lower Rush Creek Campground

null

Lower Rush Creek Campground sits at 4,700 feet in Modoc National Forest, half a mile off pavement near Adin. The 10-site campground splits into two sections: a small loop for RVs (up to 22 feet) and tents, and walk-in sites closer to Rush Creek. There's no potable water or fee. Cedar and Ponderosa pine shade the sites, and the creek runs through the property.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Less Visited

3.0

(6)

Reservoir C Campground

Reservoir C Campground, Modoc National Forest

Reservoir C Campground sits along the shoreline of a quiet lake in Modoc National Forest at 4,941 feet elevation. The campground offers tent sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. No potable water is available, and visitors must pack out all trash. A boat launch provides water access.

Tents

25.286 km

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Big Sage Campground, Modoc National Forest

Big Sage Campground sits at 4,888 feet in Modoc National Forest's volcanic tablelands, where juniper woodland meets sagebrush steppe along Big Sage Reservoir. This primitive campground offers tent camping with picnic tables, no drinking water, and access to fishing and boating. The setting divides visitors: some find beauty in the stark high desert, while others note the dusty conditions and rough access roads.

Tents

Primitive

30.198 km

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Modoc National Forest

Ash Creek Campground offers five primitive sites in Modoc National Forest at 4,888 feet, about as remote as car camping gets in this corner of California. The campground sits along Ash Creek, known for trout fishing, and attracts campers who don't mind vault toilets and no cell service. It's quiet, sometimes too quiet for those expecting maintained facilities.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campgrounds you may also like

3.8

(19)

Hole-In-The-Ground Campground

Lassen National Forest

Hole-In-The-Ground Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Lassen National Forest, a small site managed by the Forest Service. The campground offers fire rings and picnic tables for tent campers seeking a quieter alternative to busier recreation areas. Fall brings dramatic color along Mill Creek's canyon walls and lower water flows, making it ideal for photography and relaxed campfires.

Cherry Hill Campground

Lassen National Forest

Cherry Hill Campground sits in Lassen National Forest near Chester at 4,700 feet, offering 26 primitive tent sites along Butte Creek. The campground costs $14 per night and provides vault toilets, potable water from a hand pump, picnic tables, and fire rings. Sites accommodate up to 8 people and 2 vehicles. No cell service exists at the campground, though some visitors report finding signal 6 miles up the road.

$14.00 - $14.00 / night

3.5

(34)

Gregory Creek Group Campground

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Gregory Creek Group Campground sits in the foothills of Shasta-Trinity National Forest with direct access to Shasta Lake. The U.S. Forest Service operates this small group-focused site under a canopy of large trees that provide natural cooling even when summer temperatures climb into the 90s. Visitors come for warm-water swimming, boating, and fishing during the peak summer season when the lake is at its best.

Campgrounds

Modoc National Forest

Howard's Gulch Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Howard's Gulch Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

Set back off the highway in a tree lined gulch this campground is a very quiet and pleasant place to spend the weekend or your entire vacation.A short hiking trail is available for nature viewing as this is one of the several Basin and Range Birding Trail stops within the Modoc National Forest.A recent dedication of the Highway 139 Auto Tour and Howard's Gulch Interpretive Sites brings an added benefit to this area.  The Auto Tour is just south of the campground on the Howard's Gulch Frontage Road.

About the campground

The elevation is 4,600 ft. The campground is a single loop just off State Rt. 139. It is tucked up in a gulch between pine-covered hills and a grass meadow. Some traffic noise can be heard in parts of campground. Trout and catfish are stocked in Duncan Reservoir, an irrigation lake, 2 miles east of campground. Aspen circle campground suggesting a colorful fall canopy.

Seasons & access

Open May 1 through September 30

RV information

The parking aprons are gravel.

Directions

From 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.

National Forest: Modoc National Forest
Ranger District: Devil's Garden
Elevation: 4,600
Rate: $12 per day
Maximum Stay: 14
Open Season: Facilities open as weather permits; usually mid-May to late October.