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

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

What is the best time to visit Howard Lake Campground?

Howard Lake Campground is open Gate is seasonally closed from December 1 until access permits.. 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 Lake Campground?

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

How many campsites does Howard Lake Campground have?

Howard Lake Campground has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Howard Lake Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Howard Lake 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 Lake Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Howard Lake Campground?

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

Howard Lake Campground

4.48

30 reviews

Top 19% in IDSummer

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:RV Camping Idaho Swimming Camping Idaho

Quick Facts

4,144 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Gate is seasonally c...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,144 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Gate is seasonally c...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Howard Lake Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Howard Lake Campground

48.1009, -115.5307

Weather at Howard Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Howard Lake Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather and full access to Howard Lake’s recreational features — expect daytime highs around 65–80°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s at 4,144 ft. Lake swimming, fishing, paddling and day hikes are at their peak from late June through August, and all ten campsites (including pull-through RV spots) are open and serviced. Crowds are moderate — small campground fills on summer weekends, so reserve or arrive early; note that late-summer fire restrictions can be Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February, March

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 19% in ID

Best season: summer; warm temps and full access to lake recreation.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Gate is seasonally closed from December 1 until access permits.

About Howard Lake Campground

Howard Lake Campground sits at 4,144 feet in Idaho's Kootenai National Forest, offering lakefront access for swimming, fishing, and paddling. This very small Forest Service campground provides primitive tent and RV sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors come for the secluded setting and direct lake access in a quiet mid-elevation forest.

The Howard Lake Campground is designed for tent and RV camping, with no indication that it accommodates group camping or luxury options.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather and full access to Howard Lake’s recreational features — expect daytime highs around 65–80°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s at 4,144 ft. Lake swimming, fishing, paddling and day hikes are at their peak from late June through August, and all ten campsites (including pull-through RV spots) are open and serviced. Crowds are moderate — small campground fills on summer weekends, so reserve or arrive early; note that late-summer fire restrictions can be Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February, March

Elevation4144 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDense evergreen forest surrounds Howard Lake, with mountain peaks visible across the water. The lake sits in a basin carved by ancient geological forces, fed by Howard Creek as it winds through the wooded terrain. A sandy beach lines the shore where the forest meets the water. The elevation and topography create the contrasts typical of Kootenai National Forest. Thick woodland giving way to alpine views.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging accommodations like cabins or lodges are mentioned.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are described.

Best Campsites

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Amenities available

Howard Lake Campground is a secluded, less-visited site with basic amenities. It features 10 campsites, 3 of which are pull-through, and includes tables and fire rings. The roads and parking spurs are gravel. There are 2 day-use sites near the beach area, equipped with fire rings and picnic tables. A campground host is present, and a gate is closed nightly at 10:00 PM and reopened at 7:00 AM. Vault toilets are available, but no showers are mentioned.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Howard Lake Campground

Howard Lake Campground offers recreational activities such as swimming at a designated beach area. No additional information about other activities is mentioned.

Swimming4.0/5Top 15% in Idaho

Features a sandy swimming beach and designated swim area.

Beach activities4.0/5

Sandy beach lines the shore where forest meets the water.

Water Sports4.0/5

Boating3.5/5

Lake access for paddling noted; boating mentioned but not detailed.

Fishing3.0/5

Listed as fishing, but no species, facilities, or success details provided.

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Stargazing3.5/5Secluded, low-visitation site suggests good dark skies; no explicit notes.

Photography4.0/5Mountain peaks across water, forested shore and sandy beach provide photo ops.

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 ToiletsFlush toilets are not mentioned, only vault toilets are explicitly provided.

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

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

30 reviews

Recommended

Howard Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is less-visited and suitable for those seeking a quieter camping experience. Overall sentiments indicate a very positive experience, with general ratings showing an average of 4.83 for the area and 5.0 for the campground specifically.

Review Summaries

Based on 30 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the swimming beach and the secluded nature of the campground, providing a peaceful environment for visitors.

Based on 30 reviews

Common Concerns

No specific complaints were detailed in the available information.

Based on 30 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No reviews about individual campsites are provided.

Based on 30 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors may want to plan for self-sufficiency as no potable water or other enhanced amenities are explicitly provided.

Based on 30 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open seasonally, closing on December 1st and reopening when access permits. No further details on seasonal differences in experiences are provided.

Based on 30 reviews