Howard Meadows Campground
04 reviewsHoward Meadows Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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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About this campground
Escape to the untouched wilderness of Howard Meadows Campground, where six intimate campsites await those seeking true solitude in the heart of Mendocino National Forest. This beautifully remote destination strips camping down to its purest form – just you, nature, and the essentials. With only a vault toilet and no running water, Howard Meadows invites adventurers to embrace the simplicity of backcountry camping. Remember to arrive self-sufficient with all necessary supplies and leave no trace of your visit, preserving this pristine sanctuary for future explorers.
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.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsHoward Meadows transforms with the seasons, offering a raw and authentic wilderness experience that tests your mettle. Winter brings crisp, bone-chilling temperatures and the possibility of snow blanketing the forest floor, while substantial precipitation throughout the year keeps the landscape lush and vibrant. This isn't your fair-weather campground – it's a destination for hardy souls who find beauty in nature's more challenging moods and aren't deterred by the prospect of camping in rugged conditions.
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Natural Features and SceneryHidden like a secret in the folds of Mendocino National Forest, Howard Meadows offers an enchanting retreat where ancient trees stand as silent sentinels around your campsite. The forest creates a natural cathedral of towering conifers that filter sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Here, the only sounds breaking the profound silence are the whisper of wind through branches and the occasional call of wildlife. It's a place where solitude isn't just available – it's guaranteed, making every moment feel like a private communion with the wilderness.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground does not specify accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe six developed campsites provide adequate space for tent camping, but detailed measurements are not provided.
Sites PrivacyVisitors describe the campground as quiet and secluded, with limited traffic and few other campers.
Total Campsites7 campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
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Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
There are no group camping sites available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
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Open and Closed Seasonnull
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
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.
Hiking
The campground provides access to a 15-minute hike to Howard Lake. Beyond this, there are no specific hiking trails mentioned.Fishing
Howard Lake provides fishing opportunities. A reviewer mentioned smallmouth bass as the primary catch. Despite claims of trout stocking, no trout were observed or reported caught.Swimming
Swimming is available in Howard Lake. Reviewers note that the lake is warm at the surface but becomes cold quickly due to its steep drop-off.Wildlife viewing
Limited wildlife was observed during visits, with sightings including fish, squirrels, and lizards. Deer were only seen during the drive to and from the campground.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned for this campground.Water Sports
Swimming in Howard Lake is the primary water activity. No other specific water sports are noted.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
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- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsnull
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
87
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 20%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 3.6 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingVisitors must pack out all their trash as no trash facilities are available.
Proximity to water featuresHoward Lake is approximately a 15-minute hike away from the campground with limited accessible beaches.
Common complaintsLimited wildlife sightings, some difficulty with directions, and no running water.
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Campground Map
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Nearby places
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Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Howard Meadows Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 4 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 4 reviewsShow more
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 4 reviewsShow more
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 4 reviewsShow more
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 4 reviewsCamper 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 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific feedback is provided on individual campsite numbers or unique characteristics.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically mention pet policies or pet-related experiences.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025