Howard'S Gulch Campground
4.2319 reviewsHoward'S Gulch Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
$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 and Access passes and Golden Age and Golden Access passes are accepted for half-priced camping.
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About this 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.
Historical SignificanceThe recently dedicated Highway 139 Auto Tour and Howard's Gulch Interpretive Sites have transformed this quiet corner of the forest into a living classroom of natural and cultural heritage. These thoughtfully designed installations invite visitors to dive deeper into the stories written across this landscape, from the geological forces that shaped these hills to the generations of people who have found sustenance and solace in these woods. Each interpretive panel unveils another layer of the area's rich tapestry, making every visit an opportunity for discovery.
Weather and SeasonsFrom 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.
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 SceneryNature has crafted Howard's Gulch as a masterpiece of contrasts, where dense stands of towering pines give way to sun-drenched grass meadows that ripple like golden seas in the breeze. This peaceful sanctuary comes alive each autumn when groves of aspen trees burst into flames of yellow and gold, creating a photographer's paradise. Just two miles down the road, Duncan Reservoir beckons anglers with promises of feisty trout and catfish, while the surrounding hills offer endless opportunities for exploration and wildlife watching.
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.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available.
Sites SizeThe campground offers 11 combined sites, each equipped with picnic tables and grills.
Sites PrivacySites are described as nicely spaced apart, providing adequate privacy.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesReviews suggest arriving early, especially on weekends, as the campground is small and can fill up quickly.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsites are explicitly rated as the best.
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSingle loop layout with 11 sites. Each site features a table and grill.
Open and Closed SeasonCampground is generally open from mid-May to late October, with facilities available as weather permits.
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.
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.
Hiking
A 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 viewing
The campground is part of the Basin and Range Birding Trail, providing birding and general wildlife-viewing opportunities.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Information not provided.
- Quiet hours are Information not provided.
Hazards
General hazardsNo 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.
Weather forecast
84
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 25%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 10 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
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
Information not provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesInformation not provided.
Trash and recyclingNo specific information provided about trash and recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is 2 miles from Duncan Reservoir, an irrigation lake stocked with trout and catfish.
Common complaintsSome complaints mention limited to no cell service and lack of water availability. Occasionally, vault toilets are missing essentials like toilet paper. A few reviews note that the campground may fill up on weekends.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
4.2
19 reviews
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 19 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 19 reviewsCommon 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 19 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own water and toilet supplies. Arrive early during weekends as the campground is small and can fill up.
Based on 19 reviewsSeasonal 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 19 reviewsCamper 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 19 reviewsSite-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 19 reviewsAccessibility Features
Wheelchair-friendly vault toilets received positive mentions.
Based on 19 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are permitted but must be leashed. Users appreciate the pet-friendly policy, but they emphasize cleaning up after pets.
Based on 19 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025