Howard Lake Campground
The campground typically opens around May 1 when road access permits and operates through Labor Day, with the gate closing for the season on December 1. The camp host may close the gate nightly from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM. A 16-day stay limit applies. Some sites are reservable via Recreation.gov's Loop Scan and Pay system.
Northern Region Camping & Target Restrictions, Pallet Prohibition
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Idaho
Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region
It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards.
R1-2023-02 - NCDE Food and Wildlife Attractant Storage Order
Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem Food/Wildlife Attractant Storage Order for the Flathead, Lolo, Kootenai, Helena-Lewis and Clark, and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests within the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem.
Trail Advisory-Alexander Mountain Trail near Timber Harvest Activities
Please use caution and watch for timber harvest activity if utilizing the Alexander Mountain Trail #270 off the FDR Road #228 on the Libby Ranger District. A small portion of the trail passes through a section of the Fleetwood Jack Timber Sale, that has ongoing operations. The trail will remain…
St. Paul Lake Trailhead-No Camping Closure Order
A closure order is now in effect prohibiting camping in the surrounding area of the St. Paul Lake Trailhead on the Cabinet Ranger District. The purpose is to protect bull trout, resource values, public health and safety at the trailhead and maintaining access to the St. Paul Lake Trail #646. The…
Ross Creek Cedars Road Closure & Storm Damage Update
The Ross Creek Cedars sustained significant damage during the December 2025 flood events. Heavy rains, flooding, landslide, and debris flows that occurred in December 2025 created unstable conditions along NFS Road #398. Significant erosion undercut sections of the road, limiting access to foot and…
Rexford Bench Boat Launch Closure
Construction operations are now complete on the Rexford Bench boat launch upgrade and it is now open. The boat launch was closed while the existing asphalt was replaced with concrete. The low water ramp is available but due to the low level of the reservoir, please be aware of muddy conditions…
Big Creek Closure-Peregrine Falcon Nesting Area
A closure order is in now effect for the Big Creek Area on the Rexford Ranger District, which is a known area for peregrine falcon nesting. Peregrine falcons are particularly sensitive to disturbance and activity above their nest or rock climbing in its vicinity. Disturbance during the nesting…
Timberlane Campground Closure
A closure order is now in effect for the Timberlane Campground on the Libby Ranger District, while it undergoes much-needed improvements. The purpose of this order is for public safety during reconstruction and improvement operations in the campgroundAs you start making your summer plans and…
Spar Lake Road #384 Road Closed to Motorized Vehicles
A closure order is now in effect for motorized vehicles on the Three Rivers Ranger District for Forest Service Road #384 (Spar Lake). The closure is to provide for public safety until crews make appropriate repairs to road damage caused by the December 2025 flood event. The road is closed starting…
Upper Young Creek Road #7202 Closure
A closure order is now in effect on the Rexford Ranger District for Forest Service Road #7202 (Upper Young Creek Road). The closure is to provide for public safety due to a washout making the road impassable. The road is currently closed at milepost 3.5 to 3.6, just north of its junction with NFS…
Kootenai Flood Event & Inaccessible Areas
Portions of the Kootenai National Forest have recently experienced heavy amounts of rainfall due to an atmospheric river moving through the area. The rapid increase in rainfall on top of snow in the higher elevations has resulted in localized flooding and increased the risk of landslides, debris…
About
Howard Lake Campground is a small, scenic campground tucked into the Kootenai National Forest about 26 miles south of Libby, Montana. The campground sits along a 32.6-acre lake that is restricted to no-wake boating, making it ideal for fishing, swimming, and paddling. Ten campsites are available, including three pull-throughs and one host site, all featuring picnic tables and fire rings on gravel spurs. Amenities are basic: vault toilets are provided, but there is no potable water on site. A swimming beach and two additional day-use picnic sites near the water offer good lake access. A 1.7-mile nature trail loops around the entire lake, providing easy hiking with wildlife viewing opportunities. Dump facilities, showers, laundry, gas, and groceries are available in Libby. The lake and creek are named after the Howard brothers, Alfred and Benjamin, who were among the earliest miners to work claims on Upper Libby Creek from 1885 until Benjamin's death in 1915 at age 80.
Directions
From Libby, travel 12 miles south on US Highway 2 and turn onto Libby Creek Road 231. Follow this road for 14 miles to the campground sign.
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | Yes |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 293-6211 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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