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.
Air Quality Alert issued August 9 at 8:15AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, Sanders, Silver Bow counties in effect until 9AM on 08/10/2026 An Air Quality Alert means that particulates have been trending upwards and that an exceedance of the 24 hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has occurred or may occur in the near future. Elevated particulate levels from wildfire smoke As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls are Very Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Dillon, Libby and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Butte, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Cut Bank, Frenchtown, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Malta and Missoula are Moderate. When air quality is Very Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid any outdoor activity; everyone else should avoid prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Moderate... State and local health officials recommend that unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. For more information visit the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at http://todaysair.mtdeq.us
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.
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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