Howard Lake Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. The gate closes December 1st and reopens when access permits in spring.
R1-2024-01 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.
R1-2025-01 Camping stay limits & prohibitions on pallets and refuse use for target shooting
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within all national forests in Montana, and the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands, Idaho Panhandle and Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.
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.
R1-2023-01 Northern Region Camping Restrictions
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, and South Dakota.
Flood Events & Safety Reminders
Over the past week, portions of the Kootenai National Forest have experienced heavy amounts of rainfall due to an atmospheric river moving through the area.
Ross Creek Cedar Flood Update
After the recent flood events that occurred across the Kootenai National Forest, the Ross Creek Cedars unfortunately sustained significant damage. The damage is currently being assessed.
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.
Isabella & Lost Girl Fires- Road and Trail Closure
Due to the Isabella and Lost Girl Fires on the Cabinet Ranger District, a closure order is now in effect for a portion National Forest System Road 407, National Forest System Trail #407A, and Trail #646 (St. Paul Lake Trail).
Spruce Fire Road Closure-Updated
Due to the Spruce and Spruce Ridge Fires on the Three Rivers Ranger District, a closure order is still in effect. However, the original order has been terminated and replaced with an updated closure.
South Meadow Creek Fire Closure
Due to the South Meadow Creek Fire, a closure order is now in effect for National Forest System Roads #524 and #5961, starting at the junction of the two roads to their respective ending points.
Kootenai Rails Trail Closure
A portion of the Kootenai Rails Trail (NFS Trail #255) on the Rexford Ranger District is now temporarily closed during construction activities on the Tobacco River Bridge, which is over the trail, and to protect the public on the trail from potential debris impacts.
About
Howard Lake Campground is a peaceful mountain retreat located in the Kootenai National Forest, approximately 26 miles south of Libby, Montana. Situated at an elevation of around 4,100 feet, the campground sits in heavily timbered, mountainous terrain and offers stunning views across the calm waters of Howard Lake. The campground contains 10 sites, including 3 pull-through sites and one host site, all equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. Campground roads and parking spurs are gravel. Amenities include vault toilets and a popular swimming beach that makes this a favorite spot for local families. Two day-use sites with fire rings and picnic tables near the beach area provide additional options for picnicking and fishing. The camphost may close the gate to the campground each evening at 10:00 pm and reopen it at 7:00 am during the operating season. No drinking water is available, so visitors must bring their own. Howard Lake and Howard Creek were named after the Howard brothers, Alfred and Benjamin, who were among the earliest miners to file and work claims on Upper Libby Creek from 1885 to 1915. The area offers excellent opportunities for fishing, swimming, and enjoying the serene mountain lake environment surrounded by fir and pine forests. Wildlife viewing opportunities include moose, elk, deer, and bald eagles.
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | Yes |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Howard Lake Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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