Howard Meadows Campground
Closed — Closed for the season as of October 28. Not maintained through winter.
Hydrologic Outlook issued December 29 at 9:26PM PST by NWS Eureka CA
ESFEKA A series of atmospheric rivers will bring an increased risk for urban and small stream flooding late this week and into this weekend. The first round of rain will arrive Wednesday night into Thursday and provide generally light to moderate rainfall amounts. Locally heavy rain is expected in the King Range. This initial period of rain will set the stage for a more intense rainstorm expected to arrive Friday into Friday night. Current indications are for the heaviest rainfall to occur during the day on Friday into Friday night. The greatest risk for small stream flooding will occur during this time period and probably continue into Saturday after heavy rain has ended due to the lag in rainfall run-off. Road closures will be possible. At this point, the area of greatest concern is in southern Humboldt and northwest Mendocino counties. Small rivers, streams and creeks such as Elk river, Jacoby creek and Mattole river could exceed their banks and flood area roads. Southern Mendocino and Lake counties may also experience heavy rain and road flooding will be possible. Mainstem rivers will also likely rise sharply and will need to be monitored for possible flood stage exceedance. Be on the lookout for watches, advisories and warning as this next heavy rain event unfolds. Stay alert and remember to never attempt to drive through water covered roads. Water may be moving much faster than you think.
Wet weather trail closure in effect on Grindstone District
A wet weather closure is in effect for Stonyford OHV trails on the Grindstone Ranger District, as of 10am, Dec. 23. Trail closures go into effect when two inches of rainfall occur within a 24-hour period or when the soils are saturated.
Wet weather trail closure in effect on Upper Lake District
A wet weather closure will go in effect for OHV trails on the Upper Lake Ranger District, as of 8am on Dec. 20, 2025. Trail closures go into effect when two inches of rainfall occur within a 24-hour period or when the soils are saturated.
Stonyford Office Hours Changing
The Stonyford Office's visitor services hours are changing beginning Jan. 5, 2026. Starting next year, the office will be open from Monday-Friday and closed Saturday-Sunday. Office hours are 8:30-4pm with a lunch break 12-1pm.
M10 Road Construction
The M10 road will be closed Monday, Nov. 17- 20, 2025. Closure location is above Fouts Springs near Dixie Glade. Main impacts are to the Letts Lake basin on Grindstone Ranger District. Detour to get to Letts Lake is via the M5 and 17N02 Roads, high clearance vehicle recommended.
Trail 34 on Upper Lake District closed due to unsafe conditions
OHV Trail 34 is closed due to trail tread degradation and rutting that runs 300 feet down the trail. The trail is unsafe due to unstable soil, extremely muddy conditions and increased runoff.
Trail 3 on Grindstone closed due to slide
Trail 85303 (Trail 3) on the Grindstone Ranger District closed due to landslide: Trail 85303 is closed between Trail 85304 and M5 Road for public safety and to protect natural resources. Unstable soil, downed trees and a steep drop off make this trail unsafe for users.
Cedar Camp Campground Closure
Cedar Camp Campground is closed for public safety. Closure is in effect through 6/18/26.
Chico Seed Orchard Public Use and Access Closure
Pets must be on a leash. Fall/winter hours are 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. beginning Nov. 1. Spring/summer hours are 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. A closure is in effect outside of these hours.
About
Howard Meadows Campground is a primitive camping area in Mendocino National Forest featuring 6 developed campsites with picnic tables and fire rings. The campground sits among a variety of oak and conifer tree species and experienced fire damage from the 2020 August Complex fires. Access requires a high-clearance vehicle to cross one section of the road. This is a true dry camping experience with no potable water available, and campers must pack out all garbage as no trash services are provided. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis at $6 per night, with payment available via the Scan & Pay mobile app at the campground kiosk. Howard Lake is located just down the road from the campground, providing opportunities for lake fishing. The remote location offers solitude and a primitive camping experience for those seeking to explore the backcountry of Mendocino National Forest.
Directions
From Covelo, turn right onto CA-162 E and continue along Mendocino Pass Road for 8 miles. Turn left onto Co Rte. M1/Indian Dick Road. Follow for 13.5 miles, turn left into Little Doe Campground and continue 3.5 miles, bear left at Howard Meadows and continue 1/2 mile to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
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 | $6 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| sm.fs.mendopao@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (707) 983-6118 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Howard Meadows Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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