Howard's Gulch Campground
Open seasonally from mid-May through late October, weather permitting. First-come, first-served with self-pay registration. No potable water on site. 14-day stay limit.
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Forest Fire Restrictions
There are No current Fire restrictions in placeFire Restrictions Have Been Lifted on the Modoc National Forest on September 28, 2025 - Fall is here, and cooler weather conditions have allowed the Modoc National Forest fire restrictions were lifted at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, September 28, 2025. This…
About
Howard's Gulch Campground occupies a quiet, tree-lined setting in the Devil's Garden Ranger District of Modoc National Forest, just off Highway 139 about four miles north of Canby. The campground is well-suited for those seeking solitude in California's remote northeastern corner, away from crowds and development. The site features a short interpretive hiking trail ideal for birding and nature observation, as it's a designated stop on the Basin and Range Birding Trail. The nearby Highway 139 Auto Tour and Howard's Gulch Interpretive Sites add additional educational value to the area. Regional attractions include Lava Beds National Monument and Medicine Lake. This is a primitive campground with vault toilets but no potable water, so campers should bring their own water supply. Sites are first-come, first-served with self-registration at the bulletin board. The campground typically opens mid-May and closes in late October, weather permitting.
Directions
From Alturas, travel west on Highway 299 past Canby to Highway 139. Turn north on Highway 139 and go 4 miles to the campground entrance on the left.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 233-5811 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Howard's Gulch Campground | |
| Modoc NF Alerts & Notices |
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