Howard Lake Campground

For Montana locals seeking a truly serene and picturesque escape into the heart of the Kootenai National Forest, Howard Lake Campground offers an experience that embodies the quiet beauty of our state. Tucked away amidst towering trees and overlooking the sparkling waters of Howard Lake, this campground is a hidden gem that promises tranquility, abundant wildlife, and fantastic opportunities for fishing and peaceful water activities. It's the perfect spot to unplug, unwind, and reconnect with nature, far from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Howard Lake Campground is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, from the moment you begin the scenic drive up to the breathtaking views from the lake itself. It’s a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the wilderness – listening to owls hooting in the night, spotting majestic bald eagles soaring overhead, and catching glimpses of deer gracefully moving through the forest. This campground is designed for those who appreciate a more rustic and self-reliant camping experience, valuing the pristine environment over extensive amenities.

We understand that Montanans cherish their wild spaces, and Howard Lake Campground delivers on that promise. While it offers essential facilities to ensure a comfortable stay, its charm lies in its untouched feel and the sheer abundance of natural wonders. Whether you're an avid angler hoping to catch a big trout, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a peaceful lakeside retreat, Howard Lake Campground provides an unforgettable backdrop for creating cherished memories in beautiful Northwestern Montana.

Howard Lake Campground is located near Libby, MT 59923, USA, within the expansive Kootenai National Forest. This puts it in the northwestern part of Montana, an area known for its dense forests, numerous lakes, and stunning mountain landscapes. Its secluded nature is a significant part of its appeal, offering an escape from more crowded recreational areas.

Accessing Howard Lake Campground requires a bit of an adventurous spirit and, ideally, a vehicle suited for forest roads. While the overall drive up offers "beautiful views," reviewers specifically note that "The last mile and a half isn’t the most maintained road." This suggests that while a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle might not be strictly necessary, it would certainly make the journey more comfortable and less prone to issues, especially after wet weather. Drivers should be prepared for a "rough" section of road leading directly into the campground.

Despite the less-maintained final stretch, the campground's setting is worth the effort. Its remote location means there is typically no cell service, which is a deliberate feature for those looking to completely "unplug." This intentional lack of connectivity allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural environment. While it feels secluded, it's still within reasonable driving distance of Libby, providing access to town amenities if needed for supplies or emergencies. The journey itself becomes part of the experience, leading you deeper into the tranquility of the Kootenai National Forest.

Howard Lake Campground provides a basic yet comfortable setup for campers, focusing on essential amenities that support a rustic outdoor experience.

• Campsites: The campground offers a number of "well maintained" campsites. Each site is equipped with a fire pit, a large picnic table, and a bear-proof food container. The bear-proof containers are a crucial amenity, reflecting the wild nature of the area and ensuring safe food storage.
• Vault Toilets (Outhouse): An outhouse (vault toilet) is available for restroom facilities. While practical, visitors have noted that it can sometimes be "pretty dirty and due to be emptied," which is a common occurrence in more remote, unhosted campgrounds. Campers should be prepared for varying levels of maintenance for this particular amenity.
• No Potable Water: It is generally understood that primitive or unhosted campgrounds like this often do not provide potable water. Campers should plan to bring all their own drinking water.
• No Trash Receptacle: As noted by a reviewer, there is "no trash receptacle" at the campground. This means campers must adhere to strict "pack it in, pack it out" principles, taking all their waste with them when they leave.
• No Showers: Showers are not available at this campground, emphasizing its rustic nature.

The emphasis at Howard Lake Campground is on self-sufficiency and minimal impact, encouraging campers to fully embrace the "back to basics" aspect of wilderness camping.

Howard Lake Campground is celebrated for its natural beauty and the immersive wilderness experience it offers.

• Beautiful Lakeside Views: The most significant highlight is undoubtedly the "Beautiful views from the lake." The tranquil waters of Howard Lake, nestled amidst the forest, provide a stunning backdrop for all camping activities.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Howard Lake is known for its "big trout jumping out there." While specific types of trout aren't mentioned, the lake is a draw for anglers. Reviewers suggest "following the trail further around" or bringing a kayak for better fishing access.
• Abundant Wildlife: The campground offers fantastic opportunities for wildlife viewing. Visitors have reported seeing "the neighborhood doe," hearing "an owl multiple times," and spotting "a couple loons on the lake," as well as "baldeagles and deer."
• Peaceful and Secluded Atmosphere: The campground is described as "secluded" and "very peaceful." The lack of cell service contributes to this, allowing campers to "unplug completely" and enjoy genuine tranquility.
• Non-Motorized Water Activities: The calm waters of Howard Lake are perfect for kayaking and canoeing, offering a serene way to explore the lake and enhance fishing experiences.
• Scenic Drive: Even the "drive up" to the campground is noted for its "beautiful views," indicating that the journey itself is part of the overall experience.
• Well-Maintained Campsites: Despite the primitive nature, the individual "camp sites are well maintained," offering a comfortable and clean space with a picnic table, fire pit, and bear-proof food container.
• Hiking Trail Around the Lake: A "beautiful and serene walk around the lake" is available, allowing visitors to explore the shoreline and enjoy the peaceful surroundings on foot.

For inquiries regarding Howard Lake Campground, please use the general contact information for the Kootenai National Forest, as this primitive campground does not have a dedicated on-site contact number.

Address: Libby, MT 59923, USA (within Kootenai National Forest)

Phone: (406) 293-6211 (This is the Kootenai National Forest Supervisor's Office number).

Mobile Phone: +1 406-293-6211 (Same as above, a general contact line for the forest).

For more specific information or current conditions (such as road status, fire restrictions, or any alerts regarding facility maintenance), it is highly recommended to contact the Libby Ranger District directly at (406) 293-7773. You can also visit the official Kootenai National Forest website for the most up-to-date information before planning your trip, especially since this is an unhosted site.

For Montana locals, Howard Lake Campground offers an incredibly appealing option for those seeking a genuine, unpretentious wilderness experience that truly embodies the spirit of Big Sky Country. It’s a perfect fit for residents who are comfortable with more primitive camping, valuing solitude and natural beauty over extensive amenities. The challenge of the less-maintained access road actually acts as a filter, ensuring that the peacefulness and pristine nature of Howard Lake are preserved for those who truly seek them out.

The opportunity to completely "unplug" with no cell service is a significant draw for Montanans looking to escape the digital demands of modern life and reconnect with their surroundings. The "beautiful views from the lake," combined with the chance to spot local wildlife like "bald eagles and deer" and hear "loons on the lake," provide an authentic Montana outdoor experience that is both immersive and deeply rewarding.

Moreover, for the local fishing enthusiast, Howard Lake's reputation for "big trout jumping" makes it a prime destination. Bringing a kayak to explore the lake for better fishing spots, as suggested by a reviewer, perfectly aligns with the self-reliant and active spirit often found in Montana's outdoor community. While the lack of trash receptacles and the occasional dirty outhouse require a "pack it in, pack it out" mentality, this is a standard practice for many experienced local campers who prioritize minimal impact. Howard Lake Campground is a truly neat spot for Montanans to visit and camp at, offering a serene, beautiful, and authentic slice of their wild backyard.

Howard Lake Campground

Libby, MT 59923, USA