Howers Campground

Welcome, Idahoans, to an enchanting glimpse into Howers Campground, a beloved lakeside destination nestled on the scenic shores of Deadwood Reservoir within the expansive Boise National Forest. For those of us who call Idaho home, the allure of our pristine lakes, towering pine forests, and majestic mountains is an irresistible call to adventure. Howers Campground embodies this spirit, offering a serene and well-equipped setting that perfectly balances rustic charm with essential comforts, making it a truly cherished spot for local campers. As professional content writers specializing in local business SEO, we are delighted to provide you with a clear, engaging, and factual overview of what makes this particular Idaho campground a standout choice from a local perspective.

Idaho’s vast wilderness areas and national forests provide endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and peaceful escapes. Deadwood Reservoir, with its remote location and abundant natural beauty, is a hidden gem for anglers, boaters, and those simply seeking tranquility. Howers Campground, strategically positioned on its northeast shore, offers direct access to these aquatic and terrestrial wonders. Unlike some more primitive sites, Howers provides a level of comfort and maintenance that enhances the camping experience, making it suitable for a wide range of visitors, from families with young children to seasoned adventurers.

This comprehensive article will delve into all the key aspects of Howers Campground. We’ll guide you through its beautiful yet remote location and how to access it, detail the crucial services and amenities it provides, and highlight its unique features that consistently earn rave reviews from visitors. Additionally, we’ll include essential contact information to help you plan your perfect Idaho getaway. Our aim is to provide factual, helpful insights, empowering you to make an informed decision about why Howers Campground might just be the ideal spot for your next memorable outdoor adventure in our stunning Gem State.

Howers Campground is magnificently located on the northeast shore of Deadwood Reservoir, deep within the Boise National Forest. While the provided address of "1249 S Vinnell Way #200, Idaho 83709, USA" is the Boise National Forest Supervisor's Office, the actual campground is accessed via a significant drive into the forest. It's truly a remote destination, part of its charm and allure.

To reach Howers Campground from Boise, the journey typically involves traveling north on State Highway 55 to Banks, then turning east onto State Highway 17 (Banks/Lowman Road) to Lowman. From Lowman, you'll proceed northeast along Highway 21, past Banner Summit, until you reach Forest Service Road 579. Turning west onto FS Road 579, you'll travel through Bear Valley, past the Elk Creek Guard Station Cabins, until FS Road 579 intersects with FS Road 555. From there, you turn left (south) onto FS Road 555 to reach the reservoir and Howers Campground. This is a substantial drive on winding, often unpaved forest roads, which can be rough, so a higher-clearance vehicle is often recommended, and checking road conditions with the Lowman Ranger District is essential, especially outside of peak summer months. The drive itself is part of the adventure, offering breathtaking scenery that prepares you for the beauty of Deadwood Reservoir.

Despite the "quite a drive to get there" as one reviewer noted, the journey is consistently described as "absolutely worth it and breathtaking." The remote location ensures a quiet and unpopulated environment, contributing significantly to its appeal. Once there, the campground is situated in a mixed-growth pine forest, providing ample shade and sweeping views of the reservoir, creating an idyllic setting for camping and outdoor activities. Its position also offers direct shoreline access at some sites, making it incredibly convenient for water-based recreation.

• Campsites: Howers Campground features 10-11 designated campsites, many of which are waterfront with direct shoreline access. Sites can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs, with gravel parking spurs ranging from 18 to 45 feet.
• Reservable Sites: All sites are currently reservable via Recreation.gov, and reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance.
• Potable Water: Potable (drinking) water is available at the campground, which is a significant amenity for a remote forest camp. This is typically provided via a hand-pumped well.
• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets (outhouses) are available for campers' use. Reviewers frequently praise their cleanliness and pleasant smell.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining.
• Fire Rings/Grills: Designated fire rings with grates are available at each site for campfires and cooking. Campers should always check for current fire restrictions.
• Host on Site: A camp host is often present, providing assistance, enforcing rules, and enhancing the overall camping experience, as noted in positive customer reviews.
• No Electricity: There are no electrical hookups available at any of the campsites.
• No Garbage Services: This is a "pack it in, pack it out" campground, meaning campers are responsible for removing all their trash.
• No RV Dumping Site: There is no RV dump station at the campground; visitors should plan accordingly.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed at the campground but must be kept on a leash.

• Stunning Lakeside Views: Its prime location on the northeast shore of Deadwood Reservoir offers breathtaking, sweeping views of the lake and the surrounding mixed-growth pine forest.
• Remote and Quiet Setting: Due to its remote location, the campground is often quiet and unpopulated, providing a tranquil escape from crowds and urban noise.
• Excellent Fishing: Deadwood Reservoir is renowned for its fishing, with abundant Atlantic, Chinook, and Kokanee salmon, as well as rainbow and cutthroat trout, offering superb angling opportunities.
• Water Recreation Hub: Direct lake access and proximity to a boat ramp (at nearby Cozy Cove Campground, about 2 miles away) make it ideal for boating, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: Campers consistently praise the cleanliness and upkeep of the campsites, picnic tables, fire pits, and particularly the vault toilets.
• Helpful Camp Hosts & Rangers: Positive reviews highlight the friendly and professional interactions with camp hosts and rangers, who are often cited for their helpfulness and dedication to maintaining a positive environment.
• Abundant Hiking & Biking Trails: Several trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and off-road vehicle riding wind around the lake shore and the surrounding landscape, catering to various outdoor pursuits.
• Shaded Campsites: Situated in a dense forest of lodgepole and Ponderosa pine, most sites offer ample shade, providing a cool retreat during warmer months.
• Wildlife Viewing: The remote forest environment provides excellent opportunities for spotting various wildlife, including deer, elk, and diverse bird species.
• Reservable Sites: The ability to reserve sites in advance via Recreation.gov offers peace of mind and convenience, especially for planning trips during popular seasons.

Address: Located on the northeast shore of Deadwood Reservoir, within the Boise National Forest. (Physical address for the Forest Supervisor's Office: 1249 S Vinnell Way #200, Boise, ID 83709, USA)

Phone: (208) 373-4100 (Boise National Forest Supervisor's Office)

Mobile Phone: +1 208-373-4100 (Boise National Forest Supervisor's Office. Note: Cell service at the campground itself is generally not available, allowing for a true disconnect.)

Reservations: For reservations and up-to-date fee information, visit Recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777.

For Idahoans, Howers Campground on Deadwood Reservoir is more than just a camping spot; it's a quintessential slice of the Idaho wilderness experience, perfectly suited for those who appreciate both natural beauty and a degree of comfort. Its remote, breathtaking location, nestled within the Boise National Forest, offers a genuine escape from the everyday, providing the peace and solitude that many locals crave after a busy week.

The campground’s appeal for Idahoans is multifaceted. Its prime lakeside setting means unparalleled access to some of the state's best fishing for salmon and trout, along with ample opportunities for boating, kayaking, and swimming – activities deeply ingrained in Idaho's outdoor culture. The presence of well-maintained facilities, including clean vault toilets and potable water, elevates the experience from primitive camping to a more comfortable, family-friendly outing, without sacrificing the wild ambiance. The ability to reserve sites in advance, a convenience often sought after by busy families, ensures a spot at this popular destination.

Furthermore, the positive experiences shared by fellow campers, highlighting the helpfulness of camp hosts and rangers, underscore a welcoming and well-managed environment. This fosters a sense of community and ensures that rules are generally upheld, allowing everyone to enjoy the tranquility (despite occasional inconsiderate behavior from a few). For Idahoans, Howers Campground offers a perfect blend of challenging access leading to rewarding serenity, abundant recreational activities, and a clean, safe environment to create lasting memories amidst the stunning backdrop of our beloved Gem State. It truly embodies the spirit of Idaho outdoor living.

Howers Campground

1249 S Vinnell Way #200, Idaho 83709, USA