Federal campground in Mendocino National ForestLive availability via Recreation.gov· synced every 30 min
CA, CA★ 4 (0 reviews)From $6/nightFederal campground · book on Recreation.gov
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you are able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature.
Best for:CampersNature loversFamiliesSites:Tent
LIVE · weather + fire + AQI + availability + wildlife
Verified facts
RIDB / Recreation.gov official databaseCheck-in2:00 PM
Check-out12:00 PM
SeasonMay through October
Stay limit14 days
HookupsNo hookups.
Max/site6 people
Amenities
RIDB /facilities /campsites · owner-verifiedEssentials
Fire Rings
Recreation
Picnic Tables
Straight talk
CamperWatch intel · curated from camper reportsKnown issues, each with the workaround. Read before you book.
Known issuesFederal campground — book early. No hookups at most sites. Seasonal operations.
Skip it if:✕ You need hookups—no hookups available at this campground✕ You prefer guaranteed site availability—it is first-come, first-served only and you must physically arrive to claim a site✕ You cannot arrive during May through October operating season
Insider tips & when to go
CamperWatch intel · hand-curated entryAccess the campground via Little Doe Camp off M1 and follow the road carefully
Download the Recreation.gov mobile app before arriving to use Scan and Pay feature for payment
GPS and Google Maps directions are inaccurate; follow road signs instead as the campground is located on the northwest side of the lake
Best: May-October
Campground operates seasonally during these months only
Things to do nearby
RIDB /activities /recareas + intelConditions today
LiveCell signal
FCC BDC · quarterly datasetT-Mobile
4G · 0%
Verizon
4G · 0%
AT&T
4G · 0%
FCC maps are theoretical — camper reports confirm signal.
Wildlife nearby
iNaturalist · research-grade · 8 kmAlert: Mountain lions, American black bears, and mule deer are present in the area within 8km. Fisher, ringtail, and various reptiles including Pacific gopher snakes also inhabit the region.
Location
Leaflet · OpenStreetMap tiles
(707) 983-6118· Mendocino National Forest
Campground entrance
Google Maps APICommunity
#community · posts, photos & Q&A · AI-moderated (Claude Vision)Pro tips
- Book on recreation.gov exactly 6 months ahead at 10am ET — Mendocino National Forest fills fast in peak season.
- Check current road conditions at Mendocino National Forest before arrival — seasonal closures common.
Frequently asked questions
RIDB facts + intel · FAQPage schema, speakableHow much does Howard Meadows Campground cost per night?+
Howard Meadows Campground costs $6 per night. Hookup options: No hookups.
What season is Howard Meadows Campground open?+
Howard Meadows Campground is open May through October. Check-in is 2:00 PM, check-out is 12:00 PM.
Does Howard Meadows Campground have hookups?+
No hookups.
What is the maximum RV length at Howard Meadows Campground?+
Howard Meadows Campground is primarily a tent camping facility.
How do I make reservations at Howard Meadows Campground?+
Howard Meadows Campground is a federal campground — book 6 months ahead at Recreation.gov. Set a free CamperWatch cancellation alert to be notified the moment a site opens.
What is the cell service like at Howard Meadows Campground?+
According to FCC coverage maps, cell signal at Howard Meadows Campground is rated none. FCC maps show theoretical coverage — actual signal in remote or heavily forested areas may be weaker.
What season is Howard Meadows Campground open, and what are check-in times?+
Howard Meadows Campground is open May through October. Check-in is 2:00 PM, check-out is 12:00 PM.
●Data sources on this page
Recreation.gov — Live site availability — updated every 30 min
recreation.gov · RIDB API
National Weather Service — Live hourly forecast + active alerts
api.weather.gov · open-meteo.com
Google Air Quality API — Live AQI at exact campground coordinates
airquality.googleapis.com
iNaturalist — Research-grade wildlife within 8km
api.inaturalist.org
Google Pollen API — Today’s tree, grass & weed pollen forecast
pollen.googleapis.com
FCC Broadband Map — Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile 4G/5G coverage data
broadbandmap.fcc.gov · quarterly
Sunrise-Sunset.org — Sunrise, sunset & golden hour for today
api.sunrise-sunset.org
Google Street View — Campground entrance & access road imagery
maps.googleapis.com
RIDB — ADA sites, hookups, toilets, pets, campfire rules, bear boxes, max RV, activities, contact, directions
ridb.recreation.gov · /facilities /campsites /activities /links /recareas
CamperWatch never fabricates data. Where data is unavailable, it is not shown.
$6 /night★ 4 (0)
SeasonMay through October
Check-in2:00 PM
Check-out12:00 PM
Dates full? Get an availability alert
FAQ
How much does Howard Meadows Campground cost per night?+
What season is Howard Meadows Campground open?+
Does Howard Meadows Campground have hookups?+
All 7 questions →Nearby Campgrounds
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