Howard Meadows Campground - Covelo, CA
Howard Meadows Campground – A Dog-Friendly Retreat in Covelo, CA
Looking for a peaceful getaway where your dog is welcome to join? Howard Meadows Campground, tucked away near Howard Lake in Covelo, CA, offers a remote, pet-friendly escape perfect for nature lovers and their furry companions. Surrounded by scenic wilderness, this campground is a great option for those seeking dog-friendly hiking and camping with plenty of open space to explore. The campground is known for its quiet atmosphere, beautiful night skies, and proximity to both forested trails and a picturesque lake.
Amenities include onsite parking, public vault toilets, fire rings at each campsite, and open tent sites. While Howard Meadows isn’t right on the lake, a scenic 15-minute hike gives you and your pup access to beach areas by Howard Lake for swimming or relaxing. Keep in mind there is no running water, so plan to bring your own for both you and your dog. The area is free from crowds, offers a rare escape from civilization, and is an excellent base for adventures with your dog in the heart of Mendocino National Forest.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed at Howard Meadows Campground? Yes, dogs are allowed at the campground. Be sure to keep dogs under control and pack out all waste.
- Are there restrooms available for owners? Yes, there are public vault toilets onsite.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? There is a swimmable lake about a 15-minute hike from the campground. Dogs can swim, but the area is not officially designated or maintained as a dog swim area.
- Is there shade or shelter available? The campground is surrounded by natural shade from trees, but there are no covered shelters. Bring sun protection for hot days.
- Is there parking available onsite? Yes, there is onsite parking at the campground.
- Are there activities for kids? The campground is good for kids, offering outdoor camping and hiking experiences.
- Is the campground regularly cleaned and maintained? Reviewers mention that the campground and vault toilets are surprisingly clean and well-maintained.
- Is water available? There is no running water – be sure to bring enough water for yourself and your pets.
Reviews
Good camping spot near Howard lake with vault toilets
The Campground is actually more on the north west side of the lake. The road and map are not too accurate. But when you do find this spot, just sit back, relax and chill. There are fire rings at each camp site. It was very clean. You are truly away from anything, quiet, pieceful place. We could see a full sky of stars at night. Follow our adventures @SLYSTRX
Just went this past weekend. Very peaceful and quiet spot. Roads on google maps are a little misleading. You get there by entering the Little Doe Camp off M1. Keep following the road, look for the signs to Howard Lake. You need a 4wd to get there (you cross a creek on a dirt road). You can go to Howard Meadows, or keep on to Howard Lake itself (which is what we did). Very pretty location. We were the only campers, although a few trucks came through to check the place out. Other than that, no one. Vault bathroom was surprisingly clean. No trash or water. Pack everything in, pack everything out. Would highly recommend to those who want a no frill, quiet getaway from the world
I am 13 and currently in the Boy Scouts of America. I Went to Howard Meadow campgrounds with my dad about two weeks ago for five days and four nights. The maps had us going in circles on the way up there, but when we arrived, it was very nice. We had the whole place to ourselves until the very last day. We weren’t right on the lake. It was about a 15-minute hike from the campgrounds. There is only one accessible beach on the lake. The rest of the lake is surrounded by vegetation, but it’s beautiful, with plenty of fish. We think the fish are smallmouth bass. Didn’t catch or see any trout, despite reading it’s stocked with them. Mostly small fish, but we heard several big ones’ splashes each day. The lake drops off fast and steep from the beach. My dad and I went swimming a lot in the lake. It starts off pretty warm, but gets cold really fast. There’s no running water, so make sure you bring your own. It was really hot!!! I got badly sunburnt on the back of my neck. Although we could hear a lot of birds and, at night, crickets and company, we saw surprisingly little wildlife besides fish, squirrels, and lizards. We didn’t see deer until the drive home. Overall, this campsite was amazing and I recommend it. It is a remote gem. I hope to go there again some day.