Howards Gulch Campground is located in the [Modoc National Forest](https://thedyrt.com/camping/california/near/modoc-national-forest) near Canby, CA. The area features forested terrain with a mix of trees and open spaces. Temperatures range from lows in the 30s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s in summer. Nearby attractions include the Lava Beds National Monument and Medicine Lake, offering opportunities for exploration and recreation.

Set back off the highway in a tree lined gulch this campground is a very quiet and pleasant place to spend the weekend or your entire vacation. A short hiking trail is available for nature viewing as this is one of the several Basin and Range Birding Trail stops within the Modoc National Forest. A recent dedication of the Highway 139 Auto Tour and Howard's Gulch Interpretive Sites brings an added benifit to this area. The Auto Tour is just south of the campground on the Howard's Gulch Frontage Road.

Howards Gulch Campground

Modoc National Forest is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Modoc National Forest is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your California camping adventure.

Modoc National Forest

The Best Camping Near Modoc National Forest, California

[Howards Gulch Campground](https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/modoc/recarea/?recid=71276) • [Modoc National Forest](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Howards+Gulch+Campground/@41.4854446,-120.9721584,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x54cc7518ffa94ba3:0x2604fef1ecd9c90a!8m2!3d41.4854446!4d-120.9699697) • $12

Northern California • [Basin &amp; Range Birding Trail 15 Northeastern location](http://www.basinrangebirdingtrail.com/)

Just past a hundred miles of farmfield coming from the North we enter the Modoc National Forest, and turn left against our GPS’ wishes into Howard’s Gulch Campground (Forest Service). Pay attention to the signs. It's analog but it's right. It’s a small, primitive camp in Northern California with 12 sites. Two which are walk in only and none which are for large RV’s. The fee is $12 which is significantly more than the next campground down the road which is free, but the consistency of the Forest Service sites makes it worth it. 

The trees are tall and red, and according to a conveniently placed sign, coniferous. There are also signs indicating common birds of the area and their habitats, along with a 1.5 mile trail built by the U.S. Forest Service, California Department of Forestry and the California Department of Corrections. The trail has been dedicated “for your hiking pleasure…” This campground is also part of the [Basin &amp; Range Birding Trail system](http://www.basinrangebirdingtrail.com/aboutus.php?c=modoc) of Northern California and Southern Oregon.

Like all forest service campgrounds there is a fire pit and a picnic table in each site. Most of the sites are spaced relatively privately, but since you’re in the middle of nowhere you’ll probably be sharing the camp with one, maybe two other campers. In addition, some sites have a stand alone charcoal grilling set-ups.

Trails like this one lead right from camp. Bring your binoculars.

There are plenty of water taps. At least five, but since it isn’t potable there isn’t really much benefit. Since the water is being “treated with chemicals” I wouldn’t even recommend boiling it for use leaving it for the dousing of fires, but the camp is under no-burn restrictions. Rightfully so, considering the summer California has had so far.

Toilets are standard vaults, but there are three of them for 12 sites. Two of which are recent new builds. Being low in the gulch you’re surrounded by walls on three sides to the outer side of the camp loop. The inner loop still backs up to a cliff wall for an unusually located tall mound...and OHMYGOD MY WIFE JUST CHOPPED HER THUMB! SHIT! SHIT!SHIT!SHIT!SHIT!SHIT!SHIT!

...

The reason to camp here is…you’re on your way somewhere else most likely. Coming from Oregon to Yosemite or Tahoe or vice versa. But if you do you won’t be disappointed and if you like birds you’ll be pleasantly surprised. The nearest town is at least 20+ miles if you need anything so come prepared. My Wife's thumb is fine by the way. Despite a serious scare at the time. She field dressed it like a boss using our first aid kit (which we've since upgraded). She'll have a reminder scar, but her badass level went up like a million points. I give Howard’s Gulch 3 Tent Stakes of Awesomeness for being a solid campground with nice sites and trails leaving right from camp but not much else going on. Also, there is no indication of who Howard is. I certainly didn't meet him.

Pro-Tip #1: Prepare for summer heat. You aren’t at elevation here.

Pro-Tip #2: Bring binoculars.

Pro-Tip #3: Bring water and anything else you might need. No place near by to get anything.

Howard's Gulch Campground in Modoc National Forest

 Its ideal if you’re coming from California and headed to Oregon. A couple hours away from Crater Lake. 

Great place to stop for a night. 

If you need a spot dont moss this one! Easy access from highway though only a 1/4 mile to CG sign . Did not see a Howard's Gulch sign.  Clean, quiet, some road noise IF a vehicle goes by. Lots of trees, a short hiking trail, good tasting water.
Probably won't accommodate big rigs 35' max????

Photos of Howards Gulch Campground

Real photos from real campers