Howard Prairie Lake Recreation Area park
Howard Prairie Lake Recreation Area
One of the main draws of Howard Prairie Lake is the fishing, with rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and bass being popular catches. The lake also has several boat ramps and marinas for visitors who want to enjoy water sports, and there are many hiking trails in the surrounding forests.
For those interested in wildlife viewing, the area is home to a variety of birds, including bald eagles and ospreys. Campsites are available for tent and RV camping, with amenities such as showers and electrical hookups.
Interesting facts about Howard Prairie Lake include that it was created in 1958 as part of the Rogue River Basin project, and that it is one of the largest irrigation reservoirs in Oregon. The lake is also used for hydroelectric power generation.
The best time of year to visit Howard Prairie Lake Recreation Area is generally from May through September, although the area can be enjoyed year-round. Summer temperatures can reach into the 90s, while winter temperatures can drop below freezing and bring snow. Visitors should also be aware of potential wildfire risks during dry seasons.
Overall, Howard Prairie Lake Recreation Area provides a scenic and enjoyable destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the beauty of Southern Oregon.
Park & land designation reference
A quick legend for the federal and state land categories Snoflo tracks. Each designation comes with different rules around access, recreation, and resource extraction.
- National Park
- Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
- State Park
- Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
- Local Park
- Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
- Wilderness Area
- The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized motorized access permitted.
- National Recreation Area
- Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing, often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes); may allow more development.
- National Conservation Area (BLM)
- BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
- State Forest
- State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
- Vast federal lands managed for mixed use -- recreation, grazing, mining, conservation -- with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area campgrounds
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within reach of Howard Prairie Lake Recreation Area, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apserkaha Park - Howard Prairie Lake | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| Klum Landing - Howard Prairie Lake | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| Willow Point - Howard Prairie Lake | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| Wildcat Camping Area | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Hyatt Horse Camp | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Grizzly - Howard Prairie Lake | ✗ | ✓ | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, fishing spots, and POIs so a park visit can grow into a full weekend.
Other parks
Fishing spots
Responsible recreation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site for hours, permit requirements, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions before heading out.
- Stay on trail
- Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation, prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife habitat.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and store food securely if camping is permitted on-site.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Carry out all trash, food scraps, and gear. Many parks have limited or no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, or artifacts. They make the park what it is for the next visitor.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Howard Prairie Lake Recreation Area as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures, fire-restriction days), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Howard Prairie Lake Recreation Area
What can I do at Howard Prairie Lake Recreation Area?
Most Snoflo-tracked parks support hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Check the operator's site for activity-specific rules (camping, fishing, paddling, hunting).
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no. Streamflow comes live from USGS streamgauges.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get to Howard Prairie Lake Recreation Area?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the park.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this park, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other parks near here
Snoflo-tracked parks within driving distance of Howard Prairie Lake Recreation Area.