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Howell Run Picnic Area
USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers — Elk Garden · West Virginia · Jennings Randolph Lake
| Agency | USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Area | Jennings Randolph Lake |
| Location | Elk Garden · West Virginia · Jennings Randolph Lake · 39.41694, -79.12722 · Map |
| Sites | 3 public sites counted from the federal listing — 3 group shelter nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 3 sites Water hookups at 0 of 3 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 3 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 3 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 20 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 0 sites · 30 ft: 0 sites · 35 ft: 0 sites · 40 ft: 0 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 7:30 AM · Out 7:30 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 3 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 1 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 304 355-2346 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
Overview The Howell Run Picnic Area is a day use facility overlooking Jennings Randolph Lake, providing a beautiful backdrop for picnicking, sightseeing and hiking. A nesting pair of bald eagles call Jennings Randolph Lake home. Bring binoculars for the lucky chance to spot a bald eagle. Recreation At the Howell Run Picnic Area, enjoy the panoramic view of the lake. Walk the Lakeside trail which connects the picnic area with the Shaw Beach area. Facilities Shelter #2 is handicap accessible and has running water. It is closest to the restroom and playground equipment. The Gazebo is located in the center of the picnic area. Shelter #1 is the first shelter as you drive in. Each shelter comfortably accommodates groups of up to 30 people in a lovely lakeside setting. Natural Features The Lake spans 952 acres in the rugged hills of the West Virginia Allegany Mountains. Nearby Attractions A mile down the road is Shaw Beach where you can enjoy swimming. The project offers facilities for hiking, fishing, biking, swimming, boating and camping.
Directions, from the listing
From Cumberland, MD, take US 220 south to US 50W, go west to WV 42N, go north to WV 46E. Follow the signs to the Howell Run Picnic Area.
Nearest federal campgrounds
1 mi straight-line · ELK GARDEN West VirginiaFSU.S. Forest ServiceRed Creek Campground
28 mi straight-line · West VirginiaFSU.S. Forest ServiceHorseshoe Recreation Area
30 mi straight-line · Parsons West VirginiaFSU.S. Forest ServiceBig Bend (Wv)
37 mi straight-line · West VirginiaFSU.S. Forest ServiceJess Judy
37 mi straight-line · West Virginia
Trip Card — Howell Run Picnic Area
Elk Garden · West Virginia · Jennings Randolph Lake
| Agency | USACE · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Location | Elk Garden · West Virginia · Jennings Randolph Lake |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Up to 20 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 3 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/250007 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.