No detected openings were recorded in the last 90 days. Campsite Sniper monitors Howell Run Picnic Area continuously and will alert you if that changes.
Of the 39 tracked reservation dates (Sep 18 – Sep 30, 2026): 33 open for online reservation · 3 reserved · 3 closed.
Where the open windows are
Load status
Sep 18 – Sep 30, 2026Of the open reservation dates on mapped day-use units, 18 fall on weekdays and 15 on weekends (Fri–Sun).
Open dates by month
Sep 2026 – Sep 2026September holds the most room. 33 of 39 reservation dates are still open there.
Holiday windows — day use
Units open per date · of 3 shelters| Window | Date | Units open | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labor Day | SAT Sep 5 | 0 | None open |
| SUN Sep 6 | 0 | None open | |
| MON Sep 7 | 0 | None open |
Labor Day: no online availability on any tracked date.
Availability by shelter
Most open reservation dates · tracked window| Shelter | Open reservation dates |
|---|---|
| Gazebo | 11 |
| Shelter 001 | 11 |
| Shelter 002 | 11 |
The 3 shelters with the most open reservation dates in the current snapshot. Pair a bookable date with a free alert to cover everything else.
Next windows
As of Sep 18, 2026 snapshotThe next bookable date is Sep 18; the first open weekend starts Sep 18. Campsite Sniper can watch later dates for you.
Reservation dates
All 3 shelters with current availability
| Shelter | Open reservation dates | Consecutive dates | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gazebo | 11 | 8 dates | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| Shelter 001 | 11 | 8 dates | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| Shelter 002 | 11 | 8 dates | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
About Howell Run Picnic Area
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.
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.
Getting there
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.
View on Recreation.gov ↗ Get directions ↗
Photo gallery
FAQ
How do I get a reservation at Howell Run Picnic Area?
Reservations for Howell Run Picnic Area are made through Recreation.gov. The current snapshot shows substantial availability: 33 of 39 tracked reservation dates are open (84.6%), though availability can change. Pick the shelter on the map to see its reservation calendar, or set a free Campsite Sniper alert. You complete the reservation yourself on Recreation.gov.
Does Campsite Sniper book this facility for me?
No. Campsite Sniper sends alerts and direct Recreation.gov links. It never books, pays for, holds, hoards, or resells reservations.
How current is this availability data?
Campsite Sniper re-checks public Recreation.gov availability for this facility every hour and republishes whenever anything changes. This facility's data last changed at Sep 18, 2026 17:19 UTC; an older timestamp means nothing has changed since that time, not that checking stopped. Always confirm final availability on Recreation.gov when you book.
Which month has the most availability at Howell Run Picnic Area?
September 2026, with 33 open reservation dates in the current snapshot of 39.
When is the next open date at Howell Run Picnic Area?
As of the Sep 18, 2026 snapshot: the next open date is Fri, Sep 18 and the next open weekend starts Fri, Sep 18. Detected openings can add earlier dates at any time; a free Campsite Sniper alert catches those the moment they appear.
Let the app watch this shelter
Choose the reservation dates you want at Howell Run Picnic Area.
Campsite Sniper can monitor this facility and notify you if a selected date becomes available.
When a selected date becomes available, you get a push with a Recreation.gov link so you can review and book it yourself.