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 9 tracked reservation dates (May 1 – May 3, 2027): 9 open for online reservation.
Where the open windows are
Load status
May 1 – May 3, 2027Of the open reservation dates on mapped day-use units, 3 fall on weekdays and 6 on weekends (Fri–Sun).
Open dates by month
May 2027 – May 2027May holds the most room. 9 of 9 reservation dates are still open there.
Holiday windows — day use
Units open per date · of 3 shelters| Window | Date | Units open | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memorial Day | FRI May 28 | 0 | None open |
| SAT May 29 | 0 | None open | |
| SUN May 30 | 0 | None open | |
| MON May 31 | 0 | None open |
Memorial Day: no online availability on any tracked date.
Availability by shelter
Most open reservation dates · tracked window| Shelter | Open reservation dates |
|---|---|
| Gazebo | 3 |
| Shelter 001 | 3 |
| Shelter 002 | 3 |
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.
Tracked window
CoverageCampsite Sniper's data for this facility starts May 1, 2027. That is about 180 days after the current snapshot was taken, so dates before May 1, 2027 are not covered by what Campsite Sniper tracks here — they are not known to be unavailable. The reservation dates shown on this page describe May 1, 2027 onwards only. Check Recreation.gov for earlier dates.
Reservation dates
All 3 shelters with current availability
| Shelter | Open reservation dates | Consecutive dates | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gazebo | 3 | 3 dates | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| Shelter 001 | 3 | 3 dates | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| Shelter 002 | 3 | 3 dates | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
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: 9 of 9 tracked reservation dates are open (100%), 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 Nov 2, 2026 16:20 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?
May 2027, with 9 open reservation dates in the current snapshot of 9.
When is the next open date at Howell Run Picnic Area?
Campsite Sniper cannot answer that from the current snapshot. The availability data held for Howell Run Picnic Area begins May 1, 2027 — about 180 days after this snapshot was taken, so any earlier dates are outside what Campsite Sniper is tracking here rather than known to be unavailable. Check Recreation.gov for dates before May 1, 2027.
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.