Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center

Howell Woods offers numerous outdoor activities for the public, such as fishing, camping, and trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. A small user fee may apply for some activities to support the maintenance and improvements of the facilities.

It’s crucial to follow certain rules and regulations to help manage the diverse use of the property. Additionally, temporary restrictions may apply to specific roads, trails, or outdoor activities, depending on other activities happening on-site.

To check if your desired area or activity is available:

• Reservations for Monday through Friday must be made at least 24 business hours in advance by phone.

• Weekend reservations must be completed by 4:00 PM on Thursday.

• If you can't reach a staff member, the current restrictions and additional information will be posted on the information board at the Learning Center.

Cabin & Facility Rentals

Howell Woods has two duplex-style cabins. Each side of a duplex can accommodate up to four people, allowing for up to eight guests. Howell Woods also offers a larger, ADA-accessible cabin that can accommodate up to eight people on each side, allowing for up to 16 people.

Cabin Lodging Rental Rates

• Small Cabin (sleeps 8) - $137.19
• Large Cabin (sleeps 16) - $274.38

Accommodations

• On-site lodging is available in our enviro-friendly cabins, overlooking our longleaf pine savannah restoration site. All cabins are designed duplex-style, with two bunk rooms connected to a shared kitchen space. At the end of the day, you can reflect on the day's activities on the cozy, covered front porch.
• Cabins 1 and 2 can hold 8 people in total (4 in each bunk room). Each bunk room has its own shower, toilet room, and tv. The shared space includes a kitchen area and laundry (washer/dryer) unit.
• The third cabin was designed to comply with ADA standards and can accommodate groups up to 16 (8 in each bunk room). Each bunk room has its own shower and two toilet rooms. The shared space contains a kitchen area, dining table, laundry (washer/dryer) unit, and living space with tv.
• The kitchens have most of the items you will need to prepare and serve great meals. They are equipped with a microwave and stove-top (or a full range in the larger cabin). Cookware, dinnerware, and utensils are also provided. An outside cooking area with a large swivel charcoal grill and picnic tables is centrally located among the three cabins.
• These units can be rented as a whole or by the bunk room.
• Reservation forms should be submitted at least 24 hours in advance. Additional information on provided materials and more will be listed in the form below.

Facility Rental

• The classroom facility can be rented out for smaller events. This rental gives you access to the kitchen space, restrooms, and the outdoor picnic shelter. You can refer to the form for rates, restrictions, and additional information.

Camping

Howell Woods offers a variety of primitive campsites on its grounds. Some sites are better suited for individual tents, while others can hold multiple tents. The ones capable of accommodating large groups are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Tent Sites:  

• Lone Pine Pond*
• Fox Squirrel Ridge
• Lake sites 1 - 4
• Fort Island Pond*
  There is an onsite primitive cabin that can be rented for $30 a night.
• Neuse River Platform
  This site is reserved for paddlers coming down the Neuse River.

Amenities

• Each site is equipped with a fire ring and flip-down grill top, picnic table, trash receptacle, and lantern hanger. Most campsites are within walking distance of an outhouse restroom.
• Potable water is not available at the campsites but can be accessed at the Learning Center.
• A shower facility is accessible between the Lone Pine Pond and Fox Squirrel campsites. 

Restrictions:

• Generators and other AC/DC appliances that are heard outside the immediate camping area are not allowed.
• Campers are asked not to bring firewood but can collect fallen debris around the campsite.

Reservations:

• Camping reservations can be made by filling out the form below or by calling the Learning Center at (919) 938-0115.
• Campers may check-in at 1:00 p.m. Checkout is 11:00 a.m.

Rates:

• Standard rates are $10 per tent per night and $20 for RVs or campers (no hookups). Please call for group rates.
  Payment accepted by phone (card only), in-person, or placed in the return box (check or cash).
• Firewood is available for purchase at $5 per night.
• Fort Island Pond* - Primitive cabin $30 a night.

All visitors should ensure that gates are closed behind them.

Some campsites may be reserved for events or closed during hunting season, which runs from September to April. Please check for specific site availability.

Horseback Riding

The Howell Woods property offers over 15 miles of scenic roads through mature bottomland hardwood forest, open fallow and managed wildlife fields, loblolly and longleaf pine forest, mixed pine/hardwood forest, wet early successional and hardwood forest edge habitat, and a 3/4 mile stretch adjacent to the Neuse River.

All trails are maintained, dirt or gravel single lane roads. Some road surfaces are "crush and run" type gravel. Several water fords with larger stones are located on several of the major roads. There are also two wooden plank bridges on two of the major roads.

Riding trail access does not include the main trail system and will be closed during scheduled hunts. Unless otherwise posted, trail status for riding is:

September to April - Sunday through Tuesday

April to September - No day restriction (7 days a week)

Maps are located under the porch of the Learning Center building and include the length of each trail.

Requirements:

• Reservations are required for horseback riding at Howell Woods. 
• Reservations must be made in advance by filling out the form below or by calling the Learning Center at (919) 938-0115.
• Horseback riders must have a completed registration form and a current negative EIA test for all equines six months and older with them at all times while riding. These documents should be readily available for review by staff upon request.
• All horseback are highly encouraged to wear the appropriate safety headgear while on the property.
• All visitors should ensure that gates are closed behind them.

Rates:

• The fee for riding is $20 per person. Payment can be made by phone (card only), in-person, or placed in the return box (check or cash).

There are currently two water spigots located in the parking lot to water horses.

Howell Woods ELC does not have horses onsite; reservations are strictly for use of the trails.

Hiking & Biking Trails

Hiking

Located around the Learning Center building is a diverse network of 15 separate trails called the Habitat Diversity Hiking Trails. This trail system has a diverse group of ecosystems–such as bottomland hardwood forest, open fallow fields, mixed pine/hardwood, longleaf and loblolly pine forests, and more–that make it an excellent place for bird watching and are featured on the North Carolina Birding Trail.

No user fee is charged for trail access. The Habitat Diversity Trail system is open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. Other walking trails may be closed during scheduled hunts. Maps are located under the porch of the Learning Center building and include the length of each trail.

All trails at Howell Woods are mostly flat and six feet wide. Some are improved dirt or gravel trails, while others are mostly mowed natural vegetation. Many may be extremely wet or "soft" depending on weather conditions.

Biking

No user fee or reservation is needed for biking. However, trail access does not include the main trail system and will be closed during scheduled hunts. Unless otherwise posted, trail status for biking is as follows:

September to April - Sunday through Tuesday

April to September - No day restriction (7 days a week)

Maps are located under the porch of the Learning Center building and include the length of each trail. All trails at Howell Woods are mostly flat and six feet wide. Some are improved dirt or gravel trails, while others are mostly mowed natural vegetation. Many may be extremely wet or "soft" depending on weather conditions.

All bike riders are highly encouraged to wear the appropriate safety headgear while on the property.

Fishing

Howell Woods offers five ponds of various sizes, plus access to Hannah and Mill Creeks for recreational fishing. Fishing platforms are available at most ponds. Otherwise, bank fishing or small, electric-powered motor boats are allowed. All visitors should ensure that gates are closed behind them.

A valid North Carolina fishing license and prior reservations are required to fish on the property. Special keep/release and bait restrictions apply. Please inquire upon check-in. Fishing reservations need to be made in advance by calling the Learning Center at 919-938-0115.

The fishing fee is $5 per adult and $3 per kid. Payment can be made by phone (card only), in person, or placed in the return box (check or cash).