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Modoc/Medicine Lake
Overview
Overview
The Modoc National Forest and the Medicine Lake area offer a quintessential high-mountain retreat for outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude. This region is characterized by its expansive volcanic landscape and serene lake vistas. Whether you are seeking a base camp for wilderness exploration or a quiet spot to disconnect, the forest service campgrounds around Medicine Lake provide a rustic, nature-focused experience that remains one of Northern California's best-kept secrets for those traveling with modest RVs or camper vans.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in the heart of the Medicine Lake Highlands near Tulelake, CA, this destination is defined by its dramatic geologic history. The area is positioned within a massive shield volcano, offering panoramic views of volcanic craters and old-growth timber stands. The high elevation provides a cool escape during summer months, surrounding visitors with a tranquil environment that feels far removed from the hustle of developed tourist hubs and modern resort-style RV parks.
Amenities & Park Features
Reflecting its status as a forest service location, the facilities are designed for self-contained camping. Visitors should expect primitive, non-electric sites nestled among pine and fir trees. While modern luxuries like full hookups are not available, the campgrounds typically include essential amenities such as vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. It is an ideal environment for those who prioritize peaceful, unpaved campsites and the opportunity to camp directly under a vast, star-filled sky.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw of this area is the proximity to the Lava Beds National Monument, where you can explore extensive lava tube caves and historic battlefields. Medicine Lake itself is a hub for recreational activities, including non-motorized boating, swimming, and world-class trout fishing. Hiking trails traverse the surrounding landscape, providing direct access to unique obsidian flows and alpine scenery that make this region a geological wonderland for photographers and avid hikers alike.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is best suited for self-sufficient boondockers and those who prefer the rugged simplicity of forest camping over concrete pads. It is an excellent choice for nature lovers who enjoy dry camping and desire a quiet atmosphere to reconnect with the outdoors. If you enjoy wilderness photography, geology, or simply sitting by a clear mountain lake, this site provides the perfect backdrop for your next off-grid mountain adventure in California.
Features & Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
Reviews
Ross Wagstaff
Really nice campsite. Not a lot of people are there most of the year. Lake is relatively warm, Los is hiking and biking, and stars are amazing at night.
Brian Hovander
Below are photos I took in July 2019 of the campsites that were reservable for this campground (both Medicine and Hogue) for those who would like to make a reservation. I had been to this campground in 2013 for a week and thought it was one of the best campgrounds in the State of California. Sadly, in 2019 the Forest (dis)Service was continuing to take in a lot of money in camping fees but not using any of it to have the outhouses pumped, cleaned, restocked with toilet paper, etc. The money was going somewhere else. The outhouses were nearly full to the brim and the only toilet paper to be had for several days would be used toilet paper just a foot below the toilet seat. They were not calling the company in Redding that pumps these clean. That company has a long-term 48-hour response contract to pump these out when full. They are failing to call in a service request to have these full outhouses pumped. There was no host that summer and no presence of law and order. They started a reservation service in 2019, but your reservation meant nothing. Folks were squatting in the reserved sites and not cooperating in moving when those with reservations arrive from long away. Squatters in two adjoining reservation sites included one who ran a construction-type loud generator endlessly for no known reason. Unnecessarily loud generators running all day for them to play computer games, or whatever, are not being addressed by the non-existent campground hosts, etc. A large group arrived on the other side two campsites away that had at least 20 persons in it. My camping adventure then revolved around an excessively loud generator on one side and the large group on the other side. We abandoned our site a day early on a Saturday morning and hoped to find something with some semblance of law and order and sanitary restroom facilities. Oh, the nearest water faucet had a notice to not drink the water! Now how could they sell reservations for such a remote site when they were not providing sanitation services and safe drinking water. I will not post a photo of the grossly unsanitary condition of the outhouses but will post a typical sign on the drinking water faucets that warns against drinking the water. Oh, the pavement on the 16-mile road to the nearby Lava Beds National Monument changes to dusty and severe washboard surface the last 13 miles. We alternatively took the 37 mile marginally paved route back on the return trip. I would recommend against staying in this campground and simultaneously taking a day trip to the Lava Beds National Monument. The campground there is cheaper, clean, sanitary, has flush toilets, potable water, and is all first-come first-serve. I have seen no reason to ever return to this extremely remote campground that has unsanitary conditions, contaminated drinking water, no semblance of law and order, no campground hosts, and a pathetic reservation service that fails to guarantee your site or let you know in advance of where it is even located. I will also post two maps that are not on the reservation service in case you still want to make a shaky reservation and want to know where your site is located.
Arbor Evans
Stayed in site 51 at AH Hogue campground in a 25 ft trailer. It was after labor day so the camp ground was quiet. There are plenty of bathrooms (pit) water fill areas, and dumpsters. There is also a dump station outside the park entrance. Enjoyed the local walk, lots of firewood to gather. Took a drive up to lava bed national monument. Unfortunately the area all burned so it was not as enjoyable as I hoped. Would definitely stay again.
D C
My son stayed out in the water all day. He had so much fun he didn't wanna get out. Beautiful scenery! Didn't know what the gold-lookin stuff was in the water, turns out it was pollen, a whole bunch. But the kids didn't mind. Also, not part of the campground, but the road 2 get there r horrible & need repair & maintainence!
Jon Mulder
Great place but cold in mid-October. A high point was seeing the native American pow woo on the lake.