Blue Lake Campground puts you on a gentle slope above the lake itself, with 48 sites that actually give you room to breathe. The three-mile trail around the perimeter means you can walk off dinner without driving anywhere, and the paved section makes it accessible for anyone who wants lakeside time without the full hiking commitment.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Developed
- 🏕️Total Sites
- 48
- 💵Fee per Night
- $15
- 📋Reservations
- Reservation Required
- 📍GPS
- 41.14376, -120.27899
- 🌤️Best Seasons
- spring, fall
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- Yes
Amenities
The Camp
The 48 sites here are spread out enough that you're not listening to your neighbor's dinner conversation. They're carved into a gentle slope above Blue Lake, which means most spots get you lake views without the steep scramble down to water that some mountain campgrounds demand. Shade comes standard — a relief when you're camping in the open terrain that defines much of Modoc National Forest.
The campground sits above the water but stays connected to it. You're not perched so high that the lake becomes scenery instead of a place to actually use.
The Lake Loop
The three-mile trail that circles Blue Lake starts right from camp. The east shore section between the campground and boat ramp gets the paved treatment, making it an easy evening walk for families or anyone who wants to stretch their legs without committing to a full hike. The rest of the loop stays unpaved but manageable.
This setup works particularly well if you're camping with mixed abilities — some can take the full circuit while others stick to the paved portion and still get proper lake time.
What to Know
Reservations are required, which tells you something about demand. The $15 nightly fee puts this in the reasonable range for developed forest service camping, especially given the site spacing and lake access.
Spring and fall mark the official seasons here, avoiding both winter snow and the intense summer heat that can make lower-elevation Modoc camping less appealing.