Five separate campgrounds spread around Medicine Lake at 6,770 feet in the Modoc National Forest's volcanic highlands. The setting delivers mature lodgepole pines, lake access, and proximity to lava flows — a solid base camp for exploring northeastern California's less-traveled geology.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Developed
- 🏕️Total Sites
- 86
- 💵Fee per Night
- Free
- 📋Reservations
- Reservation Required
- 🏔️Elevation
- 6,770 ft
- 📍GPS
- 41.58584, -121.58557
- 🌤️Best Seasons
- summer, fall
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- 530-667-2246 OR 530-667-8659
- 🗺️Address
- CA
Amenities
The Camp
The five campgrounds — Medicine, A.H. Hogue, Hemlock, Headquarters, and Schonchin Springs — offer different flavors of the same lake-and-pine setting. Sites range from somewhat rugged spots with tight parking to larger areas that handle RVs comfortably. All come with the standard picnic table, fire ring, and barbecue grill setup.
Lodgepole pines provide most of the shelter, though the area can catch wind. The lake sits right there for swimming in the designated area near the Picnic Area, plus there's a concrete boat ramp and dock for launching.
What to Know
Only 15 of the 86 sites take reservations, and those are split between Medicine and A.H. Hogue campgrounds — book these if you want certainty. The other three campgrounds operate first-come, first-served.
Schonchin Springs is the outlier without water hookups, so plan accordingly if that's your pick. All other campgrounds have water hydrants and vault toilets.
Nearby
The Medicine Lake Lava Flow sits adjacent to the recreation area, reachable by a short hike. Within 15 minutes by car, you can explore Glass Mountain and Burnt Lava Flow Geologic Areas. For longer trail options, the path up Little Mt Hoffman starts right from the recreation area.
Lava Beds National Monument with its caves and tubes lies 30 minutes away. If you're into birds, Tulelake National Wildlife Refuge offers waterfowl viewing about an hour's drive out.