The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Big Sage Campground

2 ReviewsAdd Review

Off-road enthusiasts will find Big Sage Campground provides access to numerous Forest Service roads for exploring the surrounding high desert terrain. The US Forest Service maintains this lightly used facility within Modoc National Forest, where campers report encountering few other visitors during extended stays.

The campground features approximately 12 sites split between a main graveled area with three sites and a northern dirt section with four additional sites. Road access remains well-maintained and smooth, accommodating larger RVs including 26-foot fifth wheels. Big Sage Reservoir offers fishing opportunities for largemouth bass and crappie, though recent reviews note feral horse activity has impacted site conditions. Campers exploring dog-friendly camping around Modoc National Forest should plan for primitive conditions and pack out all waste.

Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

SPONSORED BYlightship
Pacific Coast Road Trip

19 Day Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Pacific Coast Road Trip Segment: Brookings, OR to San Francisco, CA

Brookings to San Francisco: 3 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Location

Public Campground

Big Sage Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Alturas travel west on Hwy 299, 3 miles. Turn north on Crowder Flat Rd/County Road 73, and travel 6 miles. Turn right on County Road 180 and go 3.5 miles to Big Sage Dam and the campground.

Coordinates

41.57900032 N
120.6280004 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 3/19/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 3/19/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

Have you camped here? Help us improve this campground page.

Add Access Type

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

Drive Time

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

California Contest

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

0%
50%
0%
50%
0%

3.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

Patricia N.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Aug. 12, 2025

Lightly used

We came here on a recon trip to see if our 26' fifth wheel toyhauler would fit in the spots and the condition of the road to reach this place. 

We found this to be a very nice and under used campground. There was one other camper here, spoke to them and they stated they have been the only campers in the week they spent. 

The road was well maintained and smooth. We will certainly come back to visit with the toyhauler and RZR. Many FS roads to explorer here. 

There are allegedly 12 sites here, we were hard pressed to find them. the main area is graveled with 3 sites, the area to the north is dirt and we saw 4 sites. 

Based on the other review we expected to see wild horses and didn't see any or evidence of them either.

Month of VisitAugust
B
Reviewed Apr. 29, 2018

A lot of feral horses

We have visited Big Sage a number of times and it used to be a nice little campground set on the shores of Big Sage Reservoir. We have caught largemouth bass and crappie in the reservoir by the campground and we have launched our small boat and fished the upper reaches. Sadly, in the last few years feral horses have shown up and they are tearing up the campground and they are aggressive. There is horse manure everywhere.

Month of VisitMay
Showing results 1-2 of 2 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Big Sage Reservoir offer for campers?

Big Sage Reservoir provides excellent fishing opportunities with largemouth bass and crappie available for anglers. The reservoir is suitable for small boats, with access points near the campground for launching. Campers can enjoy fishing both from the shoreline and by venturing to the upper reaches of the reservoir. The water body creates a scenic backdrop for camping and offers recreational possibilities beyond just fishing, making it an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a peaceful water-focused experience.

Where is Big Sage Campground located near Alturas?

Big Sage Campground is located near Alturas in northeastern California, situated on the shores of Big Sage Reservoir. The campground can be accessed via a rural road that connects to the main highways around Alturas. While somewhat remote, the location offers a quiet getaway with natural surroundings. The road to the campground is passable for vehicles including larger RVs, though visitors should be prepared for typical rural road conditions when traveling to this serene destination.

What amenities and facilities are available at Big Sage Campground?

Big Sage Campground offers basic camping amenities in a quiet, underutilized setting. The campground features sites that can accommodate various camping setups, including spaces large enough for RVs up to 26 feet. Though facilities are limited, the campground provides the essentials needed for a self-sufficient camping experience. The campground's layout places campers close to the reservoir, enhancing the outdoor experience. Visitors should come prepared with their own supplies as services are minimal, typical of more remote campgrounds in the region.

Keep Exploring