Deer moving through the trees at dusk and hammock-ready forest cover set the tone at this group site within Modoc National Forest. The campground sits above Blue Lake, with the water close enough to reach on foot without much effort. Access involves a rough road, so lower-clearance vehicles may want to plan accordingly before heading out.
The lake itself draws most of the activity. A trail follows the entire shoreline, and birding along that route has drawn repeat visitors who rate it among the better spots in the forest. Fishing is possible, though trout returns are inconsistent. Crawdads, on the other hand, are reportedly abundant and large, making them a reliable draw for families and anglers alike. A good portion of the sites sit directly on the water.
Camp hosts are present and active. The campground is well-maintained, and the hosts enforce rules, which keeps conditions consistent. Shade is plentiful, and the tree density gives the group site a sense of cover. As Alison notes, it's "a great base camp for exploring the lake area or the Warner Mountains." The group site runs $70 per night and includes drinking water, toilets, and trash service. Blue Lake Campground nearby provides additional non-group options for overflow parties or solo travelers in the same area.
Groups with an interest in wildlife, water access, and a forested setting will find this site worth the drive in.
Description
Overview
The Blue Lake Campground is situated in the beautiful South Warner Mountains of the Modoc National Forest in a tranquil and remote area of northeastern California. Blue Lake was formed from a massive landslide several thousand years ago. Over time, the land filled up with water from snow melt and rain where blue lake is today. Blue Lake is truly deep blue in color and remains ice cold even during the hotest days of summer! The fishing is great, and there's a 3 mile trail that goes around the entirety of the lake. Come enjoy your National Forest land by visiting the Blue Lake Campground this summer!
Recreation
There is a trail around the lake 3 mile, along with many opportunities to walk and bike around the paved campground roads and boat dock area. There are several wilderness trailheads within 6-15 miles from the site as well. The South Warner Wilderness has many trails to offer a true solitude experience away from the big city. Off-highway -vehcle (OHV) use is also a popular recreation activity in the neighboring area road systems.
Facilities
Water is available most of the summer season from late May-early October. Please call ahead of time and check if the water is potable early in the season! Sometimes it takes a while to get the system up and going for the season.
Natural Features
There are many ice cold mountain streams feeding into and coming out of Blue Lake. The campground is situated in a lower part of the mountains, but the entire campground is surrounded by mountain ridges scattered with ponderosa pine, Jeffrey pine, incense cedar, and aspen trees. There was an intense wildfire that came through the area back in 2003, so many of the hillsides near Blue Lake are in the process of regenerating tree stands. Fortunately, the campground was saved from the fire, so there are plenty of big pine trees for shade!
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBlue Lake Campground Group Site Modoc Nf (Ca) is located in California near Likely
Directions
Head east from Likley, CA toward the Warner Mountains on Forest Service Road 64 (AKA the \"Jess Valley Road\") for approximately 8 miles. Take a right/south at the fork in the road towards Blue Lake Campground (still Road 64). You will drive about 7 miles on this road. The turn-off to Blue Lake Campground will be on your right. The campground is about 2 miles from the turn-off. The campground is a one-way loop with the Group Site being at the upper end of the loop adjacent from the Camp Host site past the fee station.
Address
710 TOWNSEND ST
Cedarville, CA 96104
Coordinates
41.14277778 N
120.28 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
