Dispersed and primitive horse campgrounds near Cedarville, California include several sites throughout Modoc County with varying accommodations for equestrians. Stough Reservoir Campground operates seasonally from May through October at elevations that may experience snow even in early summer. The area features rocky terrain with sagebrush and juniper woodlands typical of the high desert ecosystem.
What to do
Explore Warner Mountains: Trail access from Stough Reservoir Campground provides opportunities for hiking and horseback riding. "If you keep going up the forest road there are dispersed camping spots at higher elevation with great views but roads only suitable for small rigs," notes camper Ariel & John W.
Visit local hot springs: Natural hot springs in Surprise Valley make for a relaxing day trip. "There's both a BLM and USFS office in nearby Cedarville for info plus hot springs in Surprise Valley and lots of good rockhounding in nearby Warner mountains on the west side towards Lakeview," reports a visitor to Stough Reservoir.
Rockhounding expeditions: The Warner Mountains offer multiple locations for mineral collection. "Keep going up the forest road" from Stough Reservoir for access to rockhounding areas popular with visitors.
What campers like
Solitude and quiet: The remote setting at Fish Spring Dispersed camping area attracts those seeking isolation. "Beautiful simplicity! No real defined spots, but several areas of access. Some pull-throughs were occupied by RVs, other spots had nothing but a car/tent combo," writes Greg B.
Small-pond camping: Stough Reservoir offers waterfront sites. "We got the single prime spot across the little pond with its own pit toilet," shares Greg B., while another camper mentions, "A beautiful, small reservoir with about 10 sites. I got the primo site across the water, solo spot with my own pit toilet."
Clean facilities: Despite primitive accommodations, campers report well-maintained amenities. "The vault toilet is very clean & well-stocked with paper," notes a Fish Spring visitor, while Stough Reservoir gets praise as "Clean & well maintained."
What you should know
Recent fee changes: Stough Reservoir now charges for camping. "As of Spring 2023 there will be a $15/night fee, so no longer free," reports Laura M. This represents a change from previous years when camping was available without cost.
Road conditions: Access to campgrounds requires navigating unpaved roads. Fish Spring features "a beautiful graded 'dyrt' road" according to Greg B., while Tom N. notes Stough Reservoir requires traveling "2+ miles of dirt - gravel to the CG."
Seasonal limitations: Early and late season access may be challenging. "We tried to get to this campground but were blocked by too much snow in the road. The website lists the status for this campground as 'area not cleared,'" reports Laura M. about a May visit to Stough Reservoir.
Tips for camping with families
Weather preparation: Pack for temperature extremes even in summer. "Camped here in June 2020... Snowed when we were there in June," reports one Stough camper, while another mentions a "26 degree morning" in early May.
Wildlife awareness: Modoc Camp and surrounding areas require proper food storage. "Check the area sign for fire restrictions or warnings of large animals in the area. Keep your food locked up or hanging in a tree," advises Tom N.
Water planning: No reliable drinking water sources exist at most sites. At Fish Spring, one camper reports, "I could not find the spring or water spigot," meaning families must bring all water needed for humans and horses.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Limited spaces accommodate larger trailers at Stough Reservoir. "There were 3 of the 8 sites that we could park our 26' fifth wheel trailer," notes Patricia N.
Pull-through availability: Fish Spring offers easier access for trailers. Greg B. observed, "Some pull-throughs were occupied by RVs," making this dispersed area potentially easier for horse trailers than more confined campgrounds.
Cell service: Prepare for communication limitations. "Zero cell service here," warns Laura M. about Stough Reservoir, with similar conditions at other equestrian camping areas around Cedarville.
