Camping near Cedarville offers access to the Warner Mountains with elevations exceeding 5,000 feet in northeastern California's high desert region. Summer temperatures at these elevations remain moderate with consistent 30-40°F overnight temperature drops regardless of season. Many campgrounds operate seasonally from May through October, with some forest roads remaining snow-covered into early June.
What to do
Fishing at mountain lakes: The area surrounding Blue Lake Campground provides fishing opportunities for trout and other species. "The crawdad fishing is really the ticket however, lots of them and they are big," notes one camper who frequents the area.
Hiking mountain trails: Several trails wind through the Warner Mountains for day hikes of varying difficulty. "Mill Creek Falls and the trek to Clear Lake is breathtaking! Serene and tranquil. Worth the hike for those wanting to get in touch with Nature," reports a visitor to Mill Creek Falls Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The high desert environment hosts diverse wildlife including wild horses. At Big Sage Campground, campers sometimes encounter free-roaming horses: "We expected to see wild horses and didn't see any or evidence of them either," notes a recent visitor, though earlier reports indicated their presence.
Obsidian collecting: The volcanic geology near Davis Creek provides opportunities for rock collectors. "Lots to do nearby mostly obsidian collection and fishing. Make sure if you are wanting to collect you get a free permit in town before heading out," advises a camper at Plum Valley Campground.
What campers like
Creek-side sites: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Cedarville feature water access. At Cedar Pass Campground, "The creek runs right through the campground and some of the sites are just right on the water. The sound of the creek drowns out most of the noise from the road."
Solitude and quiet: The remote location means less crowded camping even during peak season. At Stough Reservoir Campground, one visitor found "No cell service solitude with the high-passing jets as my only company. Still a few patches of snow on the ground (5/2) and 26 degree morning."
Natural features: The combination of forests, mountains, and water features creates diverse camping environments. "So many beautiful trees in the campground and plenty of places to hang a hammock. We stayed for a long weekend, deer were plentiful and it was a perfect spot to enjoy nature," shares a Blue Lake Campground visitor.
Clean facilities: Despite remote locations, many campgrounds maintain basic amenities. "It is a small campground, vault toilets and was clean when we were there," notes a visitor to Stough Reservoir Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal access limitations: Snow affects accessibility well into spring. "We tried to get to this campground but were blocked by too much snow in the road. Other than the snow the road was in good condition and easy to drive in our class c," reports a May visitor to Stough Reservoir.
Fee changes: Some previously free sites now charge fees. "Also as of Spring 2023 there will be a $15/night fee, so no longer free," notes a camper about Stough Reservoir Campground.
Limited services: Most pet-friendly campgrounds near Cedarville provide basic amenities only. Fee Reservoir Campground has "seven sites in total and according to signage you can stay for a maximum of 14 days... Vault toilets. No camp host and no cell service."
Road conditions: Access roads can be challenging depending on season and location. "The road to the campground is fine it's once you turn into the campground you need to be careful," warns a camper about Plum Valley.
Tips for camping with families
Weather preparation: Pack for temperature swings regardless of season. "This campground is HIGH up in the mountains (over 5,000 feet) so remember sunscreen, water, and the fact that it's going to get plenty cold at night regardless of the season," advises a Fee Reservoir visitor.
Campground layout awareness: Some campsites work better for families than others. "There were 3 of the 8 sites that we could park our 26' fifth wheel trailer," reports a visitor to Stough Reservoir, indicating limited options for larger family setups.
Activity planning: Consider hiking options suitable for children. Blue Lake offers "a trail that circumnavigates the entire shoreline and is some of the best birding on the Modoc National Forest," making it ideal for nature-focused family activities.
Safety considerations: Wildlife requires appropriate precautions. "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 a visitor to Stough Reservoir.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most campgrounds accommodate smaller RVs only. "RVs can fit in these spots but the maximum length is about 24 feet," notes a visitor to Fee Reservoir Campground.
Road access challenges: Forest service roads require careful driving. At Plum Valley Campground, "The road can be a little rough to the campground with some deep ruts. We were able to pull our 19 foot camper up the road and into the campground not sure if we would try with anything larger."
Limited hookups: Full-service sites are rare in this region. "We pulled in a 16ft camp trailer with no problem. Plenty of camp sites to choose from. There are a lot of trees to navigate with larger trailers. 19 ft trailer may be the max," shares a Plum Valley camper.
Alternate options: For those needing full hookups, limited options exist in nearby towns. "Our nightly rate included the weekly 1/2 price golf package. Check in was easy and we proceeded to back-in site 14 with FHUs," reports a camper at Likely Place RV Resort.
