Northeastern California's Modoc National Forest camping areas sit at elevations between 4,500-6,000 feet, creating cool summer nights even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s. The camping season typically runs mid-May through October, though higher elevation sites near Davis Creek can remain snow-covered until June. Most campsites in this region have minimal amenities but offer excellent access to fishing, hiking, and obsidian collecting.
What to do
Obsidian collecting: Popular activity near Plum Valley Campground, requiring a free permit obtained in town. "Love staying here. 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," notes Samantha T.
Fishing for largemouth bass: Big Sage Campground provides access to Big Sage Reservoir where anglers catch largemouth bass and crappie. The reservoir can be fished from shore or by launching small boats for access to upper reaches. Patricia N. mentioned, "We will certainly come back to visit with the toyhauler and RZR. Many FS roads to explorer here."
Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds offer opportunities to spot deer, wild quail, and occasionally feral horses. Goose Lake State Recreation Area campers reported: "Clean bathrooms, lots of shade, saw two deer and a ton of quail. Easy to pull in and out. Very peaceful."
What campers like
Creek-side camping: Many sites at Lassen Creek Campground sit directly beside running water. Amber R. said, "The spot itself is next to a pleasant stream, carpeted with pine needles and nestled among evergreens. It's remote enough that we couldn't hear any traffic or other noise pollution."
Dark skies for stargazing: The remote location of many Modoc National Forest campgrounds provides exceptional stargazing opportunities. A camper at Cave Lake Campground described the experience: "Stargazing was absolutely breathtaking. One of our very favorite sites just over the Oregon-California border."
Solitude and quiet: Most campgrounds in the area receive minimal use, especially midweek. One camper at Cave Lake noted it was "totally isolated (during the week)" with "stunning views of surrounding mountains and forest with a crystal clear lake for swimming and fishing."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many campgrounds requires careful driving on dirt or gravel roads. Plum Valley visitor Danny C. advised, "The road to the campground is fine it's once you turn into the campground you need to be careful." For Cave Lake, 4WD/AWD vehicles are strongly recommended due to "very steep, high grade road that is mostly dirt and large rocks."
Seasonal lake levels: Several lakes in the area fluctuate significantly or dry up completely by late summer. At Goose Lake State Recreation Area, Michelle H. observed "The lake is completely dried up," while another visitor noted confusion about finding the lake, explaining there was "a small marshy area and grass as if the lake is there at other times of the year."
Limited services: Most campgrounds offer vault toilets but no drinking water or hookups. Bring all necessary supplies. At Stough Reservoir Campground, campers found "a small campground, vault toilets and was clean" but noted it's "primitive" with pit toilets only.
Tips for camping with families
Look for creek access: Sites with water access provide natural entertainment for children. One Lassen Creek camper shared, "This was a lovely spot next to a small creek, and several sites had access to it."
Choose campgrounds with maintained facilities: Stough Reservoir Campground offers clean vault toilets, picnic tables and fire pits. A visitor noted it's "clean & well maintained" with "water around the campsites and picnic tables and fire pits."
Be prepared for wildlife encounters: Educate children about potential wildlife sightings, including deer, quail, and occasionally feral horses. At Big Sage Campground, campers have reported that "feral horses have shown up and they are tearing up the campground and they are aggressive."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions matter: Most forest campgrounds can only accommodate smaller RVs. A Lassen Creek camper advised, "We towed a 18ft travel trailer and found lots of spaces it would fit, though I wouldn't recommend anything longer than about 25 feet."
Consider Sully's RV Park for full hookups: When full services are needed, this park in Alturas provides a convenient option. A visitor shared it's "not a high-end RV park" but offers "level [sites], showers/bathrooms are clean, they have good laundry facilities, the Wi-Fi works well, and the place is quiet."
Plan for dispersed options: For those with smaller trailers who prefer more natural settings, Plum Valley might work. A camper noted, "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."
