Campgrounds near Likely, California sit between 4,500 and 5,500 feet elevation in Modoc County's remote northeastern California landscape. Winter brings heavy snowfall with temperatures often dropping below freezing, while summer days can reach the 80s with cool nights in the 50s. Several campgrounds close seasonally from November through April due to snow accumulation.
What to do
Fishing for crawdads: Blue Lake offers excellent crawdad fishing opportunities at Blue Lake Campground. "The crawdad fishing is really the ticket however, lots of them and they are big," notes camper Boots, Shoes, and Canoes. The lake provides both recreational fishing options and shoreline access.
Golfing with pets: Likely Place RV and Golf Resort offers a unique opportunity to golf with your dogs. "The pups were allowed to go golfing with us, but we opted to leave them in the a/c as the temps were unseasonably high," shares MickandKarla W. The resort provides weekly half-price golf packages for campers.
Hiking with views: The Warner Mountains feature multiple trails connecting to campgrounds, with elevations providing views across Surprise Valley. "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," reports Ariel & John W. at Stough Reservoir Campground.
What campers like
Peace and quiet: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Likely offer seclusion from crowds. At Ash Creek Campground, "If the conditions are right you could have it all to yourself," mentions Alison. The campground's remote location makes it ideal for those seeking solitude.
Wildlife viewing: The campgrounds provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. "We stayed for a long weekend, deer were plentiful and it was a perfect spot to enjoy nature," writes Patricia N. about Blue Lake Campground. Early mornings and evenings offer the best viewing times.
Stargazing opportunities: Remote locations with minimal light pollution create exceptional stargazing conditions. "The surroundings are nice and the stars are bright," reports Liesl K. at Willow Creek Campground. Clear nights reveal the Milky Way and numerous constellations typically obscured near cities.
What you should know
Weather fluctuations: Temperature variations can be extreme, even in summer. "Camped here in June 2020... Snowed when we were there in June," reports Ariel & John W. about Stough Reservoir Campground. Pack layers and prepare for overnight temperatures dropping into the 40s even in July and August.
Road conditions: Access roads to some pet-friendly camping areas near Likely require careful navigation. "I wouldn't venture in here if I thought the road would be muddy as it could get western real fast," warns Alison about Ash Creek. Higher elevation campgrounds may be inaccessible until late May due to snow.
Limited cell service: Communication options are restricted throughout the region. "No cell coverage," notes Becbecandbunny O. about Willow Creek Campground. Similar connectivity limitations exist at most area campgrounds, so download maps and information before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Small pond fishing: Stough Reservoir Campground provides a family-friendly fishing environment. "Small pond in a peaceful setting," describes Patricia N. The small size makes it manageable for younger children learning to fish.
Tree activities: Blue Lake Campground offers abundant trees for hammocks and shade. "So many beautiful trees in the campground and plenty of places to hang a hammock," shares Patricia N. These natural features provide both recreational opportunities and relief from summer sun.
Insect preparation: Prepare for mosquitoes and ticks, particularly near water. "We were careful and still ended up pulling a few off that night, so use caution," warns Jordan B. about Lower Rush Creek Campground. Pack insect repellent containing DEET and perform regular tick checks after outdoor activities.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Many campgrounds have restricted access for larger vehicles. "The loop around is tight, but you could probably get through with a 24 or 25 foot trailer if you were careful. I wouldn't try anything bigger than that though," advises Jordan B. about Lower Rush Creek Campground. Call ahead to verify your RV will fit at your chosen location.
Utility locations: Pay attention to hookup placement when selecting sites. "The utilities are more toward the front of the site, which made them very convenient for our rig," reports MickandKarla W. at Likely Place RV Resort. This positioning may require extension cords or hoses depending on your setup.
Water pressure considerations: When full hookups are available, water pressure may require regulation. "Great water pressure so suggest using your reducer," notes MickandKarla W. about Likely Place RV Resort. Bring a pressure regulator to protect your RV plumbing systems from damage due to high pressure.