Blue Lake Campground lies within the Modoc National Forest, approximately 20 miles west of McArthur, California. The campground sits at an elevation of around 6,000 feet near a 160-acre natural lake surrounded by pine forests. The Warner Mountains provide a scenic backdrop with camping options available from late spring through early fall, though water systems may be shut down during drought conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The Warner Mountains offer several fishing locations beyond just Blue Lake. At Blue Lake Campground, "the trout fishing is mediocre but can be good at times. The crawdad fishing is really the ticket however, lots of them and they are big," according to one regular visitor.
Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse wildlife observation opportunities. Blue Lake features "a trail that circumnavigates the entire shoreline and is some of the best birding on the Modoc National Forest," notes a frequent camper.
Seasonal exploration: Winter visitors can experience snow activities, while summer offers water recreation. Lower Rush Creek Campground provides access to creek exploration, though visitors should note that "access is somewhat hard to get to since it has steep sides on a lot of it. There are quite a few ticks that like the grass near the waters edge too."
What campers like
Free camping options: Budget-conscious travelers appreciate the no-cost sites. Lower Rush Creek gets high marks as "Free USFS camping! Secluded little campground right off 299. Follow directions on Dyrt app as coordinates don't quite take you to the actual campground."
Shade and natural features: Campers frequently mention tree cover as a significant benefit. "So many beautiful trees in the campground and plenty of places to hang a hammock," notes one Blue Lake visitor.
Privacy between sites: Eagle Lake Resort offers yurt camping near McArthur with adequate spacing between sites. As one visitor notes, "The camp was good too. All was fairly quiet and the spots are far enough apart."
What you should know
Water availability varies: Several campgrounds experience seasonal water shutoffs. At Lower Rush Creek, campers report "There are water spigots, but no water comes out - we later saw a sign posted saying that the water system was shut off."
Temperature fluctuations: Despite summer visits, temperatures can drop significantly at night due to elevation. One Lower Rush Creek visitor noted, "It was chilly even in June."
Size limitations for RVs: Many campgrounds have restricted access for larger vehicles. Lower Rush Creek accommodates smaller units: "Site #5 fit our 22 foot travel trailer and truck really well. 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."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with multiple activities: Campgrounds with diverse features keep children engaged. At Blue Lake Campground, families appreciate that it "is a great base camp for exploring the lake area or the Warner Mountains."
Consider yurt camping: For families new to outdoor recreation, yurt accommodations near McArthur provide comfort with natural surroundings. Eagle Lake Resort offers yurt options with amenities that reduce setup time.
Check maintenance conditions: Facilities vary by season and upkeep. Blue Lake receives praise for being "Very well cared for with camp hosts present and ready to enforce rules."
Tips from RVers
Watch for tight turns: Campground access may challenge larger rigs. Lower Rush Creek has limitations: "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."
Consider proximity to residences: Some campgrounds sit near private property. At Lower Rush Creek, "you are within sight of several properties and houses right next to the campground, so it doesn't really feel all that remote or private. Someone ended up cruising up and down the road in the middle of the night with loud engines."
Use established fire areas only: Follow posted fire restrictions and use designated pits. Lower Rush Creek provides fire rings at most sites: "each had fire pit. You should be careful to read about fire restrictions in the area, just in case."
