Camping areas around McArthur, California range from primitive Forest Service sites to full-service RV parks across the Modoc Plateau region. This high desert area sits at elevations between 4,200-5,000 feet where summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F during the day but drop significantly at night. Winter access becomes limited as snow accumulates on forest roads from November through April.
What to do
Fishing at reservoirs: Big Sage Reservoir offers opportunities for largemouth bass and crappie fishing. "We have caught largemouth bass and crappie in the reservoir by the campground and we have launched our small boat and fished the upper reaches," notes a camper at Big Sage Campground.
Explore forest roads: The area contains extensive Forest Service roads ideal for off-road vehicles. "Many FS roads to explorer here," mentions a visitor to Big Sage Campground who scouted the area for RV access.
Wildlife viewing: Wild horses roam in certain areas, though they can impact campgrounds. A camper at Stough Reservoir Campground enjoyed "solitude with the high-passing jets as my only company," while others report frequent deer sightings.
Golf and recreation: Some campgrounds combine outdoor activities with recreational facilities. Likely Place RV and Golf Resort offers a "weekly 1/2 price golf package" and is described as "the most pet friendly RV Park/Campground we've ever stayed in."
What campers like
Uncrowded camping: Many campgrounds in the area receive minimal use even during peak season. At Upper Rush Creek Campground, a camper found "little evidence that there had been any other campers here in weeks. Cobwebs in the outhouse, campfire circles washed clean by rain."
Wildlife encounters: The Warner Mountains and surrounding areas offer excellent wildlife viewing. At Blue Lake Campground, one visitor noted, "We stayed for a long weekend, deer were plentiful and it was a perfect spot to enjoy nature."
Lake access: Several campgrounds provide direct water access. "My wife and I stay here quite often. It is a nice campground on a beautiful lake. There is a trail that circumnavigates the entire shoreline and is some of the best birding on the Modoc National Forest," writes a camper about Blue Lake Campground.
Hammock-friendly sites: Trees at many campgrounds create perfect hammock opportunities. One Blue Lake visitor recommends, "So many beautiful trees in the campground and plenty of places to hang a hammock."
What you should know
Road conditions: Forest roads vary significantly in quality. At Upper Rush Creek Campground, visitors describe a "quiet little campground next to a small creek," but access requires navigating unpaved roads.
Fire restrictions: Always check current fire rules before camping. One camper at Stough Reservoir Campground advises to "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."
Water availability: Many campgrounds have seasonal or limited water access. A visitor to Stough Reservoir noted, "The campground is sparse and lacks flushing toilets, pit toilet is available."
Weather variability: The area experiences extreme temperature changes. "Camped here in June 2020... Snowed when we were there in June," reports a Stough Reservoir camper, highlighting the importance of preparing for unexpected conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Small reservoir camping: Stough Reservoir offers family-friendly sites with basic amenities. "A beautiful, small reservoir with about 10 sites. I got the primo site across the water, solo spot with my own pit toilet," notes one camper.
Accessible hiking: Several areas feature easy trails suitable for children. At Mill Creek Falls Campground, a visitor recommends, "Not only is the Falls beautiful but the trek up to Clear Lake is breathtaking! Serene and tranquil. Worth the hike for those wanting to get in touch with Nature!"
Water activities: Lakes and creeks provide cooling opportunities during hot summer days. The crawdad fishing at Blue Lake "is really the ticket however, lots of them and they are big," according to one experienced camper.
Wildlife education: The area offers opportunities to teach children about local fauna. "Lots of sites and plenty of shade. Located above the lake within easy walking distance. Very well cared for with camp hosts present and ready to enforce rules. It is a great base camp for exploring the lake area or the Warner Mountains."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Many forest campgrounds have restricted access for larger rigs. At Sully's RV Park, a camper notes it "is small (only 5 FHU sites) and has a number of permanent residences (who are quiet, and their residences are generally well maintained), but the RV sites are level, showers/bathrooms are clean, they have good laundry facilities."
Cell service: Connectivity varies significantly by location. "We got 4 OTA channels so we put out our satellite and were pleasantly surprised we got an easy shot of the southern sky with the trees around the site," reports an RVer at Likely Place RV and Golf Resort, while many forest campgrounds have no service.
Road access for trailers: Scout locations before bringing larger rigs. "We did not camp because we were doing a campground recon. There were 3 of the 8 sites that we could park our 26' fifth wheel trailer," reports a visitor to Stough Reservoir.
Amenities near highways: For convenient stopover locations, some RV parks offer more services. "Spent one night as we traveled north. This is not a high-end RV park... but the RV sites are level, showers/bathrooms are clean, they have good laundry facilities, the Wi-Fi works well, and the place is quiet," reports a camper at Sully's RV Park.
