Modoc National Forest is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Modoc National Forest is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your California camping adventure.
"4d-120.9699697) • $12
Northern California • Basin & Range Birding Trail 15 Northeastern location
Just past a hundred miles of farmfield coming from the North"
"Its ideal if you’re coming from California and headed to Oregon. A couple hours away from Crater Lake."
"This campsite is nestled in the forest away from the highway. It has cabins, RV, and tent camping available. There is a new playground for children. When you stay, a free shower is included."
"The property looked very well maintained and I would recommend it to anyone road tripping with an RV or looking to stay at a cute cabin close to the lava beds, especially considering the kind hospitality"
"Graded dirt road a few miles from highway. Small camping area but not many people."
$20 - $35 / night
"Great proximity to Lava Beds National Monument.
Will definitely put this on our list if we pass through again."
"This place is out of the way a little from the main highway. However, friendly staff and clean bathrooms and showers."
"Not just because there were few campers, but its location so far from any highway or city. I would also like to give kudos to the the fire crews who saved this area from the fire last year. "
"After a long drive, we visited the Lava Tubes and found a campsite at Indian Wells. The open sky and views were gorgeous. The night sky with very minimal light pollution was even better."
"There are many pulloffs down this road, I was going to go to the spot next to here that others logged, but there was a van there and it was dark so I didn’t want to wake them up by trying to search for"
"Road side area, gravel surface. Step entry off road. Creek side good for stop over. State land."
"Tucked away, this place was great! We didn’t have too many people there but it was a gorgeous sight!"
"This campground is not far from the highway, on a nicely maintained gravel road. Some private homes not too far from the grounds. There were about 10 sites here, each had fire pit."
"Another one of these Dyrt campsites with zero info other than the location- thank you to whoever is adding these."
GuideI've had my eye on this little spot for a while now and finally got a chance to check it out for an overnight stay. I love this place! Nice and quiet and clean. Great views all around. Picnic benches, fire rings and the coolest BBQ I've ever seen in a campground. It does have a pit toilet but no water or electric. Going to have to come back and stay longer next time!
GuideI first camped here back in the 80's and loved it back then. Time has changed the area but not this peaceful little gem of a campground. No amenities except one pit toilet. The McCloud river runs right through the middle of the campground so the fishing is amazing! There are about 10 camp spots and plenty of dispersed sites available up the dirt road. 2 thumbs up!
GuideI stopped by for one night while in the area and enjoyed the campground. It was a bit crowded but what do you expect on 4th of July. Campground has all the amenities. Nice spot!
GuideI've had my eye on this little spot for a while now and finally got a chance to check it out for an overnight stay. I love this place! Nice and quiet and clean. Great views all around. Picnic benches, fire rings and the coolest BBQ I've ever seen in a campground. It does have a pit toilet but no water or electric. Going to have to come back and stay longer next time!
GuideEasy to find. Plenty of water. Nice sites. Fire rings and picnic tables. Last 5 miles is OK dirt rode.
ScoutAcross the reservoir from Gerber Reservoir campground. Just a couple of fire pits and a picnic table. One pit toilet/out house. Little bit of shade from the trees and great views.
ScoutThis was a lovely spot next to a small creek, and several sites had access to it. 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. The restrooms were clean and stocked and several sites had stone stoves as well as fire rings. We used our GPS vs Google maps, had no problem finding the campground. It was secluded and had plenty of shade. We only stayed one night traveling through, but would definitely stay again.
RangerWe came here on a recon trip to see if our 26' fifth wheel toyhauler would fit in the spots and the condition of the road to reach this place.
We found this to be a very nice and under used campground. There was one other camper here, spoke to them and they stated they have been the only campers in the week they spent.
The road was well maintained and smooth. We will certainly come back to visit with the toyhauler and RZR. Many FS roads to explorer here.
There are allegedly 12 sites here, we were hard pressed to find them. the main area is graveled with 3 sites, the area to the north is dirt and we saw 4 sites.
Based on the other review we expected to see wild horses and didn't see any or evidence of them either.
RangerWe 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.
During our visit there was only one family using the facility. It is a small campground, vault toilets and was clean when we were there.
We plan to come back in the future. We visited on a Sunday afternoon.
Camping near Modoc National Forest, California, offers a unique experience with stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near Modoc National Forest, California, is a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. Just remember to plan ahead and be ready for whatever comes your way!
Frequently Asked Questions
What facilities and amenities are available at Modoc National Forest campgrounds?
Facilities vary across Modoc National Forest campgrounds. Howards Gulch Campground offers basic amenities and serves as a convenient stopping point when traveling between California and Oregon. It's located a couple hours from Crater Lake. Just outside the forest, McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Campground provides more developed facilities including updated bathrooms, showers, a general store selling supplies and firewood, plus recreational opportunities at the lake and waterfall. Many forest campgrounds feature pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, with a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites. Water availability varies by location, so it's advisable to bring your own.
Are there RV-friendly campgrounds in Modoc National Forest?
Hawk's Nest Tionesta RV & Cabins is an excellent RV-friendly option near Modoc National Forest. This campsite offers dedicated RV camping with amenities including free showers and regular flushing toilets. The location is nestled in the forest away from the highway, providing a peaceful setting. Another option is Sully's RV Park, which is inexpensive and easy to find when traveling through the area. It's conveniently located near the wildlife refuge and casino, with laundry facilities available. Both parks accommodate various RV sizes and provide good access points for exploring the Modoc region.
Where are the best camping spots in Modoc National Forest?
Modoc National Forest offers several excellent camping options. Payne Springs Campground in the scenic Medicine Lake Highlands is highly rated for its natural beauty and peaceful setting. For dispersed camping, Lassen Creek Campground offers a more rustic experience with no designated sites - just find a fire ring and enjoy the solitude. The forest is vastly underrated compared to neighboring forests in California and Oregon, making it perfect for campers seeking less crowded natural areas. The Medicine Lake area provides some of the most picturesque camping in the forest, with volcanic landscapes and clear mountain lakes.
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