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Camping near Modoc National Forest

200 Reviews

Modoc National Forest in northeastern California offers a variety of camping environments from developed campgrounds to dispersed options. Howards Gulch Campground provides 12 primitive sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets in a forested setting. The area also features several dispersed camping locations near Lava Beds National Monument, where free camping on public lands is permitted. Hawk's Nest Tionesta RV & Cabins offers more developed options with full hookups, cabin accommodations, and amenities like showers and a playground.

Road conditions and accessibility vary throughout the region, with some campgrounds requiring travel on well-maintained gravel roads while others need high-clearance vehicles to navigate rougher terrain. "This area is still recovering from a 2020 fire and there are piles of burned logs and debris all over the area, giving it a desolate feel," noted one visitor about the West Tionesta area. Many campgrounds operate seasonally, typically from May through October or November, though some locations like Indian Well Campground in Lava Beds National Monument remain open year-round. Cell service is surprisingly available at many sites, with visitors reporting adequate coverage for both Verizon and T-Mobile in otherwise remote locations.

Campers frequently mention the quiet, secluded nature of camping in this region. Lower Rush Creek Campground receives positive reviews for its shady sites and creek access. "Shady, quiet spots, lovely creek passing through," described one camper. The area around Lava Beds National Monument provides unique geological features to explore, with several campgrounds positioned for easy access to caves and lava formations. Many dispersed sites offer fire rings already established by previous visitors. Weather conditions can be extreme, with summer heat in lower elevations and potential for cold temperatures at higher elevations. Wildlife viewing and birding opportunities abound, with Howard's Gulch being part of the Basin & Range Birding Trail system connecting northern California and southern Oregon.

Map showing campgrounds near Modoc National Forest, CaliforniaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Modoc National Forest (80)

    1. Howards Gulch Campground

    3 Reviews
    Modoc National Forest, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 233-5811

    "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."

    2. Hawk's Nest Tionesta RV & Cabins

    4 Reviews
    Modoc National Forest, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 664-3187

    "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"

    3. Eagle's Nest RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Modoc National Forest, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 664-2081

    $20 - $35 / night

    "Near entrance to Lava Beds National monument. We didn’t use the bathrooms and showers. It’s a great time of year, as the weather is nice and the crowds are small"

    "Great proximity to Lava Beds National Monument. Will definitely put this on our list if we pass through again."

    4. Duncan Reservoir South Site

    2 Reviews
    Modoc National Forest, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 233-5811

    "Graded dirt road a few miles from highway. Small camping area but not many people."

    5. Lava Beds National Monument Road

    2 Reviews
    Modoc National Forest, CA
    12 miles

    6. Indian Well Campground — Lava Beds National Monument

    15 Reviews
    Tulelake, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 667-8113

    "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."

    7. (41.6653695, -121.3224946)

    1 Review
    Tulelake, CA
    14 miles

    "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"

    8. Lesson Trail Marker Road Side Stop

    1 Review
    McArthur, CA
    13 miles

    "Road side area, gravel surface. Step entry off road. Creek side good for stop over. State land."

    9. Lower Rush Creek Campground

    5 Reviews
    McArthur, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 299-3215

    "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."

    10. West Tionesta

    1 Review
    Modoc National Forest, CA
    18 miles

    "Another one of these Dyrt campsites with zero info other than the location- thank you to whoever is adding these."

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Recent Camping Photos near Modoc National Forest

35 Photos of 80 Modoc National Forest Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Modoc National Forest

200 Reviews of 80 Modoc National Forest Campgrounds

  • Beth D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Eagle's Nest RV Park

    I’ll be back

    Quiet, Large, pull through, full hook up sites. The internet actually works! Near entrance to Lava Beds National monument. We didn’t use the bathrooms and showers. It’s a great time of year, as the weather is nice and the crowds are small

  • M
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Klamath National Forest Orr Lake Campground

    Great little campground with nice views of Mt. Shasta

    I'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!

  • M
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Algoma Campground

    Nice quiet stop along the McCloud River

    I 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!

  • M
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Medicine Lake Campground

    Nice camp spot for boaters

    I 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!

  • M
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Orr Lake Campground

    Great view of Mt. Shasta in a quiet clean campground

    I'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!

  • Al L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Shafter Campground

    Overnight Shafter

    Easy to find. Plenty of water. Nice sites. Fire rings and picnic tables. Last 5 miles is OK dirt rode.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Frog Camp BLM

    Hidden oasis

    Across 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.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Lassen Creek Campground

    Great spot!

    This 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.

  • Patricia N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Big Sage Campground

    Lightly used

    We 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.

Guide to Modoc National Forest

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.

What to do:

  • Explore Lava Beds National Monument: Check out the fascinating caves and lava tubes. One visitor said, "The caves were dope though! Highly recommend Skull Cave! Pictures don't do it justice." You can camp at Indian Well Campground to be close to the action.
  • Hike the Trails: There are numerous trails for hiking and exploring. A camper at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Campground mentioned, "A short walk to the falls made it very accessible."
  • Stargazing: The night sky is incredible here. One camper noted, "The night sky with very minimal light pollution was even better," while staying at Indian Well Campground.

What campers like:

  • Peaceful Environment: Many campers appreciate the tranquility. One review stated, "This is undoubtedly the quietest campground we have ever visited," referring to Indian Well Campground.
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at places like Lassen RV Resort, where one visitor said, "Each space is large and private."
  • Natural Beauty: The scenery is a big draw. A reviewer at Cattle Camp Campground remarked, "Very clean in a nice forest. Chipmunks are cute and respectful."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Indian Well Campground, have few amenities. A visitor mentioned, "There isn’t any shade. There are bathrooms."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. One camper at Lassen RV Resort shared, "When you hear a rustle in the tumbleweeds, it’s likely deer munching on ground covering."
  • Weather Variability: The weather can change quickly. A reviewer at Indian Well Campground noted, "We came here in the early spring which was super cold - got hailed on for a few hours."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Burney Falls Resort, which is described as "huge" and "pretty populated," making it great for families.
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities lined up. One family enjoyed the "loads of walking trails" at Lassen RV Resort.
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra layers and blankets. A camper at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Campground mentioned, "The sound of the waterfalls is mesmerizing to me."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Lassen RV Resort noted, "The sites were very spacious and had full hookups."
  • Bring Water Containers: Some campgrounds, like Indian Well Campground, have limited water access. One camper advised, "Be sure to bring some 5-gallon containers to haul water to your RV."
  • Be Prepared for Dust: If you're camping at Dusty Campground, expect a lot of dust. A visitor said, "Every time someone drove by there would be a massive dirt cloud covering your tent and chairs."

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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