Do you love the outdoors and horses? If you're looking for a rustic but comfortable experience, horse camping in Modoc National Forest is the way to go. Finding a place to stay in California while traveling with your horse has never been easier. These scenic and easy-to-reach California campsites are perfect for your horse camping excursion.
Stough Reservoir Campground is only 1 mile off Hwy 299 on a gravel road. At 6,200 feet it provides relief from the heat of the valleys on either side. Small trailers and motorhomes will find access and turn-arounds manageable. The reservoir is small but is kept stocked by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Water is provided and campsites sit away from the shore with nice views of the reservoir. Stough Reservoir is Number 4 on the Basin & Range Birding Trail. Bring you camera and binoculars and expect to see Prairie Falcons, Rufous Hummingbirds and Wild Turkeys.
$15 / night
$50 / night
Legend
Not much to report here, other than be aware of snow in May. We tried to get to this campground but were blocked by too much snow in the road. Other than the snow the road was in good condition and easy to drive in our class c. The website lists the status for this campground as “area not cleared,” so presumably if you have a vehicle that can get through the snow, then you’re ok to go camp here.
Also as of Spring 2023 there will be a $15/night fee, so no longer free. Zero cell service here.
RangerI swung thru this camp on a previous ride, and remembered it fondly. (dunno why I didn't review it then).
Up a decent gravel road, only about a mile in. A beautiful, small reservoir with about 10 sites. I got the primo site across the water, solo spot with my own pit toilet. No cell service solitude with the high-passing jets as my only company. Still a few patches of snow on the ground (5/2) and 26 degree morning.
RangerCamped here in June 2020 and got the single prime spot across the little pond with its own pit toilet. Snowed when we were there in June. No hookups but there’s water around the campsites and picnic tables and fire pits. Excellent little campground with maybe a dozen or so sites. Clean & well maintained. Beautiful Warner Mountains all around.
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. There’s both a BLM and USFS office in nearby Cedarville for info plus hot springs in Surprise Valley and lots of good rockhounding in nearby Warner mountains on the west side towards Lakeview. Would camp here again.
GuideNot far from Cederville on 299 towards Alturas you can find a DNR campground at Stough Reservoir. The road is 2+ miles of dirt - gravel to the CG.
The campground is sparse and lacks flushing toilets, pit toilet is available. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Modoc National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Modoc National Forest is Stough Reservoir Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.
