Map showing campground location near Modoc National Forest, California

Camper submitted image from South Lava Beds

South Lava Beds

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Modoc National Forest holds this free dispersed site within its lava bed terrain, where a 2020 wildfire left a visible mark: blackened trees, burned log piles, and debris across the surrounding area give the site a sparse, open character. No formal markers exist beyond a fire pit. The site sits close to the main road and handles rigs up to at least 26 feet without issue. Cell coverage is reliable on both Verizon and AT&T. Campers wanting a developed alternative nearby can consider Indian Well Campground at Lava Beds National Monument, or explore boondocking options around Modoc National Forest for other free sites in the region.

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Map & DirectionsSouth Lava Beds is located in California near Modoc National Forest

Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

41.66239292 N
121.4187829 W

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Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 3/29/26
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 3/29/26
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Dispersed
Group

Features

For Campers

Phone Service
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

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Drive Time

2 hrs 17 min from Medford, OR
2 hrs 37 min from Redding, CA
2 hrs 43 min from Grants Pass, OR

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Reviews1 Camper Review - South Lava Beds

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out of 5

1 Review

Laura M.

Legend

Reviewed May. 16, 2023

Area Still Recovering From Fire

I don’t know who’s adding these dispersed camping spots on The Dyrt (as there are no reviews or any additional info other than the location) but it’s much appreciated. We stopped to check this place out and would have stayed here for the night but decided to keep going and check out one more place first.

The location is easily accessed from the main road, no problems for our 26ft Class C. Cell service was surprisingly good for both Verizon and ATT. There’s a messy little fire pit here, but no other markers. The spot is off the road and has some sad blackened or dead trees surrounding it.

This area is still recovering from a big fire in 2020 and there are piles of burned logs and debris all over the area, giving it a desolate feel. The area is nice and quiet though, and very little traffic. Would make a great stop for a few days.

Month of VisitMay