Indian Well Campground

Modoc National Forest

Escape the crowds and discover a hidden gem where solitude meets natural beauty. This intimate campground offers just a handful of carefully placed sites for adventurous souls seeking an authentic wilderness experience. Tucked away from the well-worn tourist trails, this secluded retreat rewards those willing to venture beyond the ordinary with unparalleled tranquility and a genuine connection to nature.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Modoc National Forest

Nestled in the heart of the Medicine Lake Highlands, Payne Springs Campground offers adventurers a gateway to one of California's most dramatic volcanic landscapes. This hidden gem sits along the stunning Modoc Volcanic Scenic Byway, where ancient lava flows have sculpted a terrain unlike anywhere else in the state. Just a short drive away, the mysterious underground world of Lava Beds National Monument beckons with its labyrinth of lava tube caves, while above ground, the Highland's unique ecosystem creates an otherworldly camping experience that feels far removed from civilization.

Modoc National Forest

Tucked away in the serene wilderness just southeast of Medicine Lake, Blanche Lake Campground offers adventurers a peaceful retreat from the crowds. This hidden gem provides the perfect balance of accessibility and seclusion, where the only sounds you'll hear are rustling pine needles and gentle lapping waves. The campground features essential vault toilet facilities, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature without sacrificing basic comforts.

P.O. BOX 1620

Perched high above the volcanic wonderland of Medicine Lake Highlands, Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This charming 14x14 wooden cabin, weathered by nearly a century of mountain seasons since its 1920s construction, serves as your window to some of California's most spectacular volcanic scenery. From this lofty outpost, the giants of the Cascade Range reveal themselves in stunning clarity—Mt. Shasta's snow-capped majesty to the west, Mt. Lassen's volcanic dome to the south, and Oregon's Mt. McLoughlin piercing the northern horizon. True to its rustic heritage, the lookout embraces simplicity: no running water, electricity, or modern conveniences disturb the profound connection with nature. Visitors should come prepared with all necessary supplies and note that the final 4-mile stretch of access road presents a rugged challenge unsuitable for RVs and trailers.

MODOC NATIONAL FOREST, DOUBLEHEAD RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE, 49870 HIGHWAY 139, Tulelake, CA, 96134, USA

Discover a mountain paradise where four distinct campgrounds embrace the pristine shores of Medicine Lake, deep within the enchanting Modoc National Forest. Here, families gather beneath towering pines to create memories around crackling campfires, while days unfold with endless adventures—from morning swims in crystal-clear waters to sunset hikes along volcanic ridges. Whether you arrive with a tent or RV, you'll find your perfect basecamp among sites that balance rustic charm with essential amenities like vault toilets and drinking water. While the area maintains its wild character with occasionally temperamental facilities, the authentic outdoor experience and breathtaking natural beauty more than compensate for any minor inconveniences.

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Tucked away just a mile from Headquarters Campground, Schonchin Springs offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking solitude in the Medicine Lake area. This hidden gem serves as a tranquil overflow option when neighboring campgrounds reach capacity, providing visitors with an intimate connection to the pristine wilderness. Here, the sounds of nature replace the bustle of busier sites, creating an ideal setting for campers who prefer a more secluded outdoor experience.

Klamath National Forest

Nestled beside pristine meadows and the gentle waters of Butte Creek, Shafter Campground offers an intimate escape into nature's embrace. Here, towering Ponderosa pines and ancient junipers create a natural cathedral, while lucky campers at select sites wake to breathtaking views of Mt. Shasta's snow-crowned summit piercing the morning sky. Each thoughtfully spaced campsite ensures peaceful solitude, complete with traditional lantern posts that cast a warm glow as evening falls. The final 5-mile approach along a gravel road heightens the sense of adventure, leading you to this hidden gem at 4,300 feet. As you settle into this wild sanctuary, remember you're sharing the landscape with its original inhabitants—proper bear safety practices are essential. Pack your water supplies, as this primitive paradise operates without potable water, offering instead the authentic wilderness experience that draws adventurers seeking genuine connection with the untamed beauty of Northern California.

Klamath National Forest

MODOC NATIONAL FOREST, DOUBLEHEAD RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE, 49870 HIGHWAY 139, Tulelake, CA, 96134, USA

P.O. BOX 1620

Modoc National Forest

Modoc National Forest

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Shasta-Trinity National Forest

INYO, CA, USA

Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Sierra, Big Pine Canyon offers adventurers a gateway to some of California's most dramatic alpine wilderness. This stunning canyon serves as your basecamp for exploring ancient glaciers, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and towering granite peaks that pierce the sky at over 14,000 feet. Whether you're seeking challenging mountaineering routes or peaceful streamside camping, Big Pine Canyon delivers an authentic High Sierra experience that will leave you breathless—both from the altitude and the sheer beauty surrounding you.

1 Visitor Center Dr Lee Vining, CA 93541

Tucked into a scenic bend along the melodious Lee Vining Creek, Big Bend Campground invites adventurers to claim one of its 17 intimate campsites within the majestic Inyo National Forest. This hidden gem serves as the perfect basecamp for those drawn to both Yosemite's stunning Tuolumne Meadows entrance and the otherworldly landscapes of Mono Basin Scenic Area. Each site comes equipped with essential amenities including vault toilets, fresh potable water, and bear-proof food storage lockers to ensure both comfort and wildlife safety during your stay.

Modoc National Forest

Nestled at the gateway to the South Warner Wilderness, Pepperdine Campground offers three distinct camping experiences in one remarkable location. Equestrian enthusiasts will discover a dedicated horse camp complete with convenient stock water and pole stalls at select sites. The trailhead staging area beckons adventurers with ample parking and corrals, serving as your launching point into the wilderness. For those seeking a more intimate experience, a cozy family camping loop awaits beneath a canopy of ancient fir trees. As a pack-it-in, pack-it-out facility, Pepperdine encourages visitors to embrace Leave No Trace principles while immersing themselves in this pristine mountain environment.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Gather your favorite people at Camp 4 Group Campsite, where up to 35 adventurers can create lasting memories together in the heart of nature. This thoughtfully developed campground welcomes groups with everything needed for the perfect outdoor gathering – spacious picnic tables for shared meals under towering trees, crackling fire pits for evening storytelling, convenient vault toilets, and regular garbage collection that lets you focus on what matters most: quality time with friends and family.

Upper Soda Springs Campground, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

Nestled in the heart of Reds Meadow Valley, Upper Soda Springs Campground offers an intimate escape where the melodic San Joaquin River becomes your constant companion. This tranquil retreat features 28 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each equipped with bear-proof lockers, picnic tables, and access to pristine pit toilets and fresh potable water. Adventure beckons from every direction—cast a line into the crystal-clear river waters, set out on scenic trails that wind through ancient forests, or venture to the nearby geological wonder of Devil's Postpile National Monument and the breathtaking cascade of Rainbow Falls.

13652 Highway 79 Julian, CA 92036

Saddle up for an unforgettable equestrian adventure at Los Vaqueros Group Horse Campground, where the spirit of the Old West meets modern camping comfort. This specialized horse-friendly retreat beckons riders and their four-legged companions with direct access to the legendary California Riding and Hiking Trail. Well-appointed horse corrals ensure your equine partners rest as comfortably as you do, making this the perfect basecamp for exploring miles of scenic trails that wind through California's stunning backcountry.

Doran Regional Park

Nestled along a stunning 2-mile stretch of sandy beach on Bodega Bay, Doran Regional Park Campground offers 112 year-round campsites where the Pacific Ocean meets coastal adventure. With five distinct camping zones ranging from harbor-side spots to tent-only areas, this family-friendly destination combines beach camping with exceptional access to fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching. Whether you're launching your kayak into the bay, exploring tide pools along the rock jetty, or simply enjoying soft sand and mellow surf, Doran delivers a quintessential California coastal camping experience.

Mendocino National Forest

Tucked into a peaceful inlet at Lake Pillsbury's northwestern corner, this campground offers the perfect blend of lakeside tranquility and easy water access. Just a short stroll from your campsite, the shimmering waters of Mendocino National Forest's largest lake beckon with endless possibilities for adventure. Whether you're launching your boat from the nearby ramp at dawn, casting a line into the crystal-clear waters, or taking an afternoon swim, this scenic basecamp puts you at the heart of one of Northern California's most beloved recreational lakes.

17119 Avenue of the Giants, Weott CA 95571

Escape into the cathedral-like sanctuary of Hamilton Barn Environmental Campground, where primitive hike-in campsites nestle beneath towering old-growth redwoods. This hidden gem rewards adventurous souls with unparalleled privacy and profound solitude, offering a rare chance to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature's ancient rhythms.

CA-108, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, California

Nestled along the scenic Sonora Pass on CA-108, Sonora Bridge Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with 22 tranquil sites carved into a landscape of towering Jeffrey pines and aromatic sagebrush. Here, where the melodious West Walker River flows just steps away, anglers cast their lines into pristine waters while hikers set off to explore the dramatic high country. This rustic mountain retreat offers the perfect basecamp for your Sierra Nevada adventures, complete with firewood available on-site to fuel evening campfires under star-studded skies.