Big Sage Campground

Star4.29
16 reviews
Big Sage Campground, Modoc National Forest

Quick Facts

4,888 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Facilities open as w...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Modoc National Forest site

Official Website
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Big Sage Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees for camping at Big Sage Campground.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.29

Satisfactory

Based on 16 reviews

14 Google reviews

Some mention

dusty

"User reviews indicate mixed sentiments regarding Big Sage Campground. While some appreciate its beauty, others find the environment bleak and dusty. The lake and roads are frequently criticized."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Big Sage Campground, Modoc National Forest

Big Sage Campground

Big Sage Campground, Modoc National Forest

Driving directionsFrom Alturas travel west on Hwy 299, 3 miles. Turn north on Crowder Flat Rd/County Road 73, and travel 6 miles. Turn right on County Road 180 and go 3.5 miles to Big Sage Dam and the campground.
Access roads are primarily unpaved and can be challenging. Users noted rough roads near campsites and the area being dusty.
Nearby places
Alturas (approx. 9.5 miles, 15-20 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as groceries and camping essentials can likely be found in Alturas, approximately 9.5 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Big Sage Campground

Big Sage's high desert climate paints each season with its own distinct palette. Summer days unfold under brilliant blue skies, with dry air that carries the scent of sage across the landscape. As autumn arrives, crisp mornings give way to golden afternoons, though dust devils may dance across the open terrain. Winter transforms the campground into a stark wonderland, where snow blankets the sagebrush and temperatures plunge well below freezing. Spring brings renewal and cooler temperatures, perfect for exploring before summer's heat returns.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Open in summer; pleasant dry skies but reviewers note heat, dust and rough roads.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Late‑season access (to late Oct) likely pleasant; fewer bugs and good light for views.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Open as weather permits (mid‑May); early spring likely cold and variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Usually closed in winter; very cold/freezing conditions reported.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Facilities open as weather permits; usually mid-May to late October.

About Big Sage Campground

Nestled in the heart of Modoc National Forest, Big Sage Campground offers adventurers a gateway to the untamed beauty of California's high desert country. This rustic retreat sits alongside the expansive Big Sage Reservoir, where juniper trees stand sentinel over endless sagebrush plains. Whether you're launching your boat at dawn, casting a line into the reservoir's quiet waters, or simply savoring a sunset picnic with loved ones, this campground delivers an authentic wilderness experience far from the crowds.
Big Sage Campground caters primarily to tent campers and does not charge any fees. Primitive camping is likely available given the lack of water and limited amenities.
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Stay Limit
Camping limit 14 days.

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational opportunities at Big Sage Campground include picnicking and fishing at the nearby reservoir. Hunting and shooting are also mentioned as potential activities, though details remain sparse.
FishingFishing is available at Big Sage Reservoir. No details about fish species or fishing quality are provided.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsDirty water in the reservoir as noted by users, rough roads around campsites, and dusty conditions. Potable water is unavailable.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Big Sage Campground

Reviews

4.3
16 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Big Sage Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews indicate mixed sentiments regarding Big Sage Campground. While some appreciate its beauty, others find the environment bleak and dusty. The lake and roads are frequently criticized.
Review Summaries
Based on 16 reviews

What Campers Love

Some users have described the area as 'very beautiful' for camping.
Based on 16 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include dirty lake water, inability to swim, rough roads around campsites, and generally dusty conditions ('Just a really dusty place to try and spend the day').
Based on 16 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring sufficient water given the lack of potable water and to prepare for rough and dusty roads.
Based on 16 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground's usability may vary with seasons. Summer reviews highlight dust and rough roads, while winter weather data suggests very cold temperatures with freezing conditions.
Based on 16 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Dirty water, can't swim there.' - Daree Grier 2. 'Campground was OK, but the lake was pitiful.' - WH Hartmann 3. 'Very Beautiful Place to camp' - Jonnie Baslee.
Based on 16 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers are mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 16 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 16 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed as long as they are leashed. No further reviews about pet experiences are provided.
Based on 16 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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