4.3838 reviewsPrice
$15 - $70/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
47 campsites
Season
The campground is op...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
Price
$15 - $70/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
47 campsites
Season
The campground is op...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
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Blue Lake Campground, Modoc National Forest, Likely, CA
Tent campers and kayakers who want a quiet alpine lake without the Sierra crowds. The 3-mile trail around the lake is genuinely scenic, waterside sites book fast, and summer nights in the mid-30s mean real sleeping weather. Bring a yellowjacket trap.
No showers, no hookups, no cell signal, and emergency services are 30 miles away in Alturas. RVs have no hookups or dump station. Anglers should know reviewers have flagged parasites on fish caught here.
Reference information about Blue Lake Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
<section aria-label="Introduction" class="usa-hero bg-position-center" style="background-image: url('https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/stelprdb5327613.jpg');"><div class="grid-container"><div class="usa-hero__callout"><h2 class="usa-hero__heading">Blue Lake Campground</h2><p style="white-space: break-spaces;">Blue Lake Campground is located on a gentle slope above beautiful Blue Lake. Forty-Eight large and well spaced sites offer plenty of shade. A three-mile trail surrounds the lake with a paved section of trail along the east shore between the campground and the boat ramp. Assistance will be required for persons in wheelchairs.</p></div></div></section><ul class="usa-card-group"><li class="tablet:grid-col-12 usa-card--flag usa-card--media-right usa-card"><div class="usa-card__container"><header class="usa-card__header"><h2>Blue Lake Group Site</h2></header><div class="usa-card__media"><div class="usa-card__img"><img alt="A placeholder image" src="https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/FSEPRD1095784.jpg" /></div></div><div class="usa-card__body"><p>Group site reservations must be made at least one day in advance though Recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777. At least three camp pads should be occupied on the first night. This site is not recommended for gatherings over 50 persons. Signs are posted at the entrance and the exit of the group site.</p></div><div class="usa-card__footer"><a class="usa-button" href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10005351">Reserve Now</a></div></div></li></ul>
The elevation is 6,000 ft. The campground, located on a hillside next to Blue Lake, has four unnamed overlapping loops. A variety of pine and fir trees provide shade. A few campsites have a view of the lake, but all sites are within walking distance of the lake. The lake, which is crystal clear and deep blue, has patches of lilly pads and appears to be a pleasant place for canoeing. There is little understory but with good separation between campsites, privacy is good. Grass meadows are scattered around the campground suggesting spring wildflowers. Damage from the Blue Wildfire in 2001 can be seen in the area. Recovery is evident by the growth of grass and wildflowers.
Services provided June 1 through September 30.
Blue Lake is 50 acres. Boat ramp is on opposite end of lake. Modoc National Forest 179 Hiking: Blue Lake Trail (foot) - 3 miles First 0.3 miles are wheelchair friendly. Fishing: Brown trout - wheelchair friendly fishing pier at boat ramp.
Blue Lake is 50 acres. Boat ramp is on opposite end of lake. Modoc National Forest 179
The parking aprons are gravel.
In Likely, CA at intersection of US Rt. 395 and Jess Valley Rd../County Rt. 64, take Jess Valley Rd. east 9.3 miles to a "Y" intersection. Bear right onto County Rt. 258 and go 6.4 miles to campground sign. Turn right after sign onto Forest Rt. 64 and go 1.5 miles to campground. NOTE: Last 0.8 miles are single lane.
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Summer brings the most reliable conditions and full trail access. Daytime highs reach 65–80°F, while nights drop to the mid-30s to mid-40s°F. This is prime time for boating, swimming, and trout fishing once snow clears. The campground's 47-site layout keeps weekends from feeling crowded. Spring wildflower displays are a draw, but the season can be short at this elevation. Winter snow closes roads and transforms the area, limiting access.
Peak season mid-May–Sept; best weather, full trail and lake access for boating/fishing.
Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.
The Blue Lake Campground offers a variety of amenities, making it suitable for diverse camping needs. These include potable water available through 13 water spigots with 11 being threaded, 47 picnic tables and grills at campsites, and well-maintained vault toilets with wheelchair accessibility. However, it lacks flush toilets, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and a camp store. Trash and recycling facilities include bear-proof trashcans. There is a day-use area near the boat ramp at the north end of the lake.
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