Emerson Campground

Star0
1 review
County Road 40, Modoc National Forest

Quick Facts

5,801 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Facilities open as w...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Modoc National Forest site

Official Website
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Emerson Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
This is a free campground. No fees are charged for any type of camping or amenities.
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

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 1 reviews

2 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiet

Some mention

small

"There is limited user feedback for Emerson Campground, but it is described as a "nice quiet place" by one reviewer."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

County Road 40, Modoc National Forest

Emerson Campground

County Road 40, Modoc National Forest

Driving directionsFrom Cedarville go south approximately 16 miles on County Road 1/Surprise Valley Rd. Turn right on County Road 40 and continue approximately 3 miles to the end and the Emerson Campground.
The campground is accessed via a narrow, steep, rough dirt road, making it difficult for larger vehicles or those without off-road capability. Seasonal accessibility depends on weather conditions.
Nearby places
Cedarville (16 miles, approximately 25 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are available in Cedarville, approximately 16 miles away, including groceries, fuel, and camping essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Emerson Campground

Mother Nature paints a dramatic canvas here throughout the year. Summer welcomes campers with warm days perfect for hiking and cool nights ideal for campfire stories. As autumn arrives, crisp air and changing colors transform the landscape into a photographer's paradise. When winter descends, the campground becomes a snow-covered wonderland, though freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall typically close access roads, making this truly a fair-weather destination best enjoyed from late spring through early fall.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Site open in summer; description notes warm days, cool nights and peak season July–Oct.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open through late October; description highlights crisp autumn air but limited seasonal reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Official season begins early July; spring use not supported by overview.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Facilities open as weather permits; typically closed outside early July–late October.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season corresponds with facility opening during summer months, typically early July to late October.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Facilities open as weather permits, typically from early July to late October.

About Emerson Campground

Tucked away at the gateway to the South Warner Wilderness, Emerson Campground offers adventurers a peaceful retreat where towering trees create a natural cathedral of shade. This hidden gem rewards those willing to navigate its rough dirt access road with an authentic wilderness experience far from the crowds. As the starting point for the renowned Emerson Trail, this intimate campground serves as your basecamp for exploring one of Northern California's most pristine wilderness areas.
Emerson Campground offers free camping without any advanced reservation or designated site fees. It is suitable for self-sufficient campers due to its lack of potable water and garbage services.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
No official check-in time specified.
Check-out
No official check-out time specified.
Stay Limit
Camping limit 14 days.


Activities you can enjoy

Recreational opportunities at Emerson Campground include picnicking and fishing in nearby rivers or streams. The site also serves as a trailhead for the Emerson Trail into the South Warner Wilderness.
FishingFishing in nearby rivers or streams is available, though specific details about the types of fish or fishing conditions are not provided.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include rough access roads, wildlife interactions, and lack of potable water. Visitors must carry their own drinking water and follow fire safety guidelines due to dry conditions.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Emerson Campground

Reviews

0.0
1 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Emerson Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
There is limited user feedback for Emerson Campground, but it is described as a "nice quiet place" by one reviewer.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the quiet and seclusion of the campground.
Based on 1 reviews

Common Concerns

No specific complaints are available in the provided user reviews.
Based on 1 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Ensure to bring sufficient water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, as there is no potable water on-site. Campers should also be prepared to pack out all trash.
Based on 1 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No user feedback explicitly discusses seasonal trends, but official sources indicate the campground is operational from early July to late October, depending on weather conditions.
Based on 1 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice quiet place. There is a small campground at the trailhead."
Based on 1 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No site-specific reviews are available.
Based on 1 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews address accessibility features.
Based on 1 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash and their waste must be cleaned up.
Based on 1 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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