How much does camping cost at Emerson Campground?

Camping fees at Emerson Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Emerson Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Emerson Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Walk-up availability only, with no reservation system in place.

What is the best time to visit Emerson Campground?

Emerson Campground is open Peak season corresponds with facility opening during summer months, typically early July to late October.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Emerson Campground?

Emerson Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Emerson Campground have?

Emerson Campground has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Emerson Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Emerson Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Emerson Campground?

Emerson Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Emerson Campground?

Popular activities at Emerson Campground include Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Emerson Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Emerson Campground?

Fire policies at Emerson Campground: California Campfire Permits are required for using stoves, barbecues, or campfires. Local fire restrictions may supersede these permits and should be verified with the Ranger Station.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

1 review

County Road 40, Modoc National Forest

Featured in:Fishing Camping California

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

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

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

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

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.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

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I manage this campground

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Campground Map

County Road 40, Modoc National Forest

Emerson Campground

County Road 40, Modoc National Forest

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.

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.

Weather at Emerson Campground

Best Time to Camp at Emerson Campground

Early July through late October offers the best access and conditions. Daytime highs typically run mid-60s to upper 70s, with nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. These temperatures make for comfortable hiking and fishing without the crowds you'd find in the Sierra. Winter brings heavy snow and freezing temperatures that close the access roads entirely, so this is strictly a warm-season campground.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Campground open and most accessible early July–late October; summer temps comfortable.

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

Emerson Campground sits at 5,801 feet on the eastern edge of the South Warner Wilderness in Modoc National Forest, serving as the trailhead for the Emerson Trail. The 10 primitive sites are tucked back from the parking area in the trees, offering a quiet base for fishing and hiking. There's no water on-site and the access road is rough, so come prepared.

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.

Weather and SeasonsEarly July through late October offers the best access and conditions. Daytime highs typically run mid-60s to upper 70s, with nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. These temperatures make for comfortable hiking and fishing without the crowds you'd find in the Sierra. Winter brings heavy snow and freezing temperatures that close the access roads entirely, so this is strictly a warm-season campground.

Natural Features and SceneryAncient volcanic activity and erosion carved this landscape into dramatic ridgelines, deep valleys, and dense conifer forests. The South Warner Wilderness stretches westward in waves of mountains and meadows. A canopy of conifers shades the campground, filtering sunlight onto the forest floor. The terrain is rugged and the views reach into one of California's least-traveled wild areas.

Geological RegionPerched on the eastern flanks of the South Warner Wilderness within the expansive Modoc National Forest, Emerson Campground sits at the intersection of geological wonder and raw beauty. This rugged terrain tells the story of ancient volcanic activity and millennia of erosion, creating a landscape of dramatic ridgelines, deep valleys, and dense forests. The wilderness stretches westward in waves of mountains and meadows, offering glimpses into one of California's last truly wild places.

Scenic ViewsViews of the wilderness and forested landscape enhance the natural ambiance.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum number of guests per site is not specified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites are set back from the parking area in the trees, providing moderate privacy and shade.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platforms; walk-in access only.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability only, with no reservation system in place.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservation system in place; cancellation policy does not apply.

PrivacyCampsites are mostly shady and set back from the parking area in the trees," which indicates moderate privacy.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesSites are set back among the trees for shade and privacy; recommended for tent camping.

Amenities available

There is no water at Emerson Campground.

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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.

Fishing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

Fire PolicyCalifornia Campfire Permits are required for using stoves, barbecues, or campfires. Local fire restrictions may supersede these permits and should be verified with the Ranger Station.

Emergency ServicesRanger Station (South Warner Wilderness area), Cedarville Hospital in Cedarville (16 miles away).

Trash & RecyclingThere are no garbage services provided at the campground. Campers are required to pack out all trash, including dog droppings.

Water FeaturesNo water features are located directly within the campground; visitors must bring their own water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

1 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

Site-Specific Reviews

No site-specific reviews are available.

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

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Backpackers and day hikers who want a quiet, no-cost staging point for the South Warner Wilderness. Ten shady sites set back in the trees, open July through October, and the trailhead is right there. Bring every drop of water you'll need.

Skip if

No potable water on-site is a hard stop for campers who don't plan ahead, and the rough access road rules out anything low-clearance. With only 10 sites and no reservations, arriving late on a summer weekend is a gamble.

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