Medicine Lake Recreation Area
Quick Facts
6,770 ftPrice
$15/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
86 campsites
Season
Open for reservation...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
Quick Facts
6,770 ftPrice
$15/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
86 campsites
Season
Open for reservation...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
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What Campers Say
Satisfactory
Based on 90 reviews
41 Google reviews
Most mentioned
Some mention
"The campground receives a mix of reviews. While many appreciate its natural beauty and recreational opportunities, others criticize poor management and a lack of basic amenities."
Campground Map
Medicine Lake Recreation Area
MODOC NATIONAL FOREST, DOUBLEHEAD RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE, 49870 HIGHWAY 139, Tulelake, CA, 96134, USA
Best Time to Camp at Medicine Lake Recreation Area
Experience the dramatic dance of mountain weather at nearly 7,000 feet, where summer days invite you to bask in gentle warmth while evenings call for cozy layers around the campfire. Early July visitors often wake to crisp mornings that give way to perfect hiking weather, while autumn transforms the landscape into a golden wonderland ideal for camping—right up until winter's first snowflakes close the curtain on the season. The dry mountain climate means you'll enjoy mostly clear skies and minimal rain, though winter brings a blanket of snow that transforms this summer playground into a frozen wilderness.
Open and busiest July–Sept with full range of activities; visitors praise water and views.
Quieter stays and good scenery in fall, though campground officially closes Sept 25.
Campground opens July 1; spring access limited by snow and closures.
Access restricted by snow; campground closed outside summer reservation window.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: July 1 - September 25. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open for reservations from July 1 to September 25 annually.
- Current Alerts: Seasonal water contamination advisories have been issued ('Do not drink the water' notices on faucets in Brian Hovander's review).
About Medicine Lake Recreation Area
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