Medicine Lake Recreation Area

Star4.23
90 reviews
MODOC NATIONAL FOREST, DOUBLEHEAD RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE, 49870 HIGHWAY 139, Tulelake, CA, 96134, USA
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

6,770 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

86 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Modoc National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Medicine Lake Recreation Area
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The standard recreation use fee is $15 per night during peak season (July 1 to September 25). Additional fees such as reservation service fees ($8...
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
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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Provider
530-667-2246 OR 530-667-8659claytoncornwell@fs.fed.us
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What Campers Say

4.23

Satisfactory

Based on 90 reviews

41 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanwater

Some mention

reservation

"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."

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Campground Map

MODOC NATIONAL FOREST, DOUBLEHEAD RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE, 49870 HIGHWAY 139, Tulelake, CA, 96134, USA

Medicine Lake Recreation Area

MODOC NATIONAL FOREST, DOUBLEHEAD RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE, 49870 HIGHWAY 139, Tulelake, CA, 96134, USA

Driving directionsFrom McCloud go east on US Hwy 89 south for 16 miles to Forest Service Road 15/Harris Spring Rd. Turn left on Road 15 and go 4.4 miles to Forest Service Road 49/Medicine Lake Road. Follow the signs 27.5 miles to Medicine Lake. From Tulelake take US Hwy 139 south for 21 miles to Forest Service Road 97. Turn right on Road 97 and go 24 miles turning right on Road 49. Drive 2 more miles turning left into the entrance of Medicine Lake Recreation Area. Follow the signs to your final campground destination.
The roads to Medicine Lake Recreation Area vary in condition and difficulty. According to authoritative sources, roads are paved and accessible most of the way, but the last stretch can be a dusty and severe washboard surface, especially the 13-mile route to the Lava Beds National Monument. A marginally paved alternative route exists but is longer at 37 miles. User reviews such as Troy Shankles suggest signage on these roads is inadequate, with comments like 'The Forest service could spend less time driving around and more time upgrading some of the signs.' Satellite GPS is recommended due to the lack of cell service.
Nearby places
Tulelake: 21 miles (~30-minute drive), McCloud: ~16 miles (~30-minute drive to Forest Service Road 15)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be accessed in Tulelake, which is approximately 30 miles away. There is no mention of supplies available directly within the Medicine Lake Recreation Area.

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.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open and busiest July–Sept with full range of activities; visitors praise water and views.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Quieter stays and good scenery in fall, though campground officially closes Sept 25.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground opens July 1; spring access limited by snow and closures.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

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

Discover a mountain paradise where four distinct campgrounds embrace the pristine shores of Medicine Lake, deep within the enchanting Modoc National Forest. Here, families gather beneath towering pines to create memories around crackling campfires, while days unfold with endless adventures—from morning swims in crystal-clear waters to sunset hikes along volcanic ridges. Whether you arrive with a tent or RV, you'll find your perfect basecamp among sites that balance rustic charm with essential amenities like vault toilets and drinking water. While the area maintains its wild character with occasionally temperamental facilities, the authentic outdoor experience and breathtaking natural beauty more than compensate for any minor inconveniences.
Medicine Lake Recreation Area includes options for tent camping, RVs, and dry camping. Group camping areas are available, and cabins or glamping options are not offered.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in is at 11:00 AM local time.
Check-out
Check-out is at noon local time.
Stay Limit
Reservations allow a maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Medicine Lake Recreation Area offers a variety of activities, including camping, boating, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and swimming. "Plenty to do, from trout fishing to bike rides to hiking numerous trails around the lake and surrounding forest." The lake is also suitable for tubing and water skiing.
HikingHiking trails are available, with the trail to Little Mt. Hoffman being the longest. A user review mentions, "The hike toward the Glass Mountain Lava Flow was right across the street."
FishingFishing opportunities include trout fishing in Medicine Lake and two smaller lakes nearby. One review notes, "Fishing is great," while another points out, "Good fishing despite the lake being very low."
SwimmingSwimming is available in a designated area near the Picnic Area. User reviews highlight the lake's "clean, clear waters" and its suitability for swimming.
BikingMountain biking opportunities are present along trails originating from the campground. Specific trail details are not provided.
BoatingBoating is supported with a concrete boat ramp and dock. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing are popular. "It's a fishing, kayak, and canoe lake," noted one reviewer.
Wildlife viewingWildlife, such as deer, can be seen walking through the campgrounds. User reviews also mention "migratory waterfowl" in nearby wildlife refuges.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWater quality advisories are periodically issued, warning against drinking from faucets. Road conditions to the campground are challenging, especially the washboard surface near Lava Beds National Monument. User reviews highlight concerns with unsanitary restrooms and wildlife management.
Active AlertsSeasonal water contamination advisories have been issued ('Do not drink the water' notices on faucets in Brian Hovander's review).
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Medicine Lake Recreation Area

Reviews

4.2
90 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Medicine Lake Recreation Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
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.
Review Summaries
Based on 90 reviews

What Campers Love

"Nature in all its splendor," "Fishing is great," and "Clean, clear waters" are recurring highlights. Many users praise the campground's tranquility and beautiful surroundings.
Based on 90 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include poor sanitation ("outhouses nearly full to the brim"), unreliable reservations ("sites given away despite reservations"), and lack of enforcement of rules ("dogs running wild,"...
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Based on 90 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Make reservations in advance, especially for larger RVs. Bring your own drinking water as "water faucets had a notice to not drink the water." Consider visiting in fall for fewer crowds and better...
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Based on 90 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are busy, and the campground is often crowded. Fall offers quieter stays. Winter access may be restricted by snow.
Based on 90 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "I had been to this campground six years ago... and thought it was one of the best campgrounds in California." 2. "The area is gorgeous. Not one bad thing can be said about the natural beauty." 3....
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Based on 90 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 51 (A.H. Hogue Campground) is noted for its quietness post-Labor Day; Site 40 is close to the water and less windy; Site 56 is highlighted for its nice host.
Based on 90 reviews

Accessibility Features

No detailed feedback on accessibility; however, vault toilets and the rugged terrain may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues.
Based on 90 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Mixed reviews regarding pets. While pets are allowed, some users complain about unleashed dogs causing disturbances, with one stating, "Dogs barking 24-7, running in and out of our camp."
Based on 90 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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