How much does camping cost at Medicine Lake Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Medicine Lake Recreation Area are $15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Medicine Lake Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Medicine Lake Recreation Area accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Medicine Lake Recreation Area before I book?

Yes! Medicine Lake Recreation Area has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Medicine Lake Recreation Area?

Medicine Lake Recreation Area is open July 01 to September 25. 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 Medicine Lake Recreation Area?

Medicine Lake Recreation Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Medicine Lake Recreation Area have?

Medicine Lake Recreation Area has 86 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Medicine Lake Recreation Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Medicine Lake Recreation Area. 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 Medicine Lake Recreation Area?

Medicine Lake Recreation Area offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Medicine Lake Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Medicine Lake Recreation Area include Hiking, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Medicine Lake Recreation Area

4.12

90 reviews

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

Top 15% in CASummer

C+Report Card

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

Book on Modoc National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

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

Book on Modoc National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Medicine Lake Recreation Area

$15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-667-2246 OR 530-667-8659bradley.phelps@usda.gov

I manage this campground

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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

Nearby places

Tulelake: 21 miles (~30-minute drive), McCloud: ~16 miles (~30-minute drive to Forest Service Road 15)

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.

Weather at Medicine Lake Recreation Area

Current alerts(5)

ATTN: The Annual Pit River Tribal Gathering will occur from July 15th to July 21st; during this timeframe all sites in the Medicine and Hogue Loops will be closed to the public, of the remaining loops in the Medicine Lake Recreation Area, few can accommodate large RVs.
Cell phone reception is limited and is not available in the vicinity of Medicine Lake Recreation Area.
Click Here for more information on the Modoc National Forest.
Each summer there is a Special Use Permit allowing a tribal gathering in the Medicine Campground Loop. This occurs during the 3rd weekend of each July for 5-6 days. The sites within this campground will not be available for reservation or walk in use during this time. The A.H.

Best Time to Camp at Medicine Lake Recreation Area

Best season: summer. Summer is the clear peak because the campground is open July 1 through September 25 and Medicine Lake’s water- and volcano-focused activities are at their best: boating, swimming, trout fishing and hiking the lava flows. Expect warm daytime highs around 60–75°F with cool nights in the 30s–40s, crisp mornings ideal for early hikes and fewer insects than lower-elevation wetlands. Weekends in July and August see the busiest crowds, while weekdays are noticeably quieter — always plan layers for cool Peak months: July, August, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in CA

Open Jul 1–Sep 25; peak season for boating, swimming, fishing and trails.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: July 01 to September 25. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open for reservations from July 1 to September 25 annually.

About Medicine Lake Recreation Area

Medicine Lake Recreation Area sits in Modoc National Forest near Tulelake, California, at a mid-elevation volcanic landscape where a clear mountain lake meets ancient lava flows. Operated by the Forest Service, this large campground offers tent and RV sites with dump station access, vault toilets, and potable water during its July through September season. Visitors hike lava formations, swim and boat on the lake, and fish for trout in a remote corner of northeastern California.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the clear peak because the campground is open July 1 through September 25 and Medicine Lake’s water- and volcano-focused activities are at their best: boating, swimming, trout fishing and hiking the lava flows. Expect warm daytime highs around 60–75°F with cool nights in the 30s–40s, crisp mornings ideal for early hikes and fewer insects than lower-elevation wetlands. Weekends in July and August see the busiest crowds, while weekdays are noticeably quieter — always plan layers for cool Peak months: July, August, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation6770 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryLodgepole pines shelter the lake's shoreline, their trunks framing views of the water and surrounding volcanic peaks. Glass Mountain's obsidian slopes catch light to the east, while the dark textures of Burnt Lava Flow stretch across the landscape. Both testaments to the area's geologic history. The lake itself holds clear water that reflects the pines and sky. Deer wander through campsites regularly. The elevation keeps the air cool even in summer, and the dry climate means mostly clear skies.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges are mentioned as part of the facilities.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information on cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Reservations allow a maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 10 guests and 2 vehicles may occupy a single site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are available on Recreation.gov, through mobile apps, or via the contact center.

Site SizeSites vary in size, accommodating everything from tent campers to 35 ft motorhomes. Some sites are described as "spacious," while others are rugged with limited parking.

PrivacyPrivacy varies; some sites offer proximity to the lake, while others are clustered, making them less private. User reviews highlight both family-friendly and less secluded options.

Total Campsites86 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose campsites close to the lake for scenic views and easy access to water activities, such as sites 024 and 040. Fall camping is recommended for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.

Best CampsitesSite 040 sits close to the water with wind protection, making it popular for fishing access. Site 051 in the A.H. Hogue loop gets quieter after Labor Day. Reviewers suggest reserving in advance for larger RVs, as spacious sites fill quickly on summer weekends.

Need help booking Medicine Lake Recreation Area?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

The Medicine Lake Recreation Area includes campsites with basic amenities such as vault toilets, water hydrants, garbage dumpsters, picnic tables, fire rings, and barbeque grills. Some campsites are rugged with limited parking, while others are spacious and can accommodate recreational vehicles. A total of 86 campsites are distributed across five campgrounds, with 15 sites available for reservation in Medicine and A.H. Hogue Campgrounds. Schonchin Springs Campground notably lacks water. "Trash collection, vault toilets, and drinking water are available all season." However, user reviews raise concerns about unsatisfactory sanitation: "The outhouses were nearly full to the brim," and "the nearest water faucet had a notice to not drink the water!"

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Medicine Lake Recreation Area

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.

Hiking4.0/5

Trails hike lava formations; route to Little Mt. Hoffman and Glass Mountain noted.

Swimming4.0/5Top 21% in California

Boating4.0/5

Concrete boat ramp and dock; supports powerboats, kayaks, paddleboards, canoes.

Water Sports4.0/5

Winter Activities1.0/5

Snow often prevents access; site is officially open Jul 1–Sep 25, winter activities limited.

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Remote Modoc NF location and reported tranquility suggest good dark-sky potential.

Photography4.0/5Obsidian slopes, lava textures and lake vistas provide striking photo subjects.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; only vault toilets are provided. User feedback is mixed, with some noting, "restrooms clean and well stocked," while others describe them as "grossly unsanitary."

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking 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

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

90 reviews

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,"...

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

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...

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....

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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Medicine Lake Recreation Area

$15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.