Patterson Guard Station
00 reviewPatterson Guard Station, 225 W 8th St., Alturas, CA 96101
Quick Facts
7,080 ftPrice
$15 - $75/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
6 campsites
Season
Open and reservable ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
7,080 ftPrice
$15 - $75/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
6 campsites
Season
Open and reservable ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsPatterson Guard Station
$15.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$15/night for campsites and $75/night for the cabin. Additional reservation fees may apply, such as $8 for online bookings.
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
Total Campsite Fees$15.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider530-233-5811sm.fs.modoc_info@usda.gov
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Fees & Passes at Patterson Guard Station
$15 - $75/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum of 7 consecutive nights; maximum stay of 14 nights total per season.
Cancellation: Cancellations made fewer than 14 days before check-in forfeit the first night's fee and incur a $10 ...
Prices verified December 7, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Modoc National Forest website.
Best Time to Camp at Patterson Guard Station
The high country climate creates a perfect summer escape, with crystalline blue skies and refreshingly moderate temperatures that offer relief from valley heat. As autumn arrives, the weather becomes delightfully unpredictable, painting the aspens gold one day and dusting the peaks with early snow the next. Winter transforms the landscape into a pristine wonderland, though deep snows close access roads, giving the mountains their well-deserved rest. Spring emerges with dramatic flair, as warming days alternate with surprise storms, creating an ever-changing alpine theater.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: July 1 - October 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open and reservable July 1 - October 31. Closed outside of these dates.
About Patterson Guard Station
Step back in time at Patterson Guard Station, where a meticulously restored 1921 cabin stands as a testament to the early days of forest protection in Modoc National Forest. This charming historic retreat offers visitors a choice between the authentic rustic experience of staying in the original guard station cabin or setting up camp at one of six thoughtfully developed campsites nestled among the pines. Here, modern adventurers can experience the same sweeping mountain vistas that greeted forest rangers a century ago.
The Patterson Guard Station offers a historic and rustic cabin experience, with nearby developed campsites at the adjacent Patterson Campground.
Historical SignificanceFor six decades, Patterson Guard Station stood watch over these forests, serving as both fire lookout and ranger headquarters from its construction in 1921 until 1981. Forest Service personnel once climbed these same steps, scanned these same ridgelines for smoke, and documented the changing seasons in logbooks now yellowed with age. Following a thoughtful restoration completed in 2022, the station once again welcomes visitors, offering a tangible connection to the dedicated individuals who protected these wild lands for future generations.
Weather and SeasonsThe high country climate creates a perfect summer escape, with crystalline blue skies and refreshingly moderate temperatures that offer relief from valley heat. As autumn arrives, the weather becomes delightfully unpredictable, painting the aspens gold one day and dusting the peaks with early snow the next. Winter transforms the landscape into a pristine wonderland, though deep snows close access roads, giving the mountains their well-deserved rest. Spring emerges with dramatic flair, as warming days alternate with surprise storms, creating an ever-changing alpine theater.
ElevationPerched at 7,080 feet above sea level, Patterson Guard Station offers the rare gift of natural air conditioning during summer months, with temperatures often 15-20 degrees cooler than the valleys below. This lofty vantage point rewards visitors with panoramic views that stretch for miles, while the thin mountain air adds a crisp clarity to both daylight vistas and star-filled nights.
Natural Features and SceneryFrom its commanding position at 7,080 feet, Patterson Guard Station surveys a landscape that captures the essence of the American West. A verdant meadow spreads below like nature's welcome mat, framed by groves of quaking aspens that shimmer gold in autumn, stately firs that perfume the air with resin, and ancient pines that whisper stories of centuries past. The dramatic Warner Mountains rise to the west, their rugged peaks a stunning backdrop, while to the east, the vast expanse of Surprise Valley stretches toward the horizon, living up to its name with breathtaking sunrise displays.
Geological RegionThe Warner Mountains tell a story written in stone and lava, their volcanic origins evident in the dramatic peaks and ancient flows that define this corner of the basin and range province. This geological diversity creates a botanical wonderland where hardy Lodgepole and Ponderosa pines share slopes with aromatic juniper and silvery sagebrush in the drier exposures. Seek out the north-facing slopes and hidden ravines, and you'll discover cool sanctuaries where Douglas fir towers above understories of wildflowers, while groves of aspen mark the courses of hidden springs, their leaves creating nature's own percussion section in the mountain breeze.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityEntry into the guard station requires navigating two stairs to reach the back door and three stairs leading to the front door/porch. No specific accessibility features for individuals with disabilities are described.
Sites SizeThe cabin itself is small and accommodates up to four sleeping arrangements, with a maximum occupancy of eight persons. The nearby Patterson Campground offers additional space with 6 developed campsites.
Sites PrivacyThe guard station is described as remote, surrounded by a meadow and forest, offering significant privacy for visitors.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampers should consider the cabin as a base for South Warner Wilderness exploration. Campsites offer privacy and are near trailheads.
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2pm
Check-out
11am
Stay Limit
- Maximum of 7 consecutive nights
- maximum stay of 14 nights total per season.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum occupancy for the cabin is 8 people, though it sleeps only 4.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe cabin and campground are adjacent but separate. Six developed campsites are spaced for privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen and reservable July 1 - October 31. Closed outside of these dates.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo specific information available regarding walk-up availability.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations made fewer than 14 days before check-in forfeit the first night's fee and incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations or no-shows may incur additional penalties.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The Patterson Guard Station provides access to a range of outdoor activities including hiking, horseback riding, boating, and star gazing. The nearby South Warner Wilderness offers trails for solitude and exploration, while Blue Lake, 9 miles away, has facilities for boating and fishing.
Hiking
Visitors can hike the Summit Trail, which is located just a few footsteps from the guard station. The South Warner Wilderness, one-quarter mile away, offers a variety of trails with wild landscapes. Motorized equipment is not permitted in the wilderness area.Fishing
Fishing is available at Blue Lake, 9 miles west of the guard station. The lake features a fishing platform and supports motorized and non-motorized boats, though a 10 mph speed limit is enforced.Boating
Blue Lake, located 9 miles west, provides a boat ramp and dock for both motorized and non-motorized watercraft. Visitors are encouraged to follow the California Invasive Species Prevention Program to keep the lake clean.Wildlife viewing
The area surrounding the guard station is rich in natural features, including Aspen, Fir, and Pine trees, which attract diverse wildlife. Visitors may observe local flora and fauna during their stay.Winter Activities
Winter access to the guard station is not maintained, and the area may be inaccessible during snowy conditions.Water Sports
Blue Lake enables water-related sports and activities such as kayaking and canoeing, with both motorized and non-motorized options available.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed but must be contained in designated fire pits.
Hazards
General hazardsRemote location—no potable water on-site, potential for wildlife encounters, and unmaintained winter roads.
Weather at Patterson Guard Station
42
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 53%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 16 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
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Emergency Services
Nearest hospital and emergency services are located in Alturas, CA, approximately 18 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesJuly 1 - October 31.
Trash and recyclingNo specific trash or recycling facilities are mentioned. Visitors should plan to pack out all trash and recyclables to maintain the site's natural beauty.
Proximity to water featuresBlue Lake is 9 miles west, offering a boat ramp, dock, and fishing platform.
Campground Map
Patterson Guard Station, 225 W 8th St., Alturas, CA 96101
Driving directionsFrom Alturas, California, travel South on U.S. Highway 395 for 18 miles to the town of Likely and turn left (East) onto County Rd 64. Continue for 9 miles toward Jess Valley and stay right at the fork toward Blue Lake (Blue Lake Road). This road is not maintained for winter travel. The pavement ends in approximately 6.5 miles, and the road becomes Forest Road 39N01 (South Warner Road). Continue 7.5 miles and turn left (North) at the sign for Patterson Campground (Forest Road 39N28), stay left to reach Patterson Guard Station.
Road conditions vary; pavement ends 6.5 miles into the route, and the remaining stretch becomes unpaved Forest Road 39N01. This road is not winter-maintained, making access potentially challenging during snowy conditions.Nearby places
Likely, CA (9 miles, approx. 15 minutes)
Cedarville, CA (31 miles, approx. 45 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Likely, CA (9 miles) has basic services
Cedarville, CA (31 miles) offers restaurants, a grocery store, and shopping.
Reviews from booking and map sources
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Patterson Guard Station has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground has no available user reviews, making it difficult to gauge visitor sentiment or experiences.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
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Common Concerns
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
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Seasonal Insights
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Camper Quotes
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Site-Specific Reviews
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Accessibility Features
No accessibility-specific reviews are available.
Pet-Friendly Features
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Last updated December 7, 2025
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