How much does camping cost at Payne Springs Campground?

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

Is Payne Springs Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Payne Springs Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. "No fee" and no reservation system suggest first-come-first-served policy; however, no explicit confirmation.

What is the best time to visit Payne Springs Campground?

Payne Springs Campground is open Facilities open as weather permits; usually 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 Payne Springs Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Payne Springs Campground?

Fire policies at Payne Springs Campground: Campfires allowed but require extra water brought by visitors to extinguish.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Payne Springs Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Payne Springs 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 Payne Springs Campground?

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

Payne Springs Campground

4 reviews

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds California

Quick Facts

6,486 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Facilities open as w...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,486 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Facilities open as w...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Payne Springs Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Official sources confirm "No fee" for this campground.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Payne Springs Campground

41.5547, -121.5608

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 24 miles toward Medicine Lake. Turn right on 43N17 and follow the signs to Blanche Lake, Bullseye and Payne Springs. From Tulelake travel south 24 miles on State Hwy 139 to County Road 97. Turn west on County Road 97 past Tionesta and go approx. 22 miles to Forest Service Road 43N75. Turn left on Road 43N75 and go 1.8 miles to Forest Service Road 43N17. Turn left and follow the signs to the campground.

"Fair road conditions" mentioned in official sources. No explicit seasonal closures for roads, but accessibility during winter conditions is explicitly discouraged.

Weather at Payne Springs Campground

Current alert: "It is not recommended to access this area by vehicle for your safety due to winter conditions."

Best Time to Camp at Payne Springs Campground

July through October provide the most reliable access at this elevation. Summer daytime highs reach 60–80°F, with nights dropping to the 30s–40s°F. Snow blankets the highlands in winter, making the campground inaccessible. Clear skies and low humidity characterize the summer camping season. Crowds stay moderate except on holiday weekends.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

July–October is prime access; summer days 60–80°F with good access and mild weather.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Facilities open as weather permits; usually early July to late October.

About Payne Springs Campground

Payne Springs Campground sits at 6,486 feet in the Medicine Lake Highlands, a volcanic field spanning over 900 square miles in the Modoc National Forest. The campground is positioned along the Modoc Volcanic Scenic Byway, with Lava Beds National Monument nearby. Sites are primitive with fire rings and picnic tables.

Payne Springs Campground is primarily intended for primitive camping with minimal facilities. There are no fees for using the campground.

Weather and SeasonsJuly through October provide the most reliable access at this elevation. Summer daytime highs reach 60–80°F, with nights dropping to the 30s–40s°F. Snow blankets the highlands in winter, making the campground inaccessible. Clear skies and low humidity characterize the summer camping season. Crowds stay moderate except on holiday weekends.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Medicine Lake Highlands showcase some of the youngest and most diverse volcanic features in the Cascade Range. Cinder cones, lava flows, and volcanic peaks define the terrain. Pine forests grow between volcanic formations. The landscape extends from surface features to underground lava tubes. Bullseye Lake, mentioned in reviews for its rainbow trout fishing, sits in the area.

Geological RegionPayne Springs sits at the crossroads of geological wonder, where the Medicine Lake Highlands showcase some of the youngest and most diverse volcanic features in the Cascade Range. This unique location along the Modoc Volcanic Scenic Byway puts campers at the epicenter of a volcanic field that spans over 900 square miles. The nearby Lava Beds National Monument extends this geological playground underground, creating a comprehensive volcanic experience that ranges from towering peaks to subterranean passages, all formed by the same powerful forces that continue to shape this dynamic landscape.

Scenic ViewsViews of Medicine Lake Highlands and adjacent geological landmarks. Picnic tables and fire pits available at each site.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo information about lodging or accommodations is provided.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Camping limit 14 days.

Groups

No group camping details are provided.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites include picnic tables and fire rings. No specific layout details are available.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo fee" and no reservation system suggest first-come-first-served policy; however, no explicit confirmation.

Site SizeNo specific details about the sizes of campsites are provided.

PrivacyNo details about privacy levels at the campsites are mentioned.

Amenities available

Payne Springs Campground offers picnic tables and fire pits at each site. However, there is no potable water or garbage service available. According to official information, 'There is no drinking water,' and visitors must bring their own water for drinking, cooking, and washing. Restrooms are available. The campground is accessible via roads described as 'fair road conditions getting to the sites.'

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The primary activity mentioned is picnicking. The campground's location near Medicine Lake Highlands, Modoc Volcanic Scenic Byway, and Lava Beds National Monument also offers opportunities to explore geological and historical attractions.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"No potable water available" and no trash service provided. Winter conditions make access potentially hazardous. Campfires require extra water for safety.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

4 reviews

Limited Reviews

Payne Springs Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

No user reviews explicitly describe Payne Springs Campground, but one user mentions nearby Bullseye Lake and praises the 'rainbow trout fishing.'

Review Summaries

Based on 4 reviews

What Campers Love

No direct positive highlights are available for Payne Springs Campground, but the user review suggests nearby fishing opportunities are 'off the hook.'

Based on 4 reviews

Common Concerns

No user complaints are specifically mentioned about Payne Springs Campground.

Based on 4 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific sites at Payne Springs Campground are reviewed.

Based on 4 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water for all uses as there is no potable water on-site. Also, ensure you pack out all your trash and dog waste.

Based on 4 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is typically open from early July to late October as weather permits. Winter conditions are noted as unsafe for vehicular access.

Based on 4 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'I didn't go to Payne Springs Campground. BUT I did go to Bullseye Lake off of the same road, for some off-the-hook rainbow trout fishing.'

Based on 4 reviews

Accessibility Features

No accessibility-related reviews are provided.

Based on 4 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. Visitors are reminded to clean up after their pets.

Based on 4 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Anglers and geology-curious campers who self-supply water and want a free basecamp for Bullseye Lake's rainbow trout fishing and the lava tube caves at Lava Beds National Monument. Nights drop to the 30s°F even in summer, so bring layers.

Skip if

No potable water on-site at all, and the access roads are rated only 'fair', if your rig or your kit isn't ready for a dry, dusty high-elevation approach, this first-come-first-served spot will punish under-preparation fast.

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Campgrounds

Modoc National Forest

Payne Springs Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Payne Springs Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Located in the scenic Medicine Lake Highlands, Payne Springs is surrounded by many attractions. This campground is adjacent to the Modoc Volcanic Scenic Byway and the Lava Beds National Monument is located near by. It is a great place to visit and learn about the local geology and history. There is no drinking water. There are picnic tables and fire pits at each site with fair road conditions getting to the sites.</p>

Open Season: Facilities open as weather permits; usually early July to late October.