Payne Springs Campground

P.O. Box 1620, McCloud, CA, 96057, USA

Tucked away in the heart of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Camp 4 Group Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience along the pristine Upper McCloud River. This secluded group site beckons adventurers seeking a back-to-basics camping experience, where towering pines whisper overhead and the river's gentle melody provides nature's soundtrack. Perfect for family reunions, scout troops, or friends gathering under the stars, this primitive campground serves as your gateway to exploring one of Northern California's most spectacular river corridors.

P.O. BOX 1620

Perched high above the volcanic wonderland of Medicine Lake Highlands, Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This charming 14x14 wooden cabin, weathered by nearly a century of mountain seasons since its 1920s construction, serves as your window to some of California's most spectacular volcanic scenery. From this lofty outpost, the giants of the Cascade Range reveal themselves in stunning clarity—Mt. Shasta's snow-capped majesty to the west, Mt. Lassen's volcanic dome to the south, and Oregon's Mt. McLoughlin piercing the northern horizon. True to its rustic heritage, the lookout embraces simplicity: no running water, electricity, or modern conveniences disturb the profound connection with nature. Visitors should come prepared with all necessary supplies and note that the final 4-mile stretch of access road presents a rugged challenge unsuitable for RVs and trailers.

P.O. Box 1240, Tulelake, CA, 96134, USA

Nestled within the dramatic volcanic landscape of Lava Beds National Monument, Indian Well Campground serves as your gateway to an otherworldly adventure. This intimate 43-site campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, welcoming everyone from solo tent campers to families with small trailers and motorhomes up to 30 feet. Each thoughtfully spaced site comes equipped with its own picnic table, fire ring, and cooking grill, creating the perfect basecamp for exploring the monument's mysterious lava tube caves and rugged terrain. While the campground accommodates various camping styles, those with larger motorhomes should note that some sites are better suited for tent camping and smaller rigs.

PO Box 1620

Discover your perfect basecamp at Fowlers Campground, where the gentle shade of mixed conifers and ancient oaks creates a natural sanctuary on Mt. Shasta's eastern slopes. This thoughtfully designed campground offers modern comforts with paved parking spurs, fresh running water, and clean vault restrooms, all while maintaining its authentic connection to the wilderness. Just minutes away, the legendary McCloud River cascades through a series of spectacular waterfalls, drawing adventurers and nature lovers to this coveted destination where mountain majesty meets riverside serenity.

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

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.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Gather your favorite people at Camp 4 Group Campsite, where up to 35 adventurers can create lasting memories together in the heart of nature. This thoughtfully developed campground welcomes groups with everything needed for the perfect outdoor gathering – spacious picnic tables for shared meals under towering trees, crackling fire pits for evening storytelling, convenient vault toilets, and regular garbage collection that lets you focus on what matters most: quality time with friends and family.

2019 Forest Road McCloud, CA 96057

Nestled at 3,700 feet in the pristine Upper McCloud River valley, Cattle Camp Campground beckons adventurers with 27 thoughtfully arranged campsites amid towering mixed conifers. Each site comes equipped with sturdy tables and fire rings for evening gatherings, while modern vault toilets and fresh piped water ensure comfort in the wilderness. Families and friends traveling together will appreciate the spacious double sites, perfect for creating basecamp memories. Days here unfold along 15 miles of riverside trails, where crystal-clear swimming holes offer refreshing dips and hidden waterfalls reward those who explore. Whether you're casting a line for elusive trout or simply soaking in the forest serenity, this riverside retreat promises an authentic Northern California camping experience.

Modoc National Forest

Tucked away in the serene wilderness just southeast of Medicine Lake, Blanche Lake Campground offers adventurers a peaceful retreat from the crowds. This hidden gem provides the perfect balance of accessibility and seclusion, where the only sounds you'll hear are rustling pine needles and gentle lapping waves. The campground features essential vault toilet facilities, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature without sacrificing basic comforts.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Klamath National Forest

Nestled beside pristine meadows and the gentle waters of Butte Creek, Shafter Campground offers an intimate escape into nature's embrace. Here, towering Ponderosa pines and ancient junipers create a natural cathedral, while lucky campers at select sites wake to breathtaking views of Mt. Shasta's snow-crowned summit piercing the morning sky. Each thoughtfully spaced campsite ensures peaceful solitude, complete with traditional lantern posts that cast a warm glow as evening falls. The final 5-mile approach along a gravel road heightens the sense of adventure, leading you to this hidden gem at 4,300 feet. As you settle into this wild sanctuary, remember you're sharing the landscape with its original inhabitants—proper bear safety practices are essential. Pack your water supplies, as this primitive paradise operates without potable water, offering instead the authentic wilderness experience that draws adventurers seeking genuine connection with the untamed beauty of Northern California.

2019 Forest Road McCloud, CA 96057

Tucked away along the pristine Upper McCloud River, Algoma Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape for those seeking solitude and simplicity. This intimate, undeveloped gem features just 8 dispersed sites where the gentle murmur of the river provides nature's soundtrack. As the northern terminus of the spectacular 15-mile McCloud River Trail, Algoma rewards hikers and adventurers with a peaceful riverside haven. While amenities are purposefully minimal—just a vault toilet graces this rustic retreat—the absence of crowds and the presence of untamed natural beauty more than compensate. Bring your own water and camping essentials to fully embrace this back-to-basics experience.

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Tucked away just a mile from Headquarters Campground, Schonchin Springs offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking solitude in the Medicine Lake area. This hidden gem serves as a tranquil overflow option when neighboring campgrounds reach capacity, providing visitors with an intimate connection to the pristine wilderness. Here, the sounds of nature replace the bustle of busier sites, creating an ideal setting for campers who prefer a more secluded outdoor experience.

Klamath National Forest

Discover a hidden gem where campers' stories come alive beneath towering pines and starlit skies. This beloved destination has earned its reputation through countless testimonials from visitors who've found their perfect outdoor escape among these pristine wilderness acres.

Klamath National Forest

Klamath National Forest

Modoc National Forest

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

P.O. Box 1240, Tulelake, CA, 96134, USA

P.O. BOX 1620

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Bishop Creek, South Lake Road, near Four Jeffrey Campground, CA

Escape to Mountain Glen Campground, where just five secluded sites await beneath a canopy of quaking aspens and graceful willows. This hidden gem along the melodic waters of Bishop Creek offers the perfect basecamp for tomorrow's alpine adventure or a tranquil week-long retreat from the demands of modern life. Here, intimacy meets wilderness, creating an atmosphere where every camper becomes part of the mountain's quiet rhythm.

1 Visitor Center Dr Lee Vining, CA 93541

Tucked into a scenic bend along the melodious Lee Vining Creek, Big Bend Campground invites adventurers to claim one of its 17 intimate campsites within the majestic Inyo National Forest. This hidden gem serves as the perfect basecamp for those drawn to both Yosemite's stunning Tuolumne Meadows entrance and the otherworldly landscapes of Mono Basin Scenic Area. Each site comes equipped with essential amenities including vault toilets, fresh potable water, and bear-proof food storage lockers to ensure both comfort and wildlife safety during your stay.

INYO, CA, USA

Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Sierra, Big Pine Canyon offers adventurers a gateway to some of California's most dramatic alpine wilderness. This stunning canyon serves as your basecamp for exploring ancient glaciers, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and towering granite peaks that pierce the sky at over 14,000 feet. Whether you're seeking challenging mountaineering routes or peaceful streamside camping, Big Pine Canyon delivers an authentic High Sierra experience that will leave you breathless—both from the altitude and the sheer beauty surrounding you.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Gather your favorite people at Camp 4 Group Campsite, where up to 35 adventurers can create lasting memories together in the heart of nature. This thoughtfully developed campground welcomes groups with everything needed for the perfect outdoor gathering – spacious picnic tables for shared meals under towering trees, crackling fire pits for evening storytelling, convenient vault toilets, and regular garbage collection that lets you focus on what matters most: quality time with friends and family.

Six Rivers National Forest

Tucked away in the vast wilderness of Six Rivers National Forest, Bailey Canyon Campground offers an authentic back-to-nature experience for those seeking solitude and simplicity. This hidden gem provides all the essentials for a comfortable stay, including vault toilets and fresh drinking water, while each thoughtfully arranged campsite comes complete with a sturdy table for meals under the stars and a campfire ring where stories and s'mores come to life after dark.

13652 Highway 79 Julian, CA 92036

Saddle up for an unforgettable equestrian adventure at Los Vaqueros Group Horse Campground, where the spirit of the Old West meets modern camping comfort. This specialized horse-friendly retreat beckons riders and their four-legged companions with direct access to the legendary California Riding and Hiking Trail. Well-appointed horse corrals ensure your equine partners rest as comfortably as you do, making this the perfect basecamp for exploring miles of scenic trails that wind through California's stunning backcountry.

Eldorado National Forest

Tucked away in the heart of Eldorado National Forest, Northwind Campground beckons those seeking solitude amid towering pines and whispering aspens. This hidden gem rewards visitors who venture off the beaten path with pristine natural beauty and the kind of peaceful atmosphere that's increasingly rare in today's busy world. The smooth paved roads leading to this intimate campground make it an accessible retreat where the only sounds you'll hear are birdsong and wind through the trees.

Sequoia National Forest

Perched at an impressive 7,800 feet elevation, this mountain retreat features 73 thoughtfully designed campsites nestled among towering pines and crisp mountain air. The campground welcomes RVs up to 24 feet, with each site featuring a paved parking spur for easy setup and bear-proof storage boxes for peace of mind. Adventure seekers will love the direct access to thrilling OHV trails right from camp, while fresh drinking water is available throughout the season. Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping off-road adventures or simply yearning to wake up above the clouds, this high-elevation haven offers the perfect basecamp for your mountain escape.

Sequoia National Forest

Rail Creek Rd, Klamath National Forest, California

Escape to the pristine wilderness of Kangaroo Lake Campground, where 18 thoughtfully placed sites await at 6,100 feet among towering conifers and fragrant manzanita. Choose from 13 convenient drive-in sites or venture to one of 5 secluded walk-in tent sites for a more intimate connection with nature. The crown jewel is the crystal-clear, 25-acre lake that plunges to depths of 110 feet—a tranquil haven for paddlers and anglers pursuing rainbow trout in its cool waters. A gentle, quarter-mile paved trail winds through the forest to the lake's edge, making this mountain paradise accessible to all. As you settle into this bear country sanctuary, proper food storage becomes part of the authentic wilderness experience under star-filled skies.