Pepperdine Campground

5.00

9 reviews

Quick Facts

6,800 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open seasonally, typ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Doublehead Ranger District, Modoc National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,800 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open seasonally, typ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Doublehead Ranger District, Modoc National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Pepperdine Campground

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$15 per single campsite per day, allowing up to 2 vehicles per site.

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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What Campers Say

5.00

Top-Rated

Based on 9 reviews

4 Google reviews

Most mentioned

shade

"The campground has been appreciated for its serene surroundings, proximity to trails, and suitability for equestrian activities. However, the rough access road and lack of potable water are noted as challenges."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Pepperdine Campground

41.4503, -120.2408

Driving directionsFrom Alturas, head east 13 miles on County Road 56 to the Modoc National Forest Boundary. The number changes to Forest Service Road 31/ Parker Creek Road. Continue 6 miles on Road 31 to the campground entrance road on the right.

The last stretch of the access road is a rough, gravel single-lane road with a few wide stretches. The road conditions could be challenging for low-clearance vehicles.

Nearby places

Alturas: approximately 19 miles, 35-40 minutes drive

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies, including groceries and fuel, are in Alturas, approximately 19 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Pepperdine Campground

From early July through late October, Pepperdine Campground welcomes visitors to experience the best of high-country camping. Summer brings warm days perfect for trail riding and hiking, while crisp mornings remind you of the elevation. As autumn approaches, the mild temperatures create ideal conditions for outdoor adventures, with cooler evenings perfect for gathering around the campfire. The seasonal window ensures you'll enjoy the wilderness at its most accessible and inviting.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open early July–late Oct; summer brings warm days ideal for hiking and trail riding (peak season).

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Open into late October with crisp conditions; scenic but seasonal window is narrowing.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Typically closed until early July; spring access limited by snow/seasonality.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Closed/blocked in winter due to snow; reviews note access is cut by snow.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Early July to late October. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally, typically early July to late October, weather permitting.

About Pepperdine Campground

Nestled at the gateway to the South Warner Wilderness, Pepperdine Campground offers three distinct camping experiences in one remarkable location. Equestrian enthusiasts will discover a dedicated horse camp complete with convenient stock water and pole stalls at select sites. The trailhead staging area beckons adventurers with ample parking and corrals, serving as your launching point into the wilderness. For those seeking a more intimate experience, a cozy family camping loop awaits beneath a canopy of ancient fir trees. As a pack-it-in, pack-it-out facility, Pepperdine encourages visitors to embrace Leave No Trace principles while immersing themselves in this pristine mountain environment.

Pepperdine Campground offers a range of camping types, including family camping and equestrian camping, catering to different visitor needs.

Historical SignificancePepperdine Campground carries forward a rich legacy as both a cherished family retreat and essential horse camp. For generations, this site has served as a vital staging ground for wilderness expeditions and a peaceful haven for families seeking connection with nature. The enduring tradition of equestrian use has shaped the campground's character, creating a unique blend of rustic charm and practical amenities that honor its historical roots while serving modern adventurers.

Weather and SeasonsFrom early July through late October, Pepperdine Campground welcomes visitors to experience the best of high-country camping. Summer brings warm days perfect for trail riding and hiking, while crisp mornings remind you of the elevation. As autumn approaches, the mild temperatures create ideal conditions for outdoor adventures, with cooler evenings perfect for gathering around the campfire. The seasonal window ensures you'll enjoy the wilderness at its most accessible and inviting.

ElevationPerched at 6,800 feet above sea level, Pepperdine Campground offers a refreshing escape from summer heat. This mountain elevation creates a unique microclimate where temperatures drop 15-20 degrees from the valleys below, providing naturally air-conditioned camping. The high-altitude setting supports a fascinating array of mountain flora and fauna, from resilient wildflowers to wildlife adapted to the thinner air. Each breath of crisp mountain air reminds you that you've entered a special realm above the everyday world.

Natural Features and SceneryTowering fir trees create a natural cathedral throughout Pepperdine Campground, their ancient boughs providing welcome shade and shelter. The proximity to the Summit Trail transforms every stay into a potential adventure, with breathtaking vistas of the South Warner Wilderness just a hike away. Whether you're sipping morning coffee beneath the forest canopy or returning from a day on the trail, the campground's serene setting offers a perfect balance of accessibility and wilderness immersion. The interplay of dappled sunlight through the firs and distant mountain views creates an ever-changing tableau of natural beauty.

Geological RegionPepperdine Campground sits within the dramatic landscape of the South Warner Wilderness, a hidden gem in the expansive Modoc National Forest. This rugged wilderness region showcases nature's artistry through ancient volcanic peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and dense fir forests that have stood sentinel for centuries. The famous Summit Trail winds through this geological wonderland, revealing the area's volcanic past and offering access to some of California's most unspoiled backcountry. Here, where the Great Basin meets the Cascade Range, you'll discover a unique convergence of ecosystems that makes every exploration a lesson in natural history.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Camping limit up to 14 days

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 2 vehicles per site

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground has three distinct sections: equestrian camp, trailhead staging area, and a small family loop under fir trees.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations available; first-come, first-served only.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served, no reservable sites.

AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available in the equestrian section.

Site SizeThe parking aprons for the equestrian section are approximately 18' x 50', while the family camping section features parking aprons of about 11' x 40'.

PrivacyThe family camping section provides privacy under old fir trees, while the equestrian camp has younger fir trees and more sun exposure.

Total Campsites14 campsites

Recommended SitesFamily camping areas under old firs offer shade and serenity. Equestrian sites are closer to stock water and pole stalls.

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a mix of activities including hiking, picnicking, and backpacking. Equestrian activities are specifically supported in designated areas.

HikingThe Summit Trail, which is 1.5 miles and supports both foot and horse travel, starts from the campground and connects to a network of trails in the South Warner Wilderness.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRough access roads and potential wildlife encounters are considerations for campers.

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

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

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted in designated areas only. A California Campfire Permit is required for fires outside the campground.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are in Alturas, which has a hospital, police station, and fire department.

Trash & RecyclingThe campground follows a 'pack it in, pack it out' policy, meaning campers must take their trash and recycling with them when they leave.

Weather at Pepperdine Campground

Reviews

5.0

9 reviews

Top-Rated

Pepperdine Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground has been appreciated for its serene surroundings, proximity to trails, and suitability for equestrian activities. However, the rough access road and lack of potable water are noted as challenges.

Review Summaries

Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

"Beautiful campground. Short hike to the falls. Great experience." - Kevin McMahon. The shaded family camping section and the dedicated equestrian facilities are also frequently mentioned as...

Based on 9 reviews

Common Concerns

The gravel access road is rough and single-lane, making it difficult for some vehicles. The lack of potable water on-site is another commonly cited downside.

Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water as potable water is not available. Be prepared for the rough gravel road to access the campground. Consider obtaining a California Campfire Permit if you plan to use a stove or...

Based on 9 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews highlight the campground's accessibility and appeal during the open season from June to September. The rough road and lack of water are consistent concerns across seasons.

Based on 9 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful campground. Short hike to the falls. Great experience." - Kevin McMahon

Based on 9 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The equestrian camping section is appreciated for its stock water availability and pole stalls. The family camping section under old firs is noted for its shade.

Based on 9 reviews