How much does camping cost at Schonchin Springs Campground?

Camping fees at Schonchin Springs Campground range from $10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

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

Schonchin Springs Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. null

What is the best time to visit Schonchin Springs Campground?

Schonchin Springs Campground is open null. 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 Schonchin Springs Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Schonchin Springs Campground?

Fire policies at Schonchin Springs Campground: Campfires must be extinguished daily using brought water.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Schonchin Springs Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Schonchin 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 Schonchin Springs Campground?

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

Schonchin Springs Campground

4 reviews

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Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds California

Quick Facts

6,772 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Facilities open as w...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,772 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Facilities open as w...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Schonchin Springs Campground

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The fee for using a single campsite is $10 per night. There are no additional fees for water or garbage service, as these amenities are not provided.

Standard Site Fee$10.00

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Campground Map

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Schonchin Springs Campground

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Nearby places

McCloud (16 miles, approximately 30 minutes)

Nearby supplies

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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. Drive past the entrance to Headquarters Campground and take the first right and then the first left. Continue on approximately 1/2 mile to the campground.

The area is not recommended to access by vehicle during winter conditions. Roads to Schonchin Springs Campground include paved and gravel roads, with the final stretch requiring navigation on Forest Service roads.

Weather at Schonchin Springs Campground

Current alert: Currently, vehicle access is not recommended due to winter conditions. No water or trash service available.

Best Time to Camp at Schonchin Springs Campground

Summer delivers the most reliable access and comfortable conditions. From early July through September, expect daytime highs around 60–75°F with cool nights dropping into the 30s–40s at this elevation. The campground becomes fully accessible during these months, with long daylight hours supporting extended hiking and stargazing sessions. Holiday weekends see increased visitation, though Schonchin Springs maintains a quieter atmosphere than neighboring sites. Heavy snowfall typically closes access roads outside the summer window.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open and most reliable access early July–Sept; comfortable days (60–75°F) and cool nights.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Facilities open as weather permits, usually early July to late October.

About Schonchin Springs Campground

Schonchin Springs sits a mile from Headquarters Campground in Modoc National Forest, serving as a quiet overflow option when other Medicine Lake sites fill up. The campground charges $10 per night and sits at 6,772 feet elevation. Reviewers consistently describe it as more secluded than neighboring campgrounds, making it a solid choice for campers who value solitude over amenities.

Schonchin Springs Campground provides basic camping facilities suitable for a quieter and more secluded camping experience. It is primarily used as an overflow site for Medicine Lake's other campgrounds.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the most reliable access and comfortable conditions. From early July through September, expect daytime highs around 60–75°F with cool nights dropping into the 30s–40s at this elevation. The campground becomes fully accessible during these months, with long daylight hours supporting extended hiking and stargazing sessions. Holiday weekends see increased visitation, though Schonchin Springs maintains a quieter atmosphere than neighboring sites. Heavy snowfall typically closes access roads outside the summer window.

Elevationnull

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies volcanic terrain shaped by the Medicine Lake shield volcano caldera. Ancient lava flows create distinctive geological formations across the landscape, while conifers provide shade throughout the forested setting. This area sits within the southern Cascades, where the volcanic geology produces terrain that feels distinct from typical Sierra or Coast Range forests. The surrounding lava beds and volcanic features draw geology enthusiasts and photographers looking for unusual landforms.

Geological RegionSituated within the remarkable Modoc National Forest, Schonchin Springs sits at the heart of one of California's most fascinating volcanic regions. The nearby Medicine Lake, actually a large shield volcano caldera, anchors this geologically active landscape where ancient lava flows have created a terrain unlike anywhere else in the state. This unique setting offers campers the rare opportunity to explore a volcanic wonderland while enjoying the forested beauty of the southern Cascades.

Scenic ViewsProximity to Medicine Lake provides scenic views of the volcanic terrain and forest.

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Stay Limit

Camping limit 14 days.

Amenities available

Potable water is not available at this site. Restrooms are not available at this site.

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWinter conditions pose safety challenges for vehicle access. Lack of water and garbage services require campers to be self-sufficient.

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

4 reviews

Limited Reviews

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

The campground seems to receive minimal attention in user reviews, likely due to its modest facilities and role as an overflow site. Positive sentiments emphasize its quiet and secluded nature.

Review Summaries

Based on 4 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground's secluded and quieter setting compared to other Medicine Lake campgrounds is its main highlight.

Based on 4 reviews

Common Concerns

The lack of potable water, restrooms, and trash services are the most commonly noted drawbacks.

Based on 4 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors are strongly advised to bring sufficient water for drinking, cooking, washing, and extinguishing campfires, as well as to pack out all trash and pet waste.

Based on 4 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open from early July to late October. Visitors should note that winter conditions may make the site inaccessible by vehicle during off-season months.

Based on 4 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed on leashes, and visitors are reminded to clean up after their pets.

Based on 4 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Self-sufficient car campers who want Medicine Lake access without the crowds at Headquarters Campground. Bring all your water and pack everything out, and you'll have a genuinely quiet site in unusual volcanic terrain for just $10.

Skip if

No toilets of any kind and zero water on-site rules this out for anyone who didn't plan for full pack-in/pack-out camping. Roads are currently closed due to winter conditions, so this is a summer-only destination in practice.

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Campgrounds

Modoc National Forest

Schonchin Springs Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

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

Overview

<p>This little campground is approximately 1 mile from the Headquarters Campground and gets most of its use when the four other Medicine Lake Campgrounds are full. If you are looking for close proximity to the lake but would prefer a quiet, more secluded environment, try Schonchin Springs Campground.</p>

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