Stough Reservoir Campground

4.67

14 reviews

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Summer Destination

Quick Facts

6,200 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Facilities open as w...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Modoc National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,200 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Facilities open as w...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Modoc National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Stough Reservoir Campground

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The fee is $15 per single campsite per day, with a maximum of 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

4.67

Top-Rated

Based on 14 reviews

11 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietclean

"User reviews highlight the campground's quiet atmosphere, scenic views, and abundant wildlife. Common themes include the manageable access for trailers, clean restrooms, and the reservoir's low water levels at times."

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Campground Map

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Stough Reservoir Campground

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Driving directionsFrom Alturas go north 5 miles on US Hwy 395 to Hwy 299. Turn east on Hwy 299 toward Cedarville and go approximately 13 miles to Forest Road 43N07. Turn north and the campground is 1 mile on the left.

The campground is accessible via a gravel road one mile off Hwy 299. "Small trailers and motorhomes will find access and turnarounds manageable."

Nearby places

Alturas (approximately 18 miles, including the drive along Hwy 395 and Hwy 299), Cedarville (approximately 14 miles)

Nearby supplies

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Best Time to Camp at Stough Reservoir Campground

From mid-May through late October, Stough Reservoir transforms into a high-altitude haven where summer temperatures remain refreshingly cool while the valleys below swelter. As winter approaches, the campground embraces its dormant season, with freezing temperatures and snow creating a pristine wilderness tableau. Spring's arrival brings the gradual awakening of the forest, making each season a unique chapter in the campground's annual story. Plan your visit during the operational months to experience the perfect blend of warm days and crisp, star-filled nights.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open mid‑May to late Oct; cool high‑elevation summers and available activities offer good summer visits.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Open into late October; quiet, scenic fall visits reported though limited specifics provided.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Camping season opens mid‑May; late spring OK but early spring access is limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Facilities usually closed in winter; reservoir freezes over and services not available.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Facilities open as weather permits; usually mid-May to late October.
Current Alerts: null

About Stough Reservoir Campground

Escape to the tranquil waters of Stough Reservoir Campground, where pine-scented breezes and mountain serenity await at 6,200 feet in the heart of Modoc National Forest. This hidden gem offers the perfect balance of accessibility and seclusion, with well-appointed campsites that showcase stunning reservoir views while maintaining a respectful distance from the shoreline. Thanks to regular stocking by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, anglers can cast their lines with confidence, while nature lovers revel in the peaceful mountain atmosphere that feels worlds away from the hustle of everyday life.

Stough Reservoir Campground accommodates a range of camping preferences, from tent camping to small motorhomes and trailers.

Historical SignificanceStough Reservoir holds a special place in the hearts of bird enthusiasts as Stop Number 4 on the prestigious Basin & Range Birding Trail. This designation celebrates the area's remarkable avian diversity and positions the campground as a crucial waypoint for both migrating species and dedicated birdwatchers following this renowned trail through California's dramatic landscape.

Weather and SeasonsFrom mid-May through late October, Stough Reservoir transforms into a high-altitude haven where summer temperatures remain refreshingly cool while the valleys below swelter. As winter approaches, the campground embraces its dormant season, with freezing temperatures and snow creating a pristine wilderness tableau. Spring's arrival brings the gradual awakening of the forest, making each season a unique chapter in the campground's annual story. Plan your visit during the operational months to experience the perfect blend of warm days and crisp, star-filled nights.

ElevationPerched at 6,200 feet above sea level, Stough Reservoir Campground serves as nature's air conditioning system. While the valleys on either side bake under the summer sun, this elevated sanctuary maintains temperatures that are often 15-20 degrees cooler, creating an alpine microclimate where wildflowers bloom later, mornings arrive crisp and dewy, and afternoon shade provides genuine relief rather than mere respite.

Natural Features and SceneryThe shimmering expanse of Stough Reservoir forms the centerpiece of this scenic campground, its waters reflecting the surrounding forest and sky in an ever-changing canvas of blues and greens. Beyond the postcard-worthy views, the area pulses with wildlife activity. Early risers might spot Prairie Falcons patrolling the thermals, while Rufous Hummingbirds dart between wildflowers with jewel-like precision. The distinctive gobble of Wild Turkeys echoes through the pines, adding to the symphony of nature that makes this birding hotspot a paradise for wildlife photographers and casual observers alike.

Geological RegionNestled within the diverse ecosystem of Modoc National Forest, this 6,200-foot perch occupies a unique position in California's Basin and Range Province. The dramatic topography creates natural climate zones that shift dramatically with elevation, making Stough Reservoir a cool mountain oasis when compared to the arid valleys below. As Stop Number 4 on the Basin & Range Birding Trail, the campground sits at the intersection of multiple habitats, where montane forests meet open water, creating the ecological diversity that draws both wildlife and those who seek to observe it.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

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Check-out

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Stay Limit

Camping limit 14 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 2 vehicles per site.

Groups

No specific group camping details are provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampsites are away from the shore of the reservoir. "The rest were great for tent spots or cab-over campers.

Reservation Platformsnull

Walk-in Availabilitynull

Cancellation Policynull

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the source materials.

Site SizeThe sites are noted as manageable for small trailers and motorhomes, with some sites better suited for tent camping or cab-over campers.

PrivacySites sit away from the reservoir shore, offering views of the water. User reviews also suggest that certain sites have a higher level of privacy, such as the 'backside' site mentioned for its private view.

Recommended SitesGet campsite on backside for a private view of the Bear kissing the Honeypot rock formation.

Amenities available

Potable water

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Stough Reservoir Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Activities include fishing in the small but stocked reservoir, non-motorized boating, and bird watching along the Basin & Range Birding Trail. Wildlife is abundant, with reports of Prairie Falcons, Rufous Hummingbirds, Wild Turkeys, and even Ospreys snagging fish from the reservoir.

FishingThe reservoir is stocked by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. User reviews highlight its low water levels at times but note clear water and abundant wildlife.

BoatingNon-motorized boating is listed as an activity at the reservoir, providing a peaceful experience.

Wildlife viewingWildlife is abundant, as noted by user reviews: 'The lady ducks are really nice as well, and the Osprey snagging fish out of the tiny reservoir tops off the experience.'

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alertsnull

Active Alertsnull

Weather at Stough Reservoir Campground

Reviews

4.7

14 reviews

Top-Rated

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

User reviews highlight the campground's quiet atmosphere, scenic views, and abundant wildlife. Common themes include the manageable access for trailers, clean restrooms, and the reservoir's low water levels at times.

Review Summaries

Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the campground for its tranquility, cleanliness, and rich wildlife. One review states: 'Nice little quiet campground in a beautiful part of the Modoc National Forest.' Another mentions:...

Based on 14 reviews

Common Concerns

Some reviews mention low water levels in the reservoir, leading to dead fish and weedy conditions: 'The reservoir was really low so there was lots of dead fish.'

Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors suggest choosing sites on the 'backside' for private views. The area is also suitable for bird watching, so bringing binoculars and a camera is recommended.

Based on 14 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open from mid-May to late October. Winter visits reveal a frozen-over reservoir, described as 'beautiful.' Summer reviews mention the relief from valley heat due to the 6,200 ft...

Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Bathrooms clean. Quiet and gorgeous!!' 2. 'We lived our stay here! The reservoir was really low so there was lots of dead fish, but the water was so clear and the wildlife was abundant!' 3. 'Nice...

Based on 14 reviews