Medicine Lake Recreation Area
Campground · California · 75 bookable sites ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Modoc National Forest (NF) · Open Access
- 75
- Bookable sites
- 75 ft
- Max rig length
- up to 10
- People per site
- 6,792 ft
- Elevation
Overview
The popular Medicine Lake Recreation Area and adjacent Medicine Lake are located in the Medicine Lake Highlands in northeastern California. The Recreation Area is located in the Modoc National Forest at an elevation of 6,770 feet.Recreation
The Medicine Lake Recreation Area offers camping, boating, fishing and swimming. The adjacent Day Use Areas accommodate boating with a concrete boat ramp and dock. Swimming is available in a designated swimming area next to the Picnic Area. Hiking and mountain biking are available on trails originating in the Recreation Area. The longest of these trails is the trail up Little Mt Hoffman.Facilities
The Medicine Lake Recreation Area is comprised of five campgrounds; Medicine, A.H. Hogue, Hemlock, Headquarters, and Schonchin Springs Campgrounds. Nearby the campgrounds are Picnic Area and Boat Launch sites. Campsites vary between somewhat rugged with limited parking space to larger areas suitable for recreation vehicles. Facilities include vault toilets, water hydrants and garbage dumpsters. Campsites include a picnic table, fire ring and a barbeque grill. There are a total of 86 campsites throughout the five campgrounds. Fifteen of these sites are available for advanced reservations and located within the Medicine and A.H. Hogue Campgrounds. Schonchin Springs is the only campground without water.
Natural Features
Medicine Lake Recreation Area is nestled along Medicine Lake and mostly sheltered by mature lodgepole pine trees but can be windy at times. The Recreation Area lies adjacent to the Medicine Lake Lava Flow which is accessible by a short hike. The Glass Mtn. and Burnt Lava Flow Geologic Areas are located within a 15-minute drive.Nearby Attractions
Nearby are a few other federal sites with interesting features. The Lava Beds National Monument is located within a half-hour drive and includes lava caves and tubes. The Tulelake National Wildlife Refuge is located within an hour's drive where many types of migratory waterfowl can be viewed.The facts
- Season: Traditionally open from July 1st - October — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
- 75 bookable sites
- Vehicles up to 75 ft
- Up to 10 people per site
- Loops: A.H. Hogue Campground, Headquarters Campground, Hemlock Campground, Medicine Campground
Site types
- 75 Standard Nonelectric
Amenities
- Campfires allowed
- Fire pits
- Picnic tables
- Shade
- Pets allowed
Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, grills.
75 campsites at Medicine Lake Recreation Area
Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Grade | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 033 | A.H. Hogue Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 034 | A.H. Hogue Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 035 | A.H. Hogue Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 036 | A.H. Hogue Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 037 | A.H. Hogue Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 038 | A.H. Hogue Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | 50 ft | 10 | 🐾 |
| 039 | A.H. Hogue Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | 40 ft | 10 | 🐾 |
| 040 | A.H. Hogue Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 041 | A.H. Hogue Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 042 | A.H. Hogue Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | 75 ft | 10 | 🐾 |
| 043 | A.H. Hogue Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 044 | A.H. Hogue Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 045 | A.H. Hogue Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 046 | A.H. Hogue Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 047 | A.H. Hogue Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | 15 ft | 10 | 🐾 |
| 048 | A.H. Hogue Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | 15 ft | 10 | 🐾 |
| 049 | A.H. Hogue Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 050 | A.H. Hogue Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 051 | A.H. Hogue Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | 15 ft | 10 | 🐾 |
| 052 | A.H. Hogue Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | 45 ft | 10 | 🐾 |
| 053 | A.H. Hogue Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 054 | A.H. Hogue Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 055 | A.H. Hogue Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 056 | A.H. Hogue Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | 75 ft | 10 | 🐾 |
| 001 | Headquarters Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 002 | Headquarters Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 003 | Headquarters Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 004 | Headquarters Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 005 | Headquarters Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 006 | Headquarters Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 007 | Headquarters Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 008 | Headquarters Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 009 | Headquarters Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 010 | Headquarters Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 057 | Hemlock Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 058 | Hemlock Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 059 | Hemlock Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 060 | Hemlock Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 061 | Hemlock Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 062 | Hemlock Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 063 | Hemlock Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 064 | Hemlock Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 065 | Hemlock Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 066 | Hemlock Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 067 | Hemlock Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 068 | Hemlock Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 069 | Hemlock Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 070 | Hemlock Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 071 | Hemlock Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 072 | Hemlock Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 073 | Hemlock Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 074 | Hemlock Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 075 | Hemlock Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 011 | Medicine Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 012 | Medicine Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | 50 ft | 10 | 🐾 |
| 013 | Medicine Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 014 | Medicine Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | 60 ft | 10 | 🐾 |
| 015 | Medicine Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | 40 ft | 10 | 🐾 |
| 016 | Medicine Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 017 | Medicine Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 018 | Medicine Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 019 | Medicine Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | 40 ft | 10 | 🐾 |
| 020 | Medicine Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | 60 ft | 10 | 🐾 |
| 021 | Medicine Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 022 | Medicine Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 023 | Medicine Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 024 | Medicine Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | 30 ft | 10 | 🐾 |
| 025 | Medicine Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 026 | Medicine Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | 20 ft | 10 | 🐾 |
| 027 | Medicine Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 028 | Medicine Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 029 | Medicine Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 030 | Medicine Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 031 | Medicine Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
| 032 | Medicine Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 10 | 🐾 |
Getting there
From 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. From Tulelake take US Hwy 139 south for 21 miles to Forest Service Road 97. Turn right on Road 97 and go 24 miles turning right on Road 49. Drive 2 more miles turning left into the entrance of Medicine Lake Recreation Area. Follow the signs to your final campground destination.
41.58584, -121.58557 · 41°35'9.0"N 121°35'8.0"W
Typical weather
Typically 86°F in Jul, down to 41°F in Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 43 | 46 | 52 | 57 | 66 | 76 | 86 | 86 | 78 | 66 | 50 | 41 |
| Low °F | 23 | 25 | 28 | 31 | 38 | 44 | 53 | 51 | 45 | 36 | 27 | 22 |
| Precip in | 1.6 | 2.1 | 1.9 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.8 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 9.1 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Medicine Lake Recreation Area
- Can you reserve a site at Medicine Lake Recreation Area?
- Yes, Medicine Lake Recreation Area is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Medicine Lake Recreation Area have?
- 75 sites.
- What is the maximum RV length at Medicine Lake Recreation Area?
- 75 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
- Are pets allowed at Medicine Lake Recreation Area?
- Yes, pets are allowed at Medicine Lake Recreation Area.
- Are campfires allowed at Medicine Lake Recreation Area?
- Campfires are allowed at Medicine Lake Recreation Area. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.
Also listed by
Medicine Lake Recreation Area also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Medicine Lake Recreation Area's operator.
USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026
- $15/single campsite per night. $5/vehicle for boat ramp and swim beach day use area. Day Use and Boat Ramp Annual Pass is now available for $20 at the Modoc National Forest Supervisor’s Office, which is located at 225 West 8th Street, Alturas, CA. The office is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to
Restrictions:
- Dogs must remain on a leash at all times within the campgrounds and day use area. Please clean up after your dog. Camping limit 14 days.
Accessibility:
- Accessible vault toilets
Camping near Medicine Lake Recreation Area
- Little MT. Hoffman Lookout 3.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Lava Beds National Monument Tours 9.7 mi · Tickets · we watch it
- Schonchin Springs Campground 1.7 mi · Campground
- Blanche Lake Campground 2.1 mi · Campground
- Payne Springs Campground 2.5 mi · Campground
- Lava Beds Visitor Center 9.7 mi · Facility
- Indian Well Campground 10 mi · Campground
- Harris Spring Campground 13.6 mi · Campground
- Trout Creek Campground 18.3 mi · Campground
- Orr Lake Campground 21.7 mi · Campground
- Shafter Campground 22.1 mi · Campground
- McCloud Area Recreation 23.2 mi · Facility
Contact
- Phone 530-667-2246 OR 530-667-8659
- Email bradley.phelps@usda.gov
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-03-11.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
Comments