Medicine Lake Recreation Area
Closed — Closed for the winter season. Water systems were shut off in mid-October 2025 due to freezing temperatures. The campground traditionally opens July 1st and operates through October.
Winter Storm Warning issued January 2 at 7:18PM PST until January 5 at 4:00PM PST by NWS Medford OR
* WHAT...Heavy snow expected Above 5000 feet in Siskiyou County. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 18 inches, with 24 to 36 inches for the highest peaks and ridgelines. Winds gusting as high as 60 mph over high and exposed terrain. * WHERE...Above 5000 feet in Siskiyou County. This includes the following passes or notable locations... Etna Summit on Sawyers Bar Rd at 5950 ft. Mt. Shasta ski park highway at 5462 ft. Bunny Flat on Everitt Memorial highway at 6900 ft. Grass Lake at Mt. Hebron at 5291 ft. * WHEN...From 4 PM Saturday to 4 PM PST Monday. * IMPACTS...Travel may be very difficult to impossible. Strong winds could cause tree branches to break and fall.
About
Medicine Lake Recreation Area is located in the Medicine Lake Highlands of northeastern California within Modoc National Forest at 6,770 feet elevation. The recreation area encompasses five distinct campgrounds along Medicine Lake: Medicine, A.H. Hogue, Hemlock, Headquarters, and Schonchin Springs, with 86 total campsites. The area is mostly sheltered by mature lodgepole pine trees, though wind can occur. Fifteen sites at Medicine and A.H. Hogue campgrounds are available for advance reservation through Recreation.gov, while the remaining sites are first-come, first-served. Campsites vary from somewhat rugged with limited parking to larger areas suitable for RVs. Most campgrounds include vault toilets, water hydrants, and garbage dumpsters, though Schonchin Springs has only toilets. Each campsite features a picnic table, fire ring, and barbecue grill. The recreation area offers extensive water recreation on Medicine Lake, including a concrete boat ramp and dock, a designated swimming area near the picnic area, and fishing. Motorized boating and waterskiing are permitted with specific rules posted on-site. Hiking and mountain biking trails originate from the recreation area, with the longest being the Little Mt Hoffman trail. The recreation area lies adjacent to the Medicine Lake Lava Flow, accessible by a short hike. Glass Mountain and Burnt Lava Flow Geologic Areas are within 15 minutes. Lava Beds National Monument, featuring lava caves and tubes, is a half-hour drive away, while Tulelake National Wildlife Refuge for migratory waterfowl viewing is within an hour.
Directions
From McCloud, go east on US Highway 89 south for 16 miles to Forest Service Road 15 (Harris Spring Road). Turn left on Road 15 and go 4.4 miles to Forest Service Road 49 (Medicine Lake Road). Follow signs 27.5 miles to Medicine Lake. From Tulelake, take US Highway 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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 75ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 75ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| sm.fs.modoc_info@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (530) 233-5811 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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