Big Sage Campground
Open seasonally, typically mid-May through late October depending on weather conditions. No fees or reservations required; first-come, first-served only. No potable water available on site.
Red Flag Warning issued October 9 at 2:48AM PDT until October 9 at 7:00PM PDT by NWS Medford OR
* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. * AFFECTED AREA...In California...Fire weather zone 285. This includes Newell, Canby, Alturas, and Adin in Modoc County. * WIND...West winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * HUMIDITY...Minimum afternoon humidity of around 15 percent. * DETAILED URL...View the hazard area in detail at https://weather.gov/wrh/hazards?wfo=mfr
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Forest Fire Restrictions 2026 have been lifted as of 09/27/2026
Alturas, Calif., Sept. 25, 2026— Fall is here, and cooler weather conditions have allowed the Modoc National Forest fire restrictions to be lifted as of 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, September 27, 2026.This means forest visitors on the Modoc National Forest may once again have campfires outside of…
About
Big Sage Campground is a free, primitive campground situated on the shore of Big Sage Reservoir in the Devil's Garden Ranger District of Modoc National Forest. The reservoir spans several thousand acres and is surrounded by classic northeastern California high desert landscape featuring juniper woodland and sagebrush flats. The campground provides vault toilet facilities but no potable water. Campers must bring all water needed for drinking, cooking, washing, and drowning campfires. The site lies adjacent to a boat ramp, making it convenient for anglers targeting the reservoir's fish populations, which are stocked by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. This is a lightly-used campground ideal for those seeking solitude in remote high desert country. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leash. The 14-day stay limit applies.
Directions
From Alturas, travel west on Highway 299 for 3 miles. Turn north on Crowder Flat Road (County Road 73) and travel 6 miles. Turn right on County Road 180 and continue 3.5 miles to Big Sage Dam and the campground.
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 | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 233-5811 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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