Blue Lake
Open for the 2026 season, typically mid-May through late October depending on weather. Potable water available late May through early October. Road construction in Jess Valley and Blue Lake areas from May through October 2026 may cause travel delays. Individual sites are first-come, first-served; group site reservations available through Recreation.gov.
Fire Weather Watch issued August 30 at 9:19AM PDT until September 1 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Reno NV
The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Fire Weather Watch for gusty winds and low humidity, which is in effect from Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening. * Affected Area...Fire Weather Zone 270 Surprise Valley California, Fire Weather Zone 278 Eastern Lassen County, Fire Weather Zone 420 Northern Sierra Front including Carson City, Douglas, Storey, Southern Washoe, Western Lyon, and Far Southern Lassen Counties, Fire Weather Zone 458 Northern Washoe County. * Winds...Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts 30 to 40 mph. * Humidity...As low as 10 to 15 percent. * Duration...3 to 6 hours. * Impacts...The combination of gusty winds and low humidity can cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them.
National Forest System Roads
Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads
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.…
About
Blue Lake Campground occupies a gentle forested slope above its namesake lake in the remote South Warner Mountains of Modoc National Forest. The 48 spacious sites are well-separated and shaded by ponderosa pines, providing a quiet retreat in one of California's least-visited corners. The lake itself offers good fishing, swimming, and non-motorized boating from a seasonal boat dock. A 3-mile trail encircles Blue Lake, with a paved section along the east shore connecting the campground to the boat ramp and an accessible fishing platform. Several wilderness trailheads into the South Warner Wilderness lie within 6-15 miles, offering solitude-seekers extensive backcountry options. The campground also includes a group site that accommodates up to 50 people across multiple pads. Vault toilets and potable water (available late May through early October) serve the campground. Individual sites are first-come, first-served at $15 per night, while the group site ($70/night) requires advance reservation through Recreation.gov. The campground typically operates mid-May through late October, weather permitting.
Directions
From Alturas, go south on US Highway 395 to Likely, CA. Turn east on County Road 64/Jess Valley Road and continue 9 miles to Blue Lake Road. Turn right on Blue Lake Road and follow signs approximately 8.5 miles to the campground.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $15 - $70 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 279-6116 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!