Blue Lake

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.