HEMLOCK

Closed — Closed for the season. Traditionally opens July 1 and operates through October. Water was shut off October 16, 2025 due to freezing temperatures and will remain off until the 2026 season.

About

Hemlock Campground is one of five campgrounds within the Medicine Lake Recreation Area in northeastern California's Modoc National Forest. Situated at 6,770 feet elevation along the shores of Medicine Lake, the campground is nestled among mature lodgepole pine trees. Sites at Hemlock vary in character with somewhat rugged parking areas and limited space, making them unsuitable for large trailers or RVs. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and barbeque grill. The campground provides vault toilets, water hydrants, and garbage dumpsters during the operating season. The Medicine Lake Recreation Area offers excellent opportunities for boating with a concrete boat ramp and dock, fishing, swimming in a designated area, and hiking. The Medicine Lake Lava Flow is accessible by a short hike, while the Glass Mountain and Burnt Lava Flow Geologic Areas are within a 15-minute drive. Lava Beds National Monument, featuring lava caves and tubes, is located within a half-hour drive. Hemlock operates first-come, first-served with no advance reservations available. Sites are $15 per night with a maximum of two vehicles and 10 people per site. A 14-day stay limit applies. Cell phone reception is limited in the Medicine Lake area.

Directions

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 Hemlock Campground.

Nearby Campgrounds