Medicine Lake Recreation Area
Closed for the season and spring project work including hazard tree removal. Traditionally opens late June or July 1 through October. From July 15-21, 2026, the Annual Pit River Tribal Gathering will close all Medicine and Hogue Loop sites; few remaining sites can accommodate large RVs during that period.
From Recreation.gov
**ATTN: The Annual Pit River Tribal Gathering** will occur from July 15th to July 21st; during this timeframe all sites in the Medicine and Hogue Loops will be closed to the public, of the remaining loops in the Medicine Lake Recreation Area, few can accommodate large RVs.
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
There are No current Fire restrictions in placeFire Restrictions Have Been Lifted on the Modoc National Forest on September 28, 2025 - Fall is here, and cooler weather conditions have allowed the Modoc National Forest fire restrictions were lifted at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, September 28, 2025. This…
About
Medicine Lake Recreation Area sits at 6,770 feet elevation in the Medicine Lake Highlands of Modoc National Forest. The five campgrounds (Medicine, A.H. Hogue, Hemlock, Headquarters, and Schonchin Springs) together offer 86 campsites spread through mature lodgepole pine forest along the lakeshore. Only 15 sites in Medicine and A.H. Hogue loops accept advance reservations through Recreation.gov; the remaining 71 sites are first-come, first-served. The lake supports trout fishing, motorized boating from a concrete ramp with dock, and swimming at the designated beach adjacent to the picnic area. Hiking and mountain biking trails begin in the recreation area, with the route up Little Mt Hoffman being the longest. The area lies adjacent to the Medicine Lake Lava Flow, accessible via a short hike, and the Glass Mountain and Burnt Lava Flow Geologic Areas are within a 15-minute drive. Lava Beds National Monument, with its extensive lava tube cave system, is about 30 minutes away. Facilities include vault toilets, water hydrants, and garbage dumpsters at all campgrounds except Schonchin Springs, which has no water or trash service. Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring, and barbecue grill. Cell reception is limited throughout the area. Site spacing varies from tight, rugged spots to areas more suitable for RVs, though few sites can accommodate large rigs.
Directions
From McCloud, go east on US Highway 89 for 16 miles to Forest Service Road 15 (Harris Spring Road). Turn left and drive 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 and drive 24 miles, then turn right on Road 49. Drive 2 more miles and turn left into the Medicine Lake Recreation Area entrance.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 75ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 75ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| 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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