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.
Fire Weather Watch issued August 29 at 1:33PM PDT until August 31 at 8:00PM PDT by NWS Medford OR
The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Fire Weather Watch, which is in effect from Monday afternoon through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. * AFFECTED AREA...In California...The Scott Valley in Fire weather zone 280, Fire weather zone 281, Fire weather zone 284 excepting the southeast portion of the zone, and Fire weather zone 285. In Oregon...Fire weather zone 624, excepting the Highway 97 corridor from Modoc Point to Chemult. * WIND...South winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph in the Scott Valley, and 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph in the Shasta Valley. Elsewhere, southwest winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph. * HUMIDITY...Minimum humidity 9 to 15 percent. * DETAILED URL...View the hazard area in detail at https://weather.gov/wrh/hazards?wfo=mfr
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.
National Forest System Roads
Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads
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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