California / Siskiyou County / Modoc National Forest

Medicine Lake Recreation Area

Closed — Closed for the winter season. Water systems were shut off in mid-October 2025 due to freezing temperatures. The campground traditionally opens July 1st and operates through October.

About

Medicine Lake Recreation Area is located in the Medicine Lake Highlands of northeastern California within Modoc National Forest at 6,770 feet elevation. The recreation area encompasses five distinct campgrounds along Medicine Lake: Medicine, A.H. Hogue, Hemlock, Headquarters, and Schonchin Springs, with 86 total campsites. The area is mostly sheltered by mature lodgepole pine trees, though wind can occur. Fifteen sites at Medicine and A.H. Hogue campgrounds are available for advance reservation through Recreation.gov, while the remaining sites are first-come, first-served. Campsites vary from somewhat rugged with limited parking to larger areas suitable for RVs. Most campgrounds include vault toilets, water hydrants, and garbage dumpsters, though Schonchin Springs has only toilets. Each campsite features a picnic table, fire ring, and barbecue grill. The recreation area offers extensive water recreation on Medicine Lake, including a concrete boat ramp and dock, a designated swimming area near the picnic area, and fishing. Motorized boating and waterskiing are permitted with specific rules posted on-site. Hiking and mountain biking trails originate from the recreation area, with the longest being the Little Mt Hoffman trail. The recreation area lies adjacent to the Medicine Lake Lava Flow, accessible by a short hike. Glass Mountain and Burnt Lava Flow Geologic Areas are within 15 minutes. Lava Beds National Monument, featuring lava caves and tubes, is a half-hour drive away, while Tulelake National Wildlife Refuge for migratory waterfowl viewing is within an hour.

Directions

From McCloud, go east on US Highway 89 south for 16 miles to Forest Service Road 15 (Harris Spring Road). Turn left on Road 15 and go 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 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.

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