Payne Springs Campground
The campground is currently closed due to seasonal snow. The Medicine Lake Recreation Area typically opens in late June or early July, depending on weather conditions. In 2025 the area opened June 29.
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
Payne Springs Campground is a remote dispersed camping area nestled in the Medicine Lake Highlands of Modoc National Forest. The campground sits adjacent to the Modoc Volcanic Scenic Byway and offers easy access to Lava Beds National Monument, making it an ideal base for those interested in exploring the area's unique volcanic landscape and rich history. The campground provides a rustic, no-fee camping experience with basic amenities. Each site features a picnic table and fire pit, and there is one pit toilet on-site. No potable water or trash service is available, so campers must bring adequate drinking water and pack out all waste. Dogs are welcome but must remain on leash. Access to the campground requires travel on forest roads, with fair road conditions reported. The area is typically accessible from early July through late October, depending on snowpack and weather conditions. A 14-day camping limit applies.
Directions
From McCloud, go east on US Hwy 89 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 24 miles toward Medicine Lake. Turn right on 43N17 and follow signs to Blanche Lake, Bullseye, and Payne Springs. Alternatively, from Tulelake travel south 24 miles on State Hwy 139 to County Road 97. Turn west past Tionesta and go approximately 22 miles to Forest Service Road 43N75. Turn left and go 1.8 miles to Road 43N17, then turn left and follow signs to the campground.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 233-5811 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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