Closed

Currently closed for the season and spring project work, including hazard tree removal in the Medicine Lake caldera. The area typically opens in early July and operates through October. First-come, first-served; no reservations.

National Forest System Roads

Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads

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…

Camping Restrictions

Camping 14-day stay limits, group size limit of 8 people per campsite

About

Schonchin Springs Campground sits at approximately 6,700 feet elevation in the volcanic Medicine Lake Highlands of the Modoc National Forest. Located about a mile from Medicine Lake and the busier Headquarters Campground, it offers a quieter camping experience for those seeking solitude while still being close to the lake's fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. The campground is suited for tent camping and small RVs. Each site comes equipped with a vault toilet, fire ring, picnic table, and barbecue grill. Campers should be prepared for a primitive experience: there is no potable water, no garbage service, and no cell phone coverage in the area. Bring all drinking, cooking, and washing water, plus extra water to properly extinguish campfires. All trash and dog waste must be packed out. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis at $10 per night, with a 14-day camping limit. Dogs are allowed on leash. The season typically runs from early July through late October, depending on weather and snow conditions.

Directions

From McCloud, go east on US Highway 89 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 the signs 27.5 miles to Medicine Lake. Drive past the entrance to Headquarters Campground, take the first right, then the first left. Continue approximately 0.5 miles to the campground.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $10

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites

Contact

Phone +1 (530) 233-5811

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Photos

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