Medicine Lake Recreation Area

Show on map 530-667-2246 OR 530-667-8659 bradley.phelps@usda.gov

MODOC NATIONAL FOREST, DOUBLEHEAD RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE, 49870 HIGHWAY 139
Tulelake, CA 96134

Overview

The popular Medicine Lake Recreation Area and adjacent Medicine Lake are located in the Medicine Lake Highlands in northeastern California. The Recreation Area is located in the Modoc National Forest at an elevation of 6,770 feet.

Recreation

The Medicine Lake Recreation Area offers camping, boating, fishing and swimming. The adjacent Day Use Areas accommodate boating with a concrete boat ramp and dock. Swimming is available in a designated swimming area next to the Picnic Area. Hiking and mountain biking are available on trails originating in the Recreation Area. The longest of these trails is the trail up Little Mt Hoffman.

Facilities

The Medicine Lake Recreation Area is comprised of five campgrounds; Medicine, A.H. Hogue, Hemlock, Headquarters, and Schonchin Springs Campgrounds. Nearby the campgrounds are Picnic Area and Boat Launch sites. Campsites vary between somewhat rugged with limited parking space to larger areas suitable for recreation vehicles. Facilities include vault toilets, water hydrants and garbage dumpsters. Campsites include a picnic table, fire ring and a barbeque grill. There are a total of 86 campsites throughout the five campgrounds. Fifteen of these sites are available for advanced reservations and located within the Medicine and A.H. Hogue Campgrounds. Schonchin Springs is the only campground without water.

Natural Features

Medicine Lake Recreation Area is nestled along Medicine Lake and mostly sheltered by mature lodgepole pine trees but can be windy at times. The Recreation Area lies adjacent to the Medicine Lake Lava Flow which is accessible by a short hike. The Glass Mtn. and Burnt Lava Flow Geologic Areas are located within a 15-minute drive.

Nearby Attractions

Nearby are a few other federal sites with interesting features. The Lava Beds National Monument is located within a half-hour drive and includes lava caves and tubes. The Tulelake National Wildlife Refuge is located within an hour's drive where many types of migratory waterfowl can be viewed.

Camp site features

Across 75 camp sites:

Fire pit: 1 of 75 sites
Picnic table: all 75 sites
Pets allowed: all 75 sites
Longest RV: 75 ft
Largest party: 10 people
Equipment: RV, Tent, Trailer

Services within 25 miles · OpenStreetMap

Nearest dump station: 0.2 mi

Directions

From McCloud go east on US Hwy 89 south 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 27.5 miles to Medicine Lake. From Tulelake take US Hwy 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. Follow the signs to your final campground destination.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

64 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

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1 stars

Mallory K

Loop:Medicine Campground

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Can't wait until the next visit!

Paul F

Loop:A.H. Hogue Campground

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

With the Pine Bark Beetle infestation and the amount of trees cut and piled up the place was almost unrecognizable. The campsites that used to be shaded are now in a lot of sun so you are constantly looking for some relief.

Jeffery M

Loop:A.H. Hogue Campground

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

I was shocked to see how many trees have been removed. The lake is still beautiful, but the area surrounding the campground has changed. Despite the extensive removal, there are still many dead trees, so I expect more cutting to come. In addition, the trees are so sparse that many of those left behind have already blown/fallen down. We love exploring the area, including Glass Mountain, Bullseye Lake, Jot Dean Cave, and Lava Beds National Park. The restrooms (pit toilets) were clean and well stocked. Campground fees are very reasonable.

Kimberly L

Loop:A.H. Hogue Campground

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

It is a beautiful place. The campground is nice but the sites are little to close to each other. The lava tubes were not far away and are worth checking out.

Doug F

Loop:Medicine Campground

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

Best camping trip ever. New to Medicine Lake and it's campgrounds. Meet lots of intersting and friendly campers. We will be back. Most campsites were spacious, unlike Yosemite. Many FCFS sites, with a limited quantity of reservation sites. Right before school ends and starts again, it is easy to find sites. There were a lot of RVs and many people had been coming yearly for decades.

Eric W

Loop:Medicine Campground

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

Campground is beautiful but not exactly the quiet destination I was hoping for. I don’t mind campgrounds full of bustling people but what was annoying was constant noise of the roaring jet skis and power boats racing around all hours of the day. If you’re seeking peace and serenity this may not be the destination for you.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve

Season dates

Peak season

Jul 1, 2027 – Sep 25, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

Jul 1, 2028 – Sep 25, 2028

Reservable online

Camp Sites

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