Recreation

Framed by distinctive geology and views of a timeless landscape, the Modoc National Forest is a place where solitude and recreation come together connecting people to the land and the past. These ecosystems with their rich habitat create abundant opportunities for recreation around water, wildlife viewing, fishing and hunting.

A family tries their luck at fishing  on the banks of Stough ReservoirA network of scenic drives provide local communities and growing urban areas easy access to a rich heritage of land use and culture, from Native Americans to present day ranching. In concert with communities the forest provides learning opportunities that invite visitors to stay, enjoy, and care for the forest in ways that maintain this remote, quiet character.

Use our web site to help you plan your visit to the Forest. Navigate by choosing your planned recreational activity in the left menu. If you have a favorite area in mind, it may be faster to use the "Find An Area" link in the right-hand column. The current status of the campgrounds is listed in the table below with a link to more information. For current conditions, please call the ranger station for the district you are wishing to visit.

Also be sure to look at the Alerts & Notices page to view any emergency closures or other information that might affect your visit.

Recreation Conditions Report

 Area Name Status Area Conditions
A.H. Hogue Campground Closed to Visitor
Ash Creek Campground Open to Visitor For current conditions, please call the Big Valley Ranger District office at 530-299-3215
Big Sage Campground Open to Visitor
Blanche Lake Campground Closed to Visitor
Blue Lake Boating Site Open to Visitor
Blue Lake Campground Closed to Visitor
Bullseye Lake Campground Closed to Visitor
Cave Lake Campground Closed to Visitor Warning! Due to maintenance on the water system, visitors should boil drinking water at Cave Lake Campground.
Cedar Creek Lower Trailhead Open to Visitor
Doorknob Warming Hut Snowpark Open to Visitor
East Creek Campground Closed to Visitor
East Creek Trailhead Closed to Visitor Blow down from 2001 Blue Fire has caused unsafe trail conditions. Trail is closed until further notice.
Emerson Campground Open to Visitor
Headquarters Campground Closed to Visitor
Hemlock Campground Closed to Visitor
Howard's Gulch Campground Closed to Visitor
Jane's Reservoir Campground Open to Visitor
Lower Rush Creek Campground Open to Visitor For current conditions, please call the Big Valley Ranger District at 530-299-3215
Medicine Campground Closed to Visitor
Medicine Lake Swimming Site Closed to Visitor
Mill Creek Falls Campground Closed to Visitor
Patterson Campground Open to Visitor
Payne Springs Campground Closed to Visitor
Pepperdine Campground Open to Visitor The water system at Pepperdine Campground and Pepperdine Horse Camp received minor repairs on Thursday 8-25. Caution! Boil drinking water Thurs, 8-25 through Fri 9-2 due to repairs to the water system.
Pepperdine Horse Camp Open to Visitor The water system at Pepperdine Campground and Pepperdine Horse Camp received minor repairs on Thursday 8-25. Caution! Boil drinking water Thurs, 8-25 through Fri 9-2 due to repairs to the water system.
Red Tail Rim South Trailhead/Campground Open to Visitor
Reservoir C Campground Open to Visitor
Reservoir F Campground Open to Visitor
Schonichin Springs Campground Closed to Visitor
Soup Springs Campground Closed to Visitor
Stough Reservoir Campground Closed to Visitor Logging operations force the temporary closure of Stough Reservoir and Campground.
Willow Creek Campground Closed to Visitor
Willow Creek Picnic Site Open to Visitor