Dispersed Camping

Avoid pitching tents on grass.The bare dirt area behind the trees would be more appropriate.

Camping on the Modoc is not limited to developed campgrounds. Most of the forest is open to those who prefer the quiet and solitude of a completely undeveloped setting. This type of camping is called Dispersed Camping. Please choose a camping spot where you will leave a minimal impact.

• Always plan ahead for accumulation and storage of your garbage and take it with you when you leave. Never burn or bury garbage in the forest.
• Likewise, it is your responsibility to manage human waste. There are many commercial products on the market to deal with human waste. If you must bury it, be sure to dig a hole at least 6 inches or more down into soil and stay at least 100 feet away from any river, lake, stream, spring or trail. Never bury toilet paper or sanitary products. Animals will dig it up and scatter it around the area.
• Never damage trees or vegetation to create a campsite. Do not dig trenches or build tent platforms.
• A current California Campfire Permit is required to use a camp stove, barbecue or have a campfire outside of developed areas. Local fire restrictions supersede the campfire permit. Inquire at the Ranger Station before having a fire.
• You may disperse camp in any one location for 14 days and you may stay a total of 30 days per year on the forest. When you go home, leave the forest the way you found it or better for the enjoyment of the next visitor. For additional information on dispersed camping please see Dispersed Camping Ethics in our Learning Center.

Dispersed Camping Areas

Big Valley Ranger District
Big Valley Ranger District, crescent shaped, encompasses a portion of the Modoc National Forest north, east and south of the town of Adin, CA. The lower elevation of this Ranger District allows campgrounds to open earlier in the spring and close later in the fall.

The beautiful Red Tail Rim Trail is something that this district boasts about. A shared trail by hikers, mountain bikers and equestrian units, this unique trail covers some 20 plus miles of the back-country.
Devil's Garden Ranger District
The Devil's Garden Ranger District lies in the heart of the Modoc Plateau. The Modoc Plateau is a mile-high expanse of lava flows with cinder cones, juniper flats, pine forests, and seasonal lakes. The plateau is thought to have been formed approximately 25 million years ago. The name Devil's Garden was given to the area when the first European settlers traveled to this region in the 1800's. In contrast, the Native people called the area, "The Smiles of Gods".

In the spring, after the snow melt, the rocky Devil's Garden produces a veritable carpet of wild pink pansies, pink and red owl clover, yellow primroses and pink shooting stars. Purple lupine, yellow mules ear and the shiny green leaves of manzanita complete the rainbow of color that lasts well into the summer.

The Devil's Garden lies directly under the Pacific Flyway. During their migration from Alaska and Canada to Mexico, hundreds of thousands of waterfowl use the wetlands as rest stops. The Garden is also shared by Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, wild horses and pronghorn antelope. Several of the reservoirs on the district are stocked by the California Dept of Fish and Game with bass or trout.

Out of the five developed campgrounds in the Devils Garden, four of them offer the incredible perk of no fees for camping, day use, or boat launching. These facilities are renowned for their serene and peaceful atmosphere, making them the ultimate escape for those brave enough to explore. Trust me, once you experience the magic of these hidden gems, you'll understand why they are considered the perfect getaway by the lucky few who venture there. So pack your bags, grab your friends, and get ready for an adventure like no other!
Doublehead Ranger District
The Doublehead Ranger District is known for year round recreation opportunities. In winter, Medicine Lake Highlands offers 31 miles of groomed trails that provide breathtaking views of Mt. Shasta. A snowmobile trailhead is located at Doorknob Snowmobile Park, one and a half miles south of Lava Beds National Monument. The Snow-Park features a paved parking lot, warming hut and rest rooms. Groomed trails lead to Medicine Lake and three other Snow-Parks on neighboring National Forests, part of the Tri-Forest Snowmobile Trails System of over 250 miles of signed trails.

During late spring to early fall the many campgrounds and lakes are a great place to relax, fish and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.

Little Mt Hoffman Trail is a well groomed hiking/biking tail that starts from the west side of Headquarters Campground, in the Medicine Lake area, up to a point just east of the lookout. This is a moderate trail, great for a day hike.

The only beach in the Modoc National Forest is located on the eastern shore of Medicine Lake at the Day Use picnic area.
Warner Mountain Ranger District
The Warner Mountain Ranger District has breathtaking scenery and ample opportunities for hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, hunting and fishing. It offers snowcapped peaks, wilderness mountain meadows, sparkling streams, trout fishing amid scenic grandeur, a profusion of colorful flowers and shrubs, and countless birds and small animals.

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

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https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/modoc/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=71240&actid=34