Medicine Lake Recreation Area

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.

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.

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.

In summer a boat dock is available at the launch ramp. There is no fishing or swimming in the vicinity of the dock or ramp. Ample trailer parking is available.

Medicine Lake has specific rules for skiing and use of power boats. Rules are subject to change depending on conditions. Please check the rules posted on the bulletin board each time you boat on Medicine Lake.

Facilities: The Medicine Lake Recreation Area is comprised of four campgrounds; Medicine, A.H. Hogue, Hemlock and Headquarters 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 75 campsites throughout the four campgrounds. Fifteen of these sites are available for advanced reservations and located within the Medicine and A.H. Hogue Campgrounds.

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

Medicine Lake Campground Maps

Maps below give reference to campsite locations and numbers in each campground.

Medicine Campground SitesAH Hogue Campground SitesHemlock Campground Sites

Current Conditions

*10/30/2024: Winter weather warning! There is snow on the ground and more snow is expected to come. It is not recommended to access this area by vehicle for your safety due to winter conditions. There is no water or trash service.

General Information

Traditionally open from July 1st - October

Check out for campsite camping is 12:00pm. The day use area closes at 10pm.

Dogs must remain on a leash at all times within the campgrounds and day use area. Please clean up after your dog. Camping limit 14 days.

$15/single campsite per night. $5/vehicle for boat ramp and swim beach day use area. Day Use and Boat Ramp Annual Pass is now available for $20 at the Modoc National Forest Supervisor’s Office, which is located at 225 West 8th Street, Alturas, CA. The office is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The passes may also become available at other Modoc National Forest locations in the future.

Getting There

Directions

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
41.58584, -121.58557
41°35'9"N, 121°35'8"W

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.