Skip to main content

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 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.

This website should help you plan your visit to the Forest. Navigate by choosing your planned recreational activity in the above menu. If you have a favorite area in mind, the current status of the campgrounds is listed in the table below with a link to more information. Also be sure to look at the Alerts & Notices page to view any emergency closures or other information that might affect your visit.

Other than 16 sites at Medicine Lake and one group site at Blue Lake campsites on the Modoc National Forest are first-come, first-served with a 14-day stay limit.

Recreation

Showing: 41 - 50 of 62 results

Payne Springs Campground

Site Open
Picnicking
Located in the scenic Medicine Lake Highlands, Payne Springs is surrounded by many attractions. This campground is adjacent to the Modoc Volcanic Scenic Byway and the Lava Beds National Monument is…

Pepperdine Campground

Site Open
Picnicking Hiking
Formerly used as a family camp and a horse camp, the horse corrals are now located at the Pepperdine Equestrian Campground. The family campsites are mostly shaded and enjoy serene surroundings for…

Pepperdine Equestrian Campground

Site Open
Horse Riding and Camping
The campsites are mostly shaded and enjoy serene surroundings and are equipped with 12' X 12' metal corrals. A short trail runs over to the start of the Summit Trail where it heads south into…

Pepperdine Trailhead

Horse Riding and Camping Hiking
Located on the northern most boundary of the South Warner Wilderness, Pepperdine Trailhead serves hikers and horsemen for short day trips and overnight excursions into and through the wilderness via…

Pine Creek Trailhead

Site Open
Horse Riding and Camping Hiking
Pine Creek Trailhead is located east of West Warner Road and north of Soup Springs.  There are no corrals at this location. This is not a campground but an ideal start for a journey on foot or on…

Pink Lady Mine

Site Open
Other
-Free permit required - Only available between July 1 and August 31 at our main office in Alturas, Monday through Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm-No picnic tables-No trash service-No drinking water-No…

Pit River Trailhead

Site Open
Hiking
The newest developed recreation site on the Modoc National Forest. A new vault toilet was installed in October 2023 with more upgrades to come in 2024.

Plum Valley Campground

Site Open
A rough roads leads into this cozy loop of 7 campsites. It is bordered by South Fork Davis Creek and a short drive to the Middle Fork Davis Creek Mine.

Rainbow Mine

Site Open
Other
Free permit required - Only available between July 1 and August 31 at our main office in Alturas, Monday through Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm-No picnic tables-No trash service-No drinking water