Blue Lake campground is located on a gentle slope above beautiful Blue Lake. The 48 sites are large and well spaced with plenty of shade. Just a short walk down the hill takes you to the lake for fishing, swimming, boating and hiking. There is a paved trail along the east shore of the lake from the campground to the boat ramp. Assistance will be required for persons in wheelchairs. There is a fishing platform just off the paved trail near the boat ramp.
There is a group camp site at Blue Lake Campground. Campers wishing to use the group site must occupy a minimum of three camp pads and they all must be occupied the first night. The site is not recommended for groups over 50. Signs have been posted at the entrance and the exit of the group site. For fee information, please contact the Warner Mountain Ranger District office at 530-279-6116.
Title:
Blue Lake Campground Map
Caption:
Blue Lake Campground
Date:
Location:
Credit:
Description:
Source:
Title:
Blue Lake and a Canoe
Date:
Summer 2011
Forest Name:
Modoc National Forest
Location:
Warner Mountain Ranger District, Modoc National Forest
Credit:
Dan Dockery
Description:
Another nice view of Blue Lake at the end of the day.
Source:
US Forest Service
Title:
Blue Lake Wheelchair Trail
Date:
Summer 2010
Forest Name:
Modoc National Forest
Location:
Warner Mountain Ranger District, Modoc National Forest
Credit:
Barbara Torres
Description:
A paved trail through the pines follows the east shoreline of Blue lake.
Source:
US Forest Service
Title:
Blue Lake Boat and Fishermen.
Date:
Summer 2011
Forest Name:
Modoc National Forest
Location:
Warner Mountain Ranger District, Modoc National Forest
Credit:
Dan Dockery
Description:
Fishing from a boat on Blue Lake gets fishermen out to the deep water that fish love.
Source:
US Forest Service
Title:
Blue Lake Kayaks
Date:
Summer 2011
Forest Name:
Modoc National Forest
Location:
Warner Mountain Ranger District, Modoc National Forest
Credit:
Dan Dockery
Description:
Kayaks are popular at Blue Lake. The shoreline is gentle and they can be launched almost anywhere. There is also a paved boat ramp and a dock is installed in summer.
Source:
U S Forest Service
At a Glance
Current Conditions:
2/5/2021:
The road to Blue Lake is not maintained for winter travel and there is snow and ice on the road. Expect between 9" to 20" of snow on the ground in this area National Weather Service spot-forecast for Blue Lake.
Facilities open as weather permits; usually mid-May to late October.
Usage:
Heavy
Busiest Season:
July and August
Restrictions:
Dogs on leash only. Please clean up after your dog. Camping limit 14 days.
Closest Towns:
Likely 12 miles, Alturas 30 miles.
Water:
Drinking water.
Restroom:
Vault Toilets
Passes:
America the Beautiful Senior and Access passes and Golden Age and Golden Access passes are accepted for half priced camping. Follow the instructions on the bulletin board located about half way around the outer circle of the campground or see the camp host.
Operated By:
US Forest Service
Information Center:
Warner Mountain Ranger District - 530-279-6116
General Information
Directions:
From Alturas go south on US Hwy 395 to Likely, CA. Turn east on County Road 64/Jess Valley Rd and go 9 miles to Blue Lake Road. Turn right on Blue Lake Road and follow the signs approximately 8.5 more miles to the campground.
Parking:
See the camp host for instructions on parking of additional vehicles.
Parking:
For parking additional vehicles see information posted on the campground bulletin board or inquire with the camp host.
All sites at Blue Lake are large and well spaced and most are in the shade. Some campsites are accessible to wheelchairs with assistance. There is a paved path to the lake. Some tables and restrooms will accommodate wheelchairs with assistance. Many sites have level areas for tent camping.
Fire Information
Fires are permitted only in fireplaces provided. Gathering of dead and down wood is permitted.
No. of Accessible sites
Two campsites are accessible to persons in wheelchairs. Restrooms will accommodate persons in wheelchairs with assistance.
Sleeping Shelter
None
RV Camping
Blue Lake has 48 sites which are large and well spaced and most are in the shade. Some campsites are accessible to wheelchairs with assistance. There is a paved path to the lake. Some tables and restrooms will accommodate wheelchairs with assistance. Some sites are pull-throughs and many have level areas for tents.
General Info:
Parking
For parking additional vehicles see information posted on the campground bulletin board or inquire with the camp host.
Fire Information
Fires are permitted only in fireplaces provided. Gathering of dead and down wood is permitted.
Pavement Type for Parking
Paved
Vehicle Clearence
Watch overhead for low hanging branches.
No. of Sites
35 single sites
Size Restrictions
32 feet
No. of Accessible sites
Some campsites are accessible to persons in wheelchairs with assistance. Some tables and restrooms will accommodate persons in wheelchairs with assistance.
Fishing
SHOW
Lake and Pond Fishing
Fishing at Blue Lake is just a short walk downhill from the campground. The lake is stocked by the California Dept of Fish and Wildlife. All California fishing laws apply and all anglers over the age of 16 must have a valid fishing license in possession. A fishing platform is available and can be accessed by persons in wheelchairs with assistance.
Water Temperature
Water temperature varies by season and lake depth. The water in the middle of the lake is very cold all year.
Fishing Platform
A fishing platform is available on the lake shore. A paved path leads from the launch area to the platform.
Fish Species
Trout
Fishing Mode
Fishing is from the bank, in boats or by wading.
Hiking
SHOW
Day Hiking
There is a 3 mile loop trail around the lake with alternating sunlight and shade. The trail is close to the shoreline and would be considered a simple trail to hike.
One half the loop along the eastern edge of the lake is paved for wheel chair accessibility with assistance.
Fire Information
Fires are permitted only in fireplaces provided. Gathering of dead and down wood is permitted.
Elevation desc
Persons in wheelchairs may need assistance on the first part of the trail coming downhill from the campground.
Nature Viewing
SHOW
Viewing Wildlife
Bring your camera and binoculars as Blue Lake is Number 11 on the Basin & Range Birding Trail. One may see Mountain Bluebird, Osprey, Northern Goshawk along with an array of migrating water fowl as this area is along the Western Fly-way. Bald Eagles have been seen around the lake as well.
Amenities
Picnic tables
A day use area is located near the boat ramp at the north end of the lake.
Drinking water
Piped water in the campground.
Toilets
Vault toilets in the campground and at the boat ramp.
Parking
See camp host for instructions for parking additional vehicles.
Boat ramp
Paved boat ramp at the north end of the lake.
Tent camping
Several level sites for tents.
Accessible
Restrooms and fishing pier accessible with assistance.