Blue Lake Campground

Area Status: Open

Blue Lake Campground

Blue Lake Campground is located on a gentle slope above beautiful Blue Lake. Forty-Eight large and well spaced sites offer plenty of shade. A three-mile trail surrounds the lake with a paved section of trail along the east shore between the campground and the boat ramp. Assistance will be required for persons in wheelchairs.

Blue Lake Group Site

Group site reservations must be made at least one day in advance though Recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777. At least three camp pads should be occupied on the first night. This site is not recommended for gatherings over 50 persons. Signs are posted at the entrance and the exit of the group site.

Reserve Now

Title:	Blue Lake Campground Map
Caption:	Blue Lake Campground
Date:
Location:
Credit:
Description:
Source:

A silver canoe rests upside down on the shore of Blue Lake.

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

A paved trail through the pines follows the east shoreline of Blue Lake.

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

A small fishing boat is framed by a dead log in the water at Blue Lake.

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

Two yellow kayaks rest under the pines on the shore of Blue Lake.

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

Reservations:	All individual campsites are "first come, first served." For group camp site information, please see Recreation.gov
Area Amenities:	Accessible, Boat ramp, Tent camping, Camping trailer, Picnic tables, Toilets, Drinking water, Parking
Fees:	$15/single campsite per day with a maximum of 2 vehicles. Group site: $70/night
Open Season:	Facilities open as weather permits; usually mid-May to late October.
Usage:	Heavy
Busiest Season:	July and August
Restrictions:	Dogs shall remain on leash while in the campground. Please clean up after your dog. Camping limit 14 days.
Closest Towns:	Likely 12 miles, Alturas 30 miles.
Water:	Yes
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.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

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.

No. of Sites	35 single sites
Pavement Type for Parking	Paved
Vehicle Clearence	Watch overhead for low hanging branches.
Size Restrictions	32 feet
Fire Information	Fires are permitted only in fireplaces provided. Gathering of dead and down wood is permitted.
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.

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.

Fish Species	Trout
Fishing Mode	Fishing is from the bank, in boats or by wading.
Fishing Platform	A fishing platform is available on the lake shore. A paved path leads from the launch area to the platform.
Water Temperature	Water temperature varies by season and lake depth. The water in the middle of the lake is very cold all year.

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.

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

Camping trailer:	Room for trailers and motorhomes.
Picnic tables:	A day use area is located near the boat ramp at the north end of the lake.
Tent camping:	Several level sites for tents.
Parking:	See camp host for instructions for parking additional vehicles.
Toilets:	Vault toilets in the campground and at the boat ramp.
Accessible:	Restrooms and fishing pier accessible with assistance.
Boat ramp:	Paved boat ramp at the north end of the lake.
Drinking water:	Piped water in the campground.