Patterson Campground

Area Status: Open

Patterson Campground is located on the southern end of the South Warner Wilderness area.  This is an ideal site to begin one's hike of the Summit Trail. Patterson is a family camp with only 6 sites for tents and small campers and trailers.

Equestrian camping is not advisable in Patterson Campground, consider staying at East Creek Campground instead.

  • Patterson Guard Station

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    Directly adjacent to Patterson Campground is Patterson Guard Station. Built in 1921 and renovated in 2022, this cabin is now available for overnight rentals through Rec.gov

At a Glance

Current Conditions: 10/16/2024: Water systems are off, and water is no longer available for the season! 
Reservations: All sites are first come, first served.
 
Fees: $15/single campsite per day with a maximum of 2 vehicles.
 
Open Season: Facilities open as weather permits; usually mid-May to late October.
Usage: Light
Busiest Season: July and August
Restrictions: Dogs shall remain on leash within developed recreation sites and campgrounds. Please clean up after your dog. Camping limit 14 days.
Closest Towns: Likely, 19 miles, Alturas 37 miles.
Water: No
Restroom: Vault Toilets
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 approximately 18 miles to Likely, CA. Turn east on County Road 64/Jess Valley Rd and go 3.2 miles to Blue Lake Road. Turn right on Blue Lake Road/ County Rd 64 and continue approximately 7 miles to the turnoff for Blue Lake. Turn left and stay on County Road 64 (instead of a right turn to Blue Lake) and continue 8 more miles of windy road to the Patterson Campground and Guard Station.
 


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

There are 6 family sites at Patterson Campground.

Fees: No fee.

RV Camping

Small RV's can negotiate the roads to Patterson Campground.  There are no hook-ups or dump station.

No. of Sites 6 single sites
Pavement Type for Parking Gravel
Reservation Info Reservations are not accepted. All sites are first come, first served.
Hookup - Water None
Hookup - Sewer None
Size Restrictions 16 feet
Dump Stations None
Fire Information Fires are permitted only in fireplaces provided. Gathering of dead and down wood is permitted.
Hookups - Electric None
Vehicle Clearance Watch overhead for low hanging branches.
No. of Accessible sites None
Fees: No fee for RV's.

River and Stream Fishing

Stream fishing is available in East Creek and Silver Creek, just a short drive from Patterson Campground. All anglers over the age of 16 must have a current CA Fishing License in possession when fishing all waters in California.
 

Day Hiking

Just a few hours hike and one will find themselves deep into the South Warner Wilderness.  From Patterson Campground, it's a gentle yet continual climb to the foot of Eagle Peak, the highest point on the Warners. Take plenty of water for the trip.

And please, "Leave no trace" in this beautiful wilderness area.

Backpacking

Whether day hiking or backpacking to that distant site deep into the wilderness, this is one of several campgrounds with a trailhead located near by.  With some 77 miles of cleared trails, the Southern Warner Wilderness area is waiting to be explored.

Picnicking

Day use is permitted in Patterson Campground.  All day users must exit no later than 10 pm.

Fees: No fee for day use or picnic.

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Latitude : 
41.198001

  Longitude : 
-120.187007

  Elevation : 
7,200 feet