Medicine Lake Recreation Area

Modoc National Forest, California

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As of September 2026, Medicine Lake Recreation Area is a campground in Modoc National Forest, California with 16 campsites. Medicine Lake Recreation Area is booked through Recreation.gov.

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Medicine Lake Recreation Area is located at 41.5858° N, 121.5856° W.

people allowed on each site: 10

Medicine Lake Recreation Area reservations and next available dates

September 2026

October 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Campsites at Medicine Lake Recreation Area

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Standard 16

What an RV fits

10 ft1 site
34 ft1 site
40 ft3 sites
45 ft1 site
50 ft3 sites
60 ft2 sites
75 ft2 sites

Amenities

restrooms
potable water

At a glance: Setting: Mountain.

Things to do: fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, wildlife.

All sites at Medicine Lake Recreation Area, as listed by Recreation.gov

Site	Loop	Type	Sleeps	Max RV
035	A.H. Hogue Campground	Standard	10	-
037	A.H. Hogue Campground	Standard	10	-
038	A.H. Hogue Campground	Standard	10	50 ft
039	A.H. Hogue Campground	Standard	10	40 ft
040	A.H. Hogue Campground	Standard	10	34 ft
042	A.H. Hogue Campground	Standard	10	75 ft
052	A.H. Hogue Campground	Standard	10	45 ft
055	A.H. Hogue Campground	Standard	10	-
056	A.H. Hogue Campground	Standard	10	75 ft
012	Medicine Campground	Standard	10	50 ft
014	Medicine Campground	Standard	10	60 ft
015	Medicine Campground	Standard	10	40 ft
019	Medicine Campground	Standard	10	40 ft
020	Medicine Campground	Standard	10	60 ft
024	Medicine Campground	Standard	10	50 ft
026	Medicine Campground	Standard	10	10 ft

About Medicine Lake Recreation Area

Overview

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.

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.

Facilities

The Medicine Lake Recreation Area is comprised of five campgrounds; Medicine, A.H. Hogue, Hemlock, Headquarters, and Schonchin Springs 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 86 campsites throughout the five campgrounds. Fifteen of these sites are available for advanced reservations and located within the Medicine and A.H. Hogue Campgrounds. Schonchin Springs is the only campground without water.

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.

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.

Rules and notices at Medicine Lake Recreation Area

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 30, 2026. Check Medicine Lake Recreation Area on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Trash collection, vault toilets and drinking water available all season.

Maximum of two vehicles and 10 people allowed per site.

Cell phone reception is limited and is not available in the vicinity of Medicine Lake Recreation Area.

Click Here for more information on the Modoc National Forest.

Each summer there is a Special Use Permit allowing a tribal gathering in the Medicine Campground Loop. This occurs during the 3rd weekend of each July for 5-6 days. The sites within this campground will not be available for reservation or walk in use during this time. The A.H. Hogue Campground Loop will remain open during this time and will be completely available for reservations and walk in use.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Medicine Lake Recreation Area FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Medicine Lake Recreation Area?

Medicine Lake Recreation Area is rated "Moderate to Book" based on historical demand. With 16 sites available, you have good chances of finding availability, especially on weekdays.

How do I find last-minute availability at Medicine Lake Recreation Area?

Cancellations happen frequently at Medicine Lake Recreation Area, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Medicine Lake Recreation Area have?

Medicine Lake Recreation Area has 16 campsites.