Are you weary of the city lifestyle and looking to get away for the weekend? Modoc National Forest is the ideal place to escape reality and get in touch with nature. Pack the RV, leave the stress at home, and make your way to this unique forest. Located in the northeast corner of California, the Modoc National Forest is named after the Native American tribe that once inhabited this area. The diverse topography ranges from heavily forested areas near Warner Mountain Range in the east to the high plateaus and lava flows around Alturas, to the Medicine Highlands in the west with the largest shield volcano in North America.
Modoc National Forest’s remote location provides visitors with a chance to relax, explore, and unwind without the crowds. RV camping, hiking, fishing, snowmobiling, and horse riding are all popular activities for young and old alike. Much of the forest can be seen from the window of the campervan for those that prefer the comfort of their home away from home. If you’re lucky, you may spot some of the various wildlife that call the Modoc Forest home, including Rocky Mountain elk, wild horses, mule deer, and pronghorn antelope.
Whether you’re pulling a trailer or maneuvering a campervan, Modoc National Forest has 20 RV-friendly campgrounds for you and your family to enjoy. All campgrounds in the forest are first-come first-served, and we’ve highlighted the top four to make your decision a piece of cake.
Modoc National Forest is located in the northeast corner of California, far from any large cities or busy freeways. Although the forest is far off the beaten path, it is fairly accessible even to larger vehicles. The principal roads leading to the main campgrounds and recreation areas of the forest are State Highway 139, Highway 299, and U.S. Route 395. Because these routes do not see heavy traffic, wildlife may be present, so drive slowly when approaching the forest. The high altitude and mountainous topography of the region may cause certain roads within the forest to be difficult to navigate for large vehicles, especially during winter months. Various scenic byways run through the forest including the Volcanic Scenic Highway and the Emigrant Trails Scenic Byway. Travelers along these routes can catch glimpses of mountain meadows, snow-capped mountain peaks, and carpets of colorful wildflowers during the spring. Cellular service is spotty throughout the forest, so be sure to plan ahead and pack plenty of water and a forest map along with you in the RV.
If you’re looking for a tranquil place to park the RV then look no further. Willow Creek Campground offers eight campsites and is one of the least visited campgrounds in the forest, so you can almost always find a space to camp here. Willow Creek is usually open from May through October, weather depending. Located just off of Highway 139, the campground is easy to find and navigate with small RVs and trailers, the maximum length is 32 feet. The road leading to the campground is paved along with the parking spurs, making it convenient and easy to back into your site. Although it is located near the highway, the campground is relatively quiet thanks to the heavily forested area. Vault toilets and water faucets are located on-site, but the water is non-potable and must be boiled before use. Pets are allowed as long as they are kept on a leash.
Payne Springs Campground is located in the scenic Medicine Lake Highlands. Five RV- and trailer-friendly campsites await you and are equipped with fire rings and picnic tables. Vault toilets are located in the campground, but drinking water is not available, so be sure bring enough with you. Parking spurs are gravel and are only suited for RVs and trailers less than 20 feet in length. Payne Springs is normally open from early July through the end of October and pets are allowed if they are kept on a leash. The campground is situated next to the Modoc Volcanic Scenic Byway and the Lava Beds National Monument, making it the perfect place to learn about the geology and history of the forest.
Peace and quiet can be found off of Highway 139 at Howard’s Gulch Campground. Six campsites are RV- and trailer-friendly, making it the perfect campground to relax and get away from the crowds. The forest provides great shade with a variety of trees and is an excellent place to camp in the spring and early summer, or come back in the autumn for the beautiful fall colors. Howard’s Gulch is usually open from May through October, depending on the weather. The road to the campground is paved, but some turns can be tight and therefor difficult for large vehicles to navigate. Parking spurs are gravel and can only accommodate trailers and RVs with a length of 27 feet or less. The campground is equipped with picnic tables and vault toilets, but drinking water may or may not be available, so bring plenty along with you. Your pets are welcome to join you as long as they are kept on a leash. Recreation around the area includes hiking, bird watching, and the Highway 139 Auto Tour, just south of the campground on Howard’s Gulch Frontage Road.
Modoc National Forest has a vast trail network offering unique opportunities for hikers looking to explore the forest by foot. From short, paved trails, to longer climbs along ridges and peaks, you’ll find the scenery never disappoints. A variety of trails leave from the Medicine Lake Recreation Area, including a long hike up Little Mt. Hoffman, or a shorter trail to the Medicine Lake Lava Flow. Many trails leave from the campgrounds making it possible to head out from the RV right in the morning or take a nice evening stroll after dinner.
The Modoc National Forest is one of the best places in the country to rock hound due to its diversity of rocks and minerals. Part of the forest is covered by basaltic lava flows, making it possible to find obsidian, obsidian needles, petrified wood, and an assortment of gemstones. The east side of the Warner Mountains and the West Valley Reservoir are abundant in rocks and minerals. Certain materials require a permit, especially if you are collecting for commercial use, so be sure to check in at the Forest Supervisor’s office before you begin mining.
Over a dozen trails are open for horses and their riders during the spring, summer, and fall seasons, so don’t hesitate to attach the horse trailer to the back of the rig. The Devil’s Garden and Red Tail Rim Trailheads are some of the most popular areas for horseback riding in the spring and early summer. Check out the Warner Mountain trails if you’re riding during the late summer or early fall. Not all trails are suitable for horses, so investigate your routes ahead of time.
Located right above the picturesque Blue Lake, Blue Lake Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds in the forest. 35 RV- and trailer-friendly campsites are equipped with paved parking spurs suited for vehicles with a maximum length of 32 feet. Vault toilets, drinking water, and picnic tables are located within the campground for your convenience, and there is a camp host on-site should any issues arise. Pets are allowed so long as they are leashed. Feel free to attach the boat to the back of the rig because there is a boat ramp available for use on at the campground. Other recreational activities in the area include fishing, swimming, and hiking. The opening times for this campground are weather dependent, and your best bet is usually between mid-May and late October.
If you’re looking to hit the slopes this winter, the Cedar Pass Ski Area is a public ski resort located inside of the Modoc National Forest. The ski resort is located off of Highway 299 and only open as snow allows, usually from January through March. The area is outfitted with a T-bar and a rope tow, but no chairlift. You can bring your own skis along with you, or rent them on-site during open hours.
You’ll find hundreds of miles of trails groomed for snowmobiling during the winter inside the forest. The most popular area for winter fun is the Doorknob Warming Hut Snowpark. The snowpark is part of the Tri-Forest Snowmobile trails system, with access to over 250 miles of trails in the Modoc, Shasta Trinity, and Klamath National Forests. The area has a warming hut and vault toilets available for you to use. Be sure to check the Modoc National Forest for current trail conditions.
The snowy season provides an excellent opportunity to see the forest by cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Many of the closed fire roads are accessible in the winter and provide a great trail surface. You may get the chance to see snow-covered mountain peaks and other winter scenery during your trek. The Door Warming Hut Snowpark and the Cedar Pass Ski Area are well-liked amongst skiers and snowshoers. Be aware that certain trails in the snowpark are for snowmobiles only and should be avoided.
