About This Park
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.
Quick Information
- Type: RV Resort, National Park, Overnight Parking
- Network: Federal – Other
- Price Range: $15-35
- Rating: 4.266667 / 5
Amenities
- ✓ Electric Hookup
- ✓ Pet Friendly
- ✓ Picnic Tables
- ✓ Grills/Fire Ring
- ✓ Fire Pit
Contact & Location
MODOC NATIONAL FOREST DOUBLEHEAD RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE 49870 HIGHWAY 139
Tulelake, CA 96134
Phone: 530-667-2246 OR 530-667-8659
Email: bradley.phelps@usda.gov
Book This Park
Basic electric hookups make this workable for most RVs, though you'll rely on shared facilities for water and waste. Mountain surroundings keep things cool in summer and provide a dramatic backdrop throughout your stay. Fire pits or grills at each site make evenings around the campfire a natural end to the day.