Modoc National Forest Medicine Lake Recreation Area Opening June 29th

Alturas, Calif., June 24, 2025— The Wait is over, and Medicine Lake is now fully accessible from all roads leading to the campground. The official opening date for Medicine Lake is Sunday, June 29th. On this date, all campground services will be available. Please be aware that the water systems at these campgrounds are currently non-potable, and the status of the water system may change in the coming days. For the health and safety of our visitors it is essential to boil water before use or bring your own water, please plan accordingly. 

Currently, there is a boat dock in the water, and the dump station is up and running. Camping at the Medicine Lake Recreation Area costs $15 per night, except for Schonchin Spring Campground, which is $10 per night. Dispersed campgrounds accessible in the Medicine Lake Recreation Area include Blanche, Bullseye, and Payne Springs.

Campers who wish to use the firewood available around the campgrounds are welcome to do so. Please note that this wood is green and not seasoned, which may affect its burning quality. Additionally, if you would like to take some pine chunks that are stacked around the campground home with you, you are permitted to do so, but only up to a maximum of ¼ cord per paid campsite visitor. Please do not take this firewood home if you have any pine species near your property. The Mountain Pine Bark Beetle, which caused the death of these Lodgepole Pine trees in the campgrounds, has already exited the bark. However, the IPS beetle may still be present in the bark of this firewood and could infest your trees if you bring it home. It may be helpful to remove and burn the bark before taking it home and not leaving the bark in the campground.

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