Headquarters Campground sits on the northwest corner of 640-acre Medicine Lake. As the crow flies, Medicine Lake is 42 miles northeast of Weed and 10 miles southwest of Lava Beds National Monument. Those who make the circuitous drive to Medicine Lake are rewarded with enjoyable boating, fishing, and hiking. A forest of pine and fir surrounds the lake, which is in the crater of a collapsed volcano. Headquarters Campground is the smallest of 4 campgrounds at Medicine Lake.
Headquarters Campground has 16 campsites best suited for tents, but small RVs and trailers are permitted. Unpaved campground roads generate dust, so campsites farthest from the road are best choices. Private property separates the campground from the lake. The best access to the lake is at the day-use area with a beach and boat ramp on the east end of the lake. Headquarters Campground has a 14 day limit.
| Headquarters Campground Basics | |
|---|---|
| Headquarters Campground Location: | Forest Service Road 49/Medicine Lake Road, off Road 15, off Highway 89 (32 miles from Highway 89 to Medicine Lake) |
| Map to Medicine Lake: | Medicine Lake Directions Map |
| Elevation: | 6,700 feet |
| Mileage from gateway city: | Redding - 119 miles |
| Number of Sites: | 16 |
| Camping Season: | Open late May to early-October, depending on weather |
| Max. People per Site: | 10 (including children) |
| Vehicles per Site: | 2 |
| Pets: | on leash, always attended |
| Operated by | Modoc National Forest |
| Modoc National Forest Information: | (530) 233-5811 |
| Reservations for Headquarters Campground | |
|---|---|
| Reservations Available | Reservations are available from 4 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival date. |
| Maximum RV/trailer Length: | 22 feet |
| Wheelchair Accessible Sites: | Some accessible sites and facilities |
| Fees: | $14 per night |
| Reservations: | Medicine Lake Recreation Area Reservations |
| Check-in, check-out: | 2:00 PM, Noon |
| Headquarters Campground Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Campsites: | Picnic table, fire ring with grill; no hook-ups |
| Campground: | Vault toilets, piped water |
| Showers: | No |
| Dump station: | Yes |
| Attractions near Headquarters Campground: | Enjoy Medicine Lake with boat launch ramps and a beach. Join guided ranger tours in summer. Explore local hiking trails. Test your skills at fishing. Discover nearby ice caves. Visit Little Medicine Lake, Glass Mountain, and Lava Beds National Monument.
Trout Fishing Best Sellers |
Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on snow conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths.
In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, obtain firewood locally.
Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate
Headquarters Campground at Medicine Lake
Visitors to the nearby Lava Beds National Monument and the surrounding area enjoy a variety of attractions in the area, none more popular than the many lava tubes. The Visitor Center is only open in the summer.
Check Modoc National Forest - Medicine Lake Recreation Area for any campground updates.
