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BLM Camping

Fee Reservoir

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

Fee Reservoir is located near the Modoc National Forest and the Modoc National Wildlife Refuge in the northeastern part of California, on the borders of Nevada and Oregon. The reservoir is about 100 acres in size and offers many recreational opportunities. The area is picturesque and acts as a haven for wildlife, making it ideal for photographers. Fee Reservoir is also popular with fishing enthusiasts, hikers, backpackers, campers, and mountain bikers.

BLM areas like Fee Reservoir were designed to offer visitors easy access to wild locations they might not otherwise be able to explore. These locations are often remote and secluded, and while some offer amenities, others are quite rugged. To ensure that the site you’re interested in has certain camping amenities, search for “BLM camping near me.”

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Glass Mountain Trail

Located in the Modoc National Forest, this trail offers incredible views of the area.

Length: 4.9 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Cedar Creek Trail

This trail, which is excellent for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, meanders through lush meadows and is a perfect way to spot wildlife.

Length: 6.4 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Emerson Creek Trail

This trail, located in the nearby South Warner Wilderness, passes through wooded areas and across a small creek.

Length: 7.1 miles

Intensity: Difficult

The Summit Trail

This lengthy trail is an excellent option for backpacking, and it is also a favorite location for birdwatchers.

Length: 12.9 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Clear Lake Trail

This short trail is an excellent way to spot wildlife or to take in the amazing California scenery.

Length: 1.8 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

Fee Reservoir is itself an excellent place for fishing. Anglers can fish from the shore or use the reservoir’s boat ramp. The reservoir is routinely stocked with rainbow trout. Clear Lake, located not too far from the reservoir, is another popular fishing area. Fishing enthusiasts can often catch bass in the lake.

Climbing

Bouldering is the most common form of rock climbing available near Fee Reservoir. Visitors can head to the nearby Free for All Valley, which features 16 bouldering options on high-quality rock.

Wildlife Viewing

Fee Reservoir is an excellent place to spot wildlife, and it’s a particularly good location for seeing or photographing native and migratory birds. The nearby Modoc National Wildlife Refuge is also ideal for viewing wildlife, including local species like woodpeckers, tree frogs, garter snakes, owls, beavers, mule deer, pronghorn antelopes, stoats, skunks, coyotes, marmots, and squirrels.

Picnicking

Fee Reservoir features a picnic area with nine tables. Fire rings and barbeque pits are also available. The Lily Lake Picnic Site also offers picnic tables and barbeque grills, and the views of the lake are spectacular.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping is available at the Plum Valley Campground. The campground offers limited amenities, but toilets are available and are kept clean. Each campsite also has a picnic table and fire ring. The Sunrise Motel and RV Park is another excellent option. This park offers hookups and can accommodate RVs of varying sizes. A dump station, restrooms, and drinking water are also all available at the park. Mill Creek Falls Campground in the Modoc National Forest also offers scenic RV camping. The campground is inexpensive, and there are eight RV sites available. Reservations are not accepted, so arriving early is advisable.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at the Stough Reservoir Campground in the Modoc National Forest. The campground offers beautiful views and is a great way to get in touch with nature and observe wildlife, including many bird species. Reservations are not available, and there are few amenities, but there are vault toilets. Visitors can also camp at Fee Reservoir itself. There are nine campsites available.

RV Rentals Near Fee Reservoir Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Fee Reservoir BLM trip

The area around Fee Reservoir experiences mild weather with only a few rainy days throughout the summer, spring, and fall. However, winters can be very chilly with temperatures dropping below freezing. Even during the summer, nights can be relatively cold, so visitors should plan ahead and dress warmly if planning to be outside after the sun goes down.

The area around Fee Reservoir is home to a small population of black bears. Although it’s rare to see a bear, it’s still best to be prepared. Never attempt to get within close range, and make loud noises to alert bears to your presence. If you plan to camp, make sure all food supplies are safely stored away or hung from a high place.

Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Bureau of Land Management campgrounds and scenic areas such as Fee Reservoir must be explored with care and caution. Be courteous to other visitors. Pick up any litter you see, and always throw away your own trash instead of littering. If you spot a wild animal, observe it from a distance and never try to scare or touch it. Be cautious when building a fire, and only start a fire in an enclosed pit or ring. Always check the fire regulations beforehand, and if there is a ban in place or if the fire danger rating is high, avoid campfires altogether. Attempt to limit your impact on the environment by staying on the trail or in designated camping areas.

Fee Reservoir Location

In Cedarville, take Modoc Co. Road 1 north for 26 miles to Fort Bidwell. Take a right, turning east, at the T to continue on Modoc Co. Road 6/Barrel Springs Road. Continue east on Barrel Springs Road for about 4.5 miles. At the fork, take a right, and continue for about 3 miles until you reach the reservoir.

Ready to visit Fee Reservoir? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.