Modoc National Forest is located in the northeastern corner of California. It offers a stunning landscape of volcanic Cascades, the scenic Warner Mountains, and expansive plateaus. With over 1.5 million acres of wilderness, visitors can explore forests, wildlife-rich areas, and volcanic lava flows.
For RVers, Soup Springs Campground offers access to the South Warner Wilderness, with nearby equestrian trails. Willow Creek Campground, a hidden gem with eight sites, is perfect for small trailers and motorhomes. It offers shady sites, vault toilets, and piped water. Howard’s Gulch Campground provides interpretive sites, picnic tables, and drinking water, making it ideal for a comfortable stay while exploring the forest. RVs can be rented from RV Share for areas like Jackson, Hattiesburg, and Biloxi.
Camping in Modoc National Forest
Modoc National Forest RV camping offers a range of options, from developed campgrounds to remote, dispersed sites.
Campgrounds in Modoc National Forest
$15 per day
$15 per day
$15 per day
$15 per day
Private Campgrounds Near Modoc National Forest
Before planning your trip to the forest, check out the top campgrounds in California. When camping near Modoc National Forest, you can also look for campgrounds in cities like Redding or Sacramento.
For convenient RV waste disposal at campgrounds near Modoc National Forest, check out these dump stations. You can also explore popular BLM locations in California.
Campgrounds by Lakes/Rivers for Fishing and Water Activities
No fee
$15 per night
No fee
$10 per night
Budget-friendly Campgrounds
No fee
No fee
No fee
Modoc National Forest Hiking Trails
Explore Modoc National Forest's vast network of hiking trails, ranging from easy scenic walks to more challenging backcountry hikes.
Easy Trails
Distance: 6.6 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 0.9 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2.9 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Challenging Trails for Hikers
Distance: 6.4 Miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 5.1 Miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 14.5 Miles
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 7.1 Miles
Difficulty: Difficult
Lakeside Trails
Distance: 1.8 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 5.3 Miles
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 13.3 Miles
Difficulty: Difficult
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Glass Mountain Trail
The Glass Mountain Trail is an in-and-out pathway that offers scenic views while changing elevation by 1,053 feet. Pines tower over an immense amount of obsidian that dots the trail—hence the name Glass Mountain. At the peak of the grade, visitors enjoy an intense panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.
Length: 4.9 miles
Intensity: Intermediate
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Medicine Lake Volcano, Mount Hoffman-Standard Summit Route
Most people wait until the winter months to use this trail. In the summer, the trek seems long, but it is reduced significantly in the winter by the opportunity to use skis when traveling back down the mountain, saving considerable time. The view of Medicine Lake from the summit of the mountain is worth the trip.
Length: 13.3 miles
Intensity: Difficult
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Modoc Line Rail Trail
Though the Modoc Line Rail Trail is long, it is an easy hike that is relatively level with gentle grades up and down. The trail wanders through some of the most breathtaking rangeland in northeastern California. Visitors can expect to see many wildlife species, including pronghorn antelope. The views from the summit of the Skedaddle and Warner mountain ranges are spectacular.
Length: 84.7 miles
Intensity: Easy to Intermediate
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Crane Mountain National Recreation Trail #161
The Crane Mountain National Recreation Trail begins in Modoc National Forest and travels almost due north into Oregon. Throughout the hike, the pathway offers views of Goose Lake Valley, which shares a lake on both sides of the California-Oregon border. The highest point is at 8,347 feet on the summit of Crane Mountain, which contributes views of Mount Shasta to the west and the high desert to the east.
Length: 37.5 miles
Intensity: Hard
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Cedar Creek Trail
The Cedar Creek Trail offers two trailheads that provide different levels of intensity over the same pathway. The upper trailhead leads to a leisurely downhill hike that drops by 790 feet over a three-mile course. The lower trailhead covers the same ground, but the uphill climb is more strenuous. During the winter months, the upper trailhead offers an excellent snowboarding experience.
Length: 3 miles
Intensity: Easy to Intermediate
How to get to Modoc National Forest
Address: 225 West 8th Street, Alturas, CA 96101
Fee: Entry fee $0
By Car
By Air
Alturas Municipal Airport (ALY): Located about 10 miles from the forest, this airport has limited regional flight options.
Klamath Falls Airport (LMT): 70 miles away, this airport offers commercial flights that connect to major cities.
Seasonal Restrictions
Check for seasonal restrictions on certain trails and campgrounds, especially during winter and spring. Before your trip, check the Alerts & Closures page for any closures or restrictions.
Fees in Modoc National Forest
There is no general entry fee for Modoc National Forest. However, certain activities, like camping or OHV use, may have associated costs. Be sure to check for specific fees at your chosen location when looking for campgrounds near Modoc National Forest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Modoc National Forest
Does Modoc National Forest offer free camping sites?
Yes, Modoc National Forest has free camping sites. There is dispersed camping in the forest, and there are several developed campgrounds that do not charge a fee as well.
Do you need a permit to fish or hunt in Modoc National Forest?
Yes, you need a permit to hunt in Modoc National Forest. Anyone age 16 and above needs a fishing license to fish in California as well.
Is Modoc National Forest open all year round?
Yes, Modoc National Forest is open year-round. However, some areas get a lot of snow and are not plowed in winter. There may be certain regions of the forest that are inaccessible or activities that can't be done during certain months.
Can you kayak, canoe, or raft in Modoc National Forest?
Yes, you can kayak and canoe in Modoc National Forest. Lily Lake, Medicine Lake, and various other lakes are great spots for paddling.
What type of wildlife lives in Modoc National Forest?
Wildlife including bald eagles, mule deer, coyotes, skunks, muskrats, and black-tailed jackrabbits all live in the Modoc National Forest. There is also a variety of birds and fish that live in the forest as well.
