Blue Lake Campground Group Site - Modoc NF (CA)

Blue Lake Campground Group Site - Modoc NF (CA) in CA — photo 4

About this campsite

Overview

The Blue Lake Campground is situated in the beautiful South Warner Mountains of the Modoc National Forest in a tranquil and remote area of northeastern California. Blue Lake was formed from a massive landslide several thousand years ago. Over time, the land filled up with water from snow melt and rain where blue lake is today. Blue Lake is truly deep blue in color and remains ice cold even during the hotest days of summer! The fishing is great, and there's a 3 mile trail that goes around the entirety of the lake. Come enjoy your National Forest land by visiting the Blue Lake Campground this summer!

Recreation

There is a trail around the lake 3 mile, along with many opportunities to walk and bike around the paved campground roads and boat dock area. There are several wilderness trailheads within 6-15 miles from the site as well. The South Warner Wilderness has many trails to offer a true solitude experience away from the big city. Off-highway -vehcle (OHV) use is also a popular recreation activity in the neighboring area road systems.

Facilities

Water is available most of the summer season from late May-early October. Please call ahead of time and check if the water is potable early in the season! Sometimes it takes a while to get the system up and going for the season.

Natural Features

There are many ice cold mountain streams feeding into and coming out of Blue Lake. The campground is situated in a lower part of the mountains, but the entire campground is surrounded by mountain ridges scattered with ponderosa pine, Jeffrey pine, incense cedar, and aspen trees. There was an intense wildfire that came through the area back in 2003, so many of the hillsides near Blue Lake are in the process of regenerating tree stands. Fortunately, the campground was saved from the fire, so there are plenty of big pine trees for shade!

Nearby Attractions

Location

Blue Lake Campground Group Site - Modoc NF (CA)•CA

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Common questions about Blue Lake Campground Group Site - Modoc NF (CA)

Can you book Blue Lake Campground Group Site - Modoc NF (CA) online?

We hold no online booking link for Blue Lake Campground Group Site - Modoc NF (CA), so it is not bookable through this page. Many parks and showgrounds still require a booking, so contact the operator before you go. Their website or phone number is the fastest way to confirm a site.

Where is Blue Lake Campground Group Site - Modoc NF (CA)?

Blue Lake Campground Group Site - Modoc NF (CA) sits in CA. The map on this page shows the exact spot, and the coordinates travel straight into your navigation app. Check road conditions before you set out if you are towing, since access tracks can change with the weather.

Nearby Campsites

within 50km

9.3 km away

East Creek Campground

Campground: East Creek Campground. Operated by United States Forest Service.

9.8 km away

Patterson Guard Station

Overview *Altitude is 7,080 feet above sea level* Set on the edge of a meadow surrounded by Aspen, Fir and Pine trees, Patterson Guard Station has stood since 1921. It served the Modoc National Forest as a fully staffed fire office and guard station until 1981. Just a few footsteps from the Summit Trail and one-quarter mile from the wilderness boundary, Patterson Guard Station can be your basecamp for trips into the South Warner Wilderness or the perfect place to disconnect and relax. The cabin only has one set of bunkbeds (two mattresses). There is a large turn-around parking area directly adjacent to the cabin which can accommodate camper trailers, smaller RVs and gooseneck horse trailers. No hook-ups . If your party exceeds 8 persons, the adjacent Patterson Campground offers 6 developed campsites for $15/night. Click here to view the full reservation calander and additional details not included on this page. Recreation Hiking & Horseback Riding The nearby trails within the South Warner Wilderness offer wild landscapes and solitude for hikers and horseback riders. The Wilderness Act of 1964 prohibits the use of motorized and/or mechanized equipment within the Wilderness area (limited exceptions are provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act). South Warner WIlderness maps are advised and always available at the Modoc National Forest Supervisor's Office in Alturas, Calif. Maps may also be available at the Likely General Store in Likely, Calif. Off-Highway Vehicles Many of the roads near Patterson Guard Station, outside of the wilderness area, are open to Off-Highway Vehicles. Motor Vehicle Use Maps are available online and at the Modoc National Forest Supervisor's Office in Alturas, Calif. Boating Blue Lake, 9 miles west, features a boat ramp and dock for motorized and non-motorized watercraft. Help keep this lake clean by following the California Invasive Species Prevention Program Please respect the 10 mph speed limit on the lake. If speed-boating is your thing, consider launching your boat at West Valley Reservoir instead. Facilities Patterson Guard Station was restored in 2022 thanks to funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The guard station is currently equiped with one bunk bed (two matresses). There will also be two chairs that each convert to a single bed. Pots and pans will be provided. Pets are allowed. The guard station features a new refrigerator and oven/range fueled by propane (provided). New floors and a wood-burning stove (firewood provided) make this facility almost as cozy as your own home. Potable water is not available on-site. Non-potable water may be available but visitors should bring all the water needed for drinking and washing. An outhouse stands roughly 100 feet from the front door, across the driveway. Entering this facility requires walking up at least two stairs to enter the back door, three stairs up to the front porch and door. As your reservation approaches, you will be instructed on how to obtain codes/keys to the entry gate and guard station doors. THINGS YOU MUST BRING WITH YOU: DRINKING WATER AND WATER FOR WASHING BATTERY POWERED LANTERNS AND LIGHTS FOR INDOOR USE BUG SPRAY AND FIRST AID KITS BEDDING (SLEEPING BAGS, BLANKETS, SHEETS, PILLOWS) Check-in is 2pm and check-out is 11am. Maximum occupancy is listed at eight (8) but when it comes to sleeping arrangments, the guard station will only accomdate four