A.H. Hogue Campground

For Californians seeking an unforgettable outdoor adventure amidst stunning natural beauty, A.H. Hogue Campground at Medicine Lake offers an unparalleled experience. Nestled within the vast Modoc National Forest in Northern California, this campground is celebrated for its beautiful setting, spacious campsites, and direct access to the clear waters of Medicine Lake. It's a destination where the tranquility of the forest meets the recreational allure of a high-altitude lake, creating an ideal escape for families, anglers, hikers, and anyone looking to reconnect with nature.

A.H. Hogue Campground is frequently lauded by visitors for its well-maintained grounds and the generous size and spacing of its campsites. Reviews highlight that even when the campground is full, it doesn't feel crowded, ensuring a peaceful and enjoyable stay. The friendly and helpful staff further enhance the experience, making every visit welcoming and comfortable. Imagine waking up to the fresh mountain air, spending your days fishing or paddling on a serene lake, and enjoying evenings under a blanket of stars. As a California resident, you understand the value of these pristine natural havens, and A.H. Hogue Campground is perfectly positioned to become your go-to spot for rejuvenating and memorable outdoor experiences in your home state, offering a genuine wilderness feel without being overly remote.

A.H. Hogue Campground is located in McCloud, CA 96057, USA, as part of the larger Medicine Lake Recreation Area within the Modoc National Forest. Medicine Lake itself sits at an elevation of approximately 6,770 feet in the Medicine Lake Highlands, a unique geological area. The campground is situated on the shores of Medicine Lake, providing convenient access to its waters.

Accessing A.H. Hogue Campground requires a scenic drive into the national forest. From McCloud, you typically head east on US Highway 89 south for about 16 miles to Forest Service Road 15 (Harris Spring Road). Turn left on Road 15 and continue for approximately 4.4 miles to Forest Service Road 49 (Medicine Lake Road). From there, follow signs for about 27.5 miles to Medicine Lake. Alternatively, from Tulelake, you can take US Highway 139 south for 21 miles to Forest Service Road 97, then turn right and go 24 miles, turning right onto Road 49, and driving 2 more miles into the recreation area entrance. While the journey involves unpaved sections (like the road from Harris Springs), they are generally manageable for various vehicle types, including RVs and trailers (though some caution about road conditions, especially from Highway 89, is noted by past visitors). The large, spacious sites at A.H. Hogue are particularly accommodating for RVs and camping trailers up to 30 feet, making it accessible for a wide range of campers.

For California residents, this location offers a desirable balance of seclusion and accessibility. It allows for a true escape into nature without an overly arduous journey, maximizing the time spent enjoying the outdoors. The presence of nearby towns like McCloud and Tulelake means that essential supplies and services are within a reasonable drive, adding to the convenience for locals planning their outdoor adventures.

A.H. Hogue Campground provides essential services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience, emphasizing the natural setting:

• Campsites: Offers 24 campsites, with some sources indicating up to 75 total sites spread across the Medicine Lake Recreation Area's campgrounds (Medicine, A.H. Hogue, Hemlock, and Headquarters). A.H. Hogue is known for having the largest and most spacious sites, accommodating tents, trailers, and motorhomes up to 30 feet. About 15 sites across Medicine and A.H. Hogue Campgrounds are reservable, while others are first-come, first-served.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining.
• Fire Rings with Grills: Designated fire rings with grills are available at each site for campfires and cooking. Visitors can gather dead wood for firewood, but it's crucial to check for current fire restrictions.
• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets are available throughout the campground, often praised by visitors for their cleanliness.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available through spigots located regularly throughout the campground. However, some past visitors have noted temporary issues with water availability, so bringing extra water is always a good idea.
• No Showers or Hookups: The campground does not offer showers or electrical/water hookups at individual sites, maintaining a more rustic camping experience.
• Trash Collection: Garbage dumpsters are provided for responsible waste disposal.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash and cleaned up after.
• On-site Management: The presence of "friendly and helpful staff" suggests a well-managed campground with camp hosts available to assist visitors.

The features and highlights of A.H. Hogue Campground truly make it a standout destination for outdoor enthusiasts in California:

• Medicine Lake Access: Direct access to Medicine Lake, known for its clear, clean waters, perfect for swimming (especially in the pleasant shallow areas), kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.
• Excellent Fishing: Medicine Lake is stocked with trout (brook and rainbow), making it a popular destination for anglers. While it's generally a fishing, kayak, and canoe lake, rules for power boats should be checked.
• Spacious Campsites: Consistently praised for its large, well-sized, and spaced-apart campsites, ensuring privacy and a less crowded feel even when full. Ideal for RVs and trailers.
• Beautiful Lake Views: Many sites, especially those with direct lake access (which may involve a steep descent), offer picturesque views of the lake.
• Proximity to Geological Wonders: The campground is within a 15-minute drive of unique geological areas such as Glass Mountain (a massive obsidian field) and Burnt Lava Flow, offering fascinating exploration opportunities. Lava Beds National Monument, with its lava caves and tubes, is also within a half-hour drive.
• Hiking and Biking Trails: Various trails are available in the surrounding area, including a pleasant trail across the road from the campground exit suitable for walking or biking. Longer hikes, such as to Little Mt. Hoffman, are also accessible.
• Wildlife Viewing: The forested and lakeside environment provides opportunities for observing local wildlife, enhancing the wilderness experience.
• Quiet and Remote Atmosphere: Despite its popularity, the campground offers a sense of remote adventure and quietude, providing a true escape from city noise and light pollution.
• Stargazing: Minimal light pollution makes the night sky ideal for stargazing and astrophotography.

For inquiries, reservations (for the limited reservable sites), or to learn more about A.H. Hogue Campground, you can use the provided contact information. Given its location within the Modoc National Forest, it's often beneficial to contact the relevant forest service district for the most up-to-date information.

Address: McCloud, CA 96057, USA

Phone: (530) 667-2246

Mobile Phone: +1 530-667-2246

This phone number is typically for the Modoc National Forest's Doublehead Ranger District office, which manages the Medicine Lake Recreation Area. It's always recommended for California residents planning a trip to call ahead to confirm current conditions, site availability (especially for first-come, first-served sites), road conditions (as some access roads can be rough), and any fire restrictions, which are common in California's dry seasons. Being prepared with current information ensures a smooth and enjoyable visit.

For California locals, A.H. Hogue Campground is an absolute must-visit for an authentic and accessible outdoor experience. The consistent positive reviews highlighting "beautiful, camp sites well sized and spaced apart" and "very nice campground and well maintained" speak volumes about its quality. Its location on Medicine Lake, coupled with the generous campsite sizing, makes it perfectly suited for families, RV enthusiasts, and those simply seeking a tranquil lakeside escape within their home state.

The added bonus of nearby geological wonders like Glass Mountain and the Lava Beds National Monument means that your camping trip can be enriched with unique sightseeing and exploration. Whether you're looking to spend your days on the water, hit the trails, or simply relax in a serene environment, A.H. Hogue Campground provides the ideal setting. Embrace the opportunity to discover this Northern California gem and create lasting memories amidst the stunning beauty of Medicine Lake and the Modoc National Forest, a true testament to California's diverse and accessible wilderness.

A.H. Hogue Campground

McCloud, CA 96057, USA