Big Sage Campground

For Californians seeking an authentic and serene outdoor escape, Big Sage Campground in the heart of the Modoc National Forest near Alturas offers a genuine slice of tranquility. This isn't your bustling, amenity-packed resort; instead, it's a testament to the quiet beauty and understated charm of Northeastern California. Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of nature, with the expansive Big Sage Reservoir at your doorstep, providing a perfect backdrop for a day of fishing, boating, or simply unwinding in a peaceful, natural setting. Big Sage Campground offers a true back-to-basics camping experience, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), where the focus is on natural beauty and solitude.

Visitors consistently praise Big Sage Campground for its calm atmosphere and well-maintained, if basic, facilities. With newly installed parking pads, picnic tables, and fire rings, along with clean vault toilets, it provides the essential comforts for a comfortable stay. It’s particularly appealing to those who appreciate a low-usage environment, where finding a secluded spot is often possible, even on busier days. While swimming in the reservoir is not recommended due to natural conditions, the excellent fishing and boating opportunities more than make up for it. Big Sage Campground is a hidden gem for Californians looking to disconnect, enjoy the quiet, and immerse themselves in the vast, beautiful landscapes of the Modoc National Forest.

Big Sage Campground is located on Crowder Flat Rd, Alturas, CA 96101, USA, within the expansive Modoc National Forest. This places it in the northeastern corner of California, an area characterized by its high desert plateaus, volcanic features, and vast rangelands. The campground sits directly on the shore of Big Sage Reservoir, providing a scenic lakeside setting.

Accessibility to Big Sage Campground is relatively straightforward, but it's important to note recent changes. According to recent reviews, there is a "new entrance" on the left before the GPS entrance. The old entrance, while potentially still passable for some, is now "blocked by boulders" and described as "rough" with "low branches." The new entrance, however, is "no problem" for vehicles, including RVs and trailers. The road leading to the campground is typically unpaved, consistent with a BLM-managed site, but the renovated entrance aims to improve ease of access. While Big Sage Campground offers a feeling of seclusion, it's approximately 12 miles from the town of Alturas, providing a convenient proximity to basic services if needed. Its location in the Modoc National Forest also places it within reach of other natural attractions and offers a unique perspective on California's diverse landscapes, far from the more crowded coastal or mountain regions.

• 11 individual campsites (suitable for both tents and RVs up to 22 feet, though larger rigs can navigate the new entrance)
• Parking pads at each site
• Picnic tables at each campsite (newly installed)
• Fire rings/pits at each campsite (newly installed, check for current fire restrictions)
• Clean vault toilets available
• Boat ramp on Big Sage Reservoir (offers public access for boating)
• First-come, first-served campsites (no reservations accepted)
• No potable water available (campers must bring their own drinking water)
• No sewage hookups or dump station on site
• Pets allowed (must be on leash and cleaned up after)
• Open seasonally, typically from mid-May to late October, weather permitting

• Lakeside Setting on Big Sage Reservoir: The campground is beautifully situated directly on the reservoir, offering picturesque views and easy access to the water for various activities.
• Excellent Fishing: Big Sage Reservoir is known as a great spot for fishing, particularly for bass, catfish, and crappie, making it a prime destination for anglers.
• Boating Opportunities: Campers can enjoy boating on the reservoir, with a convenient boat ramp available for launching canoes, kayaks, and small motorized boats.
• Quiet and Low Usage: A significant highlight for many campers is the peaceful atmosphere and generally low usage, allowing for a secluded and tranquil camping experience. Reviewers often mention having the campground largely to themselves.
• Updated Facilities: The campground features newly installed parking pads, picnic tables, and fire rings, enhancing the comfort and usability of the sites.
• Clean Vault Toilets: The vault toilets are consistently noted by visitors as being clean, which is a major positive for a primitive campground.
• Accessible for RVs and Tents: While primitive, the campground can accommodate both tent and RV campers, with easy access via the new entrance road.
• No Cell Service: For those seeking a complete digital detox, the remote location means limited to no cell service, encouraging a true disconnection from technology and a deeper immersion in nature.
• Free Camping: Big Sage Campground is a no-fee site, making it an excellent budget-friendly option for extended stays or spontaneous getaways.
• Wildlife Viewing: The surrounding juniper woodland and sagebrush environment provides opportunities for wildlife observation.

Address: Crowder Flat Rd, Alturas, CA 96101, USA

Big Sage Campground is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Modoc National Forest.

For general inquiries about the area, current conditions, or any potential fire restrictions, it is best to contact the Modoc National Forest Supervisor's Office:

Modoc National Forest Supervisor's Office Phone: (530) 233-5811

Mobile Phone: +1 530-233-5811

Since the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no direct reservations, direct contact with an on-site host is typically not available.

For Californians, especially those residing in the northern and eastern parts of the state, Big Sage Campground offers a truly distinctive and highly suitable camping experience. Its location in the Modoc National Forest provides a refreshing alternative to the often-crowded campsites found in more famous California destinations. This campground is perfect for locals who value solitude, quiet reflection, and a deep connection with nature, far from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The "low usage" nature of the campground means residents can often find a peaceful spot, even during what might be busy times elsewhere. This sense of personal space, combined with the convenience of newly updated amenities like picnic tables and clean vault toilets, provides a comfortable yet authentically rustic experience. For anglers, the excellent fishing opportunities on Big Sage Reservoir for bass, catfish, and crappie are a significant draw, making it a prime spot for a fishing getaway. While the lack of potable water requires self-sufficiency, this is a common expectation for experienced California campers who appreciate the untouched quality of BLM lands.

The "free" aspect of the camping is also a considerable advantage for budget-conscious locals looking to maximize their time outdoors. Big Sage Campground invites Californians to discover the raw, beautiful landscapes of the Modoc region, offering a serene escape where the simple pleasures of fishing, boating, and enjoying quiet nights under vast, starry skies are the main attractions. It’s a true hidden gem for those who call California home and seek an authentic, peaceful outdoor adventure.

Big Sage Campground

Crowder Flat Rd, Alturas, CA 96101, USA