Medicine Campground

Nestled in a more secluded corner of Northern California, Medicine Campground offers a unique outdoor experience for those seeking tranquility and a deep connection with nature. Located near the picturesque Medicine Lake in McCloud, this campground is known for its serene atmosphere and stunning natural beauty. For Californians eager to escape the bustling urban environment and immerse themselves in the quietude of the wilderness, Medicine Campground presents an intriguing option. It promises incredible stargazing opportunities, a relatively warm lake for recreation, and ample possibilities for hiking and biking, making it an appealing destination for a range of outdoor enthusiasts.

While recent experiences at Medicine Campground have highlighted challenges concerning facility maintenance and site management, the fundamental appeal of its natural setting remains. It caters to campers who are prepared for a more rustic experience and who value the solitude that comes with a less frequented location. The vastness of the surrounding landscape, combined with the often-sparse crowds, creates an environment where personal space and natural beauty take precedence. For those who prioritize raw wilderness experiences and are equipped to handle potential service limitations, Medicine Campground continues to hold the promise of a memorable and reflective California adventure. It's a place where the grandeur of the night sky and the peace of a remote lake truly shine.

Medicine Campground is located at Medicine Lake Rd, McCloud, CA 96057, USA. This places it in a significantly remote area of Northern California, within the larger region managed by the U.S. Forest Service, often associated with the Shasta-Trinity National Forest or Modoc National Forest boundaries. Its proximity to Medicine Lake is a key geographical feature, defining many of the recreational opportunities available.

Accessibility to Medicine Campground should be approached with careful consideration. The campground is reached via Medicine Lake Rd. While the initial portion of the road may be paved, reports indicate that the last 13 miles of the 16-mile stretch to nearby Lava Beds National Monument, which likely shares access routes, can be a "dusty and severe washboard surface." This suggests that the primary access road to Medicine Campground itself may also be unpaved and potentially rough, requiring a vehicle with good clearance or at least a cautious approach. An alternative, longer route (37 miles) described as "marginally paved" also exists. Visitors should be prepared for extended periods of driving on unpaved roads. Due to its remoteness, cellular service is likely to be extremely limited or non-existent. It is highly recommended to download maps offline, carry physical maps, and inform someone of your itinerary before heading to the campground. Checking current road conditions with the relevant Forest Service office (phone number provided in contact information) is also a crucial step before embarking on your journey to this secluded destination. The remoteness contributes to its appeal for those seeking solitude, but it also necessitates thorough preparation for the journey.

Based on customer reviews, the services offered at Medicine Campground, while basic, have recently faced significant challenges. Visitors should be prepared for a primitive experience and bring all necessary supplies.

• Campsites: Individual campsites are available, and some were previously reservable (though reservation effectiveness has been questioned). Photos of reservable sites for both Medicine and Hogue campgrounds were noted to be available for pre-planning.
• Outhouses: Basic outhouses are present. However, recent reviews indicate severe issues with cleanliness, lack of pumping, and absence of toilet paper. Visitors should be prepared for unsanitary conditions and bring their own supplies.
• Water Faucets: Water faucets exist, but a critical note indicates a "notice to not drink the water," suggesting a lack of potable water. Campers must bring all their own drinking water.
• No Bear Boxes: There are no bear boxes available, meaning campers must securely store all food and scented items in vehicles or bear-proof containers to deter wildlife.
• No Campground Host: Recent experiences suggest a consistent absence of campground hosts, meaning there is no on-site presence for assistance, rule enforcement, or maintenance oversight.
• Reservation Service: A reservation service was implemented in 2019, but its effectiveness was heavily criticized, with reports of reserved sites being occupied by squatters and no enforcement to ensure reservations were honored.
• Trash Disposal: While not explicitly mentioned in the recent critical review, primitive campgrounds typically have some form of basic trash disposal (non-bear-proof bins), but visitors should always be prepared to pack out all trash.

Medicine Campground offers several appealing features for a particular type of outdoor enthusiast, though recent visitor experiences highlight significant challenges concerning amenities and management.

• Really Nice Campsite (Atmosphere): Despite the reported issues, the core appeal of the physical campsites themselves seems to be strong, described as "Really nice campsite." This suggests pleasant individual settings within the natural environment.
• Low Crowds Most of the Year: A significant draw for those seeking solitude, the campground is noted for "Not a lot of people are there most of the year." This allows for a peaceful and private camping experience, away from the typical hustle and bustle of more popular sites.
• Relatively Warm Lake: Medicine Lake itself is described as "relatively warm," making it more inviting for swimming and water-based activities than many colder mountain lakes in California. This is a considerable advantage for recreation.
• Plenty of Hiking and Biking: The surrounding area offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activity, with "Los is hiking and biking" (likely a typo for "lots of hiking and biking"). This makes it an ideal base for exploring the region's trails.
• Amazing Stars at Night: Due to its remote location and presumed lack of light pollution, the "stars are amazing at night." This offers a spectacular celestial display, perfect for stargazing enthusiasts and a truly immersive wilderness experience.
• Impressive Natural Setting: The general setting near Medicine Lake, combined with the potential for solitude and outdoor activities, suggests a visually appealing and naturally rich environment.
• Potential for Remote Trinity Alps/Lava Beds Exploration: While there are caveats, its location could serve as a very remote base for exploring sections of the nearby Lava Beds National Monument or extending into more distant wilderness areas, though the access roads present a challenge.

For inquiries or to confirm details regarding your visit to Medicine Campground, please use the following contact information:

• Address: Medicine Lake Rd, McCloud, CA 96057, USA
• Phone: (530) 233-5811
• Mobile Phone: +1 530-233-5811

Given the recent feedback regarding facility conditions and reservation issues, it is highly advisable to use these contact numbers to speak directly with the managing Forest Service office (likely the Modoc National Forest or Shasta-Trinity National Forest, as this area sits near the confluence of several forests) before planning your trip. This will allow you to obtain the most current information on campground status, road conditions, water potability, and any recent improvements or ongoing challenges with services or host presence. Preparedness is key for a remote site like Medicine Campground.

Medicine Campground, despite its recent operational challenges, offers a compelling draw for a specific type of Californian local, particularly those seeking a truly remote and self-reliant wilderness experience. For Californians yearning for deep solitude, the fact that "Not a lot of people are there most of the year" is a significant advantage, providing a rare opportunity to escape the crowds often found in more popular state parks and national forest campgrounds. The "amazing stars at night" due to minimal light pollution offer an unparalleled celestial spectacle, a profound experience for anyone living under the city glow.

The "relatively warm" Medicine Lake, coupled with "lots of hiking and biking" opportunities, means that for those prepared for a rustic experience, the natural recreational possibilities are abundant and inviting. While recent reviews highlight serious concerns regarding outhouse cleanliness, water potability, and reservation enforcement, these issues underscore that Medicine Campground is suitable for highly experienced and adaptable campers who are fully self-sufficient. Locals who understand and embrace the 'pack it in, pack it out' ethos, and are comfortable with primitive facilities and potential lack of on-site oversight, will find the natural beauty and solitude of Medicine Campground to be its greatest reward. For the adventurous Californian who prioritizes an undisturbed wilderness connection over conventional amenities, and who is willing to prepare accordingly, Medicine Campground offers a unique and memorable escape into the untamed beauty of their home state.

Medicine Campground

Medicine Lake Rd, McCloud, CA 96057, USA