Reservoir C Campground

Hey there, California outdoor enthusiasts! If you're yearning for a truly peaceful and pristine escape where the sounds of nature are your only companions, then Reservoir C Campground near Canby, California, is a destination you absolutely need to explore. Nestled in the heart of the magnificent Modoc National Forest, this serene lakeside campground offers a quintessential Northern California outdoor experience, perfect for families, birdwatchers, anglers, and anyone looking to reconnect with the wild beauty of our state.

Reservoir C Campground consistently earns praise for its tranquility and well-maintained facilities. As one delighted visitor shared, it's a "Quiet and serene campground. Well maintained site with picnic tables, fire pit rings, and a couple clean outhouses." This attention to detail ensures a comfortable and enjoyable stay, even in a more rustic setting. Its natural layout, with "lots of trees well spaced for hammock camping, as well as cleared areas for tents," provides flexibility for various camping styles. Plus, getting there is part of the charm; "Accessibility from the road was along a well worn dirt road with few pot holes, and no deep ruts, distant from the closest highway - which added to the ease of immersion into this wilderness." For those who love wildlife, it's a "Fabulous location for birding and lakeside fishing," making it an ideal spot for "Great family fun."

Reservoir C Campground is strategically located near Canby, California, nestled within the vast and beautiful Modoc National Forest. The address, C Reservoir Rd, Canby, CA 96015, USA, points to its direct proximity to Reservoir C, a key feature of this camping destination. This area is part of the mile-high Modoc Plateau, offering unique high-desert and forested terrain.

To reach Reservoir C Campground from Alturas, a nearby hub, you would typically travel west on Highway 299 for approximately 3 miles. Then, turn north onto Crowder Flat Road (County Road 73) and continue for about 9.6 miles. From there, turn left onto Forest Road 43N18 and proceed approximately 7 miles, following the signs that lead directly to Reservoir C Campground. Visitors have noted that the access road, a "well worn dirt road," is generally manageable with "few pot holes, and no deep ruts," making the journey relatively smooth for most vehicles. Its distance "from the closest highway" contributes to the feeling of wilderness immersion that campers so highly value. Given its elevation and location within a national forest, access is typically seasonal, usually from mid-May to late October, depending on weather conditions. It's always a good practice to check with the Modoc National Forest for current road and weather updates before planning your trip.

Reservoir C Campground provides essential services designed to facilitate a comfortable and immersive outdoor experience, maintaining a balance between rustic charm and necessary conveniences.

• Designated Campsites: The campground offers individual campsites suitable for both tent and RV camping. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire pit ring, often with a grill, perfect for cooking and campfires.
• Clean Vault Toilets: Visitors consistently praise the "couple clean outhouses" (vault toilets) available at the campground, ensuring basic and well-maintained restroom facilities.
• No Potable Water: It is crucial for campers to be aware that there is NO potable (drinking) water available at Reservoir C Campground. Visitors must bring all their own water for drinking, cooking, and washing, or be prepared to filter/treat water from the reservoir.
• First-Come, First-Served: All sites at Reservoir C Campground operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not accepted, so arriving early, especially during peak season (July and August), is recommended to secure a spot.
• No Fees: As of current public information, there is no fee to camp at Reservoir C, making it a very economical choice for outdoor recreation.
• No Hookups: The campground does not offer electrical, water, or sewer hookups, catering to a more primitive camping style suitable for self-contained RVs and tents.
• Garbage Service Not Provided: Campers are required to "pack it out" – take all trash, garbage, fish guts, and dog droppings with them when they leave, ensuring the site remains clean and pristine.
• Pet-Friendly: Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on a leash and cleaned up after.

Reservoir C Campground truly shines with a set of remarkable features that make it a standout destination for California's outdoor enthusiasts:

• Quiet and Serene Atmosphere: Consistently highlighted by visitors, the campground offers a profoundly "quiet and serene" environment. Its distant location from major highways contributes significantly to this peaceful ambiance, allowing for deep immersion in nature.
• Excellent Birding Opportunities: As a notable "stop for migratory birds along the Pacific Fly-way," Reservoir C is a "fabulous location for birding." Birdwatchers will revel in the diverse avian life attracted to the reservoir and surrounding wetlands, making it a prime spot for nature viewing.
• Superb Lakeside Fishing: The campground provides "lakeside fishing" and "some sites where you can fish right in your own camp." Reservoir C is seasonally stocked with trout by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and is also home to bass, offering excellent angling opportunities from the bank, by boat, or wading.
• Accessible Boat Launch: A "boat launch was nearby as well," providing convenient access for motorized and non-motorized boating, kayaking, and canoeing on the reservoir.
• Dark Sky Experience: Light pollution is "non-existent" at Reservoir C, making it a "recommended spot for amateur astronomers" and anyone eager to witness a truly brilliant night sky filled with stars.
• Hammock and Tent Camping Friendly: The campsite layout features "lots of trees well spaced for hammock camping, as well as cleared areas for tents," offering versatile options for setting up your camp.
• Family-Friendly Environment: Described as a "Great place for a family outing" and offering "Great family fun," the campground’s peaceful nature and access to outdoor activities make it ideal for family adventures.
• Scenic Beauty: Situated on the banks of Reservoir C within the Modoc National Forest, the campground boasts scenic views of the water and surrounding forested terrain, with "partly shady" sites providing a comfortable setting.

Reservoir C Campground is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Modoc National Forest. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the campground, including its operating season, current conditions, fire restrictions, or any alerts, it is best to contact the relevant forest service office.

Address: C Reservoir Rd, Canby, CA 96015, USA

Phone: (530) 233-5811 (This is the general phone number for the Modoc National Forest, which can direct your inquiry to the Devil's Garden Ranger Station or provide general information about the area.)

Since Reservoir C Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not accept reservations, calling the Modoc National Forest directly or checking their official website (www.fs.usda.gov/modoc) for current conditions is highly recommended before you plan your visit. This will ensure you have the latest information on accessibility and any specific regulations in place.

For Californians, Reservoir C Campground is a true testament to the untouched beauty and serene wilderness our state offers, particularly in the lesser-explored northeastern region. It perfectly embodies the desire for a quiet escape, providing a "serene and quiet" environment far removed from the bustling city life that many of us seek to escape. Its appeal for locals lies in its unique combination of accessibility, natural amenities, and the sheer tranquility it offers.

Imagine a weekend where your biggest decisions are whether to fish from the shoreline, launch your boat for a day on the water, or simply relax in a hammock under the shade of well-spaced trees. For birding enthusiasts, being on the Pacific Flyway means unparalleled opportunities to witness diverse avian life. And for families, it’s a place where children can freely explore, laugh, and connect with nature, creating those invaluable "Great family fun" memories without the distractions of crowded, over-developed sites.

The fact that it's a no-fee, first-come, first-served campground adds to its authentic charm, making it a genuine gem for those who appreciate a rustic experience. The "well worn dirt road" that leads you there is a small journey to a significant reward: a brilliantly dark night sky for amateur astronomers, an abundance of fishing, and a truly peaceful setting that rejuvenates the soul. Reservoir C Campground isn't just a place to camp; it's an invitation to experience the authentic, unhurried pace of California's natural world, making it an ideal retreat for any local seeking genuine outdoor connection.

Reservoir C Campground

C Reservoir Rd, Canby, CA 96015, USA