Big Sage Campground
03 reviewsBig Sage Campground, Modoc National Forest
Big Sage Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
No fees for camping at Big Sage Campground.
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About this campground
Nestled in the heart of Modoc National Forest, Big Sage Campground offers adventurers a gateway to the untamed beauty of California's high desert country. This rustic retreat sits alongside the expansive Big Sage Reservoir, where juniper trees stand sentinel over endless sagebrush plains. Whether you're launching your boat at dawn, casting a line into the reservoir's quiet waters, or simply savoring a sunset picnic with loved ones, this campground delivers an authentic wilderness experience far from the crowds.
Big Sage Campground caters primarily to tent campers and does not charge any fees. Primitive camping is likely available given the lack of water and limited amenities.
Weather and SeasonsBig Sage's high desert climate paints each season with its own distinct palette. Summer days unfold under brilliant blue skies, with dry air that carries the scent of sage across the landscape. As autumn arrives, crisp mornings give way to golden afternoons, though dust devils may dance across the open terrain. Winter transforms the campground into a stark wonderland, where snow blankets the sagebrush and temperatures plunge well below freezing. Spring brings renewal and cooler temperatures, perfect for exploring before summer's heat returns.
Natural Features and SceneryThe landscape at Big Sage Campground tells a story of resilience and raw beauty. Ancient junipers twist skyward from the earth, their gnarled branches creating natural sculptures against the horizon. Between these hardy sentinels, silvery sagebrush stretches as far as the eye can see, releasing its distinctive fragrance with every breeze. The centerpiece is Big Sage Reservoir itself—thousands of acres of water that mirrors the sky and attracts diverse wildlife. While some find the terrain stark, others discover a haunting beauty in this high desert tableau, where the simplicity of the landscape invites contemplation and connection with nature's quieter moments.
Geological RegionBig Sage Campground rests within the dramatic volcanic tablelands of Modoc National Forest, where ancient lava flows have created a unique high desert ecosystem. This juniper woodland and sagebrush steppe represents one of California's most distinctive geological regions, shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity and erosion into the rugged, wide-open country that defines the Modoc Plateau today.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo information about accessibility features is provided.
Sites SizeNo specific site size information provided.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels of campsites are not mentioned.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Camping limit 14 days.
Groups
No information about group sites is provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonFacilities open as weather permits; usually mid-May to late October.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable, as no reservations are required.
Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is entirely walk-up with no reservations required.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as reservations cannot be made.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational opportunities at Big Sage Campground include picnicking and fishing at the nearby reservoir. Hunting and shooting are also mentioned as potential activities, though details remain sparse.
Fishing
Fishing is available at Big Sage Reservoir. No details about fish species or fishing quality are provided.Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are mentioned.Water Sports
No information about non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding provided.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires must be drowned completely each day with sufficient water brought by campers.
Hazards
General hazardsDirty water in the reservoir as noted by users, rough roads around campsites, and dusty conditions. Potable water is unavailable.
Weather forecast
84
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 24%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 4.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest hospital and emergency services available in Alturas, approximately 9.5 miles away.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo information about trash or recycling facilities was provided.
Proximity to water featuresLocated on the shore of Big Sage Reservoir, near a boat ramp.
Common complaintsUser complaints highlight dirty water in the reservoir, inability to swim, rough roads, and dusty conditions. However, bathrooms are consistently noted as clean.
Campground Map
Big Sage Campground, Modoc National Forest
Driving directionsFrom Alturas travel west on Hwy 299, 3 miles. Turn north on Crowder Flat Rd/County Road 73, and travel 6 miles. Turn right on County Road 180 and go 3.5 miles to Big Sage Dam and the campground.
Access roads are primarily unpaved and can be challenging. Users noted rough roads near campsites and the area being dusty.Nearby places
Alturas (approx. 9.5 miles, 15-20 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as groceries and camping essentials can likely be found in Alturas, approximately 9.5 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Big Sage Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews indicate mixed sentiments regarding Big Sage Campground. While some appreciate its beauty, others find the environment bleak and dusty. The lake and roads are frequently criticized.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Some users have described the area as 'very beautiful' for camping.
Based on 3 reviewsCommon Concerns
Frequent complaints include dirty lake water, inability to swim, rough roads around campsites, and generally dusty conditions ('Just a really dusty place to try and spend the day').
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring sufficient water given the lack of potable water and to prepare for rough and dusty roads.
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground's usability may vary with seasons. Summer reviews highlight dust and rough roads, while winter weather data suggests very cold temperatures with freezing conditions.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Dirty water, can't swim there.' - Daree Grier
2. 'Campground was OK, but the lake was pitiful.' - WH Hartmann
3. 'Very Beautiful Place to camp' - Jonnie Baslee.
Based on 3 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers are mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed as long as they are leashed. No further reviews about pet experiences are provided.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025