Emerson Campground
01 reviewCounty Road 40, Modoc National Forest
Emerson 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
This is a free campground. No fees are charged for any type of camping or amenities.
About this campground
Tucked away at the gateway to the South Warner Wilderness, Emerson Campground offers adventurers a peaceful retreat where towering trees create a natural cathedral of shade. This hidden gem rewards those willing to navigate its rough dirt access road with an authentic wilderness experience far from the crowds. As the starting point for the renowned Emerson Trail, this intimate campground serves as your basecamp for exploring one of Northern California's most pristine wilderness areas.
Emerson Campground offers free camping without any advanced reservation or designated site fees. It is suitable for self-sufficient campers due to its lack of potable water and garbage services.
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature paints a dramatic canvas here throughout the year. Summer welcomes campers with warm days perfect for hiking and cool nights ideal for campfire stories. As autumn arrives, crisp air and changing colors transform the landscape into a photographer's paradise. When winter descends, the campground becomes a snow-covered wonderland, though freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall typically close access roads, making this truly a fair-weather destination best enjoyed from late spring through early fall.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where ancient conifers stretch skyward, their branches weaving a living canopy that filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The campground's natural amphitheater of trees frames breathtaking vistas of the South Warner Wilderness, where untamed peaks and valleys create a backdrop that changes with every shift of light. This is nature's sanctuary, where the only sounds are wind through pine needles and the distant call of mountain wildlife.
Geological RegionPerched on the eastern flanks of the South Warner Wilderness within the expansive Modoc National Forest, Emerson Campground sits at the intersection of geological wonder and raw beauty. This rugged terrain tells the story of ancient volcanic activity and millennia of erosion, creating a landscape of dramatic ridgelines, deep valleys, and dense forests. The wilderness stretches westward in waves of mountains and meadows, offering glimpses into one of California's last truly wild places.
Campsite details
Sites Privacy"Campsites are mostly shady and set back from the parking area in the trees," which indicates moderate privacy.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites are set back among the trees for shade and privacy; recommended for tent camping.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No official check-in time specified.
Check-out
No official check-out time specified.
Stay Limit
Camping limit 14 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum number of guests per site is not specified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are set back from the parking area among the trees for privacy and shade.
Open and Closed SeasonFacilities open as weather permits, typically from early July to late October.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platforms; walk-in access only.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability only, with no reservation system in place.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservation system in place; cancellation policy does not apply.
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational opportunities at Emerson Campground include picnicking and fishing in nearby rivers or streams. The site also serves as a trailhead for the Emerson Trail into the South Warner Wilderness.
Fishing
Fishing in nearby rivers or streams is available, though specific details about the types of fish or fishing conditions are not provided.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- California Campfire Permits are required for using stoves, barbecues, or campfires. Local fire restrictions may supersede these permits and should be verified with the Ranger Station.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include rough access roads, wildlife interactions, and lack of potable water. Visitors must carry their own drinking water and follow fire safety guidelines due to dry conditions.
Weather forecast
78
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 29%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 3.8 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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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
Ranger Station (South Warner Wilderness area), Cedarville Hospital in Cedarville (16 miles away).
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season corresponds with facility opening during summer months, typically early July to late October.
Trash and recyclingThere are no garbage services provided at the campground. Campers are required to pack out all trash, including dog droppings.
Proximity to water featuresNo water features are located directly within the campground; visitors must bring their own water.
Common complaints'Small campground at the trailhead' noted in one user review; complaints about lack of water and rough access roads are common.
Campground Map
County Road 40, Modoc National Forest
Driving directionsFrom Cedarville go south approximately 16 miles on County Road 1/Surprise Valley Rd. Turn right on County Road 40 and continue approximately 3 miles to the end and the Emerson Campground.
The campground is accessed via a narrow, steep, rough dirt road, making it difficult for larger vehicles or those without off-road capability. Seasonal accessibility depends on weather conditions.Nearby places
Cedarville (16 miles, approximately 25 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are available in Cedarville, approximately 16 miles away, including groceries, fuel, and camping essentials.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Emerson Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
There is limited user feedback for Emerson Campground, but it is described as a "nice quiet place" by one reviewer.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciated the quiet and seclusion of the campground.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
No specific complaints are available in the provided user reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Ensure to bring sufficient water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, as there is no potable water on-site. Campers should also be prepared to pack out all trash.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No user feedback explicitly discusses seasonal trends, but official sources indicate the campground is operational from early July to late October, depending on weather conditions.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Nice quiet place. There is a small campground at the trailhead."
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No site-specific reviews are available.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews address accessibility features.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash and their waste must be cleaned up.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025