Payne Springs Campground
01 reviewPayne Springs 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
Official sources confirm "No fee" for this campground.
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About this campground
Nestled in the heart of the Medicine Lake Highlands, Payne Springs Campground offers adventurers a gateway to one of California's most dramatic volcanic landscapes. This hidden gem sits along the stunning Modoc Volcanic Scenic Byway, where ancient lava flows have sculpted a terrain unlike anywhere else in the state. Just a short drive away, the mysterious underground world of Lava Beds National Monument beckons with its labyrinth of lava tube caves, while above ground, the Highland's unique ecosystem creates an otherworldly camping experience that feels far removed from civilization.
Payne Springs Campground is primarily intended for primitive camping with minimal facilities. There are no fees for using the campground.
Historical SignificanceThe Medicine Lake Highlands tell a story written in stone and fire, where millennia of volcanic activity have created a geological wonderland waiting to be explored. This land holds deep significance, from the ancient lava flows that speak of the Earth's turbulent past to the cultural heritage of indigenous peoples who have called this region home for thousands of years. Every rock formation and lava field offers a chapter in this ongoing geological narrative, inviting visitors to become students of the landscape's dramatic history.
Weather and SeasonsSummer arrives late in this high-altitude wonderland, with July through October offering the prime window for camping adventures. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wilderness, where snow blankets the volcanic terrain and temperatures plunge well below freezing. During the camping season, visitors are rewarded with brilliantly clear skies perfect for stargazing, low humidity that keeps mornings crisp and afternoons comfortable, and the kind of pure mountain air that makes every breath feel restorative.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Medicine Lake Highlands create a landscape that defies expectations, where volcanic peaks rise from forests of towering pines and hidden springs bubble up through ancient lava beds. This dramatic terrain serves as nature's sculpture garden, with each vista revealing new wonders - from cinder cones dotting the horizon to expansive views across the Modoc Plateau. The nearby attractions along the Modoc Volcanic Scenic Byway showcase nature's artistic prowess, while the proximity to Lava Beds National Monument adds an element of underground mystery to the above-ground splendor.
Geological RegionPayne Springs sits at the crossroads of geological wonder, where the Medicine Lake Highlands showcase some of the youngest and most diverse volcanic features in the Cascade Range. This unique location along the Modoc Volcanic Scenic Byway puts campers at the epicenter of a volcanic field that spans over 900 square miles. The nearby Lava Beds National Monument extends this geological playground underground, creating a comprehensive volcanic experience that ranges from towering peaks to subterranean passages, all formed by the same powerful forces that continue to shape this dynamic landscape.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned.
Sites SizeNo specific details about the sizes of campsites are provided.
Sites PrivacyNo details about privacy levels at the campsites are mentioned.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Camping limit 14 days.
Groups
No group camping details are provided.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutEach site has picnic tables and fire pits; layout specifics such as loops or sections are not provided.
Open and Closed SeasonFacilities open as weather permits; usually early July to late October.
Walk-in Availability"No fee" and no reservation system suggest first-come-first-served policy; however, no explicit confirmation.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
The primary activity mentioned is picnicking. The campground's location near Medicine Lake Highlands, Modoc Volcanic Scenic Byway, and Lava Beds National Monument also offers opportunities to explore geological and historical attractions.
Winter Activities
No specific details about winter activities are provided, but it is noted that winter conditions can make vehicular access unsafe.Water Sports
No details about non-motorized water sports are provided.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed but require extra water brought by visitors to extinguish.
Hazards
General hazards"No potable water available" and no trash service provided. Winter conditions make access potentially hazardous. Campfires require extra water for safety.
Active alerts"It is not recommended to access this area by vehicle for your safety due to winter conditions."
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 32%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling services are not provided on-site. Visitors must 'take all trash, garbage and dog droppings' with them when they leave.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom McCloud go east on US Hwy 89 south for 16 miles to Forest Service Road 15/Harris Spring Rd. Turn left on Road 15 and go 4.4 miles to Forest Service Road 49/Medicine Lake Road. Follow the signs 24 miles toward Medicine Lake. Turn right on 43N17 and follow the signs to Blanche Lake, Bullseye and Payne Springs. From Tulelake travel south 24 miles on State Hwy 139 to County Road 97. Turn west on County Road 97 past Tionesta and go approx. 22 miles to Forest Service Road 43N75. Turn left on Road 43N75 and go 1.8 miles to Forest Service Road 43N17. Turn left and follow the signs to the campground.
"Fair road conditions" mentioned in official sources. No explicit seasonal closures for roads, but accessibility during winter conditions is explicitly discouraged.Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Payne Springs Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews explicitly describe Payne Springs Campground, but one user mentions nearby Bullseye Lake and praises the 'rainbow trout fishing.'
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
No direct positive highlights are available for Payne Springs Campground, but the user review suggests nearby fishing opportunities are 'off the hook.'
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
No user complaints are specifically mentioned about Payne Springs Campground.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own water for all uses as there is no potable water on-site. Also, ensure you pack out all your trash and dog waste.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is typically open from early July to late October as weather permits. Winter conditions are noted as unsafe for vehicular access.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'I didn't go to Payne Springs Campground. BUT I did go to Bullseye Lake off of the same road, for some off-the-hook rainbow trout fishing.'
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific sites at Payne Springs Campground are reviewed.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No accessibility-related reviews are provided.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. Visitors are reminded to clean up after their pets.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025