Cave Lake Campground
03 reviews.
Cave Lake Campground
$0.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
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 fee for campground use. $15/single site per day with a maximum of two vehicles.
About this campground
Escape to Cave Lake Campground, a hidden gem where solitude reigns supreme and the wilderness whispers its ancient secrets. This peaceful retreat remains one of the region's best-kept secrets, offering campers a rare opportunity to disconnect from the crowds and reconnect with nature. While autumn transforms this tranquil haven into a bustling basecamp for deer hunters, the rest of the year promises blissful seclusion for those seeking a true backcountry experience.
Cave Lake Campground is a rustic, lightly-used camping area with basic facilities and a focus on traditional camping experiences.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this area remains unwritten in official documents, the land itself tells countless stories through its untouched wilderness and enduring natural beauty.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal tapestry of Cave Lake, where Mother Nature paints with bold strokes across the calendar. Winter arrives with a crystalline beauty, blanketing the landscape in pristine snow while temperatures plunge into an invigorating chill. The dry mountain air creates perfect conditions for stargazing on clear nights. As spring melts into summer, the campground awakens to become an outdoor enthusiast's playground, with warm days ideal for hiking and cool evenings perfect for campfire gatherings. Early fall offers perhaps the most magical time to visit, when crisp air and golden light create unforgettable camping memories.
ElevationPerched at mountain heights where the air grows thin and the views expand endlessly, Cave Lake Campground offers the authentic high-country camping experience that elevation seekers crave.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape that defines the word 'rugged' – where jagged peaks pierce the sky and untamed wilderness stretches as far as the eye can see. The campground serves as your front-row seat to a natural amphitheater of stunning mountain vistas, where each sunrise and sunset transforms the rocky terrain into a masterpiece of light and shadow. This remote sanctuary offers the kind of raw, unspoiled beauty that reminds visitors why they fell in love with the outdoors in the first place.
Geological RegionNestled within the magnificent Modoc National Forest, Cave Lake Campground sits at the heart of one of California's most dramatically diverse landscapes. This geological wonderland showcases the raw power of ancient volcanic activity and millennia of natural sculpting, creating a rugged wilderness that challenges and rewards adventurous spirits. The remote location within Modoc's vast expanse ensures an authentic backcountry experience, where the forest's untamed character reveals itself in every weathered rock face and windswept ridge.
Campsite details
Sites SizeNo specific sizes of campsites are described.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is described as lightly used, which could imply some privacy, but no explicit mention of site privacy is provided.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNull
Best CampsitesNull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
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Stay Limit
Camping limit 14 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
Group camping sites are not specified.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutNull
Open and Closed SeasonFacilities open as weather permits; usually early July to late October.
Reservation PlatformsNull
Walk-in AvailabilityNull
Cancellation PolicyNull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Activities you can enjoy
Cave Lake Campground provides limited recreational activities with a focus on enjoying nature and scenic views.
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed within the metal fire rings provided.
- Quiet hours are Null
Hazards
General hazardsUser Carolr Last noted, 'Rough drive up. Almost missed the left turn down to the lake.'
Active alertsNull
Weather forecast
73
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 30%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
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
Null
Good to know
Peak season datesNull
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is not available. Campers must pack out all trash, including fish guts and dog waste.
Proximity to water featuresCave Lake is located nearby.
Common complaintsSeveral users commented on the lack of amenities at the campground. Carolr Last mentioned, 'No amenities but nice to be out in the middle of nowhere.'
HostNull
Campground Map
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Driving directionsFrom Lakeview, Oregon go south 14 miles on US Hwy 395 and into California to County Road 2. Turn east on County Road 2 and continue for 7 miles to the campground. From Alturas travel north on US Hwy 395 approximately 38 miles to County Road 2. Turn east on County Road 2 and continue for 7 miles to the campground.
Road access to the campground has been described in user reviews as rough. One user commented, 'Rough drive up. Almost missed the left turn down to the lake.'Nearby places
Lakeview, Oregon (~14 miles), Alturas (~38 miles).
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Cave Lake Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Cave Lake Campground highlight its rustic charm and secluded nature. Common themes include its simplicity, cold nights, and the scenic beauty of the location. However, the lack of amenities was mentioned by some.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers appreciated the campground's simplicity, cleanliness, and scenic location. One reviewer stated: "Nice simple campground. Good clean restrooms." Another highlighted the peacefulness and...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The absence of amenities was a recurring concern. One user mentioned: "No amenities but nice to be out in the middle of nowhere."
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Be prepared for cold nights and ensure you bring all necessary supplies, as no potable water or trash services are available on-site.
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Deer hunting season in the fall is noted as the busiest time of year. Users appreciated the quiet and lightly-used nature of the campground during other times.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Great spot, gets cold at night, sunrise is late bc mountain above." - Adam, 2022. "No amenities but nice to be out in the middle of nowhere." - Carolr Last, 2016. "Nice simple campground. Good clean...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific site reviews are not provided in the materials.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
There are no user reviews specifically addressing accessibility features.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
One review mentions the presence of a dog at the campground but does not provide information specific to the pet policy or pet-friendly features.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025