Dockya

Medicine Lake

Lake·Tulelake·Inland lakes·No reviews yet
Season
Winter operations; water and trash off
Elevation
6,770 ft
Launch
Concrete ramp; dock in summer
Boating rules
Posted at the bulletin board
1 / 1
  • Boat launch
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Camping
  • Restrooms

About this lake

Medicine Lake sits at 6,770 feet in the Medicine Lake Highlands of the Modoc National Forest, near Lava Beds National Monument.

On the water

The day-use area has a concrete boat ramp, a summer boat dock and ample trailer parking. Medicine Lake has its own rules for waterskiing and power boats, which change with conditions, so check the rules posted on the bulletin board each time you boat. Fishing and swimming aren't allowed near the dock or ramp; there's a designated swimming area by the picnic area. The Forest Service asks boaters to clean, drain and dry.

Camping

Five campgrounds (Medicine, A.H. Hogue, Hemlock, Headquarters and Schonchin Springs) have 86 sites; 15 in Medicine and A.H. Hogue can be reserved. The campgrounds have moved to winter operations: sites are first-come, first-served, water, trash and the dump station are shut down, restrooms stay open, and campers must pack out trash.

Getting there & access

Getting there

Medicine Lake is on Medicine Lake Road (Forest Road 49) in the Modoc National Forest.

Golden mussels

The Forest Service asks every boater to clean, drain and dry boats, trailers and gear, never drain bilge or ballast into the lake, and check the lake's launching rules before visiting. California also requires a Mussel Fee Sticker on motorized boats used in fresh water.

Campsites
86 in five campgrounds
Ranger district
(530) 667-2246

What's here

  • Launch

    Concrete boat ramp and summer dock

  • Swimming

    Designated swimming area

  • Fishing

    Lake fishing

  • Camping

    Five campgrounds, 86 sites

  • Restrooms

    Vault toilets

Rules & official resources

  • California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025dbw.parks.ca.gov ↗
  • Medicine Lake has specific rules for waterskiing and power boats that change with conditions; check the rules posted on the bulletin board each time you boat; no fishing or swimming near the dock or rampfs.usda.gov ↗
  • Campgrounds are in winter operations: first-come, first-served; water, trash and dump station shut down; pack out all trashfs.usda.gov ↗
  • The Forest Service asks boaters to clean, drain and dry boats and gear and to contact each lake's managing agency for its launching and inspection rules before visiting; it lists no inspection station for this lakefs.usda.gov ↗

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Boat Detailing & WashingCleaning between lakesArriving clean, drained and dry is expected at mountain lakes, so a wash and full dry-out between lakes helps.Marinas, Storage & Dock ServicesWinter storageSnow closes the highlands for months, so boats need winterizing and covered storage.
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Questions boaters ask

There are specific rules for waterskiing and power boats that change with conditions. Check the rules posted on the bulletin board each time you boat.

Yes, a concrete ramp, with a boat dock in summer.

15 sites in the Medicine and A.H. Hogue campgrounds can be reserved; the rest are first-come, first-served.

No inspection station is listed for this lake. The Forest Service asks boaters to clean, drain and dry and to check launching rules before visiting.
Sources: fs.usda.gov · dbw.parks.ca.gov · fs.usda.gov · Last checked Oct 13, 2026 ·
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