Medicine Campground

For local users browsing the "Camping Near Me" platform in search of a serene outdoor experience, Medicine Campground, located on Medicine Lake Road in McCloud, California, might appear as a potential option. This introduction aims to provide a comprehensive and objective overview of the campground based on publicly available information, primarily recent customer reviews.

Medicine Campground is situated in a remote area near Medicine Lake and not far from Lava Beds National Monument. The scenery is described as beautiful, with at least one reviewer mentioning their son enjoying spending the day in the water. Another visitor noted a significant amount of pollen in the water during their visit in July, giving it a gold-like appearance, but mentioned that the children didn't mind. These observations suggest a natural environment with potential for water-based activities, although the specific nature and accessibility of these activities are not detailed.

However, recent reviews paint a concerning picture regarding the services and maintenance of the campground. A recurring and significant issue highlighted by a visitor in 2019 is the severely unsanitary condition of the outhouse facilities. The reviewer reported that the outhouses were nearly full to the brim, lacked toilet paper for extended periods, and that the Forest Service seemingly was not utilizing camping fees to address this critical sanitation issue. The reviewer claimed that the contracted pumping service was not being called despite the full state of the facilities.

Furthermore, the same review indicated a lack of campground host presence and a breakdown in the newly implemented reservation system. According to this account, individuals were squatting in reserved campsites and not cooperating with those who had legitimate reservations. The absence of campground management meant that issues such as excessively loud generators running for extended periods by some campers were not being addressed. One instance involved a construction-type generator operating continuously, disturbing the peace of other campers. Another involved a large group exceeding campsite capacity, further impacting the camping experience of others.

Adding to the concerns, the nearest water faucet at the campground reportedly had a notice advising against drinking the water. This raises serious questions about the availability of safe drinking water for campers and contradicts the basic expectations for a reservable campsite, especially in a remote location where alternative water sources might be limited. The reviewer expressed strong criticism of the practice of selling reservations under such conditions of lacking sanitation and potable water.

In terms of features, beyond the natural setting of Medicine Lake, the campground's proximity to Lava Beds National Monument might be considered an attraction. However, a reviewer strongly cautioned against combining a stay at Medicine Campground with a day trip to the monument due to the poor condition of the 16-mile road leading there. The last 13 miles were described as a dusty and severely washboarded surface. The reviewer opted for a longer, marginally paved 37-mile route on their return trip. This suggests that accessing the campground and nearby attractions might be challenging and time-consuming due to road conditions.

Currently, there is no promotional information available for Medicine Campground in the provided text. Given the serious negative feedback regarding sanitation, lack of management, and unreliable reservation system, it is unlikely that any active promotions are in place. The phone numbers provided, (530) 233-5811 and +1 530-233-5811, might be contact points for inquiries, but potential campers should be prepared to ask detailed questions about the current conditions and services before making any reservations.

In conclusion, while Medicine Campground boasts a location near Medicine Lake with potentially beautiful scenery, recent user reviews raise significant concerns about the basic upkeep and management of the facility. Issues such as unsanitary outhouses, lack of potable water, a dysfunctional reservation system, and the absence of campground hosts paint a negative picture of the current camping experience. The challenging road conditions leading to the campground and nearby attractions further complicate a visit. Local users considering Medicine Campground based on its listing on the "Camping Near Me" platform are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution, contact the provided phone numbers for the most up-to-date information on conditions and services, and perhaps consider alternative campgrounds in the area, such as the one mentioned within Lava Beds National Monument, which was described as cheaper, cleaner, sanitary, and having better facilities.

Medicine Campground

Medicine Lake Rd, McCloud, CA 96057, USA