Emerson Campground

in Modoc National Forest

The numbers that decide it

Recreation.gov publishes no site-level detail for this campground, so we cannot say what length of rig it takes. Call the managing office before committing to it in a large vehicle.

Site-level detail from Recreation.gov, checked 2026-08-05. Where a field says “not published”, the agency has not published it — it does not mean zero.

Emerson Campground

Located on the east side of the South Warner Wilderness, this campground and picnic area also serve as the staging area for the Emerson Trail into the wilderness. This free campground is fairly secluded due to the narrow, steep, rough, dirt access road. Campsites are mostly shady and set back from the parking area in the trees. There is no water at Emerson Campground.

Before you go

Season

Facilities open as weather permits; usually early July to late October.

Reservations

First-come, first-served

Fees

No fee.

Restrictions

Water and garbage service are not provided. Bring enough water for drinking, cooking and washing as well as extra water to drown campfires each day. Please take all trash, garbage and dog droppings with you when you leave. Dogs on leash only. Please clean up after your dog. Camping limit 14 days.

Scenic drives that pass close

Make it a night on a better road

Byway plans the drive in — real stops, real weather, nothing invented.