Payne Springs Campground
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.
Payne Springs Campground
Located in the scenic Medicine Lake Highlands, Payne Springs is surrounded by many attractions. This campground is adjacent to the Modoc Volcanic Scenic Byway and the Lava Beds National Monument is located near by. It is a great place to visit and learn about the local geology and history. There is no drinking water. There are picnic tables and fire pits at each site with fair road conditions getting to the sites.
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.
Make it a night on a better road
Byway plans the drive in — real stops, real weather, nothing invented.