The Medicine Lake Recreation Area in California will reopen to the public on Monday, June 30, with all campgrounds and facilities accessible.
Although key amenities will be operational, water from campground systems is currently non-potable and must be boiled before use or supplemented with personal supplies.
The reopening includes Medicine Lake Campground, along with dispersed sites such as Blanche, Bullseye, and Payne Springs.
Schonchin Spring Campground, which is also part of the area, will open with a nightly rate of $10, compared to the standard $15 fee at other campgrounds in the recreation area.
According to an article published by Sierra Daily News on June 25, a functioning boat dock and dump station will also be available for public use. The Forest Service has emphasized visitor preparedness due to current limitations, especially regarding water and firewood.
Green firewood is available for use at the Medicine Lake campgrounds, though it is not seasoned and may burn inefficiently.
Up to one-quarter cord of pine chunks stacked around the campground may be collected and taken home.
Caution is advised when transporting firewood, particularly to areas with pine trees. The region has previously been affected by the Mountain Pine Bark Beetle, and the IPS beetle may still be present in the wood.
According to its website, the Medicine Lake Recreation Area provides a variety of outdoor activities, including camping, boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and mountain biking. Boaters can access the lake via a concrete boat ramp and dock located in the adjacent Day Use Areas.
Several trails originate within the Recreation Area, including the trail leading up Little Mt. Hoffman, which is the longest of them.
During the summer months, a boat dock is available at the launch ramp; however, fishing and swimming are not permitted in the immediate vicinity of the dock or ramp.
The Medicine Lake Recreation Area offers 86 campsites across five campgrounds, ranging from more rugged sites with limited parking to larger areas that can accommodate recreation vehicles.
Each site is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and barbecue grill. Facilities include vault toilets, water hydrants, and garbage dumpsters, except at Schonchin Springs, which provides only toilet facilities.