Dodge Mine Camp

Greetings, California explorers! Are you looking to truly disconnect from the urban sprawl and immerse yourself in the raw, untamed beauty of our state's high desert? Then Dodge Reservoir Campground, nestled in the vast landscapes of Lassen County, is a destination you absolutely need to discover. This article is crafted for you, the local Californian, to shed light on what makes this primitive yet incredibly rewarding campground a unique and memorable spot for your next adventure. If "roughing it" with stunning views, excellent fishing, and unparalleled starry nights sounds like your ideal getaway, then read on.

Dodge Reservoir Campground offers a distinctly primitive camping experience, a stark contrast to the more developed parks. It's a place where simplicity reigns, allowing you to fully appreciate the natural environment without the distractions of modern amenities. This 480-acre water impoundment, constructed in 1937, provides a focal point for recreation in a high desert setting of sagebrush hills dotted with scattered junipers. It's an ideal location for those who cherish quiet solitude, seeking to reconnect with nature on its own terms. Our aim is to provide you with a clear and factual overview, ensuring you are well-prepared for an authentic high desert camping adventure in California.

Dodge Reservoir Campground is located approximately 17 miles northeast of Ravendale, California, deep within Lassen County. While the address broadly states "California, USA," more precise directions are crucial for this remote location. To reach the campground from Susanville, you would travel approximately 54 miles north on Highway 395 to Ravendale. From there, turn right onto Lassen County Road 502 for 12 miles, then another right onto County Road 506 for 11 miles. Finally, turn left and drive one mile to the campground. It's important to note that County Road 506 is described as an "unimproved dirt road" that "can become impassable as a result of wet weather." While vehicles pulling trailers can generally navigate these roads, they "can be rough and dusty."

Given the nature of the access roads and the remote location, a vehicle with decent ground clearance, such as an SUV or truck, is highly recommended, especially if you are traveling during or after rain. Cell service at the campground is generally non-existent, although some visitors have reported finding a couple of bars of Verizon service approximately two miles south on the main road leading to the campground. This highlights the truly off-grid nature of Dodge Reservoir, making it essential to download maps, communicate your itinerary, and be self-reliant. The closest services, including gas, are a considerable distance away in Alturas or Standish Litchfield, approximately 45 miles to the north or south on Highway 395, respectively. This remoteness, while a challenge for some, is precisely what appeals to others, ensuring a truly quiet and undisturbed experience away from the crowds.

Services Offered:

• Designated campsites, each equipped with a picnic table for convenient outdoor dining.
• One wheelchair-accessible vault toilet, providing a basic, maintained restroom facility.
• Fire rings are available at some sites, allowing for campfires (always check for current fire restrictions and obtain a fire permit before lighting a fire, as fire danger is often high in this region).
• Access to Dodge Reservoir for fishing and other water-based activities (no swimming is recommended due to potential leeches).
• No trash collection services are provided; visitors are required to "pack out your trash" to maintain the pristine environment.
• No potable water is available; campers must bring all their own drinking water.
• There is no site fee, but donations are welcome, supporting the upkeep of this primitive area.
• Limited or no cell service, promoting a true digital detox.

Features / Highlights:

• Exceptional Stargazing: Dodge Reservoir Campground is renowned for its incredibly dark skies, offering "the best view of the night sky" and opportunities to see "shooting stars every few minutes" and easily spot satellites. This is a major draw for astrophotographers and astronomy enthusiasts.
• Excellent Fishing: The reservoir is traditionally stocked with Rainbow Trout, Lahontan Cutthroat Trout, and Brown Trout by the California Department of Fish and Game. The "prime time for fishing this reservoir is spring and early summer when the water levels are the highest."
• Primitive, Secluded Camping: Ideal for "boon-docking campers" and those seeking solitude, the campground offers a quiet and peaceful environment with plenty of room between sites. Visitors often find themselves as one of only a few groups present, especially during weekdays.
• High Desert Landscape: Located at approximately 5,600 feet in elevation, the campground offers a unique high desert setting with sagebrush hills and scattered junipers, providing a distinct Californian wilderness experience.
• Vault Toilets: Despite its primitive nature, the campground provides a maintained vault toilet, a welcome amenity for campers.
• Self-Reliant Adventure: The lack of potable water, trash collection, and cell service fosters a truly self-reliant camping experience, appealing to those who enjoy preparing for and executing their own wilderness trips.
• Accessible for Trailers (with caution): While the access road can be rough, it is generally passable for vehicles pulling trailers, allowing for various camping setups.

Contact Information:

Address: Located approximately 17 miles northeast of Ravendale, California (Lassen County). Access via Lassen County Road 502 and County Road 506.

Phone: (530) 257-0456 (Eagle Lake Field Office - Bureau of Land Management)

Conclusion: Why Dodge Reservoir Campground is Suitable for California Locals

For California locals, Dodge Reservoir Campground isn't just another camping spot; it's an invitation to experience the wild, untamed side of our diverse state. In a world increasingly dominated by connectivity and convenience, this primitive BLM campground offers a refreshing counterpoint—a genuine opportunity to disconnect and immerse oneself in nature. Its remote location in Lassen County, while requiring careful planning and a suitable vehicle, is precisely what preserves its raw beauty and provides an unparalleled sense of solitude that's often hard to find in more populated areas of California.

The highlights of Dodge Reservoir Campground speak directly to the heart of the true Californian outdoor enthusiast. The promise of "crazy dark" nights with incredible stargazing is a rare luxury for many living near California's light-polluted cities, offering a celestial spectacle that can only be truly appreciated away from urban glow. For anglers, the consistently stocked reservoir presents a fantastic opportunity for trout fishing in a serene, high desert environment. These are experiences that resonate deeply with those who love to explore the lesser-known corners of our state.

Furthermore, the primitive nature of the campground—no potable water, no trash service, limited cell signal—fosters a sense of self-reliance and environmental responsibility that many Californians actively embrace. It encourages adherence to Leave No Trace principles, ensuring that this beautiful, rugged landscape remains pristine for future generations. It’s a place where you're encouraged to be fully prepared, to appreciate the simple amenities, and to truly live in the moment.

In conclusion, for Californians seeking an authentic, off-grid wilderness adventure, excellent fishing, and some of the best stargazing the state has to offer, Dodge Reservoir Campground is an unparalleled choice. It's a place to challenge yourself, to find peace in solitude, and to witness the raw, magnificent beauty of California's high desert. Pack your water, bring your fishing gear, and prepare for an unforgettable escape into the wild heart of your home state.

Dodge Mine Camp

California, USA