Fee Reservoir

For Californians yearning to escape the everyday hustle and immerse themselves in the raw, untamed beauty of Northern California, Fee Reservoir Campground in Modoc County offers a truly unique and refreshing experience. This small, uncrowded gem is a testament to the serene wilderness that defines the Modoc Plateau, providing an ideal setting for those who appreciate quiet solitude, excellent fishing, and a chance to truly disconnect. Situated amidst a high-desert landscape with sparse vegetation and clear skies, Fee Reservoir is more than just a place to set up camp; it's a gateway to breathtaking natural beauty and a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. This article will provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of what makes Fee Reservoir Campground a perfect destination for your next Californian adventure, focusing on its unique location, available facilities, and the highlights that consistently draw visitors seeking a genuine wilderness experience.

California's diverse geography offers an incredible array of outdoor pursuits, from coastal beaches to towering redwoods and alpine peaks. Modoc County, tucked away in the northeastern corner of the state, represents a different kind of California beauty – one characterized by vast open spaces, high desert plateaus, and serene reservoirs. Fee Reservoir Campground perfectly embodies this regional charm, providing a peaceful and unpretentious environment. We’ll delve into the practicalities of visiting, including how to reach this secluded spot, the essential services available to ensure a comfortable yet rustic stay, and the specific features that highlight its charm for those who appreciate primitive camping. Our aim is to offer a detailed, factual, and engaging description that helps you envision your next memorable outing at Fee Reservoir Campground, a truly special place for Californians looking to embrace the quieter side of their beautiful state.

Fee Reservoir Campground is located in Modoc County, CA 96112, USA. This places it within the expansive Modoc National Forest, a region renowned for its vast, unspoiled landscapes and remote feel in northeastern California. Its precise location is near Fort Bidwell, offering a truly "out in the middle of nowhere" experience for those seeking genuine solitude.

Access to Fee Reservoir Campground involves a journey into a higher elevation, with the campground sitting "high up in the mountains (over 5,000 feet)." While the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) provides directions from the intersection of CA299 and Modoc Co. Rd. 1 in Cedarville (traveling North on Modoc Co. Rd 1 for 26 miles to Fort Bidwell, then East on Modoc Co. Rd. 6 / Barrel Springs Rd. for approximately 4.5 miles, taking the right fork), visitors should be prepared for the nature of remote California roads. This likely means unpaved or less-maintained stretches, contributing to the feeling of adventure. It's advisable to check road conditions, especially outside of peak summer months, and ensure your vehicle is suitable for such terrain.

Despite the remote nature of its access, the campground's setting is precisely its allure. It offers minimal light pollution, making it an excellent spot for amateur astronomers, and the surrounding flat terrain with sparse vegetation provides clear views and a unique high-desert atmosphere. The drive itself is part of the experience, leading campers to a serene destination far removed from urban noise and congestion. For Californians seeking a true wilderness escape, the journey to Fee Reservoir is a worthwhile venture into the heart of Modoc's natural beauty.

Fee Reservoir Campground offers a simple, primitive camping experience, focusing on basic necessities and allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in nature. It aligns with a "first-come, first-served" model, reflecting its uncrowded nature.

• Vault Toilets: The campground provides one double vault restroom and one single vault restroom, ensuring basic sanitary facilities are available for campers. These are generally well-maintained for a remote site.
• Picnic Tables: Each of the nine campsites is equipped with a picnic table, offering a convenient surface for dining and food preparation.
• Metal Fire Rings / Barbeque Pits: Campsites include metal fire rings for campfires and barbeque pits, allowing for cooking and warmth (subject to current fire restrictions).
• Boat Ramp: A public boat ramp is located adjacent to the campground entrance, providing easy access for launching motorized and non-motorized boats onto the reservoir.
• No Potable Water: It's crucial for visitors to note that there is "No water" available at the campground. Campers must bring their own supply of potable water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
• No Fees: According to information from the US Forest Service (Modoc National Forest - Reservoir C Campground), there is "No fee" for camping at Fee Reservoir, making it a very economical option for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Garbage Service Not Provided: Campers are required to "Please take all trash, garbage, fish guts and dog droppings with you when you leave," adhering to a strict pack-it-in, pack-it-out policy.

Fee Reservoir Campground distinguishes itself with several key features that make it an appealing destination for those who cherish remote and authentic outdoor experiences in California.

• Excellent Trout Fishing: The 100-acre reservoir is "stocked with rainbow trout," making it a prime location for fishing. Campers can even find "some sites where you can fish right in your own camp."
• Spectacular Stargazing: Due to "non-existent" light pollution, the campground is a "recommended spot for amateur astronomers," offering incredibly clear and brilliant night skies.
• Quiet and Uncrowded Atmosphere: Described as "quiet, scenic, and partly shaded" with "light" usage, it's an ideal spot for those seeking solitude and tranquility away from busy campgrounds. There are only nine tables/sites, ensuring a low-density experience.
• Remote "Middle of Nowhere" Feel: The campground's isolated setting provides a true sense of escape and immersion in nature, appealing to campers who want to disconnect.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Situated within Modoc National Forest and near Modoc National Wildlife Refuge, the area is "ideal for viewing migratory birds" and other wildlife.
• Access to Modoc Backcountry Discovery Trail: This 200-mile vehicular trail, part of a statewide system, runs past Fee Reservoir, offering extensive scenic driving and exploration opportunities.
• Suitable for Both RVs and Tents: While accommodating vehicles up to 24 feet, the campground is suitable for both RVs and tents, providing picnic tables and fire rings for all campers.
• Max 14-Day Stay Limit: A generous 14-day stay limit allows for extended periods of enjoyment and exploration of the surrounding natural areas.

For inquiries or more information regarding Fee Reservoir Campground, you can contact the Devil's Garden Ranger Station, which operates this site.

Address: Modoc County, CA 96112, USA (Physical address for general location, specific road access is Co Rd 2 near Fort Bidwell)

Phone: (530) 233-4666 (This is the phone number for Devil's Garden Ranger Station, which operates Fee Reservoir)

Mobile Phone: +1 530-233-4666

Fee Reservoir Campground is an exceptional choice for Californians who desire a truly authentic, uncrowded, and serene outdoor experience within their home state. For residents of the Golden State, often seeking respite from bustling urban centers, this remote Modoc County gem offers a profound sense of escape. Its primary suitability lies in its primitive nature – a "no fee" campground with basic vault toilets and no potable water, which appeals directly to self-sufficient campers who value tranquility and a deep connection with nature over extensive amenities. The joy of being "out in the middle of nowhere" and experiencing "non-existent" light pollution for unparalleled stargazing is a unique draw that sets it apart.

The 100-acre reservoir, regularly stocked with rainbow trout, provides excellent fishing opportunities, making it a perfect spot for local anglers. Furthermore, its inclusion of picnic tables and fire rings, along with a boat ramp, ensures that essential recreational needs are met. While the access roads might be "rough," this simply adds to the adventure for Californians seeking genuine wilderness. For those with a love for quiet solitude, abundant wildlife viewing, and a commitment to packing out what they pack in, Fee Reservoir Campground stands as an ideal destination. It allows locals to experience a truly pristine and untouched corner of California, making it a highly recommended spot for an unforgettable, low-key outdoor adventure.

Fee Reservoir

Modoc County, CA 96112, USA