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Water

Free Camping Collection

Established Camping

Dodge Reservoir Campground

Dodge Reservoir Campground is located near Susanville, CA, surrounded by open land and rolling hills. The area experiences temperatures ranging from the 30s in winter to the 80s in summer. Nearby attractions include Eagle Lake, known for fishing and boating, and the Bizz Johnson Trail, popular for hiking and biking.

Description

Bureau of Land Management

Dodge Reservoir, located approximately 17 miles northeast of Ravendale, California, is a 480 acre water impoundment that was constructed in 1937 by the Dodge Brothers for irrigation. The campground has sites with picnic tables and one wheelchair accessible vault toilet. There is no trash collection or potable water. Donations are welcome but there is no site fee. We recommend calling the Eagle Lake Field Office, for current water conditions before planning a fishing trip The reservoir is located at approximately 5,600 feet in elevation, in a high desert setting of sagebrush hills with scattered junipers. The reservoir has traditionally been stocked with Rainbow Trout, Lahontan Cutthroat throat 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. Title to the land under and adjacent to the reservoir is a combination of Private and Federal ownership. The Dodge Ranch holds the water rights to the reservoir with no minimum pool requirement.

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Location

Dodge Reservoir Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

40.97112151 N
120.13071228 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 2, 2020

Quiet, secluded, and most importantly DARK!

I came here for two nights with some friends at the beginning of summer. The campground is about 45 minutes - 1 hour from the road, and you will need some decent ground clearance to make it there. Once you arrive, there are several camp sites along the main road, some featuring grills and picnic tables. There is a well-maintained vault toilet, and when I went it was stocked with TP (but you should probably bring some just in case lol).

While we were not the only group there, there were only at most two or three other groups and plenty of room to not have to bump into each other. Most people seemed to come for the fishing and leave before the night. There are also a good amount of ants and flying insects, so be sure to bring your bug spray!

We went during new moon, so when night fell it got crazy dark! Be sure to bring a headlamp or lantern. The view of the night sky is the best I have yet to see, and it seems like there are shooting stars every few minutes. It is also easy to spot satellites and other interesting things in the sky. I may consider making the 10 hour trip here again, as the views of the stars are that good.

Site1st spot to right along main road in
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Dodge Reservoir Campground by gabriel B., August 2, 2020
Reviewed Mar. 8, 2020

Great campsight but read before you go

This sight is great for boon-docking campers; it has maintained camp sights, picnic tables, and a few fire rings. A short walk from the camp sights there is a vault toilet that’s maintained during the dryer months. Great fishing, stargazing, and kayaking. But be prepared for no cell service at the campground, however about 2 miles south on the main road will provide 2 bars of service for those with Verizon. Also pack lots of food, water, and fuel as the closest gas is in Alturas and or Standish Litchfield “45 miles north or to the south on hwy 395.” I wouldn’t recommend swimming in the lake as the lake has been know to have very small leaches sad for swimming but great for fishing. Don’t forget to check your local fire restrictions and obtain a fire permit before heading out.

  • Review photo of Dodge Reservoir Campground by Kyle K., March 8, 2020
  • Review photo of Dodge Reservoir Campground by Kyle K., March 8, 2020
  • Review photo of Dodge Reservoir Campground by Kyle K., March 8, 2020
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Reviewed Jun. 1, 2018

Super nice BLM campground

We went in August and were the only ones at the whole site. Nice place though, right by the water, fire rings, picnic tables, juniper trees and a pit toilet that looks like it's regularly serviced.

Month of VisitAugust

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Dodge Reservoir Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Dodge Reservoir Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.