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Established Camping

Dodge Reservoir Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

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.

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Location

Dodge Reservoir Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Susanville: Travel 54 miles north on Highway 395 to Ravendale, turn right on Lassen County Road 502 for 12 miles, turn right on County Road 506 for 11 miles, turn left and drive one mile to the campground. County Road 506 is an unimproved dirt road that can become impassable as a result of wet weather. The roads are passable by vehicles pulling trailers but can be rough and dusty.

Address

Bureau of Land Management Eagle Lake Field Office 2550 Riverside Drive
Susanville, CA 96130

Coordinates

40.97112151 N
120.13071228 W

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Connectivity

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

FREE established camping

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


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Dodge Reservoir Campground needs a permit.


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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 12, 2025

Remote and isolated

Due to the remote location, be prepared to have everything you need before heading there. 

Co Rd 502 is narrow but paved (Mail Rte Rd). 12 miles

Co Rd 506 Tuledad Rd is dirt, unimproved and has some washboard areas. Drive slow and you will be ready for the culvert crossing that have washed out a bit but at high speed can cause damage to your vehicle. 11 miles

Driving slow is needed for several reasons. 1. to avoid hitting poor road areas too fast and damaging your rig. 2. to spot and take pictures of wildlife 3. Basic respect to keep road from degrading further. 

We did not come across another person while driving in or out or during our stay at the campground. 

Tables in each site and fire rings, clean from trash. Vault toilets were also clean. 

Reservoir was down but still had enough water for the birds to enjoy. 

Excellent for night sky viewing. 

We have a 26' toy hauler fifth wheel, it has high ground clearance and upgraded suspension so we would had no difficulty with the road, when we come back with it. This was just a recon trip. 

Downside: this is surrounded by public land, Dodge Ranch so you can't explorer off the road. Makes the use limited to light weight boat, kayak or paddle board. If you like to just go to camp, sit and relax, the you can certainly do that. 

Advantage: Evidence of lots of wildlife, we saw pronghorn antelope on the way, a couple of foxes and plenty of birds of prey. No people

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Dodge Reservoir Campground by Patricia N., August 12, 2025
  • Review photo of Dodge Reservoir Campground by Patricia N., August 12, 2025
  • Review photo of Dodge Reservoir Campground by Patricia N., August 12, 2025
  • (6) View All
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
  • (10) View All
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

What amenities are available at Dodge Reservoir campground?

Dodge Reservoir Campground offers basic amenities for primitive camping. The sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and some sites have grills. There's a vault toilet that's regularly maintained during the dry months. The campground is situated right by the water, offering beautiful views and easy water access. Juniper trees provide some shade at the campsites. This is primarily a boondocking location with no hookups, potable water, or electricity, so campers should come fully prepared with all necessary supplies.

How do I reserve a campsite at Dodge Reservoir?

Dodge Reservoir Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no formal reservation system. Given its remote location, the campground often has availability - some visitors report having the entire place to themselves. Be prepared for self-registration on arrival. The campground is located about 45 minutes to an hour from the main road, requiring travel on County Road 502 (paved) and County Road 506 (dirt, unimproved), so plan your arrival with enough daylight to set up camp.

Is fishing allowed at Dodge Reservoir?

Yes, fishing is allowed and is one of the main attractions at Dodge Reservoir. The reservoir offers great fishing opportunities, though specific fish species aren't mentioned in the available information. The water access from the campground makes it convenient for anglers to enjoy their sport. Kayaking is also popular on the reservoir, making it a versatile destination for water recreation enthusiasts.

What are the best times to camp at Dodge Reservoir?

The best times to camp at Dodge Reservoir are during summer and early fall. August offers a chance of having the entire campground to yourself while still enjoying warm weather. Early summer is also ideal for comfortable temperatures and water activities like kayaking and fishing. Be aware that the area has no cell service, so plan accordingly. The remote location offers exceptional stargazing opportunities in clear weather. During winter and rainy seasons, access may be more difficult due to the dirt road conditions.