Dodge Reservoir Campground

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Dodge Reservoir Campground

Dodge Reservoir is a 480-acre body of water in the California high desert. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a federal government agency, maintains the Dodge Reservoir Campground, which is open to the public for use around the year although access is limited when wet weather impacts the unimproved roads. It only takes a little precipitation to make the final mile to the reservoir impassable. Those that can make it here enjoy fishing during the day and plentiful stargazing on clear nights. This region is sparsely populated and surrounded by sagebrush and California juniper.

The reservoir was created by the Dodge Ranch owners in 1937, and the ranch still holds the title for water rights. The Dodge Reservoir and the Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are both located in Lassen County. This Bureau of Land Management camping spot is just 17 miles northeast of Ravendale, CA and sits at around 5,600 feet in elevation. Lassen Volcanic National Park is about 140 miles to the northeast. The best fishing happens when the waters are highest in late spring and early summer, but stargazing might be easier when nights are longer, assuming that the snow doesn't keep you out.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Taylor Trail

You can access this trail at the Towsley Canyon mouth in the Santa Clarita Woodlands. The trail is open year-round and can be used by hikers and horses. It is not highly trafficked, so it's a great opportunity to find wildlife.

Length: 0.3 Miles

Intensity: Easy

Elder Loop

This trail originates as a part of the Taylor Trail and offers a bigger challenge. The trails connect with the Towsley Canyon trail system. This is a bigger challenge than Taylor but comes with more traffic as well along with plenty of opportunities to expand your hike.

Length: 1.6 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

Bureau of Land Management free camping at Dodge Reservoir includes a boat launch. The California Department of Fish and Game traditionally stocks the reservoir with fish. Known stocks have included brown trout, rainbow trout, and Lahontan cutthroat trout. Fishing is best when the water levels are at their annual peak. This is typically in the spring season and into early summer. It's smart to contact the Eagle Lake Field Office for current water conditions before making your trip up there.

Wildlife Viewing

The local topography is a high desert covered by sagebrush and juniper trees. Wildlife is limited as a result, but there are some unique species in the region that you might see. Keep your eyes open for sage grouse and pinyon jays. The edges of the reservoir might give you a glimpse of the American avocet.

Picnicking

If you're looking for BLM camping with picnic tables, then the Dodge Reservoir Campground does have them. Fees aren't required, but donations are welcome. There is one vault toilet available, and it's wheelchair accessible. Take in your own water and pack your trash out as there is no waste collection or sources of potable water.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

If rustic RV camping isn't your thing or you just want a backup option in case Dodge Reservoir Campground is inaccessible because of wet weather, then your best local bet is the Lassen RV Resort in McArthur, CA. Located about 100 miles east, this facility features 68 acres of wooded private RV sites, a seasonal swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, RV hookups, a heated bathhouse, and laundry. Recreational activities include frisbee, badminton, volleyball, tetherball, and horseshoes. It's easy to be comfortable here and find things to do, but it is also a two-hour drive away from the reservoir and its fishing.

Free Camping

Dodge Reservoir Campground has campsites for tent camping in addition to the RV spaces. Visitors staying in tents can also use the ADA-accessible vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits. The boat launch is also available to use for those looking to go fishing on the irrigation reservoir. Fees are not required here, although donations are always welcome to help support this outdoor oasis.

RV Rentals Near Dodge Reservoir Campground Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Dodge Reservoir Campground BLM trip

Make sure that you know what the weather is likely to be. Even a minor amount of water or rain can make the last mile of dirt road into the campsite impassible to any vehicles trying to get in. That can also potentially mean that you are stuck in there until the road dries out enough for you to leave. Wireless services and reception in the area can be spotty given the remote location.

Pack plenty of food, potable water, layers of clothes, and sunscreen. You'll be in the high desert, so the atmosphere is thinner than you might be accustomed to otherwise. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Considerate campers protect how pristine BLM sites such as this are by leaving them just as clean as they found them. This campground does not have waste collection services or disposal containers. Prepare to pack out everything you bring in because the BLM site has no system for managing it. If you bury or dispose of any human waste here, do it at least 200 feet from the boundaries of the reservoir. The Dodge Ranch relies on these waters for irrigation and other operational purposes.

Dodge Reservoir Campground Location

To get to Dodge Reservoir Campground from Susanville, go north on Highway 395 for 54 miles until you get to Ravendale. Once there, turn right onto Lassen County Road 502 and drive 12 miles. Then on County Road 506, turn right and go 11 miles. You will then turn left and drive the final mile to the actual campground. Keep in mind that County Road 506 is a dirt road. Its unimproved surface is often impossible to get through in inclement weather such as rain or snow. Vehicles pulling trailers can usually make it in dry conditions, but the conditions are dusty and rough.

Ready to visit Dodge Reservoir Campground? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day of exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.