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Fish Camp, California

Coordinates: 37°28′40″N 119°38′20″W / 37.47778°N 119.63889°W / 37.47778; -119.63889
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Fish Camp
Census-designated place
Silver Top Lodge, Fish Camp, 1940s
Silver Top Lodge, Fish Camp, 1940s
Location in Mariposa County, California
Location in Mariposa County, California
Fish Camp is located in California
Fish Camp
Fish Camp
Fish Camp is located in the United States
Fish Camp
Fish Camp
Coordinates: 37°28′40″N 119°38′20″W / 37.47778°N 119.63889°W / 37.47778; -119.63889
Country United States
State California
CountyMariposa
Area
[1]
 • Total
0.402 sq mi (1.04 km2)
 • Land0.400 sq mi (1.04 km2)
 • Water0.002 sq mi (0.005 km2)  0.50%
Elevation
[2]
5,066 ft (1,544 m)
Population
 (2020)[3]
 • Total
49
 • Density122.5/sq mi (47.3/km2)
Time zoneUTC-8 (Pacific (PST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-7 (PDT)
ZIP Code
93623
GNIS feature ID2583013[2]
FIPS code06-24218

Fish Camp (formerly Happy Camp and Berry's Fish Camp)[4] is a census-designated place[5] in Mariposa County, California, United States.[2] It is located 18 miles (29 km) east of Mariposa,[4] at an elevation of 5,062 feet (1,543 m).[2] The population was 49 at the 2020 census.[3] The ZIP Code is 93623, and the community is inside area code 559.

Known for its logging history and as a gateway to Yosemite, it's evolved into a hub of hospitality since the 19th century. Key attractions include the historic Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad and the modern Tenaya Lodge, showcasing its transition from a logging town to a tourist destination.

The Fish Camp post office opened in 1924, closed in 1933, and re-opened in 1939.[4] The name comes from a fish hatchery at the place.[4]

Tenaya Lodge, a hotel in Fish Camp

Geography

[edit]

Fish Camp is on California State Route 41, just south of the entrance to Yosemite National Park, and 12 miles (19 km) north of Oakhurst. It is the site of the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, a heritage tourist line, and Tenaya Lodge, a resort owned by Delaware North.[6] Approximately one mile north of the community is the Summerdale campground, the original location of Fish Camp.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP covers an area of 0.4 square miles (1.0 km2), of which 0.002 square miles (0.005 km2), or 0.50%, are water.[1] The community is in the valley of Big Creek, which flows north into Yosemite National Park, where it joins the South Fork of the Merced River near Wawona.

Climate

[edit]

This region experiences warm (but not hot) and dry summers, with no average monthly temperatures above 71.6 °F (22.0 °C). According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Fish Camp has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, abbreviated "Csb" on climate maps.[7] Fish Camp, located around a mile above sea level, is renowned for its seasonal snowfall, frequently indicating the region's snow line.[8] Nearby, the Goat Meadow Snowplay Area in the Sierra National Forest, just north of Fish Camp, attracts visitors for sledding and cross-country skiing.[9]

Climate data for South Entrance Yosemite National Park, California (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1941–present)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 73
(23) 		73
(23) 		78
(26) 		83
(28) 		89
(32) 		98
(37) 		101
(38) 		102
(39) 		98
(37) 		90
(32) 		80
(27) 		78
(26) 		102
(39)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 45.1
(7.3) 		45.8
(7.7) 		49.6
(9.8) 		54.9
(12.7) 		63.2
(17.3) 		72.8
(22.7) 		80.2
(26.8) 		79.8
(26.6) 		74.6
(23.7) 		64.2
(17.9) 		52.6
(11.4) 		44.1
(6.7) 		60.6
(15.9)
Daily mean °F (°C) 35.8
(2.1) 		36.2
(2.3) 		39.0
(3.9) 		42.8
(6.0) 		50.3
(10.2) 		58.5
(14.7) 		65.4
(18.6) 		64.6
(18.1) 		59.7
(15.4) 		50.6
(10.3) 		41.5
(5.3) 		35.1
(1.7) 		48.3
(9.1)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 26.6
(−3.0) 		26.6
(−3.0) 		28.3
(−2.1) 		30.6
(−0.8) 		37.4
(3.0) 		44.2
(6.8) 		50.6
(10.3) 		49.4
(9.7) 		44.8
(7.1) 		37.0
(2.8) 		30.4
(−0.9) 		26.1
(−3.3) 		36.0
(2.2)
Record low °F (°C) −3
(−19) 		1
(−17) 		1
(−17) 		12
(−11) 		15
(−9) 		24
(−4) 		31
(−1) 		30
(−1) 		23
(−5) 		14
(−10) 		7
(−14) 		−5
(−21) 		−5
(−21)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 7.57
(192) 		6.68
(170) 		5.18
(132) 		3.42
(87) 		1.92
(49) 		0.53
(13) 		0.16
(4.1) 		0.11
(2.8) 		0.47
(12) 		2.22
(56) 		3.29
(84) 		5.64
(143) 		37.19
(945)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 9.4 8.4 9.5 6.2 5.4 1.2 0.8 0.8 1.6 3.9 6.1 8.7 62.0
Source: NOAA[10][11]

Ecology

[edit]
The forest is recovering from the 2017 Railroad Fire, which burned up to Fish Camp's southern border.

Fish Camp is home to several protected species designated by their Federal Special Status (FSS). These include avian species such as the California Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis occidentalis), the Great Gray Owl (Strix nebulosa), and the Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis). The area also supports nocturnal mammals like the Pallid Bat (Antrozous pallidus), Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii), and the Western Red Bat (Lasiurus blossevillii). Additionally, terrestrial mammals such as the Sierra Nevada Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes necator), American Marten (Martes americana), and the Pacific Fisher (Martes pennanti pacifica) are present.[12]

History

[edit]

In the latter half of the 19th century, Fish Camp, located near Yosemite Valley, developed significantly due to various economic activities. The town's growth was driven by the logging industry and later, tourists bound for Yosemite.

Stagecoach Era

[edit]

Fish Camp's history begins with the opening of the Wawona stagecoach road to Yosemite Valley in 1875. It became a vital traveler's stop, and a target for stage robbers.[13][14][15]

Logging

[edit]

The first permanent settlements in Fish Camp were in support of the logging industry.

The Madera Sugar Pine Logging Company heavily exploited the surrounding forests to meet the growing construction demands for lumber in late 19th century California.[16] The logging activities not only transformed the local landscape but also created pastures that were later used by sheepherders.[17] During this period, Fish Camp was also known as “Happy Camp,” a nickname derived from a red-light district located to the south of the current town center, catering to loggers and mill workers from the Sugar Pine mill.[18]: 76–79 

Bootleggers ran booze out of Fish Camp during the prohibition years to meet demand from the loggers and mill workers.[19]

Lodging and hospitality

[edit]
Construction of Fish Camp Lodge, 1904.
Beery's Fish Camp Lodge.
Silver Top Lodge postcard.

Fish Camp has served as a mountain stopover for travelers heading to Yosemite for more than a century.

In 1883, Albert Phillip, a prominent local entrepreneur, established a two-story hotel featuring 12 bedrooms, along with a kitchen, dining room, and parlor. In addition to his hotel, Phillip ran a freight service connecting Raymond and Yosemite Valley and transported ore from the nearby Star Mine at Mt. Raymond to North Fork using teams of ten animals.[20][21] By 1925, Charles Beery had taken over the property in Fish Camp, developing it into a resort.[22] However, Beery's Paradise Lodge was plagued by several fires, the last of which occurred in 1942. Following this, the property was sold to the H.J. Baker Real Estate Company in 1943.

The new owners constructed The Silver Tip Lodge, which remained in operation for 35 years until it was destroyed by arson in 1981.[23][24] The lodge was famous for its community events, including an annual turkey shoot and barbecues featuring locally sourced bear.[25][26]

In 1990, the Marriott Corporation opened the Tenaya Lodge, a 242-room luxury resort, enhancing the region's hospitality offerings.[27] Currently, it is operated by Delaware North, a company specializing in park services.[28]

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
201059—
202049−16.9%
U.S. Decennial Census[29]

The 2020 United States census reported that Fish Camp had a population of 49. The population density was 122.5 inhabitants per square mile (47.3/km2). The population was 44 (90%) Non-Hispanic White and 5 (10%) Hispanic or Latino.[30] The median age was 55.6 years.[30]

There were 29 households, of which 10 were families and 13 were one person living alone.[31]

There were 154 housing units at an average density of 385.0 units per square mile (148.6 units/km2), of which 29 (19%) were occupied. Of these, 9 (31%) were owner-occupied, and 20 (69%) were occupied by renters.[30]

Attractions

[edit]

Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad

[edit]

The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is a historic narrow gauge railroad near Fish Camp. Operating since 1967, it features steam locomotives and operates as a tourist attraction along the former route of the Madera Sugar Pine Lumber Company.[32][33]

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "2021 U.S. Gazetteer Files: California". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
  2. ^ a b c d U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Fish Camp, California
  3. ^ a b "P1. Race – Fish Camp CDP, California: 2020 DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171)". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
  4. ^ a b c d Durham, David L. (1998). California's Geographic Names: A Gazetteer of Historic and Modern Names of the State. Clovis, California: Word Dancer Press. p. 773. ISBN 1-884995-14-4.
  5. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Fish Camp, California
  6. ^ "Delaware North acquires Yosemite lodge - Buffalo". Buffalo Business First. Retrieved May 24, 2016.
  7. ^ Climate Summary for Fish Camp, California
  8. ^ "Eight inches solid snow at fish camp". Madera Tribune. Vol. LXXIII, no. 55. January 7, 1939. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  9. ^ "Goat Meadow Snowplay Area". Southern Yosemite Visitors Bureau. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  10. ^ "NOWData - NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved March 22, 2024.
  11. ^ "Summary of Monthly Normals 1991-2020". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved March 22, 2024.
  12. ^ "Fish Camp Project Final Environmental Impact Statement, Madera & Mariposa Counties, California; Sierra National Forest; Bass Lake Ranger District" (PDF). USDA Forest Service. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  13. ^ "Camping Trip Of 1880 Gives Colorful Picture Of Oldtime Yosemite Area". Madera Tribune. Vol. 76, no. 94. September 26, 1967. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  14. ^ Carter, Debby (January 8, 2021). "History Mystery #94: The Case of the Missing Maps". Sierra News Online. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  15. ^ "Stage Robbers Arrested". Merced County Sun. Vol. XV, no. 40. May 30, 1885. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  16. ^ "Start New Camp At Sugar Pine". Madera Tribune. Vol. XXIV, no. 125. March 27, 1916.
  17. ^ "Fish Camp: Yosemite National Park's Southern Gateway". Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  18. ^ Johnston, Hank (1968). Thunder in the Mountains: The Life and Times of Madera Sugar Pine (Second Edition (Revised) ed.). Costa Mesa, Calif.: Stauffer Publishing. ISBN 0-87046-017-X. OCLC 239958.
  19. ^ "Fish Camp is Clean Says Owner". Madera Mercury. No. 106. August 8, 1925.
  20. ^ "About the Eastern Madera County Area". Town Square Publications. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  21. ^ "Historical Preservation in Fish Camp Area". Mariposa County. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  22. ^ "Historical Preservation in Fish Camp Area". Mariposa County. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  23. ^ "Banquet Opens Silver Tip Lodge". Madera Tribune. Vol. LIV, no. 51. April 29, 1946. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  24. ^ "Fire and Ice: The Story of the History and Prehistory of Fish Camp" (PDF). Fresno State. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  25. ^ "ANNUAL TURKEY SHOOT SET AT FISHCAMP SUNDAY". Madera Tribune. Vol. 59, no. 188. November 8, 1950. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  26. ^ "Hamill to Play Barbecue Host". Madera Tribune. Vol. 17, no. 110. November 10, 1949.
  27. ^ "Marriott to open near Yosemite". Press Democrat. Vol. 133, no. 182. April 21, 1990. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  28. ^ "Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite Fact Sheet". Delaware North. March 16, 2017. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  29. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2016.
  30. ^ a b c "Fish Camp CDP, California; DP1: Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics - 2020 Census of Population and Housing". US Census Bureau. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
  31. ^ "Fish Camp CDP, California; P16: Household Type - 2020 Census of Population and Housing". US Census Bureau. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
  32. ^ "Old Steam Locomotive Begins Journey". Madera Tribune. Vol. 75, no. 139. November 29, 1966. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  33. ^ "Real Train Surprises Fish Camp Visitors". Madera Tribune. Vol. 76, no. 94. September 26, 1967. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
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