Fish Camp, California: Difference between revisions

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|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name=”DecennialCensus”>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2016}}</ref>

|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name=”DecennialCensus”>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/decade.html|title=Decennial Census by Decade|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=}}</ref><br>1850–1870<ref name=1870CensusCA1>{{Cite web|title= 1870 Census of Population – Population of Civil Divisions less than Counties – California – Almeda County to Sutter County |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1870/population/1870a-12.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref><ref name=1870CensusCA2>{{Cite web|title= 1870 Census of Population – Population of Civil Divisions less than Counties – California – Tehama County to Yuba County |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1870/population/1870a-13.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 1880-1890<ref name=1890CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1890 Census of Population – Population of California by Minor Civil Divisions |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1890/bulletins/demographics/134-population-of-ca.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref><br> 1900<ref name=1900CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1900 Census of Population – Population of California by Counties and Minor Civil Divisions |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1900/bulletins/demographic/10-population-ca.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 1910<ref name=1910CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1910 Census of Population – Supplement for California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1910/abstract/supplement-ca.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 1920<ref name=1920CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1920 Census of Population – Number of Inhabitants – California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1920/bulletins/demographics/population-ca-number-of-inhabitants.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref><br> 1930<ref name=1930CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1930 Census of Population – Number and Distribution of Inhabitants – California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1930/population-volume-1/03815512v1ch03.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 1940<ref name=1940CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1940 Census of Population – Number of Inhabitants – California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1940/population-volume-1/33973538v1ch03.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 1950<ref name=1950CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1950 Census of Population – Number of Inhabitants – California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1950/population-volume-1/vol-01-08.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref><br> 1960<ref name=1960CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1960 Census of Population – General population Characteristics – California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1960/population-volume-1/vol-01-06-d.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 1970<ref name=1970CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1970 Census of Population – Number of Inhabitants – California |url=https://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1970a_ca1-01.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 1980<ref name=1980CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1980 Census of Population – Number of Inhabitants – California |url=https://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1980a_caAB-01.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref><br> 1990<ref name=1990CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1990 Census of Population – Population and Housing Unit Counts – California |url=https://www2.census.gov/prod2/cen1990/cph2/cph-2-6.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>

2000<ref name=2000CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 2000 Census of Population – Population and Housing Unit Counts – California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/2003/dec/phc-3-6.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 2010<ref name=2010CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 2010 Census of Population – Population and Housing Unit Counts – California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/2010/cph-2/cph-2-6.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>

}}

}}

Fish Camp first appeared as a [[census-designated place]] in the [[2010 United States census]].<ref name=2010CensusCA/>

The [[2020 United States census]] reported that Fish Camp had a population of 49. The population density was {{convert|122.5|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The population was 44 (90%) [[Non-Hispanic White]] and 5 (10%) [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]].<ref name=DP1>{{cite web |title=Fish Camp CDP, California; DP1: Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics – 2020 Census of Population and Housing |url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALDP2020.DP1?g=1600000US0624218 |website=US Census Bureau |access-date=May 20, 2025}}</ref> The median age was 55.6{{nbsp}}years.<ref name=DP1/>

The [[2020 United States census]] reported that Fish Camp had a population of 49. The population density was {{convert|122.5|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The population was 44 (90%) [[Non-Hispanic White]] and 5 (10%) [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]].<ref name=DP1>{{cite web |title=Fish Camp CDP, California; DP1: Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics – 2020 Census of Population and Housing |url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALDP2020.DP1?g=1600000US0624218 |website=US Census Bureau |access-date=May 20, 2025}}</ref> The median age was 55.6{{nbsp}}years.<ref name=DP1/>

Census-designated place in California, United States

Fish Camp (formerly Happy Camp and Berry’s Fish Camp)[4] is a census-designated place (CDP)[5] in Mariposa County, California, United States.[2] It is located 18 miles (29 km) east of Mariposa 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 lies within area code 559.

Fish Camp developed in the 19th century as a logging settlement and later became a stopover for Yosemite-bound travelers. Today, it is primarily a tourist community, home to attractions such as the historic Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad and the Tenaya Lodge.

The Fish Camp post office opened in 1924, closed in 1933, and re-opened in 1939.[4] The community’s name originated from a fish hatchery once located at the site.[4]

Tenaya Lodge, a hotel in Fish Camp

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.

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]
The forest is recovering from the 2017 Railroad Fire, which reached the southern edge of Fish Camp.

Fish Camp lies within the Sierra National Forest and supports several species classified with Federal Special Status (FSS). Avian species documented in the area include the California spotted owl (Strix occidentalis occidentalis), great gray owl (Strix nebulosa), and northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis). Nocturnal bat species such as the pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus), Townsend’s big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii), and western red bat (Lasiurus blossevillii) are also present. Terrestrial mammals recorded near Fish Camp include the Sierra Nevada red fox (Vulpes vulpes necator), American marten (Martes americana), and Pacific fisher (Martes pennanti pacifica).[12]

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.

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]

The first permanent settlement in Fish Camp developed around the logging industry.

The Madera Sugar Pine Company established operations in the late 19th century to supply lumber for California’s growing construction demands.[16] Logging reshaped the surrounding landscape and left open pastures later used by sheepherders.[17]

During this period, the community was also called “Happy Camp,” a name linked to a red-light district south of the present town that served loggers and mill workers from nearby Sugar Pine.[18]

During the Prohibition era, bootleggers supplied alcohol to meet demand from the logging camps.[19]

Lodging and hospitality

[edit]

Construction of Fish Camp Lodge, 1904
Beery’s Fish Camp Lodge
Silver Tip Lodge postcard

Fish Camp has functioned as a stopover for Yosemite travelers since the late 19th century.

In 1883, Albert Phillip built a two-story hotel with twelve bedrooms, a kitchen, dining room, and parlor. Phillip also operated a freight service between Raymond and Yosemite Valley and hauled ore from the nearby Star Mine to North Fork.[20][21]

In 1925, Charles Beery acquired the property and developed Beery’s Paradise Lodge. The lodge was damaged by multiple fires, the last in 1942, after which the site was sold to the H.J. Baker Real Estate Company. The company built the Silver Tip Lodge in 1943.[22] The Silver Tip operated for 35 years and was noted for community events such as annual turkey shoots and bear barbecues.[23][24] The lodge was destroyed by arson in 1981.[25]

In 1990, Marriott International opened the Tenaya Lodge, a 242-room resort. The property is now operated by Delaware North.[26][27]

Historical population
Census Pop. Note %±
2010 59 —
2020 49 −16.9%

Fish Camp first appeared as a census-designated place in the 2010 United States census.[43]

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.[44] The median age was 55.6 years.[44]

There were 29 households, of which 10 were families and 13 were one person living alone.[45]

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.[44]

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.[46][47]

  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 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 (2nd rev. ed.). Costa Mesa, Calif.: Stauffer Publishing. pp. 76–79. 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. ^ “Banquet Opens Silver Tip Lodge”. Madera Tribune. Vol. LIV, no. 51. April 29, 1946. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  23. ^ “Annual Turkey Shoot Set at Fishcamp Sunday”. Madera Tribune. Vol. 59, no. 188. November 8, 1950. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  24. ^ “Hamill to Play Barbecue Host”. Madera Tribune. Vol. 17, no. 110. November 10, 1949.
  25. ^ “Fire and Ice: The Story of the History and Prehistory of Fish Camp” (PDF). Fresno State. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  26. ^ “Marriott to open near Yosemite”. Press Democrat. Vol. 133, no. 182. April 21, 1990. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  27. ^ “Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite Fact Sheet”. Delaware North. March 16, 2017. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  28. ^ “Decennial Census by Decade”. United States Census Bureau.
  29. ^ “1870 Census of Population – Population of Civil Divisions less than Counties – California – Almeda County to Sutter County” (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  30. ^ “1870 Census of Population – Population of Civil Divisions less than Counties – California – Tehama County to Yuba County” (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  31. ^ “1890 Census of Population – Population of California by Minor Civil Divisions” (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  32. ^ “1900 Census of Population – Population of California by Counties and Minor Civil Divisions” (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  33. ^ “1910 Census of Population – Supplement for California” (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  34. ^ “1920 Census of Population – Number of Inhabitants – California” (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  35. ^ “1930 Census of Population – Number and Distribution of Inhabitants – California” (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  36. ^ “1940 Census of Population – Number of Inhabitants – California” (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  37. ^ “1950 Census of Population – Number of Inhabitants – California” (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  38. ^ “1960 Census of Population – General population Characteristics – California” (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  39. ^ “1970 Census of Population – Number of Inhabitants – California” (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  40. ^ “1980 Census of Population – Number of Inhabitants – California” (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  41. ^ “1990 Census of Population – Population and Housing Unit Counts – California” (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  42. ^ “2000 Census of Population – Population and Housing Unit Counts – California” (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  43. ^ a b “2010 Census of Population – Population and Housing Unit Counts – California” (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  44. ^ 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.
  45. ^ “Fish Camp CDP, California; P16: Household Type – 2020 Census of Population and Housing”. US Census Bureau. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
  46. ^ “Old Steam Locomotive Begins Journey”. Madera Tribune. Vol. 75, no. 139. November 29, 1966. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  47. ^ “Real Train Surprises Fish Camp Visitors”. Madera Tribune. Vol. 76, no. 94. September 26, 1967. Retrieved January 27, 2024.

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