The Conservation Camp Program in California has a history that spans over 60 years.  From as far back as 1915, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) utilized road camps to perform conservation work.  During World War II, much of the fire fighting workforce utilized road camps by the Division of Forestry (now called the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection - CAL FIRE) was committed to wartime efforts.  The two agencies as well as the California Department of the Youth Authority (CYA), joined forces to establish 41 temporary camps to augment fire fighting resources.

The first permanent camp was established in 1945 and was called Coursegold Honor Camp.  From 1945 to present, the Conservation Camp Program has experienced times of expansion and times of decline.  By 1960, 24 camps were in operation and by 1972 the number had swelled to 35.

Today CAL FIRE has 39 conservation camps statewide that house over 4,000 inmates and wards.  These camps are operated in conjunction with CDCR and CYA.  Through these cooperative efforts, CAL FIRE maintains a total of 196 fire crews year-round.

These crews are available to respond to all types of emergencies including wildfires, floods, search and rescue, and earthquakes.  When not responding to emergencies, the crews are busy with conservation and community service work projects for state, federal and local agencies.  Lassen-Modoc-Plumas Unit has three conservation camps

Antelope Conservation Camp

Antelope Camp is operated by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The camp is located in the California Correctional Center, eight miles east of Susanville in Lassen County. 

Opened in 1963, the facility houses 120 level-one inmates, and provides five 17-man fire crews.  Antelope Camp is an excellent resource for the local community and the state in emergency response and conservation work.  The camp also provides quality canvas products to State of California agencies.   

Antelope Camp is staffed by CAL FIRE and CDCR personnel.  CAL FIRE staff include one division chief, one heavy equipment mechanic, one office technician, and eight fire captains.  Click here to view products available from the Antelope Camp Canvas Shop.

Devil's Garden Conservation Camp

Devil's Garden Camp is operated by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The camp is located seven miles south of Alturas, in Modoc County.  It sits on the Devil's Garden Plateau which spans all the way from Alturas to Oregon.  

Opened in 1989, the facility houses 120 level-one inmates, and provides five 17-man fire crews.  Devil's Garden Camp is an excellent resource for the local community and the state in emergency response and conservation work.    

Devil's Garden Camp is staffed by CAL FIRE and CDCR personnel.  CAL FIRE staff include one division chief, two heavy fire equipment operators, one office technician, one water and sewer plant operator and 10 fire captains.   Click here to learn more about Devil's Garden Camp and the Garden Sign Shop.

Intermountain Conservation Camp

Intermountain Camp is operated by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.  The camp is located east of Redding, outside the community of Bieber in Lassen County.  It sits on a beautiful site, nestled in the pines at the base of Big Valley Mountain. 

Opened in 1962, the facility houses 80 level-one inmates, and provides four 17-man fire crews.  Intermountain Camp is an excellent resource for the local community and the state in emergency response and conservation work. 

Intermountain Camp is staffed by CAL FIRE and CDCR personnel.  CAL FIRE staff includes one division chief, two heavy fire equipment operators, one water and sewer plant operator and eight fire captains. Click here to learn more about Intermountain Camp and their Welding Shop.