California Camp, California facts for kids

California Camp was once a small settlement located along the Colorado River in Imperial County, California. It's now known as a ghost town, which means it's a place where people used to live, but now it's mostly empty.

What Was California Camp?

California Camp started as a ranch. It also had a special spot called a woodyard landing. This landing was very important for steamboats that traveled on the Colorado River. Steamboats needed wood to burn for their engines, and this landing was where they could stop to get more fuel.

Who Used California Camp?

The steamboats that stopped at California Camp belonged to a man named George Alonzo Johnson. He ran a steamboat company that helped move goods and people along the river. Places like California Camp were vital stops for these boats.

Where Was It Located?

California Camp was quite a distance up the river from Yuma, Arizona, about 72 miles away. It was also 24 miles past a place called Picacho. Another camp, Camp Gaston, was just 8 miles upriver from California Camp. Back then, this area was part of San Diego County, California, before Imperial County was created.