Fish Camp (formerly Happy Camp and Berry's Fish Camp) is a census-designated place (CDP) 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 , of which , or 0.50%, are water. Fish Camp, at approximately 5,066 feet (1,544 m) elevation, receives substantial seasonal snowfall. Nearby, the Goat Meadow Snowplay Area in the Sierra National Forest, just north of Fish Camp, attracts visitors for sledding and cross-country skiing.

Ecology

thumb|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 with federal special status. 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).

History

Fish Camp grew in the second half of the 19th century, first as a logging settlement and later as a waypoint for travelers entering Yosemite Valley from the south.

Stagecoach era

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.

Logging

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. Logging reshaped the surrounding landscape and left open pastures later used by sheepherders.

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.

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

Lodging and hospitality

thumb|Construction of Fish Camp Lodge, 1904

thumb|Beery's Fish Camp Lodge

thumb|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.

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. The Silver Tip operated for 35 years and was noted for community events such as annual turkey shoots and bear barbecues. The lodge was destroyed by arson in 1981.

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

Demographics

Fish Camp first appeared as a census-designated place in the 2010 United States census. The median age was 55.6years.

There were 154 housing units at an average density of , of which 29 (19%) were occupied. Of these, 9 (31%) were owner-occupied, and 20 (69%) were occupied by renters.

In 1954, Rudy Stauffer, a Swiss-Hungarian immigrant, purchased land in Fish Camp situated on the old logging right-of-way. He acquired Shay locomotive No. 10 and surplus logging equipment in 1965, and in 1967 the YMSPRR made its first tourist excursion. The railroad now operates 4 miles of track with two Shay steam locomotives and includes the Thornberry Museum, which documents the region's logging history. It operates seasonally from spring through late fall.

Tenaya Lodge

Tenaya Lodge is a mountain resort operated by Delaware North. Marriott International opened the property in 1990; it was expanded and renovated in 2016 and as of 2017 comprises 352 guest rooms, including 249 rooms and suites in the main lodge and 53 cottages.

References

  • Yosemite Trails Horseback Adventures
  • Tenaya Lodge