Camp Far West Reservoir, body of water
Camp Far West Reservoir is a large body of water in the foothills of Northern California, located about eight miles east of Wheatland. It covers about 2,000 acres with nearly 30 miles of shoreline, fed by the Bear River and Rock Creek, and is surrounded by rolling hills and oak trees.
The reservoir was built in 1963 to control floods in the Central Valley and generate electricity for nearby areas. The dam became part of the California State Water Project, a large effort to manage water across the state.
The reservoir's name comes from a historic camp that once stood in this area. Today, visitors experience the place as a quiet retreat where trails invite walking and the open landscape shapes how people spend time outdoors.
Visitor facilities are located on the north side, including wheelchair-accessible restrooms and vault toilets. Trails and cycling routes wind around the lake year-round and are easy to access, with campsites featuring picnic tables and grills spread along the shoreline.
Cattle roam freely across the grounds and graze on the trails, giving the place a countryside feel. Visitors should know that fish in the reservoir contain elevated mercury levels, so eating any catch is not recommended.
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