Oak Glen Conservation Camp #35

Oak Glen Conservation Camp is located in the San Bernardino Mountains at an elevation of over 5,500 feet near the boundary of the San Gorgonio Wilderness area. The camp is about 10 miles north of Beaumont, near the apple-growing community of Oak Glen. The camp sits on 27 acres of leased Forest Service land within the San Bernardino National Forest and utilizes a special-use permit for a fire control facility. The San Bernardino County line divides the camp equally between two counties. Numerous California brown bears make their home in the immediate vicinity of the camp.

Oak Glen Camp was established in 1945 as a tent camp. The original buildings were constructed by inmates out of materials salvaged from the United States Army at Camp Hahn. Many different agencies have provided manpower to Oak Glen Camp, but CAL FIRE has been here since it opened. It operated as a CDCR camp until 1963. In 1963-64, the CAL FIRE as a California Youth Camp operated it. In 1964, it was converted to a Job Corps Center. This was terminated in 1969 and the CDCR Don Lugo Camp at Chino moved to Oak Glen. It later converted to California Youth Authority in September of 1972.

On May 15, 1990, another transition took place and CDCR inmates replaced the Youth Authority wards.

When not assigned to fire response, camp participants complete conservation and community service projects in the surrounding area. CAL FIRE determines conservation projects. Two Oak Glen crews specialize in tree trimming and bug abatement. Many former participants have gone on to use these skills for employment upon reentry.

Oak Glen camp participants operate a wood shop which creates custom cabinetry supervised by CAL FIRE staff.

Just as in every CDCR prison, every conservation camp offers rehabilitative and educational services, including substance abuse programs such as Alcoholics or Narcotics Anonymous (AA/NA), religious programs, hobby crafts, and GED and college courses. Their efforts during emergencies build a strong work ethic and a feeling of self-worth. Collectively, these activities prepare camp participants for successful integration back into their communities upon release.

Oak Glen also has a pre-release program and a hobby program. Two Religious Services Sponsors (R U Ready Ministries and Fellowship in the Pass) come to the camp each week. The camp also has an active Music Program.

For stories featuring current and former Conservation (Fire) Camp Program participants, read Inside CDCR.

Visiting can be a critical part of an incarcerated person’s rehabilitation. For more information, visit the Scheduling Visits at Conservation (Fire) Camps page.