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Mount Bullion Conservation Camp #39

Graphic of an animal skull with the words "Mt. Bullion Camp 39."

Camp Details

Contact Info

  • 5730 Mount Bullion Access Road, Mariposa, CA 95338
  • (209) 742-5494

CDCR Camp Staff

  • Lt. A. Heningburg, Camp Commander
  • Sgt. K. Silva, Assistant Camp Commander

2021 Camp Statistics

  • CDCR Staff: 9
  • Total number of inmates: 51
  • Total inmate capacity: 100

Camp Projects

  1. Federal Forest Projects; Forest Restoration, Fire Breaks, Weed Abatement
  2. County Projects; Fire Breaks, Water Shed Management, Utility District Brush Clearing, Weed Abatement, Parks and Recreation restoration, School Clean Up, Roadside Clearing, Tree Clearing and Trimming.
  3. City Projects; Fire Breaks, Water Shed Management, Utility District Brush Clearing, Weed Abatement, Parks and Recreation restoration, School Clean Up
  4. National Park Projects; Forest Restoration, Fire Breaks, Weed Abatement.
  5. State Projects; Fire Breaks, Water Shed Management, Utility District Brush Clearing, Weed Abatement, Parks and Recreation restoration, School Clean Up, Roadside Clearing, Tree Clearing.

Volunteer Programs

Inmates participate in hobby projects such as wood projects, jewelry, artwork, and raising money in support of various holiday community improvement projects and fundraisers for the Mariposa Safe Families. Mt. Bullion also hosts weekly AA/NA meetings and religious services for camp inmates.

Camp History

Mt. Bullion Conservation Camp was a previously a youth camp. In October 2004, the camp was converted to an adult conservation camp. Many modifications were made to existing structures to accommodate the one 100-inmate capacity. Mt. Bullion’s fire protection responsibilities falls within the CAL FIRE MMU Ranger district, which includes Mariposa, Merced and Madera Counties. Mt. Bullion is the only camp in the MMU Ranger District. In 2017, there were several major fires in the unit, including the Detwiler Fire, which consumed more than 81 acres. Mt. Bullion was utilized as a staging area during these incidents.

The CAL FIRE 69-Hour Fire Fighting Training is conducted at Mt. Bullion for the new seasonal CAL FIRE Firefighters. CDCR and CAL FIRE staff maintain an excellent working relationship at the camp. The two departments meet twice a week for an open discussion on safety and other issues concerning the ongoing operation of the camp.

Inmate Programs

The Hobby Program runs at capacity with 18 inmates involved. The camp hosts a GED Program which meets three times a week. Coast line Community College courses with a variety of classes offered as well. Columbia College recently conducted a small engine repair class on grounds for camp inmates. Mt. Bullion camp also has a plaque program that is facilitated by the inmates under the supervision of correctional staff.