Camp Isom is a 160 acre primitive camp located along Orestimba Creek
in the Coast Range, nine miles west of Newman. It is 10 miles south
of the Diablo Grande Golf Courses and is situated at the bottom of
a steep canyon with a seasonally flowing creek running through it.
The landscape is dotted with pine, oak, and sycamore trees, and in
the spring beautiful wildflowers pop up everywhere. A variety of animals
are regularly seen wandering through the area such as deer, wild pig,
quail, turkeys, rattlesnakes, squirrels, coyotes, and mountain lions
along with many other creatures large and small. One prominent feature
of Camp Isom is a permanent spring that empties into a series of three
ponds in which fish and water lilies abound. The camp is three miles
by air and six miles hiking from Henry Coe State Park. In the past
Scouts have hiked from Isom over to Coe Park and exited to Morgan Hill.
This is a true wilderness experience. This should be treated as a primitive
campground and campers must haul out all trash. There is an outhouse
located at the camp. The roads are dirt and should not be attempted
unless there has been at least seven days without rain. The soil is
clay and impassable even by 4-wheel drive vehicles after a rainstorm,
as the road is very steep. Pickups and 4-wheel drive vehicles are recommended,
as the road is rough in places but well maintained for back road travel.
Milt McEwen
There are two campsites near the creek. Bring all you need to set
up a primitive campsite, including water and wood. Make reservations
at the Scout Office in Modesto.
For more information contact:
Greater Yosemite Council, B.S.A.
4031 Technology Drive, Modesto, CA 95356 209-545-6320
