Lestor Pelton invented the Pelton Wheel while living in Camptonville in the 1870s. The efficiency of the wheel to generate power changed the production of gold ore and hydroelectric power that affected the history of California.
The main road through the heart of town becomes the Mountain House Road that is a vital link of the historic Henness Pass Road over the Sierra Nevada that served Virginia City, Nevada and the Comstock Lode mines...
...there is a community resilience of the residents who proudly proclaim “We may be small, but we’ve got big plans.”
Today, in the sleepy, little rural community you would never know its claim to history except for the small plaque and Pelton Wheel replica installed by the Masons at the entrance to Camptonville.
The main road through the heart of town becomes the Mountain House Road that is a vital link of the historic Henness Pass Road over the Sierra Nevada that served Virginia City, Nevada and the Comstock Lode mines in their heyday. Today Camptonville serves as the entrance to the scenic route that is one of the top backcountry drives in our neighborhood. Fall drives when the aspen are blazing yellow is an annual ritual for many of us.
Camptonville lies just above the Willow Creek arm of New Bullards Bar Reservoir. Fishing is terrific and the Bullards Bar Trails’ complex are some of the best mountain biking trails in these parts – year round. Hiking the trail along the south side of the lake in the spring when the lake is bank-full and early season wildflowers pop out far ahead of their mountain cousins is exceptionally attractive. Equestrian riders enjoy the trails but there are no developed facilities for trail riders and their trailers.
When the highway to Downieville bypassed Camptonville in the 1920s, the decline of commercial ventures left the community with few services. Still, there is a community resilience of the residents who proudly proclaim “We may be small, but we’ve got big plans.”
| Population: | 400 | Links: | Community: www.camptonville.com |
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Services:
Automotive
Medical
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From Nevada City follow Highway 49 north then east for 21 miles. The community sits on the ridge less than a mile off the highway. Turn right at the well-signed intersection.