Lee Camp, also known as Lee Springs, is a lesser-known ghost town in Kern County, California, with a history rooted in early 20th-century mining activities. Below is detailed information about the town:
County: Kern County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: Approximately 35.4283° N, 117.8950° W
Elevation: Approximately 3,000 feet (914 meters)
Time Zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC-8; UTC-7 during Daylight Saving Time)
Established: Early 1900s
Disestablished: Mid-20th century
Comments: Lee Camp, also referred to as Lee Springs, is a relatively obscure ghost town with limited historical records. It is believed that the area was initially claimed by a member of the Rath family around the 1930s, coinciding with the prospecting activities of Walt Bickel and Burro Schmidt in the nearby regions. The site later became part of the Copper Basin Group Mines, with Mike Lee acquiring the claim from Burro Schmidt.
Remains: Presently, visitors to Lee Camp can observe the remnants of its past, including stone walls from a former cabin, two standing metal shed structures, the remains of a separate cabin, and an outhouse. The area also features a rich flowing spring, which was a vital water source for the camp’s inhabitants.
Current Status: Unoccupied historic mining camp
Remarks: The history of Lee Camp is intertwined with notable figures such as Burro Schmidt, known for his hand-dug tunnel, and Mike Lee, who passed away at the age of 74 while residing at Schmidt Camp. The site eventually became part of Red Rock Canyon State Park, and access to the mine has since been restricted. Despite its obscurity, Lee Camp offers a glimpse into the mining endeavors of the early 20th century in California.
