Eastman Lake
RV Guide
Introduction
Surrounded by scattered oak trees and tall grasses, Eastman Lake features rolling hills and stunning mountains that provide the perfect setting for a memorable RV holiday experience. This 1,780-acre Army Corps of Engineers Park, located 25 miles east of Chowchilla, California, is fed by the Chowchilla River and holds 150,000-acre-feet of water.
Formed as a result of the construction of Buchanan Dam on the Chowchilla River, Eastman Lake offers the opportunity for RV campers and visitors to enjoy a variety of water-related recreational activities including fishing, boating, sailing, and water-skiing. In addition, the park features multi-use trails that allow horseback riders, hikers, and mountain bikers pursue their interests. Some areas within this Army COE park are open to hunting. If you’re a lover of birds, you’ll enjoy watching up to 45 different bird species in the park.
At Eastman Lake, there are different camping opportunities available, including group camps, primitive camps, and RV camps. The RV campground features 65 campsites, some of which are equipped with full RV hookups. Reservations are accepted for the campsites in this US Army Corps of Engineers RV campground.
Nearby attractions to Eastman Lake include Yosemite National Park and the Sierra National Forest.
RV Rentals in Eastman Lake
Transportation
Driving
Located at the north end of County Road 29, 25 miles east of Chowchilla, Eastman Lake is accessible by RVs, trailers, and other motorized vehicles via Avenue 26, off Highway 99, California. RV rentals are available at the nearby Hensley Lake and Sierra National Forest for vacationers who do not own rigs and wish to drive to the park in one. Local roads within the park lead to the campground. There are no driving restrictions within this US Army Corps of Engineers lake.
Parking
There are designated parking spaces available for RVs, trailers, and cars at Eastman Lake. Campers can also park their rigs at their respective campsites in the park.
Public Transportation
Public bus services are available at Raymond, just east of the park, and Bus Line 1 along Fresno Highway 41 stops near the park.
Campgrounds and parking in Eastman Lake
Campsites in Eastman Lake
Reservations camping
Codorniz Campground
Codorniz Campground at Eastman Lake is a pet-friendly campground that features 65 campsites that are open year-round. Some of the campsites in this US Army COE campground are equipped with full hookup options (electric, water, and sewer hookups) while others are not. The campground accommodates RVs and trailers up to 40 feet in length.
At or near the campsites, you’ll find various amenities including tables, firepits, restrooms with showers, and flush toilets. A boat ramp and fish cleaning stations are also on hand at the campground. The campground office offers Wi-Fi. The closest fuel service station and general store are 20 miles away from the campground.
A variety of activities can be enjoyed at this Army Corp campground, including birding, canoeing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. All campers can stay up to 14 consecutive days.
Campsite reservations are accepted.
Seasonal activities in Eastman Lake
Off-Season
Bird Viewing
Bird viewing enthusiasts will enjoy their visit to Eastman Lake because of the good opportunities to spot numerous bird species in the park. This Army COE park’s location in the foothills of Madera County makes it a unique site for a large number of bird species, because the low elevation in the foothills is supportive of bird habitation, particularly in winter.
About 45 different bird species have been identified in the park, ranging from golden eagles, to bald eagles, woodpeckers, and American kestrels.
Hunting
Eastman Lake is a prime destination for RV campers that enjoy hunting for game and possess the appropriate license(s). Within the Monument Ridge / Wildlife Management Area, you’ll find oak trees and grasslands sitting on beautiful landscapes that serve as good habitats for cottontail rabbits, mourning dove and California quail. Waterfowl, bobcat and deer are also found in this area. In addition to these game animals, you may find, and hunt for, wild turkey and wild pig around the Lakeview Trail / Raymond Bridge.
Hunting within this US Army Corps of Engineer park is permitted by archery and shotgun only. Falconry is also permitted.
Fishing
Designated as California's first Trophy Bass Fishery by the California Department of Fish and Game, this Corps of Engineers RV park is a premier destination for trophy bass fishing.
Much more than that, there are opportunities to catch other fish species in the park’s waters. So, RV campers are not restricted to angling for trophy bass alone. You’ll find crappie, largemouth bass, catfish, rainbow trout, and bluegill. What’s more, anglers of all skill levels will find the exercise both interesting and challenging.
In-Season
Trails
Eastman Lake is the perfect place for RV campers to enjoy various activities on the multipurpose trails that are available. Whether your interest is horseback riding, mountain biking, or just taking a walk in the park, you’ll find that there's something for everyone at Eastman Lake.
Since there are many ways to navigate the trails, all trail users are encouraged to respect others so just be prepared to share the trails.
Water Recreation
There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy water-based recreational activities at this Army Corps of Engineers Park. From boating to sailing, and water-skiing, you get the chance to take your pick of what fun activity you would like to engage in on the park’s waters.
Boating is allowed year-round in the park, so you can be sure you won’t miss out on that. You’ll find courtesy docks and launch ramps in the Chowchilla and Codorniz recreation areas. As you set out on your adventure, bear in mind that Chowchilla River is closed to water recreation.
Visitor Center
The best way to begin your adventure and exploration as soon as you arrive at Eastman Lake is to take a trip to the Visitor Center. Open every day, you’ll get the chance to discover this COE park and set the tone for your camping experience here.
One thing you’re guaranteed to learn about at the center is the cultural and natural history of the area where the park is located. This is made possible by the displays, audio-visual programs, group tours, brochures, and ranger programs that the center offers.
