Chowchilla Recreation Area Day Use

About

Located at Eastman Lake in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Madera County, the Chowchilla Recreation Area is a day-use facility operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The area is surrounded by rolling oak-covered hills and offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains. The 1,780 surface-acre lake is fed by the Chowchilla River, a tributary of the San Joaquin River. The facility centers on a group picnic shelter that accommodates up to 100 people and can be reserved for $30 per day. Additional amenities include a playground, horseshoe pits, flush toilets, and a swimming area. Eight miles of trails are available for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Eastman Lake is notable for being the first California lake designated as a Trophy Bass Fishery, with crappie, trout, and catfish also commonly caught. Wildlife in the area includes bobcats, golden eagles, hawks, wood ducks, and bald eagles. Note that this is strictly a day-use area; overnight camping is not permitted here. For overnight camping at Eastman Lake, visitors should check Codorniz or Wildcat campgrounds instead.

Directions

From Fresno, take Highway 99 north approximately 50 miles to Avenue 17 east. Follow to Road 26 north to Avenue 26 east to Road 29 north. Turn left on Road 29 and travel 8 miles to the park entrance.