California / Madera County

Chowchilla Recreation Area Day Use

Open — Open for day-use recreation. The Chowchilla picnic shelter can be reserved through Recreation.gov for $30 per day.

About

Chowchilla Recreation Area Day Use is located at the scenic Eastman Lake, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Range about 50 miles north of Fresno. The 1,780 surface-acre lake is surrounded by rugged oak-covered hills and fed by the Chowchilla River, a tributary of the San Joaquin River. The day-use area features a reservable picnic shelter available for $30 per day, making it ideal for group gatherings and family events. Eastman Lake is the first lake designated by the California Department of Fish and Game as a Trophy Bass Fishery, attracting anglers year-round. In addition to bass, the lake is popular for crappie, trout, and catfish fishing. With warm summers and mild winters, visitors can enjoy boating and fishing nearly year-round. The area offers eight miles of trails available for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, providing opportunities to explore the scenic foothills landscape. Abundant wildlife in the area includes bobcats, golden eagles, hawks, wood ducks, and bald eagles. The nearby Observation Center provides information about the natural and cultural history of the region. The day-use area is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and offers a peaceful setting for outdoor recreation in the Sierra foothills.

Directions

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

Nearby Campgrounds