Wildcat Campground
00 reviewWildcat Campground
$20.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$30.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$100.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fees range from $20 for tent-only non-electric sites to $100 for group standard electric sites. Additional reservation fees ($8 online/app, $9 contact center, $3 in-person) are applicable.
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Recreation.gov
ProviderAbout this campground
Tucked away in the rolling Sierra Nevada foothills, Wildcat Campground offers a serene escape at Eastman Lake, where golden California grasslands meet ancient oak groves. This hidden gem provides both electric and non-electric camping options, perfect for those seeking solitude away from the crowds. Here, the rhythm of nature sets the pace, with sweeping views of undulating hills and the peaceful waters of Eastman Lake creating an authentic backcountry experience just hours from civilization.
Wildcat Campground accommodates a range of camping preferences, including tent, RV, and group camping options. Horse camping is also supported with equestrian facilities available.
Weather and SeasonsWinter transforms Wildcat Campground into a moody landscape of dramatic skies and refreshing solitude. From December through February, temperatures dance between crisp 41°F mornings and comfortable 59°F afternoons, while moderate winds whisper through the oak branches. These cooler months bring their share of precipitation, painting the hills in vibrant greens and filling the air with the earthy scent of rain-soaked soil. It's the perfect season for contemplative camping, when the crowds have thinned and nature puts on its most intimate show.
Natural Features and SceneryThe landscape here tells the story of California's diverse beauty, where the mighty Sierra Nevada begins its gradual rise from the Central Valley. Golden grasslands ripple like waves across the hillsides, punctuated by majestic valley oaks that have stood sentinel for generations. At the heart of it all lies Eastman Lake, a sparkling 1,780-acre jewel fed by the waters of the Chowchilla River. From your campsite, watch hawks circle overhead, deer graze in the early morning light, and spectacular sunsets paint the sky in shades of amber and rose.
Geological RegionWildcat Campground sits in the enchanting transition zone where California's Central Valley gives way to the Sierra Nevada foothills. This unique geological position creates a landscape of gentle rolling hills adorned with native bunch grasses that turn from emerald green in spring to golden honey in summer. Ancient valley oaks dot the terrain, their gnarled branches telling stories of centuries past, while the underlying geology reveals the fascinating interplay between volcanic activity and sedimentary deposits that shaped this region over millions of years.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground offers accessible features, including accessible showers, campsites, and grills, as well as accessible flush toilets and picnic areas.
Sites SizeNo specific details about campsite sizes are provided.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels of campsites are not described.
Total Campsites14 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is limited to 14 nights per reservation and within a rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum guests per site are not specified.
Groups
No specific details are provided about the capacity or vehicle limits of group sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round with peak season lasting from January 1 to December 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online platform and mobile app, as well as contact centers.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground is not reservable, making it entirely walk-up or first-come-first-served.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before the date of arrival, subject to a $10 cancellation fee and, potentially, forfeiture of the first night's fees in case of late cancellation.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
WiFi
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Sewer hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Wildcat Campground provides a range of recreational activities for visitors. Fishing is a highlight due to Eastman Lake's designation as California's first Trophy Bass Fishery. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, swimming, boating, and wildlife viewing, among other activities.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are described in the broader Eastman Lake area, though specific trail details at Wildcat Campground are not provided.Fishing
Fishing is a standout activity at the campground, with Eastman Lake recognized as a Trophy Bass Fishery by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, offering challenges and satisfaction for anglers of all ages.Swimming
Swimming areas are available in the Eastman Lake locale, though exact details about designated spots or safety measures are unclear.Biking
The campground appears to support biking activities, though details about the trails, terrain, or recommended skill levels are missing.Boating
Boating is permitted and supported at Eastman Lake, with no specific details provided about the types of boats allowed or docking facilities.Wildlife viewing
Visitors may see a variety of wildlife, including bobcats, golden eagles, mountain lions, hawks, and wood ducks, particularly in the Sierra Nevada foothills around Eastman Lake.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are highlighted for this campground.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as canoeing and kayaking are implied to be popular activities on Eastman Lake, though further details are not provided.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires must use locally bought firewood to prevent invasive pests.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife hazards may include encounters with bobcats, golden eagles, mountain lions, and hawks.
Weather forecast
93
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 22%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 6.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available 20 miles away, likely in larger towns such as Madera or Chowchilla. No specific hospital or police station names are included.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1–December 31 annually.
Trash and recyclingThe information about trash and recycling facilities, including their locations and schedules, is not provided.
Proximity to water featuresEastman Lake is within immediate proximity, offering 1,780 surface acres of water fed by the Chowchilla River.
Campground Map
Driving directionsEastman Lake is 30 miles northeast of Madera, 25 miles east of Chowchilla, and 50 miles north of Fresno. From Highway 99, travel east on Avenue 26 then north on Rd 29. Follow signs into the campground.
Road access quality is not explicitly described but directions indicate paved routes such as Highway 99, Avenue 26, and Road 29.Nearby places
Madera (30 miles northeast), Chowchilla (25 miles east), Fresno (50 miles north).
Nearby supplies
The general store and fuel services are noted as being 20 miles away. No specific address or business details provided.
Camper Reviews
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0 reviews
Wildcat Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
There are no user reviews currently available for Wildcat Campground.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
No positive highlights are specified due to the absence of user reviews.
Common Concerns
No common complaints are noted due to the lack of user reviews.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
No user-provided tips or recommendations are available.
Seasonal Insights
There are no seasonal trends in reviews to analyze as no user feedback has been provided.
Camper Quotes
No direct quotes from users are available.
Site-Specific Reviews
No site-specific reviews are present for this campground.
Accessibility Features
No accessibility-specific user reviews are available.
Pet-Friendly Features
No reviews addressing pet policies or pet-owner experiences are provided.
Last updated August 10, 2025