How much does camping cost at Wildcat Equestrian Area?

Camping fees at Wildcat Equestrian Area range from $60/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Wildcat Equestrian Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Wildcat Equestrian Area operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Wildcat Equestrian Area before I book?

Yes! Wildcat Equestrian Area has 2 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Wildcat Equestrian Area?

Wildcat Equestrian Area is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Wildcat Equestrian Area?

Yes, Wildcat Equestrian Area has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Are dogs allowed at Wildcat Equestrian Area?

Pets are not allowed at Wildcat Equestrian Area. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Wildcat Equestrian Area?

Wildcat Equestrian Area offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Wildcat Equestrian Area

5 reviews

Top 11% in CAFall

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

735 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Showers

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

735 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Showers

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Wildcat Equestrian Area

$60.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

EQUEST: $60.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(559) 689-3255eastman-info@usace.army.mil

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Wildcat Equestrian Area

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

Wildcat Equestrian Area

37.2082, -119.9628

Nearby places

Madera — 30 miles southwest (Eastman Lake is 30 miles northeast of Madera)

Chowchilla — 25 miles west (Eastman Lake is 25 miles east of Chowchilla)

Fresno — 50 miles south (Eastman Lake is 50 miles north of Fresno).

Weather at Wildcat Equestrian Area

Current alert: From Saturday May 16th 5:00am to Monday May 18th 8:00pm all open burning on USACE property is prohibited during National Weather Service Red Flag Warning.

Best Time to Camp at Wildcat Equestrian Area

Best season: fall. Fall delivers the most comfortable riding weather — daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to mid-70s F in October and cooling into the 50s by November with nights in the 40s — so horses and people avoid the summer heat. Trails are dry and stable after summer, the golden hills and oak groves are at their most scenic, and wildlife activity (deer, raptors, waterfowl) is easy to spot with fewer crowds than peak summer. Early fall can still carry elevated fire danger in dry years, so check local ADs Peak months: October, November, September, April Avoid: July, August

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 11% in CA

Seasonal notes: 'Fall brings the best riding conditions' with mild daytime temps and stable trails.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Wildcat Equestrian Area

Wildcat Equestrian Area sits in the Sierra Nevada foothills near Chowchilla at 735 feet elevation, a group campground built for riders exploring the trails around H.V. Eastman Lake. The site includes horse corrals, hitching posts, showers, and fire rings. Reviewers consistently mention the peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere.

An equestrian group camping area that supports horseback-oriented group use and general camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers the most comfortable riding weather — daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to mid-70s F in October and cooling into the 50s by November with nights in the 40s — so horses and people avoid the summer heat. Trails are dry and stable after summer, the golden hills and oak groves are at their most scenic, and wildlife activity (deer, raptors, waterfowl) is easy to spot with fewer crowds than peak summer. Early fall can still carry elevated fire danger in dry years, so check local ADs Peak months: October, November, September, April Avoid: July, August

Elevation735 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryGolden grass-covered hills roll away from the campground, scattered with oak groves that provide scattered shade. Eastman Lake sits below, fed by the Chowchilla River. The foothill landscape draws bald eagles, golden eagles, hawks, deer, and bobcats. Views extend toward distant mountain ridges, especially at sunrise and dusk when the light catches the dry grass.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

Designated equestrian group area with horse corrals, hitching posts, water, picnic tables, fire pits/BBQ, and vault toilets.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Recommended SitesFacility is equestrian-focused with corrals, hitching posts and water—suitable for horseback riding and group equestrian use.

Amenities available

Facilities include water, vault toilets, horse corrals, hitching posts, picnic tables, fire pits/BBQ, and access to showers.

Showers

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

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Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

0.0

5 reviews

Limited Reviews

Wildcat Equestrian Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers (based on the available review) describe Wildcat Equestrian Area as very peaceful and not crowded. The single positive comment emphasizes a quiet, low-traffic atmosphere ideal for a relaxed visit.

Review Summaries

Based on 5 reviews

What Campers Love

Peaceful setting and low crowd levels — visitors appreciate the tranquility and lack of congestion.

Based on 5 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Riding groups who want corrals, showers, and oak-shaded hills without fighting crowds. Fall is the window: mid-60s to mid-70s days, stable trails after summer, and bald eagles overhead. Five reviewers all flag how quiet this place stays.

Skip if

No horses in your group changes the math here. It's a group-site setup, so solo campers or couples looking for individual sites won't find them. Summer heat is brutal at this elevation for both riders and mounts.

Nearby Campgrounds

Wildcat Campground sits on the shores of Eastman Lake in California's Sierra foothills near Raymond, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The small campground offers full-hookup RV sites, tent camping, and group options surrounded by golden grasslands and oak groves. Campers come for lake access, fall wildlife viewing, and hiking the dry foothill trails.