Wildcat Recreation Area Campground
Campground · California · 19 bookable sites ·
Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers
- 19
- Bookable sites
- 50 ft
- Max rig length
- up to 8
- People per site
- 702 ft
- Elevation
Overview
Wildcat Recreation Area Campground on Eastman Lake is a perfect launchpad for activities like canoeing, birding and hiking. Tucked in the Sierra Nevada foothills, the area attracts abundant wildlife like bobcats, golden eagles, mountain lions, hawks and wood ducks. Wildcat Recreation Area Campground includes three equestrian sites with horse corrals.
Recreation
Eastman Lake is the first designated Trophy Bass Fishery, by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Both young and old anglers will find fishing on Eastman lake a satisfying challenge. Wildcat Recreation Area Campground at Buchanan Dam, H.V. Eastman Lake is a perfect launchpad for activities like horseback riding, birding and hiking.
Facilities
Wildcat Recreation Area Campground facility offers areas for camping, horse corrals, water, BBQs , fire pits, picnic tables, toilets, and access to showers.
Natural Features
The rolling hills around Buchanan Dam, H.V. Eastman Lake are surrounded by tall grasses and scattered oak trees, giving way to stunning mountain views.
The lake features 1,780 surface acres, fed by the cool waters of the Chowchilla River.
Nearby Attractions
The Sierra National Forest is a short drive to the east of the campground.
The facts
- 19 bookable sites
- Vehicles up to 50 ft
- Up to 8 people per site
- Loops: WCAT
Site types
- 16 Standard Nonelectric
- 3 Equestrian Nonelectric
Amenities
- Campfires allowed
- Fire pits
- Picnic tables
- Shade
- Pets allowed
- Water hookups — not available
- Sewer hookups — not available
Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, grills.
19 campsites at Wildcat Recreation Area Campground
Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 2:00 PM
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W01 | WCAT | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 37 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| W02 | WCAT | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 50 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| W03 | WCAT | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 50 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| W04 | WCAT | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| W05 | WCAT | Standard Nonelectric | — | Paved | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| W06 | WCAT | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| W07 | WCAT | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| W08 | WCAT | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| W09 | WCAT | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| W10 | WCAT | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| W11 | WCAT | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| W12 | WCAT | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| W13 | WCAT | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| W14 | WCAT | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| W15 | WCAT | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| W16 | WCAT | Equestrian Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| W17 | WCAT | Equestrian Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| W18 | WCAT | Equestrian Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| W19 | WCAT | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | — | 8 | 🐾 |
Getting there
37.20722, -119.96645 · 37°12'26.0"N 119°57'59.2"W
Typical weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 2.6 | 2.3 | 2.3 | 1.1 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.9 | 1.0 | 2.5 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 11.8 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
Member photos
Common questions about Wildcat Recreation Area Campground
- Can you reserve a site at Wildcat Recreation Area Campground?
- Yes, Wildcat Recreation Area Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Wildcat Recreation Area Campground have?
- 19 sites.
- What is the maximum RV length at Wildcat Recreation Area Campground?
- 50 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
- Are pets allowed at Wildcat Recreation Area Campground?
- Yes, pets are allowed at Wildcat Recreation Area Campground.
- Does Wildcat Recreation Area Campground have hookups?
- No hookups are recorded here.
- Are campfires allowed at Wildcat Recreation Area Campground?
- Campfires are allowed at Wildcat Recreation Area Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.
Camping near Wildcat Recreation Area Campground
- Wildcat Equestrian Area 0.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Codorniz Recreation Area Campground 0.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Chowchilla Recreation Area Day Use 1.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Hidden View 6.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Buck Ridge 7.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Crane Valley 22.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Recreation Point 22.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Forks Campground (Sierra) 23 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Lupine 24.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Cedar Bluff 24.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Spring Cove 24.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Ya-Gub-Weh-tuh Campground 24.3 mi · Campground
Contact
- Phone (559) 689-3255
- Email eastman-info@usace.army.mil
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-03-11.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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