Codorniz Campground, near Raymond, California, is a solid choice for those looking to escape into nature while still enjoying some comforts. This spot offers a mix of tent and RV sites, complete with electric hookups and drinking water, making it convenient for various camping styles.

The campground is surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful scenery, perfect for hiking, biking, or just soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. Many visitors have praised the friendly and helpful staff, noting that the park rangers and camp hosts are always around to lend a hand. As one camper put it, “The staff were knowledgeable and nice,” which adds to the welcoming vibe here.

While the lake views might be limited from some sites, the area is still a great place to unwind. Campers have enjoyed the quiet surroundings, with some even mentioning the soothing sounds of coyotes in the distance at night. There’s a playground for kids and clean facilities, including restrooms, which makes it family-friendly. Just keep in mind that the nearest stores are a bit of a drive away, so plan accordingly.

Whether you're looking to relax by the fire or explore the nearby trails, Codorniz Campground has a little something for everyone.

## Overview

 Codorniz Campground on H.V. Eastman Lake is a perfect launchpad for activities like fishing, 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. Information about the lake's water level can be found under Additional Information.
## 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. At the campground, visitors can try their hand at disc golf or challenge a group of friends to a game of volleyball. Horseshoe pits are also available for a little friendly competition. 
## Facilities

 A mix of electric and non-electric campsites are available. Fish cleaning stations are near each boat ramp, and showers are on hand as well. Horse camping corrals are available.
## Natural Features

 The rolling hills around 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.

COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground

Raymond is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Raymond and user-submitted reviews.

Raymond

The Best Camping Near Raymond, California

A nice campground.  Lots of space between sites, some with electric and water.  Nice views of where the lake should be, with volcanic outcroppings all around.  Site 01 was shaded, level and easy to back our 24 foot trailer into.  Unfortunately the lake was way low due to drought.   Things we did not like:  (1) although not far off of Highway 99, the road from Chowchilla was incredibly rough.  15 miles of poorly-patched pot holes.  I went no faster than 35 mph but still bounced the rig badly.  (2) a vagrant guy was wandering around for the three days we were there.  He came up to our trailer once; he seemed harmless but pretty out of it, maybe just stoned.  (3) a large gathering of campers in the tent area were loud and raucous well past midnight, laughing, loud music, and drunken arguments.  We were worried they could break out weapons.  (4) bathrooms were cleaned daily, but quickly trashed, probably by the aforementioned campers.

Views of a dry lake bed

Army corp ladies were knowledgeable and nice and willing to help us not only w camping but tons of info! Great staff.  Campgrounds very clean

A bit hot at the moment but staff at headquarters are 411 Davy and so nice!

Great campsite. Lotsa camp space. Clean grounds, restrooms showers. 

Love it

Our first time here, reservation required before showing up. This was the off season so everything was open and quiet.  Nice bathrooms no charge. Playground for kids.  They have full hook ups or you could do dry camping.  Every camp has it own water so that was nice.  Good price for $20 

Codoriz campground 

We rented sites #10 &amp; #11 for the weekend of 6/2-6/4/23. Sites #9-11 make up the cul-de-sac so it was great for our kids to ride their bikes and scooters. It would make the perfect group site as they were a bit tucked back from the other sites. Site #12 could easily be connected to site #11 as the brush is well-cleared between the two. 

These are the closest sites to the water in the campground, but unfortunately water access is pretty limited (there’s a small trail that leads down to a rocky edge, but wouldn’t be great for small children). We drove to a beach area found about a mile up the road. There is also a day-use area across the lake with some good swimming sites. 

The campground was very clean and had rangers and a sheriff patrolling regularly (but not bothersome). 

There is a small pit toilet right next to site #12, but there are larger bathrooms up the road with flushing toilets and showers. There is also a nice playground for the kids too. 

Unfortunately site #10 does not have a shade structure but #9 does, and #11 is well shaded by trees. 

We had one raccoon visitor the first night (came out of the drainage pipe under site #12) but otherwise no other wildlife. We were warned that rattle snakes are out, but we were fortunate not to see any ourselves. There is also quite a bit of brush around the campsites so be aware if you bring dogs. They are supposed to be kept on leash at all times, but our lab just brushed by some of the weeds and was littered with foxtails. So just something to be cautious of.

Although we were disappointed with not having better water access, it really is a nice campsite overall if you’re okay with driving up the road to swim. 

Clean and family friendly

It’s a quiet campground on a hill. You are at least 30 minutes from any stores. The lake is beautiful but the campsites with power and water do not give a view of the lake at all with the exception of 42. AT&amp;T cell signal from 45 was non existent but T-mobile worked well enough to stream Netflix. I enjoyed my stay. Clean and the camp hosts were great.

Very remote 

There are few gems along the Hwy 99 route between Sacramento and Bakersfield but this is definitely one of them! Located a short 20 miles east of 99, just north of Fresno, this Army Corps of Engineers campground is stunning. Situated among rolling hills that are luscious green in the spring, this campsite is quiet and packed full of things to do. Whether you want to bike, hike, fish, boat or just sit and enjoy the peace and quiet, this is the site for you!

We're dry camping at the Wildcat site which the ranger said is rarely used. There is no one else in the whole campground! 

Coyotes howled in the distance last night and it was dead quiet. Going to take the road bike out today and explore some of the roads around the Lake. Lake is full after the 2023 season. 

Gorgeous setting and easy access

No wifi, bathrooms did not have hot water. 

Cool park with extremely friendly and helpful staff. Cannot say enough about the great park rangers and camp hosts. 

There were people close by to us with several tents and campers in one spot, not sure how this is monitored. 

Spotty T Mobile Service 
$32 per night 

Not as advertised 

We have stayed at this campground many times and recently revisited in September’24.
This COE is on a small lake that is used for irrigation during the summer resulting in a much lower water level than in the spring. Fishing is good.
The Corps have added more electric sites over the years and there were 5-6 that fit our 43’ Blue Bird. We marked this as “big rig” friendly. 
Springtime has the grasses green with abundant wild flowers in late Feb through early March. Summer can be hot as the elevation is low in the California Central Valley and the grasses are brown. 
Sites are asphalt. Many sites may take some time to level. Back in and pull through are available. A nice dump stations is available within the COE park. 
Fall has a Tarantula migration and you will definitely see them. Coyote, Bobcat, and deer are frequently seen. 
Codorniz is 21 miles from Chowchilla. One way in and one way out cuts down on traffic. 

Photos of COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground

Real photos from real campers