Camping spots near Madera, California range from developed facilities to lakeside sites across varying elevations. The region sits in the Central Valley with nearby foothills offering camping between 300-1,200 feet elevation. Winter and spring typically bring milder temperatures and greener landscapes, while summer temperatures can exceed 100°F at lower elevations near Madera proper.
What to do
Tarantula watching in fall: At COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground, visitors can witness a unique natural phenomenon. "Fall has a Tarantula migration and you will definitely see them. Coyote, Bobcat, and deer are frequently seen," explains one camper who visited in September.
Lake swimming and beaches: At Millerton Lake, families can access multiple swimming areas with designated beaches. "Had a fun time with the family... and we were able to go swimming in the lake," notes one camper who visited with children and enjoyed the water access.
Wildlife viewing and hiking: The rolling hills around Hensley Lake offer excellent opportunities for nature walks and wildlife spotting. "Sparse and open foothills very beautiful in late winter," reports one visitor who appreciated the seasonal landscape changes at Hidden View Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Lost Lake Campground provides access to the San Joaquin River with good fishing spots. "Camped here twice, pros camp right on the river, playground for kids, trail to the fish hatchery," shares a regular visitor who enjoys the fishing opportunities.
What campers like
Quiet, secure settings: The Lakes RV & Golf Resort receives praise for its peaceful atmosphere and safety features. "There is a high fence surrounding the property and it is secured by electronic hand held devices that you receive when you check in. The lake and swimming pool are beautiful and restful," notes a recent visitor.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept grounds and restrooms. At Lost Lake Campground, a camper mentioned, "Clean, flat, well cared for campground in a pleasant setting," highlighting the maintenance standards that enhance the camping experience.
Shade availability: Finding shaded sites can be crucial during hot summers. At Bass Lake Recreation Area, despite tree removal warnings, some sites still offer cooling shade. "We were at the very first campground on the right that you come to after leaving Yosemite, called 'Forks'... it was a sufficient campground with level sites despite the steep hill," reports a camper who stayed overnight.
Cost-effective options with discounts: Several campgrounds offer reasonable rates, especially with passes. "Use your national park pass for 50% off such a quiet place," advises a camper about Hidden View Campground at Hensley Lake, pointing to significant savings for frequent visitors.
What you should know
Proximity to services: Many camping areas require planning as they're distant from supplies. At Codorniz Campground, a camper noted: "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."
Cell service variability: Coverage depends on carrier and location. "AT&T cell signal from 45 was non existent but T-mobile worked well enough to stream Netflix," reports a camper at Codorniz, giving specific information about connectivity.
Challenging access at some sites: Not all campsites have easy vehicle access. "This is a great campsite but there are a few things campers must know. Not all sites are drive up. Some have a 'thrombosis hill and stairs' to get to," warns a visitor about Hidden View Campground.
Noise considerations: Several campgrounds experience noise from transportation. At Arena RV Park, a visitor reported: "Easy on/off from Hwy. 99. Nice management. Spaces large and lots of shade coverage. Close to hwy but far enough that road noise isn't onerous. Train passes through once at night time, bring earplugs."
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds and kid-friendly amenities: Lost Lake Campground offers facilities specifically designed for children. "There is a nice [river] that runs by the campgrounds... Their is a few playgrounds in the middle of the campgrounds and option to play an activity or two," mentions a camper who appreciated these features.
Consider infant-friendly options: Bass Lake provides an accessible introduction to camping for families with very young children. One experienced parent shared: "Don't let anyone tell you that you can't camp with an infant. It's actually one of the best activities that you can do with them, and it's a great break for the parents. Bass lake is the perfect campground for young family camping."
Check site layouts for family privacy: Some campgrounds offer secluded family-friendly areas. At Millerton Lake, a visitor found: "We stayed in site 25 in the Mono Loop and the views were wonderful! Staying over Labor Day during record heat and local fires were not ideal but our site was private."
Book early for family trips: Popular family camping areas fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. "Book online and book early. We were told some spots book up 6 months in advance via the online recreation.gov website, especially on weekends," advises a camper about Bass Lake Recreation Area.
Tips from RVers
RV site selection considerations: At Millerton Lake State Recreation Area, careful site selection is important. "Sites 120 - 144 offer full hookups. However, the sites are arranged on a parking lot. We were able to get our 43' Blue Bird completely onto site 138. Power was good but there were only 4 of us in the FHU sites," explains an RVer who managed the setup challenges.
Wildlife damage prevention: Ground squirrels can damage RVs at some locations. "We would not stay here again until the park gets control of the ground squirrels. We heard stories of cars and RV's being towed out because they chewed through wiring," warns an RVer who experienced problems at Millerton Lake.
RV-friendly alternatives: For those seeking more amenities, The Lakes RV & Golf Resort provides comfort options. "Nice break from those dusty dirty camp grounds. Paved spots with full hookups. Patio & grass area kinda small but the pool area is very nice. Surrounded by a pond. Cable & wifi. Decent laundry room," shares an RVer who appreciated the upgraded facilities.
Check road conditions to campgrounds: Some access roads can be challenging for RVs. "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," cautions an RVer about the drive to Codorniz Campground.
